"Some of the most disgusting things I've ever heard" - Dan Gilbert received racist calls after LeBron called Trump a "bum"
Back in 2017, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert was viciously bombarded with hurtful voicemails from people who were deeply affected by controversial remarks from LeBron James . The Cavs superstar invited backlash after calling President Donald Trump a "bum" in a tweet.
James called Trump a "bum" in his comment about the POTUS publicly stating that the Golden State Warriors were no longer welcome to celebrate their championship at the White House. Donald's supporters did not let it slide and verbally attacked Dan as well.
"I received voicemails after LeBron tweeted that were some of the most vile, disgusting, racist [messages]," Gilbert said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" at the time. "There's an element of racism that I didn't even realize existed in this country this much."
"The thing is, I mean, some of the most disgusting things I've ever heard people say," he added. "And you could hear it in their voice -- the racism. It wasn't even really about the issue, and that's what really got me, because they went to who they really are, some of them."
Apart from the issue with the Warriors, LeBron also criticized Trump for calling out NFL players who joined the "taking a knee" protest, exclaiming, "The thing that frustrated me, pissed me off: He was using the sports platform to divide us."
Gilbert said he wasn't about politics
Apparently, many were aware that Gilbert and Trump have a good relationship, especially after Gilbert's company, Quicken Loans, donated $750,000 to Trump's inauguration party. In fact, Dan has been described as a "great friend" and "huge supporter" of Donald.
However, Gilbert didn't exclusively support Trump. He and his wife also made personal donations of $75,000 to Hillary Clinton's campaign, as well as a significant financial contribution to Chris Christie, one of Trump's notable opponents for the Republican nomination.
In a statement, Gilbert made it clear once and for all that he wasn't about politics. However, he supported and admired James and other pro athletes for being vocal about their political stances.
"Our interests are in the policies at the federal level, and not the politics surrounding the elections," the statement read in part. "We have often supported both political parties in the same election so that we have the ability to impact positive change, regardless of who occupies the offices."
"Professional athletes, owners and the leagues themselves, as well as the country, would greatly benefit from an open, inclusive dialogue that would allow the expression of all views and concerns that have recently become hot topics in professional sports," the statement said.
Donald took a jab at Steph
The entire thing stemmed from Curry's firm decision to turn down the customary White House invitation after winning the NBA championship.
"My stance is the same as it was," Step said. "And even kind of cemented even further about how things in our country are going, especially with [Trump] representing us in a very damaging way.
"I don't know why he feels the need to target certain individuals rather than others. I have an idea of why, but it's kind of beneath a leader of a country to go that route. That's not what leaders do," he added.
Curry's statement prompted an equally firm response from Trump, officially withdrawing the invitation.
During Trump's first term as POTUS, the Warriors won two NBA championships, but they chose not to celebrate at the White House. After winning the NBA title again in 2022, the Dubs controversially made their return to the President's residence .
It's safe to say that the Warriors clearly didn't have any conflict with then-US President Joe Biden and former POTUS Barack Obama, having also visited the White House after their NBA championship win in 2015.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
