LeBron James has called for the suspension of a Texas State Trooper following a controversial incident at a college football game on March 10, 2024. A video surfaced showing the trooper aggressively pushing past players from the South Carolina Gamecocks and yelling at them. The incident occurred as the team was entering the field for their game against Texas A&M.
In the footage, four Gamecocks players were seen walking out of the tunnel when the officer interrupted their path, pushing between two players and directing confrontational remarks towards them. James, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, took to social media to express his outrage. He stated, “That A&M cop needs to be suspended! That was premeditated and corny AF!! He went out of his way to start some sh*t. Do better man.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has acknowledged the incident and stated that the trooper involved has been sent home from the game. In a public statement, the department confirmed, “The DPS Trooper involved was sent home from the game. Our Office of Inspector General is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter. No additional information will be released at this time.”
While the video has garnered significant attention, details surrounding the interaction remain unclear. It is unknown whether the players said anything to provoke the officer’s actions, or if the officer overreacted. The lack of context has led to speculation about the motivations behind the trooper’s behavior.
This incident is not the first time James has spoken out against police conduct. He previously faced backlash in 2021 for comments regarding a different police-related incident. His current call for accountability reflects a broader trend of athletes using their platforms to address social issues.
Despite the controversy, the incident did not appear to impact the Gamecocks’ performance on the field. Texas A&M ultimately defeated South Carolina with a score of 31-30, remaining undefeated in the season with a record of 10-0.
As the investigation unfolds, the actions of the trooper and the response from the Texas Department of Public Safety will likely remain a topic of discussion within the sports community and beyond.
