LeBron James Backs Former NBA Star Who Openly Defends Draymond Green Being Unfairly Told To “Shut Up And Play”: “We Don’t Care”

LeBron James has been in the eye of controversy for many years. He has waded into conversations about players expressing themselves freely. Be it the Black Lives Matter Movement or any other cause, James has been vocal in his support. He pushed back against many detractors who told him to just “shut up and dribble.”

He has now backed somebody who is in the eye of such controversy. Draymond Green has attracted the ire of ESPN’s Chris Russo. Former player JJ Redick pushed back against this notion.

LeBron too didn’t stay quiet about this issue. He had posted two stories about the conversation between Redick and Russo, backing Green. To him, these were familiar experiences. He backed JJ too as he was supporting them.

LeBron James backs JJ Redick: The Reason

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo appeared on First Take alongside former NBA All-Star JJ Redick Wednesday morning. The two got into a heated back-and-forth over Draymond’s fiery personality on and off the court after Russo proclaimed that Green should “shut up and play.”

“Shut up and play, will ya please? America is tired of Draymond Green and I deal with him constantly,” Russo said. “The fans … San Francisco fans different story. Oh, they (other NBA fans) are so tired of this. Be quiet and play.”

Redick responded to Russo’s comments with impassioned support for Draymond. He mentioned that he has a popular podcast and has signed a talent deal with Turner Sports which meant that people do want to hear what he says. Reddick mentions that the edge Draymond carries himself makes him who he is.

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Russo responded to Redick by claiming that there are plenty of older NBA fans who do not take kindly to personalities such as Green’s. Redick responded by saying, “People on Fox News talk about athletes that way, that’s my issue. I don’t actually care about the fans that watched Bob Cousy play or watched Wilt play, I don’t care. I appreciate that they’ve been NBA fans that long, but I don’t appreciate the undertone.”

What did Draymond Green do?

In the Warriors’ 106-101 Western Conference semifinals loss to the Grizzlies at FedExForum, Green left the court with blood dripping down his face after taking an elbow from Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman midway through the first quarter.

On his way to the locker room to get stitches, Green flipped off the Memphis fans in attendance. They were booing him and caused quite the stir in the arena and online. After the game, Draymond defended his actions, accepting any potential fine from the NBA.

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Is JJ Redick right on this? Is there unfair criticism for the likes of Draymond Green? Discuss it among yourselves.