LeBron James has publicly called for the suspension of a Texas State Trooper following a contentious incident at a football game on March 10, 2024. The event, which took place during a match between Texas A&M and the South Carolina Gamecocks, was captured on video, showing the officer pushing past players and yelling at them as they entered the field.
The footage depicts a group of Gamecocks players exiting the tunnel when the trooper aggressively maneuvered between two of the athletes, turning to confront them while raising his voice. James, the star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed his outrage on social media, stating, “That A&M cop needs to be suspended! That was premeditated and corny AF!! He went out of his way to start some shit. Do better man.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety has acknowledged the incident, emphasizing that the trooper was sent home immediately after the altercation. The agency’s Office of Inspector General has launched an investigation into the matter, although further details have yet to be disclosed. In a public statement, the department confirmed, “The DPS Trooper involved was sent home from the game. Our Office of Inspector General is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter. No additional information will be released at this time.”
The motivations behind the trooper’s actions remain unclear. It is unknown whether there was an exchange of words that provoked the officer’s behavior or if he overreacted without cause. Observers noted that as the officer approached, he appeared to single out one player in particular, Nick Harbor, who had just scored a touchdown.
James’s comments reflect a broader concern about police conduct in public settings, especially during high-profile events. This is not the first time the player has spoken out regarding police interactions, drawing attention to issues of accountability and proper conduct among law enforcement.
Despite the incident, the Gamecocks did not seem affected on the field. Texas A&M rallied to secure a narrow victory over South Carolina, finishing the game at 31-30, and maintaining an undefeated record of 10-0 for the season.
The incident has sparked discussion across social media platforms and among sports commentators, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about the role of law enforcement at sporting events and the expectations of professionalism from officers in the presence of athletes and fans.
As investigations proceed, the focus will remain on the actions of the Texas State Trooper and the responses from both the Texas Department of Public Safety and the broader community regarding police accountability.
