Former ESPN analyst Jemele Hill is teaming up with NBA champion Lebron James on his upcoming docu-series “Shut Up and Dribble.”
Hill confirmed with The Hollywood Reporter that she would be the narrator of the documentary. “Lately, LeBron has talked about gender and wanting to uplift and position black women, in particular,” she said. “I get the sense that this is all part of that. If you look at the societal ladder, black women remain on the lowest rung. He clearly understands that we are facing a unique battle. It means a lot that he understands the intricacies of that,” Hill added.
The basketball star athlete took to Twitter to express his excitement for Hill being the narrator. “@jemelehill is perfect for it!! Let’s get it JH!” he tweeted.
The title of the three-part documentary that will air on Showtime, was inspired by Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham. Ingram berated James after he made anti-Trump comments. “It’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball. Keep the political comments to yourselves. … Shut up and dribble.” The series will look at the changing role of athletes in the current political climate.
Showtime President and CEO David Nevins said, “If being a star athlete is inherently a political experience, Shut Up and Dribble tells that complex and dramatic story from the past to the present and from the inside out.” He continued, “LeBron James is one of many competitors whose place in the spotlight has led not to silence but perspective, and he, Maverick Carter and Gotham Chopra have given us an important, insightful docuseries that should bring their fans and fellow citizens to a higher level of discourse, rather than the dismissal satirized in the title.”
