"Glorifying the wrong people" - NBA fans erupt over LeBron James hyping Big Meech’s prison release on social media

On Thursday, LeBron James came under fire from members of the NBA community after he took to X to celebrate the release of Black Mafia Family (BMF) founder Big Meech being released from prison. Big Meech was arrested 20 years ago on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Earlier this year, the BMF founder had 2.5 years knocked off his sentence, paving the way for a potential release in 2026. On Thursday, news surfaced that he would finish the remainder of his sentence in a halfway house.

In response to the news, several rappers celebrated the fact that Big Meech was one step closer to freedom. LeBron James also weighed in, posting a saluting emoji along with the message:

"Welcome home Big Meech!!"

The NBA community was quick to react, with many taking aim at LeBron James:

"Glorifying the wrong people," one fan said.

"Lmao grow up nigga. Didn’t you read that Malcolm X book? You think he would’ve wanted you to welcome him home?" another fan said.

"“Welcome home a murder, killer of KIDS THROUGH DRUGS, killer of countless mothers, fathers hand FAMILIES”. You want to fit in so bad, wanna be hip and cool so bad that you just follow whatever is deemed cool at the moment. Shame on you. Grow tf up," one fan said.

Others kept the criticism for LeBron James coming:

"Lebron supporting drug dealers?!?!?!?! Not my goat," one fan said.

"Glorifying gang members weird as hell. Do better," another fan said.

"Easy, Bron. You got sponsors," one fan said.

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"He has the opportunity to begin a new chapter" - Big Meech's attorney reacts to news that he will finish sentence in halfway house

BMF was originally founded by Big Meech and his brother Terry Lee aka Southwest T in the mid 1980s. Over the next 15 years, the duo built a drug empire, using the BMF Entertainment and its ties to the hip-hop industry as a front for drug trafficking and money laundering with the help of Mexican drug cartels.

According to the legal case that followed the duo's arrest in 2005, the BMF generated $270 million from drug dealing. Big Meech and Southwest T each were sentenced to 30 years in prison when their operation came crashing down.

While Southwest T was released during the COVID pandemic due to health issues, Big Meech remained behind bars.

Following the news that Big Meech would be finishing his sentence in a halfway house, his lawyer relayed a statement to TMZ:

“He used his time in prison to focus on personal growth and transformation, and now he has the opportunity to begin a new chapter."

"He’s out, but millions more remain trapped inside — there’s still so much work to be done. We need to push for real change, for a justice system that recognizes the dignity and potential for redemption in every individual.”

While LeBron James and other social media users are excited about the development, it sounds as though there's plenty of mixed emotions all around.