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LeBron supports Kaepernick, but will stand during anthem

David Richard / USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James has long been vocal about his stance on social issues.

He won't, however, be joining other athletes in kneeling during the national anthem - a movement started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick as a protest against racial inequality.

"Standing for the national anthem is something I will do," James said Monday during his media day presser. "That's who I am, that's what I believe in, but that doesn't mean I don't respect and don't agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing."

The reigning NBA champion was adamant that he appreciates Kaepernick's method of protest.

"I'm all in favor of anyone - athlete or non-athlete - being able to express what they believe in in a peaceful manner," he said. "And that's exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing, and I respect that."

Related: Sullinger supports protests, believes NBA players will kneel

James said Kaepernick has raised the issue in the "most peaceful way (he's) ever seen someone do something," and blasted his detractors.

"What I do not like about the situation is the negative attention that has been thrown upon him from certain people, because it's not deserved," King James continued.

"He was very educated, very smart, very candid, and very demanding about what he wanted to do, and he didn't ask anybody else to join him."

Although Kaepernick didn't ask people to follow, teammates, players, and athletes throughout the sports world have done just that.

While James maintains he won't participate, he reminded media that he's always spoken out on issues he feels strongly about.

Related: LeBron, Melo, Paul, Wade lead off ESPYs with plea for change

"Things that I do personally when I'm knowledgeable about it and I'm passionate about it, I do that as well," he said. "You guys know when those things are because I tell you."

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