The bar owner of Linnie’s Pub in Cincinnati, Jay “JP” Linneman, says he is no longer playing NBA games at his establishment until LeBron James is expelled from the league.
In a Facebook post that is no longer available, Linneman warned patrons that they should opt out of visiting his pub if they are interested in watching an NBA game.
"If anyone wants to watch an NBA game, don't come to Linnie's Pub,” the bar owner said, according to People. “We will not air them until LeBron James has been expelled from the NBA."
The boycott comes after James’s comments in the aftermath of the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant. As Blavity previously reported, the NBA star wrote in a tweet that has since been deleted, “YOU’RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY,” referencing Nick Reardon, the officer who shot and killed Bryant in Columbus, Ohio.
"They just need to play the game and that's it," Linneman said, according to USA Today.
The tweet was posted the same day that the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial was announced, where the former Minneapolis police officer was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin faces sentencing on June 16.
James’ comments garnered fierce backlash, with some people such as Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton expressing that James is encouraging violence against police officers.
USA Today also reported that Linneman mentioned if prominent government officials like President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump had made comments that insinuated police violence, there would be calls for “impeachment.”
James clarified his intentions after removing the tweet, which he said was inciting more hate.
“I’m so damn tired of seeing Black people killed by police," he wrote on Twitter. “I took the tweet down because its being used to create more hate – This isn’t about one officer. it’s about the entire system and they always use our words to create more racism. I am so desperate for more ACCOUNTABILITY.”
Though James took accountability for his own words, when the Lakers star heard that there were calls for his expulsion from the NBA, he retorted with an epic reply.
"Aww Damn! I was headed there to watch our game tonight and have a drink! Welp," he wrote on Twitter.
Aww Damn! I was headed there to watch our game tonight and have a drink! Welp. ???? https://t.co/RRfRksjckM
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 24, 2021
As officials continue an ongoing investigation into the shooting death of Ma’Khia Bryant, her family is asking for public support during their time of bereavement.
"Ma'Khia was a good student, a good person, and did not deserve what happened to her," the family said in a statement, according to NBC News. "We are deeply disturbed by the disproportionate and unjustified use of force in this situation. And while we remain encouraged by public support and all of the prayers shared with us; at the end of the day, we know nothing will bring back our beloved Ma'Khia. We respectfully request justice for Ma'Khia Bryant."