NFL vs. NBA Debate: 5 Years After LeBron James’ ‘Slave Mentality’ Dig, Shannon Sharpe Joins J.J. Watt to Grill Austin Rivers

It’s hard to forget when basketball legend LeBron James made a powerful statement about NFL owners, referring to a “slave mentality” five years ago. This comment, which sparked a major conversation about player dynamics, now begs the question: Could we see a player swap between the two biggest leagues, the NFL and the NBA? The NBA on ESPN’s Instagram page seems to think so. 

It was Austin Rivers’ quote, shared during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, that ignited a massive debate. Among the many comments, one stood out — a remark from Shannon Sharpe, a member of the “Grill Rivers” tribe that also includes the legendary defensive end, J.J. Watt.

Rivers’ POV on the NBA vs. NFL debate

The NBA free agent Rivers made a clear statement on the difference between NBA and NFL players. The former guard from LA Clippers lives by the firm belief that the hoopers are at a higher level as compared to football players who are not even close. The NBA on ESPN posted a clip of Rivers, who is now an ESPN NBA analyst, in conversation with McAfee, where the former is seen claiming, “I can take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA…That’s cause you get a break every play…All you gotta do is catch the ball and run north or south. It ain’t complex.”

Five years ago, LeBron James, another NBA giant, expressed a similar sentiment on his NBA discussion show, The Shop. He took a harsh stance, stating, “In the NFL they got a bunch of old white men owning teams and they got that slave mentality.” This comment, which still resonates, has led to a debate where Sharpe and Watt are defending the NFL’s honor against Rivers’ viewpoint. 

Sharpe and Watt leave no chance to prove NFL superiority

Scouting through the comment section, it was none other than Sharpe who barged in to make some expert commentary. But instead of expressing his thoughts, he is found to be raising a disclaimer for Rivers to shut him up. “No further comments at this time,” read his comment. 

Besides Sharpe, Watt did the honors of proving the NFL’s legacy and called out Rivers openly on X by re-sharing the NBA Central’s post. For the comment, Watt gave pushback to the NBA free agent and stated, “You don’t got a job in either right now, go head and try it.” While the former Houston Texans All-Pro edge rusher is enjoying his nice little retirement from the NFL, buying soccer clubs, he is just not ready to accept the audacity of anyone questioning the capability of NFL players. Because of this, Rivers falls under his radar. 

Rivers is an 11-year NBA veteran who suited up for seven teams over the course of his career. Whether someone like him could use his skills on gridiron, say, a touchdown, is debatable. Now, both the fandoms eagerly wait for his take on Sharpe and Watt.