If & How NBA Olympians May Address China’s Human Rights Record Examined by Outside the Lines Sunday

Sunday’s Outside the Lines (9:30 a.m. ET ESPN; noon ESPNEWS) will look at how NBA Olympians may address China's human rights record at the upcoming Beijing Olympics. Shelley Smith reports on how NBA stars are weighing the ramifications taking a stand will have on their sneaker contracts, the NBA’s involvement in China, and the public’s perception of them.

Among those interviewed is LeBron James, who tells Smith he will speak out, and plans to organize Olympians to unify his effort. Also interviewed are Commissioner David Stern, Charles Barkley, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Ira Newble, and Etan Thomas.

Lakers reserve forward Ira Newble previously took action, having been to Darfur and noting, “They told me stories of how their village had been attacked and how their children have been taken, limbs have been cut off, separated from their families.” Even before his trip, he penned a letter to the Chinese government, stating it could not host the Olympics while it, “remains complicit in the terrible suffering and destruction,” in Sudan. He solicited signatures from his then-Cleveland Cavalier teammates, with only three declining to sign, including James, who explained, “No disrespect to Ira, I wanted to learn more about it myself and get comfortable with it more before I decided to speak upon it or even sign anything.”

Excerpts from Sunday’s OTL:

“There should be some kind of light shined upon it (China’s alleged human rights transgressions), and that’s athletes. Our word is so strong that a lot of people listen to us… When you get to a point where you just see human rights not being treated fairly, as athletes, we should all speak up.” – LeBron James

“It’s up to the individual, and I don’t think because they’re an athlete they should be any different than the CEOs of corporations. I’m not sure that we see CEOs of corporations who are in a similar position to athletes speaking out on issues, so I think it’s a little bit unfair to single athletes out for that…. I think there’s also a position where you could ruin your livelihood, whether that’s by a club blackballing you or by a sponsorship opportunity.” – Steve Nash, on athletes not having to speak out simply because they’re public figures

“If the two faces of your league (James, Kobe Bryant) are criticizing the country (China) where you’re trying to expand, and you get all your products made, there’s going to be a problem. That’s like a no brainer.” – Charles Barkley, on the impact speaking out could have on the NBA’s relationship with China

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