BREAKING: LeBron James Just Endorsed Hillary Clinton In Moving Speech (TWEETS/VIDEO)

Democratic nominee for president Hillary Clinton just picked up a superstar endorsement: basketball player LeBron James. In an emotional op-ed written for Business Insider, James shared the struggles of his childhood and his hometown of crime and economic inequality, and how those experiences and his desire to improve the world around him led to only one candidate:

“When I look at this year’s presidential race, it’s clear which candidate believes the same thing. Only one person running truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty. And when I think about the kinds of policies and ideas the kids in my foundation need from our government, the choice is clear.”

His is choice is Hillary Clinton.

James is often compared to legendary player Michael Jordan in terms of brand power and skill on the court. But Jordan was pointedly apolitical, once famously saying that “Republicans buy sneakers too.”

James, on the other hand, represents a new movement in athletes and social involvement. He has publicly supported the Black Lives matter movement. And in his op-ed, the most powerful statements were about race, unity, and diversity.

“Finally, we must address the violence, of every kind, the African-American community is experiencing in our streets and seeing on our TVs. I believe rebuilding our communities by focusing on at-risk children is a significant part of the solution. However, I am not a politician, I don’t know everything it will take finally to end the violence. But I do know we need a president who brings us together and keeps us unified. Policies and ideas that divide us more are not the solution. We must all stand together — no matter where we are from or the color of our skin. And Hillary is running on the message of hope and unity that we need.”

The news took the internet by storm this weekend. When Clinton was asked about the endorsement, she replied that she was “so excited.” It is timely, too, as Clinton is visiting Ohio this week.

Ohio is an important swing state this November, and LeBron James may have just pushed the swing Clinton’s way.

Read James’ entire statement here on Business Insider, and watch Lebron in a Media Day interview from September 26 here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0OkyJAdhmg

Feature Image Via YouTube Screengrab