STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

LeBron James Doesn't Let Sons Play Football

NBA superstar prefers basketball, baseball and soccer for his boys.

LeBron James was every bit the football star as he was the basketball superstar at St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School. But King James reportedly won't allow his sons, LeBron James Jr., 9, and Bryce Maximum James, 7, to play football.

"I was surprised Friday when LeBron told me he doesn't let his sons play football. Only basketball, baseball & soccer in his house," tweeted ESPN's Chris Broussard following a conversation with James on Friday.

Although James didn't elaborate as to why he doesn't let his two boys play football, growing health risks on the gridiron — including concussions and the scare of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) — have caused parents to think twice about registering their kids in youth football. According to ESPN "Outside The Lines," Pop Warner youth football leagues dropped by almost 10 percent between 2010 and 2012. USA Football, which governs youth football leagues and is partially funded by the NFL, also reported that players (ages 6 to 14) fell by 6.7 percent in 2011, according to ESPN.

Just because James doesn't let his boys play football doesn't mean he doesn't allow them to enjoy the sport, as he does. This past summer, following his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, James took his sons to a Cleveland Browns practice. 

Watch Kevin Hart in a new episode of Real Husbands of Hollywood every Tuesday, 10P/9C. 

BET Sports News - Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

(Photo by Christopher Trotman/Getty Images)



Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.