“Absolutely beautiful”: Aaron Rodgers once applauded LeBron James' move after Trump attacked NBA star

NFL great Aaron Rodgers is a confident man who doesn’t hesitate to speak bluntly when needed. Despite being involved in multiple controversies throughout his illustrious career, he has never shied away from speaking his heart out, even if it is the President of America at the receiving end.

In an interview with NFL Media’s Michael Silver in Aug. 2018, Rodgers lent his support to NBA legend LeBron James over the latter’s dispute against the then-president, Donald Trump. The four-time NFL MVP praised James over his no-response gesture to Trump’s comment and called it,

“Absolutely beautiful.”

Aaron Rodgers believes LeBron James needs no help

A-Rod’s comments came after a heated internet dispute between two of America’s globally recognized names: LeBron James and Donald Trump. It started with King James’s comments on President Trump during an interview with CNN's Don Lemon on Monday. The topic circled around James’s Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools for at-risk children before it shifted to Trump.

Hence, Rodgers further commented,

“At a time when he’s putting on display his school, which is changing lives, there’s no need,” Rodgers said. “Because you’re just giving attention to that [tweet]; that’s what they want. So just don’t respond.”

Aaron Rodgers wasn’t just speaking words for namesake alone; he meant them. He, too, didn’t reply to Trump on the matter and believes that LeBron James needs no help.

The 45th US president had criticized athletes, particularly those involved in protests around social justice. Colin Kaepernick was the most notable example who knelt during the national anthem to show his protest. Hence, James commented,

“[Trump] using sports to kind of divide us. Sports has never been something that divides people; it's always been something that brings someone together.”

Donald Trump's comment on NFL players triggered Aaron Rodgers

Four days after the incident aired, Donald Trump took to X to get back at James. He tweeted:

“LeBron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made LeBron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!”, poked James on the Jordan vs. James GOAT debate.

The matter continued for as long as both parties criticized each other. While James commented that his then-team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and rival Warriors would not accept an invite to the White House after the NBA championship win, Trump said he would not invite them either.

Donald Trump also criticized the NFL players for disrespecting the national anthem by not singing it or kneeling down, which triggered Aaron Rodgers. Ironically, in an interview with ESPN's Mina Kimes, Rodgers supported Kaepernick's cause but declined to kneel during the national anthem.

The 41-year-old has confirmed his support for the cause of Colin Kaepernick and spoke against social injustice on various platforms. Thus, such a response from A-Rod was expected.