LeBron James says he plans to stand during the national anthem, but he supports San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel in protest.
He said Monday he intends to stand while "The Star-Spangled Banner" is played before games because "that's who I am, that's what I believe." The NBA superstar, however, admires Kaepernick's "peaceful" handling of the situation.
In the past, James has been seen wearing an "I can't breathe" t-shirt to protest against the police brutality and killing of Eric Garner, though Samaria Rice, mother of slain Tamir Rice, said she was 'sad' James did not speak out about her son's case happening in his backyard.
James spoke Monday as the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers got ready to open training.
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He says he is troubled by repeated videos of police shootings. James is a father of three and spoke of his fears of his son calling to say he got pulled over by police, and "I'm not that confident that things are going to go well and my son is going to return home."
In the last few weeks, professional and amateur athletes across the country have joined Kaepernick in taking a knee during the national anthem to protest the injustices on disenfranchised groups across the country. From soccer player Megan Rapinoe to the Garfield High School football team in Seattle, players have stirred up a national conversation that cannot be ignored.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
