LeBron James was back on the court today (Wed) where he played most of his high school games. This time the Akron native arrived at the University of Akron’s Rhodes Arena with first lady Michelle Obama - to talk about education. ideastream’s Mark Urycki reports.
A recent ESPN Magazine article drew a comparison of basketball stars Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Jordan - the story noted - has spent thousands of dollars on gambling while James has spent thousands on helping elementary school kids in Akron.
For that, Michelle Obama said she and her husband love LeBron James.
“We love him for the man he is.”
The crowd of 2400 people were kids and their parents in James’s college scholarship program. The first lady is touting a new White House initiative to get kids thinking about college and told them they have to continue their education beyond high school.
“And you can go to a 4 year college, a 2 year college, you can go to a professional training but you have to do something. And right now in these little seats I want you to start making your plans. Right? Making your dreams come true because there is nothing that has to stop you.”
Obama and ESPN announcer Michael Wilbon joined James in a ritual he does with the kids that he sponsors - making a promise.
“I promise, to go to school, to do all my homework, to listen to my teachers because they will help me learn.”
Michelle Obama promised her program Better Make Room will help students understand how to apply for college and what tests to take.
The first students to benefit from the James foundation are expected to reach college age in 6 years. The University of Akron will rename its College of Education after the LeBron James Family Foundation.