Anyone who thought sports weren’t political should talk to Dan Rather. He has a theory on why LeBron James will soon be playing for the LA Lakers, saying it’s to resist Trump – not the fact that he was offered $ 153.3 million.
Rather, 86, has been an outspoken critic of Trump – and so has James. This apparently means that the basketball legend’s move to California is politically linked, according to a far-fetched tweet that the former CBS news anchor put out on Monday, calling California the “heartland of resistance.”
We know LeBron James has been outspoken about Trump. So it makes sense to head to California, the heartland of the #resistance. The fact that he will be trying to resist the dominance of the Warriors is an added plot twist.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) July 2, 2018
The journalist, who himself has a net worth of $ 70 million, seemed to discount the tendency of basketball players – and humans in general – to follow the money. But even if Rather momentarily forgot that money talks, the Twittersphere didn’t.
“He did it for money… settle down,” one person told Rather. Another told the journalist to “lay off the sauce,” while yet another sarcastically said “I’m sure the $ 38 million [a year] had nothing to do with it.”
He did it for the money, Sparky. Settle down
— JD1367 (@JD1367a) July 2, 2018
Nah, it's true. He's got documents to back it up.
— Doc Supafly (@DocSupafly) July 2, 2018
I'm sure the $ 38 million a year had nothing to do with it. But, hey, use any opportunity to bash Trump.
— marina (@CuteBaldChick) July 2, 2018
“I dunno, I think he went there to play basketball for the Lakers,” wrote Twitter user @major_nope. Others implied Rather’s advanced age was the cause behind his odd reasoning.
Senility has unfortunately set in, @DanRather. You need some help, bud 👍
— JS23 (@jsid23) July 2, 2018
Old man your Alzheimer’s is showing. There’s no cure, best of luck
— Rico Suave (@Ricosuave_4u) July 2, 2018
Some accused Rather of distributing “fake news.”
Says the God Father of Fake News.
— jbrandonui (@jbrandonui) July 2, 2018
And others were just left scratching their heads.
lol this has to be satire account right?
— MrHoselRocket (@HoselMr) July 2, 2018
News of James’ move to the Lakers comes after he opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. California is also the home of the Cavaliers’ nemesis in recent years, the Golden State Warriors.
READ MORE: Social media sympathy & skepticism for LeBron James after NBA Finals defeat
Rather wasn’t the only public figure to make James’s move to Los Angeles political. California Democrats urged him to register to vote, prompting Congressman Devin Nunes (R-California) to troll them, his state and its governor, telling James he should “get ready to pay the highest taxes you ever have in your career!! You should have held out for more just to afford the Moonbeam weather tax!!!”
LOL! Prepare to pay the highest taxes you ever have in your career!! You should have held out for more just to afford the Moonbeam weather tax!!! https://t.co/O6gZXFqZqM
— Devin Nunes (@DevinNunes) July 2, 2018
‘Moonbeam’ is less-than-complimentary nickname for Governor Jerry Brown, with the “weather tax” referring to California’s very high cost of living, partly due to aggressive taxation and regulation.
Twitterati were just as riled up over Nunes’ tweets, with some reminding that the Republican congressman’s education was at two schools subsidized by state taxpayer dollars.
Hey, cool argument bro. Say, I wonder how you feel about the socialized cost of your education?
— Foxymoron 🦋 (@ObviousParadox) July 2, 2018
Others suggested Nunes should simply leave California if he dislikes it so much.
If you hate California so much why dont you just leave?
Arizona is right next door. Low taxes, loose gun laws, and a Republican led economy. I'm sure you'll love it.
— CancerManReborn 🕴 (@CancerManReborn) July 2, 2018
Hey Devin, maybe you should move to Alabama or Mississippi, don't they have low tax rates?
— David Lehmann (@DavidLehmann77) July 2, 2018
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