LeBron James apologizes for using the word "retarded"

[Basketball Fan]

Surprised this wasn't a bigger story but with it being SB week it probably wasn't going to be.

http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miam...-word-retarded

LeBron James apologizes for word

MIAMI -- LeBron James of the Miami Heat apologized Wednesday night for using the word "retarded" while answering a question posed in a pregame interview.

James says the word's usage is a bad habit that he's trying to break, and that he'll try not to use it again.

"I mean no disrespect," James said.

The NBA's four-time Most Valuable Player opened his postgame interview session by addressing the matter without being asked. James and the Heat lost Wednesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-95.

[Legends66NBA7]

He did this during the 2011 playoffs, Game 3 vs Boston post game too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZCwb6Mf5aE

[Brokenbeat]

Pauk forgives him.

[TylerOO]

What has this world come to? People can't say retarded anymore? Pathetic sensitive humans

[AnaheimLakers24]

thats retarded. if i were a ball player i just wouldnt give a ****

[ArbitraryWater]

He did this during the 2011 playoffs, Game 3 vs Boston post game too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZCwb6Mf5aE

Laughed so hard at that. Might have been something with "tired" though... retarded or tired.. thats retarded or im tired...

[christian1923]

thats retarded. if i were a ball player i just wouldnt give a ****

And lose your sponsors?

[oarabbus]

What has this world come to? People can't say retarded anymore? Pathetic sensitive humans

If you're famous and use the word "retarded" you will get heat and it's been that way for a long time. You realize that many people have mentally disabled people as family members, right? I say "retarded" pretty often but if your brother or sister has a severe mental disability that word is going to sting.

[buddha]

If you're famous and use the word "retarded" you will get heat and it's been that way for a long time. You realize that many people have mentally disabled people as family members, right? I say "retarded" pretty often but if your brother or sister has a severe mental disability that word is going to sting.

that's retarded




pretty soon we won't be allowed to say stupid because it will offend all the stupid people. oh wait, no stupid person thinks they are stupid, nevermind.

[Trollsmasher]

the world has gone soft

[Legends66NBA7]

Laughed so hard at that. Might have been something with "tired" though... retarded or tired.. thats retarded or im tired...

No, he called her retarded. James apologized for it too:

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/201...mes-miami-heat

Another difficult week for Miami Heat's LeBron James, who has found himself picked up by media throughout the country for referring to a question from a journalist as "retarded" during a press conference.

Facing reporters with team-mate Dwayne Wade after a Game 3 loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA's Eastern Conference semi-finals, he was heard to mumble the word behind his hand as Wade was asked about Miami's alleged dirty play.

As the affair attracted attention the player initially claimed he didn't know what people were talking about, then admitted he had used the term, before finally saying sorry on Monday. "I want to apologize for using the 'R' word after Game 3," he said after the Heat's Game 4 overtime victory. "If I offended anyone, I sincerely apologise."

By then, as James must surely know, the damage was already done. "LeBron James was oblivious that his use of the word 'retarded' was offensive," said the Boston Herald, while the Chicago Sun‑Times noted: "James, who wields more cultural power than almost anyone else, is completely clueless when he demeans and trivializes ... In the game of sensitivity, he shot a giant brick."

Advocacy groups had called for the apology, although since then much has also been made of the $100,000 fine imposed on Kobe Bryant last month when he used a homophobic slur towards a referee during a game. The NBA has, as yet, not announced any plans to fine James.

[tragicbronson]

If you're famous and use the word "retarded" you will get heat and it's been that way for a long time. You realize that many people have mentally disabled people as family members, right? I say "retarded" pretty often but if your brother or sister has a severe mental disability that word is going to sting.

still sensitive tho

[Ancient Legend]

In this case he said "It was a retarded question". No biggie.

[sd3035]

Honestly, I think it's retarded how many fake people pretend to be offended be something like that

[ispin69]

Political correctness is retarded. But he gotta make his endorsement money in this retarded society.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFb6NU1giRA