The ongoing investigation around the fatal police shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Ohio last November has prompted many city residents to take proactive measures in ensuring their children’s safety when encountering law enforcement officials -- and NBA star Lebron James is one of them.
During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Cleveland Cavalier all-star forward talked about the conversations he has with his two sons, LeBron Jr., and Bryce Maximus.
"The talk is, 'You be respectful, you do what's asked and you let them do their job, and we'll take care of the rest after. You don't have to boast and brag and automatically think it's us against the police,'” James explained.
“I've had one or two encounters with the police in my life that were nothing. But sometimes you just got to shut up. It's that simple. Just be quiet and let them do their job and go on about your life and hopefully things go well."
According to reports, Rice was shot after police responded to a call about an individual with a firearm near a recreation center. It was later revealed Rice was carrying a toy gun that shoots non-lethal plastic pellets.
This fatal and tragic outcome more than likely explains why James takes special precautions to restrict his sons from playing with toy guns outside the confines of their home.
"They have tons of play guns. None of them look real,” he said. “We have Nerf guns that are lime green and purple and yellow. But I don't even let them take them out of the house."
Read more of LeBron James’ Hollywood Reporter interview here.
Before You Go
