INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- I didn't agree with everything LeBron James said when he talked about some political and social issues at the Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day on Monday.
And I really don't like name-calling, which is so common in politics and media these days.
But James has earned the right to address the problems of the inner-city.
Of course, anyone has "the right" to spout off opinions.
And others have "the right" to disagree.
And often, it amounts to nothing but a bunch of verbal double dribble and pointless hot air.
But James is in a different category than many athletes and celebrities. And yes, many in the media business.
That's because James has been working hard to help children, first in Akron, and later in Northeast Ohio.
He casually mentioned spending $45 million to impact 1,300 kids, "to let them know there is hope."
His LeBron James Family Foundation began years ago giving bikes and back packs to Akron school kids.
Check out the website. It's remarkable the variety of programs aimed to help kids.
It's a massive undertaking, and few athletes have matched his long-term commitment. He also is partnering with the University of Akron to help secure scholarships for students.
I'm not claiming James belongs on a church window.
But I am saying he has consistently made wise decisions, even after becoming worth $93 million at the age of 18. I wonder if I would have handled all the fame and success at such a young age so well. I doubt it.
WHAT I LIKED BEST
I love how James said he was upset about "the sports platform being used to divide us."
He discussed how sports and teams can bring together people from different races, religions and social stations.
It is one of my favorite parts of being a sports writer. It's a common bond. Most people follow sports to some extent. Nearly everyone in Northeast Ohio knows something about LeBron James.
When the Cavs won the 2016 NBA title, it was one of the greatest moments in terms of unifying people in Northeast Ohio and having them talk to each other.
That's also why some of us grow weary when sports become so politicized.
We watch the games because they are just that ... games.
They are not life and death. They aren't even "real life" to most people.
They are a diversion.
Debating the Browns eternal quarterback question or speculating if James will end his career with the Cavs often is a relief from discussing the latest calamity to hit a family, such as cancer, stroke, divorce, dementia, death.
James has put money, passion and time behind his words about helping kids. He is one of NBA's best ambassadors.
While James said he respected those who took a knee during the National Anthem, he explained, "I don't believe I have to get on my knee to further what I'm talking about ... my voice is more important than my knee."
NAME CALLING
In his press conference, James was given the opportunity to take back his tweet calling the President Donald Trump "a bum."
He refused.
Of course, the President has never been afraid to call people negative names. He's hardly alone.
It's an easy way to get a cheap laugh. Or in politics, it's used to "energize your base." So politicians, media figures and celebrities often do it.
Years ago, I stopped the name-calling.
I was probably a few years older than the 32-year-old James when I changed.
I realized you call someone a name, and it becomes like a blob of gum on the bottom of your shoe. It sticks to you. It takes forever to get rid of it.
You call someone a name and it often sabotages your main point. All that most people remember is the name-calling.
Name-calling in families and among friends often leads to needless pain and endless grudges.
It's really not worth the price of fractured relationships.
James was at his strongest when he skipped the name-calling and spoke from his heart:
"I can look myself in the mirror and say I want what is best for the American people. It doesn't matter the skin-color, the race ... no matter how tall or athletic you are ... Can they sit here and say they are trying to make a difference?"
For a long time, the actions of James have said just that.