Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was asked what city he really doesn’t like to play in and this is where he owns another sports franchise.
“Why do you hate Boston?” Paul Rivera asked in the latest episode of “The Shop.”
“Because they racist as crap, that’s why,” replied James. “Anything they’ll say… and it’s okay, this is my life, I mean this is bullshit I’ve been dealing with my whole life.”
He said a beer was thrown at him while leaving a game in Boston, and added that fans wear “Fuck LBJ” shirts to games.
Several high-profile athletes have complained about his treatment in Boston.
Five-time Major League Baseball All-Star Tory Hunter said he had a no-trade clause for Boston in 2020.
“I’ve been called the n-word more than 100 times in Boston,” he said. “All the time. Little kids and elders sitting next to them didn’t say anything.”
Last year, Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving said she experienced racism from fans in the city as well.
“I’m not the only one who can confirm that. But it’s just… you know… it’s what it is. The whole world knows it,” he said according to CBS News.
Celtics guard Marcus Smart has also spoken about this.
“I’ve heard some of them. It’s kind of sad and sickening.” he told athletic, “Even though it is an opposing team, we have people from your home team saying these racial slurs and expecting you to go out and play for you. This is difficult. We just want everyone to be respected.”
While James has no love for Boston fans, he has made some investments in the city’s sports landscape.
James and his business partners last year bought a stake in Fenway Sports Group, the company that owns both the Boston Red Sox and its ballpark, Fenway Park, as well as Liverpool Football Club.
