Hong Kong Protestors Wear LeBron James Masks

LeBron James' no good, very bad week hit a new low point yesterday as Hong Kong protestors donned masks of the NBA superstar to avoid facial recognition technology used by Chinese police to identify protestors.

Hong Kong protestor spoofs facial recognition AI with LeBron’s face and my respect for these guys just hit a whole new level pic.twitter.com/XIdKFSAEX5

— John Noonan (@noonanjo) October 16, 2019

James recently put both of his size-15 feet in his mouth when he criticized Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey for apparently jeopardizing the NBA's financial relationship with China by tweeting his support for the protestors, saying Morey was "misinformed." He then took a non-stance on the protests themselves. He was lambasted in the press and on social media for evidently turning a blind eye to human rights violations in favor of money.

If James' reputation in the East wasn't damaged before he waded into the controversy, it certainly is now. James' comments rallied the protestors against him, as they reportedly burned his jerseys and united in a "F__ Off, James" chant. Protestors have also chanted "Thank you, Morey!"

A chant from the basketball fans in Hong Kong: "F___ off James."

— Daniel Victor (@bydanielvictor) October 15, 2019

LeBron has since stated that he is done commenting on China and just wants to focus on basketball. James told ESPN:

“I’d be cheating my teammates by continuing to harp on something that won’t benefit us. We’re trying to win a championship. That’s what we’re here for. We’re not politicians. It’s a huge political thing. But we are leaders and we can step up at times. I’m not saying at this particular time, but if you don’t feel like you should speak on things, you shouldn’t have to.”