LeBron James handled comments that he should “shut up and dribble” from Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham with class. Ingraham made the comment after James expressed how excited he was about the release of “Black Panther.” In an interview with the Washington Post in response to the comment, James said, “Me having this platform, I’m just trying to shed a positive light on what I feel is right.”

This incident is not the first time athletes have been told to silence themselves. The first major outlash in recent years was when Colin Kaepernick knelt for the National Anthem in August 2016, in response to the police brutality against African Americans. He was called disrespectful and more notably a “crybaby” by the likes of political activist Tomi Lahren. Even then-presidential candidate Donald Trump said, “Maybe he should find a country that works better for him.”

Why are athletes supposed to excel on the field and be censored off the field? Outside of being athletes, they are human beings who are affected by the world of politics, news, and entertainment, and therefore they should have opinions about it.

While athletes are being chastised for using their platform, other entertainers are expected and even praised for having outspoken political opinions. Actress Emma Watson, although originally known for her role in the Harry Potter series, is now better known for being a women’s rights activist. Young actresses such as Amandla Stenberg and Rowan Blanchard are consistently using their platforms to be activists for people of color and queer communities. But they receive praise for their efforts, praise that athletes miss out on.

“It’s ridiculous that athletes are somehow looked at as though we aren’t supposed to know anything besides our sport,” said club field hockey member Nia Grey. “As an athlete, you are expected to perform in the classroom as well, and it’s hurtful to see in the real world our opinions are valued less than someone else’s because of the profession we choose. Especially because those same people who don’t listen, will pay tickets to see you play.”

Athletes are worth more than they can do a field or court. There is ugly hypocrisy that shows just how self interested people can be. No one should be policing what they have to say because of their profession. Athletes can be strong and fast, but they can be intellectual and inquisitive too. So keep on talking LeBron, because we are all listening.