Lebron James Asks Cleveland To Support Cavaliers Instead Of Turning To Violence

Cleveland Cavaliers star Lebron James asked that instead of turning to violence or other destructive forms of protest, people turn their anger into passion and support for the Cavaliers in their Game 3 matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Protesters across Cleveland are upset over the acquittal of Michael Brelo, the Cleveland police officer charged with shooting an unarmed Timothy Russell. The verdict came down on Saturday, a day before the Cavaliers next game against the Hawks. Protests have so far been mostly peaceful, but James told Sports Illustrated he hopes Cleveland residents can find a way to turn their anger into a positive for the Cavaliers and the city.

“For the city of Cleveland, let’s use our excitement or whatever passion that we have for our sport tomorrow for the game tomorrow night, bring [the passion] to the game [Sunday] night. And as our team, we’ll try to do our best to give it back to them.”

While James, a Cleveland native, did not comment on the verdict or circumstances of the shooting, he encouraged people to find an alternative way to let out their frustration. He hopes people can focus on the families who lost loved ones and think about what they need during this time, and that perhaps rallying behind the Cavaliers is one way the city will be able to move on.

“Violence is not the answer, and it’s all about trying to find a solution for good or for bad. For me, in any case, anything that goes on in our world or in our America, the only people that we should be worried about [are] the families that’s lost loved ones. You can’t get them back. You can never get them back. We should worry about the families and how they’re doing and things of that nature.”

James and the Cavaliers have a comfortable 2-0 series lead against the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals. James is averaging 27.2 points and 8 assists per game this postseason. Cavaliers’ guard Kyrie Irving, who missed Game 2 due to an injury, participated in shootaround but is still questionable for Game 3. The Cavaliers handily defeated the Hawks 94-82 in Game 2, despite Irving not playing.

Should the Cavaliers continue to cruise through the series against Atlanta, they will face either the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets. The Warriors have the Rockets in a deep hole, holding a 3-0 series lead, with Game 4 being played in Houston on Monday.

[Image via Fox Sports]