NBA star LeBron James accuses Donald Trump of enabling racism in the United States
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 16/01/18 11:20am
NBA star LeBron James has continued his criticism of Donald Trump by accusing the US President of allowing racists to operate without fear.
James has taken aim at Trump since his election and openly criticised the President in September for his response to the national anthem protests in the NFL.
Speaking on Martin Luther King Day on Monday, James did not refer to Trump by name but accused "the leader of our country" of allowing racists to operate with impunity.
"The state of racism will never die, but what we cannot do is allow it to conquer us as people," said James ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against the Golden State Warriors.
"We can't allow it to divide us. The guy in control has given people and racism an opportunity to be out and outspoken without fear.
"And that's the fearful thing for us because it's with you, and it's around every day, but he's allowed people to come out and just feel confident about doing negative things.
"We can't allow that to stop us from continuing to be together and preach the right word of living and loving and laughing and things of that nature.
"Because would we want to live anywhere else? I don't think so. We love this place."
James added: "We are in a difficult state right now as Americans as well with the leader of our country.
"But us, like I said, no matter the religion, no matter the shapes and sizes, we all have to continue to come together and shine a brighter light on, you know, I mean, [I don't want to] use the word stupidity, but that's basically what it comes down to."
