Lost in Nichols, Taylor Leak: LeBron's Rep Is Exhausted With Activism

Tired of the 24/7 activism news cycle? You’re not alone. Even LeBron James’ own public relations advisor Adam Mendelsohn has grown tired of the activism talk. In a leaked audio recording, Mendelsohn can be heard saying: “I’m exhausted. Between Me Too and Black Lives Matter, I got nothing left.”

Mendelsohn’s comments were discovered after a privately recorded conversation between Mendelsohn and ESPN’s Rachel Nichols were leaked to the media. Within the audio recording, Nichols suggested that fellow ESPN employee Maria Taylor was given a prominent job within the network in place of Nicholas because of her skin color. Nichols’ comments prompted the reply from Mendelsohn that he was exhausted.

Audio of Mendelsohn's reply can be found here.

Mendelsohn, who’s been a PR advisor to LeBron James for more than a decade, felt the need to apologize for admitting that the activism act was wearing on him. In an email sent to CNBC, he apologized: “I made a stupid, careless comment rooted in privilege and I am sincerely sorry. I shouldn’t have said it or even thought it.” He continued, “I work to support these movements and know that the people affected by these issues never get to be exhausted or have nothing left. I have to continue to check my privilege and work to be a better ally.”

It didn’t take long for Mendelsohn, who along with LeBron James co-founded “More Than A Vote”-- a group targeting black voters -- to express his activism exhaustion. The leaked call was recorded in July of 2020, less than two months after the activism frenzy hit America.

Joining Mendelsohn on the apology circuit was Nichols, who earlier this afternoon unnecessarily apologized for the leaked comments.