LeBron James, who led his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA title this year, ending an epic championship drought for the city in the process, is Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year. It’s the second such honor for James, who returned to Cleveland in 2014 after winning a couple of championships with the Miami Heat.
But SI points out that it wasn’t just James’ on-court performance that led to the recognition. His willingness to use his platform as one of the most famous athletes on the planet played perhaps an even bigger part.
When James meets the media before or after games, he is willing to weigh in on much more than what’s happening in his own locker room and around the NBA. ... Increasingly, it’s weightier topics such as Black Lives Matter, the need to help at-risk kids in Akron, or the presidential election.
That willingness to make a statement manifested itself on the SI cover itself, where James is wearing his heart on his sleeve, so to speak, in the form of a safety pin on the lapel his jacket.
Following Donald Trump’s election last month, many Americans took to wearing safety pins as a show of support to communities feeling threatened by a Trump presidency and those who support it—especially considering the reported increase in hate crimes in the days following the election.
And while there has been some criticism of the trend turning more into a fashion accessory than a statement of support, presenting himself as an ally to the various people and groups targeted in these attacks is in line with James’ prior actions. James criticized the idea that Trump’s comments regarding his treatment of women constituted “locker-room talk,” as he stumped for Hillary Clinton late in the presidential campaign, and he refused to stay at a Trump hotel during a recent road trip to New York—though he downplayed the idea that he was trying to make a political statement with his choice of lodging.
Still, James’ decision to don a safety pin on his SI cover absolutely is a statement of support—however subtle, however meaningful or not—for those who could use it.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.