LeBron James making a face and michael Jordan giving side-eye.LeBron James and Michael Jordan (Photos via Getty & Netflix)
Since the LA Lakers selected Bronny James in the second round of this year’s NBA Draft, his father, LeBron James, has found more critics than ever. Former NBA player Steven Hunter is the latest to join the chorus of critics.

On his private Instagram account, Hunter criticized LeBron for allegedly forcing the Lakers to pick Bronny.

“For those that don’t know… Late second-round picks don’t get guarantees (especially before summer league). Typically, late second-round picks don’t get 4-year guaranteed roster spot deals either. This wasn’t earned, I’m sorry… And it’s an egregious abuse of power from LBJ & Rich Paul. It’s a slap in the face to all of the kids out there who work their asses off to get to the league. It’s sneaky Hollywood stuff like this that turns a lot of people off about LeBron… This is just another example of what they be talking about right when you try to like him,” Hunter wrote.

Hunter further fueled the controversy by comparing LeBron to Michael Jordan. He claimed that Jordan could have done the same for his son but chose not to.

“This is why most people prefer MJ or Kobe over him because you know at least MJ or Kobe are straight shooters… Trust me, MJ could’ve gotten one of his sons in the league if he chose to abuse his power like that… But he didn’t because MJ stands on earned not given, and he would’ve never given his son a sense of entitlement which is what LeBron James just did with Bronny,” he continued.

 

Bronny’s draft has already sparked discussions among fans, many of whom view Bronny’s draft as an example of nepotism. Even American columnist Jason Whitlock joined the fray, taking a shot at the father-son duo.

Fans React to Steven Hunter’s Criticism of LeBron James and Bronny

NBA fans quickly gathered in the comment section of the post, where Jacob made Steven Hunter’s private post public. Instead of agreeing with Hunter’s claims, most fans criticized him, particularly regarding his comparison to Michael Jordan.

Several fans pointed out the controversy over MJ’s alleged inflated stats, arguing that Hunter’s comparison was flawed. Others noted that Jordan’s sons lacked the skill to even be considered for the draft.

However, not all fans disagreed with Hunter. Some supported his comments, believing his critique of Bronny’s draft selection was justified.

What’s your opinion on Steven Hunter’s take?

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence
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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence
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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’