Charles Barkley says that the "NBA ain’t got the balls" to punish LeBron James, after the Los Angeles Lakers star violated the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols. ESPN reported, Saturday morning, that James wouldn't face a suspension from the league for his actions.
“Let me tell you somethin’,” Barkley told LaJethro Jenkins of Yahoo Sports. “Hey, listen, I love Adam Silver, rest in peace, David Stern, best commissioner in sports. The NBA ain’t got the balls to suspend LeBron James.”
James violated protocol by attending an event for a tequila brand he endorses with Drake and Michael B. Jordan, Monday. Later this week, he went on to play during the Lakers' 103-100 win over the Golden State Warriors, securing the 7th seed in the Western Conference for his team.
Barkley continued to suggest that a less popular player would face suspension in the same situation: “If it was a nobody, they would put him in health and safety protocols. Ain’t no fuckin’ way LeBron James is gonna sit out in health and safety protocols. When I read that, I just started laughing.”
The Lakers will begin their playoff series against the Pheonix Suns on Sunday at 3:30 PM, EST.
[Via]