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Published 10:28 IST, September 18th 2020

Doc Rivers comments on LA Sheriff challenging LeBron, says no one wants "anyone killed"

During a recent interview, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers commented on LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva challenging LeBron James over a cops' shooting.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Over the weekend, two deputies – one man and one woman – were shot by one man near a metro rail station in Compton. The LA County offered a price of $100,000, while private parties contributed $75,000. With both deputies in critical condition, LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva went on a local radio show to talk about the situation, where he issued a challenge to NBA icon LeBron James. 

Also read | Doc Rivers on LeBron: Doc Rivers feels Lakers load management strategy is 'whatever LeBron James says'

LA ambush: Doc Rivers responds to the challenge issued by Alex Villanueva to LeBron James

While on the show, Villanueva challenged LeBron James to match the total reward pool of $175,000 for the shooting, or even double it. “I want you to match that and double that reward because I know you care about law enforcement," Villanueva said. He added that James has had an "interesting" take on officer-involved shootings in the USA and race relations referring to the African-American community. According to Villanueva, one has to respect that "life goes across professions, races, creeds", and he appreciates all the efforts.

Also read | LeBron James would have been 'greatest' NFL player ever: Clippers coach Doc Rivers

During an interview, LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was asked about the incident and whether Villanueva's challenge was "fanning flames". The coach's response was empathic, as he did not think the sheriff wanted to fan flames. "“I just think we’re drawing attention to things that are happening in our country," Rivers said, before adding that no one wants "anyone killed" and only want to make the country a safe place. 

Also read | LeBron James' dishonest rhetoric to be blamed for Compton, LA Ambush: Candace Owens

Before the sheriff's challenge, controversial author Candance Owens has called out James on Twitter, blaming him and his "hyperbolic, dishonest rhetoric" for the shooting. She directly referred to his tweet about Ahmaud Arbery, where he wrote that black people are being hunted. In an interview later on, Owens even spoke about the three-time NBA champions house in LA, and how he employees white people. "So if that's racism, LeBron, please, please share some of that with the rest of us," Owens stated.

Also read | LA Ambush: LA Sheriff challenges LeBron James over Compton shooting

James has been constantly vocal about social injustice these past few months and has spoken about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Jacob Blake among others. He even started the organization "More Than a Vote" with other black celebrities, hoping to help African-American people cast their vote. James is currently at the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida, where he has continued to continue to support the Black Lives Matters movement by wearing victim-related t-shirts, caps and more. The Lakers will be starting their Western Conference Finals series against Denver Nuggets on Friday (Saturday IST). 

(Image credits: AP)

Updated 10:28 IST, September 18th 2020