Lebron James has called Boston fans racists on the latest episode of his talk show — despite owning a stake in his legendary Red Sox baseball team.
The LA Lakers star admitted in the episode of HBO‘s The Shop on Friday that Boston is his least favorite city to play in, saying fans of the Celtics basketball team are “racist as a f***.”
The admission came after co-host and sports manager Maverick Carter mentioned that certain cities have fans who could “literally take the game for you,” noting: “You might feel like, damn, the fans aren’t going to win this for us leave tonight.’
Almost immediately, James addressed Boston — and when asked why he “hates” the city, he replied, “Because they’re bloody racist.
“You will say anything, and it’s fine,” he said, apparently implying that his wife has a problem with rhetoric. “I mean, shit, it’s my wife, she’s been with them her whole life.
“I don’t mind,” he claimed. “I hear it, if I hear anyone nearby, I’ll check them out real quick. I’m moving on to the game, whatever the shit is.
“They’re going to say whatever they want to say,” James said, recounting how a Celtics fan poured James a beer as he returned to the locker room after the Miami Heat’s win over the Celtics in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals went .
He then called the city that it’s the only place that sells “F*** LeBron James” shirts.
“It’s like a ‘F*** LBK t-shirt,'” he described. “I think they probably sold it at the damn team’s store.”
With his comments, James has now joined the chorus of athletes chanting from Boston Celtics fans.
But James’ comments come not only as a player, but also as a part owner of a Boston team, the Red Sox, as part of an investment in its parent company.
That granted the Star 10 ownership of the Sox.
LeBron James called Boston Celtics fans racists on the latest episode of his HBO talk show The Shop
Other athletes have criticized the behavior of Boston Celtics fans in the past, and Draymond Green’s wife took to Instagram to denounce the “F*** you Draymond” chants sung by Celtics fans in June.
“Hard loss tonight BUT in NO WAY should fans be allowed to chant profanity to players,” wrote Hazel Renee. “Aren’t they human? Is someone standing by your work saying crazy things to you?
“The NBA has the audacity to have a whole behavioral map at every seat about fans and their behavior and how they can be kicked out of a game or banned, but a whole lot/section/numerous people can ‘F*** you Draymond’ or call him “B****” or “MF?! And nothing?
She added that her kids were at the game and “heard this mess.”
‘Very disgusting of you little Celtics fans, just shameful.’
Green’s Golden State Warrior teammate, Klay Thompson, also expressed his displeasure with the Celtics fans after Game 3.
“We’ve played in front of rude fans before,” he said. “F-bombing with kids in the crowd, really classy. Good job, Boston.”
And ahead of the Nets’ first-round series against Boston in May, Kyrie Irving admitted overhearing racist remarks.
As a result, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown said: “I think it would be unfair to call every Celtics fan a racist.
“However, we have a lot of work ahead of us, no question,” he admitted. “There is a lack of resources, of opportunities.”
James is a co-owner of Fenway Sports Group, the parent company of the city’s legendary Red Sox team. He’s here responding to a call in the second half of a game against the Celtics last year
Other athletes have accused Celtics fans of being racist and in June Draymond Green’s wife took to Instagram to denounce the “F*** you Draymond” chants sung by Celtics fans
But for LeBron James, who is speaking out about the behavior of Boston Celtics fans, being a part owner of Fenway Sports Group, the parent company of the city’s legendary Red Sox team, is a big deal.
Last year he and Carter officially became the first two black part-time owners of the company that also owns Liverpool Football Club in the Premier League.
James said at the time: “It gives me and people who look like me hope and inspiration that they too can be in a position like that. That it’s doable.
“It’s quite an amazing thing for me to be able to continue to build my portfolio in a game as beautiful as baseball.”
Carter, meanwhile, said, “Working with Fenway Sports Group over the past decade has taught LeBron and I so much about business on a global scale, and we always believed it would lead to something bigger.
“We are proud to be part of this legendary group of owners and excited by the opportunities it presents to continue to make change and empower people of every race, gender and background to be part of the process.”
