New York‑area personalities Craig Carton and Michael Rapaport used the launch of Carton’s new daily show on OutKick to voice a shared disdain for LeBron James. Both men, longtime Knicks fans, said the 41‑year‑old’s actions have earned them a permanent “dead to me” stance.

Carton cites a 2017 gate‑vandalism story

Carton explained that his primary objection stems from an incident that occurred while James was still with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2017, vandals spray‑painted a racial slur on the gate of James’s $20 million Brentwood, Ohio, home. Police confirmed the graffiti but noted that the property manager covered it up within hours and no arrests were made.

Carton believes James later used the episode to insert himself into the national conversation about race, claiming the incident never happened. “There are real racial issues in our country,” Carton said. “For a guy who’s such a prominent African‑American to try to get in on the conversation by inventing something that never took place—dead to me.”

Rapaport’s personal grievance

Actor Michael Rapaport offered a more personal reason. He recalled meeting James during the star’s rookie season with the Cavaliers. Years later, when Rapaport brought his five‑ and seven‑year‑old children to a game, James allegedly refused to take a photo with them. Rapaport said the snub left a lasting impression.

“I never said anything bad about him,” Rapaport insisted. “Then he turned us away. That’s when I was like, ‘You’re done.’” He added that rumors about a possible romantic entanglement with a friend’s daughter were unrelated to his decision to stop supporting James.

What this means for Knicks fans

Both Carton and Rapaport emphasized that their criticism is rooted in personal experience rather than a broader assessment of James’s on‑court talent. While they acknowledge James’s skill, they argue that his off‑court actions have crossed a line for them.

With James now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, the two Knicks supporters anticipate seeing him more often at Madison Square Garden, where the 76ers open the season against the defending champions. Their comments suggest that future match‑ups may be tinged with personal animosity, at least for these vocal fans.

Carton’s new show

Carton’s program, titled “The Craig Carton Show,” debuted on September 8. The daily podcast promises unfiltered commentary on sports, current events, and cultural topics, featuring a rotating roster of high‑profile guests. Carton said the show will give listeners a platform for “unapologetic” opinions, positioning it as a counter‑point to more mainstream sports media.

Both men concluded that their dislike for James is unlikely to change, reinforcing the notion that personal grievances can shape public discourse around even the most celebrated athletes.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.