Before Wednesday’s game against the OKC Thunder, LeBron James answered a reporter’s question using a derogatory word. When asked whether or not he felt like Durant’s passing had improved this season LeBron said this via Inquisitr:
“That is retarded to me,” James said. “Kevin Durant is great at being a passer.”
After the game James offered his apologies assuring he meant no disrespect to anybody with mental disabilities.
“I used the word retarded before,” James said. “Obviously, it had nothing to do with kids that are underprivileged . There’s no knock on them. It’s a word that’s been around for a long time where I grew. It’s a bad habit, so I try to break it. If I use it again, I’m going to try to do my best not to. I mean no disrespect.”
I respect the fact that LeBron brought this up after the game and apologized. It was an inappropriate response and hopefully he will think before he says that word again because it can be hurtful to the families who have mentally challenged loved ones.