Sheriff challenges LeBron James to offer reward in police shooting: ‘Care about law enforcement’

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva called on Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James to “care about law enforcement” and match the $175,000 reward being offered to anyone with information on the shooting ambush of two sheriff’s deputies. 

“I want to make a challenge. This challenge is to LeBron James,” Villanueva told 790 KABC in Los Angeles. “I want you to match that and double that reward, because I know you care about law enforcement. You expressed a very interesting statement on race relations and officer-involved shootings and the impact it has on the African American community. And I appreciate that.”

“But likewise, we need to appreciate that respect for life goes across professions, races, creeds, and I’d like to see LeBron James step up to the plate and double that,” the sheriff added. 

James, who joined the Lakers from Cleveland last year, has been outspoken about recent police incidents regarding Black men and President Trump on social media. 

And y’all wonder why we say what we say about the Police!! Someone please tell me WTF is this???!!! Exactly another black man being targeted. This shit is so wrong and so sad!! Feel so sorry for him, his family and OUR PEOPLE!! We want JUSTICE https://t.co/cJxOj1EZ3H

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2020

James, the 35-year-old future Hall of Famer, also co-founded “More than a Vote,” a voter registration group that prioritizes “combating systemic, racist voter suppression by educating, energizing, and protecting our community in 2020,” according to its website. 

Both deputies in the ambush “sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are in critical condition,” according to the department. 

President Trump called for the death penalty for the gunman if the officers die during a Sunday rally in Las Vegas. 

Democratic nominee Joe Biden also condemned the shooting, calling it “entirely counterproductive to the pursuit of greater peace and justice.”