AJ Neuharth-Keusch | USA TODAY

USA TODAY Sports

Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES — Jaylen Brown hadn't yet heard the comments made by Fox News' Laura Ingraham that LeBron James should just "shut up and dribble" instead of making his voice heard and speaking out about politics. But he wasn't surprised.

"That's ridiculous," Brown said at Rising Stars media availability Friday at All-Star Weekend. "I think that's the kind of notion that's been occurring over the last 10, 15 years, and I think in this generation, we're trying to change that. You've got athletes who are politicians, venture capitalists, musicians, rappers, etcetera. It's becoming more of a popular thing to have other interests outside of basketball and I think that's normal. Just like when people work day jobs, they have interest in sports, they do investments, they do all these other types of things.

"If that's what was said I'm going to look into it. But I think that's really insulting."

Ingraham's comments came in response to an UNINTERRUPTED video starring James and Kevin Durant in which James said President Trump doesn't "give a (expletive) about the people."

She said, in full:

“Must they run their mouths like that? Unfortunately, a lot of kids and some adults take these ignorant comments seriously. Look, there might be a cautionary lesson in LeBron for kids. This is what happens when you attempt to leave high school a year early to join the NBA. And it’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball. Oh, and, LeBron and Kevin? You’re great players, but no one voted for you. Millions elected Trump to be their coach. So keep the political commentary to yourself, or as someone once said, 'shut up and dribble.' ”

Laura Ingraham says #LeBronJames should "shut up and dribble" and leave political comments to people who didn't leave high school a year early. pic.twitter.com/vwInOpZJZq — Thomas Bishop (@bishopk0s) February 16, 2018

Brown, a second-year guard for the Boston Celtics, has been outspoken on various social and political topics since joining the league. Last month he said Trump "has made it a lot more acceptable for racists to speak their minds" and that his "character and some of his values" make him "unfit to lead" the country.

"I can remember back when I was getting ready for the NBA, going through media training, going to certain camps — they almost teach you to not say anything that will get you any backlash or not say anything out of the norm, and what you're saying could be true to yourself," Brown continued Friday. "Don't say anything on politics, don't say anything that's on the line or anything that's on the fence because you'll get backlash for it.

"I feel like, as an athlete, if you're educated in the topic and you believe something, I feel like it should be OK to say it. It depends, certain situations and certain things are touchy, but in my opinion, that's what we're here for. Everybody has the cameras here, everybody wants to hear what we've got to say. So I feel obligated to enlighten people in the things that I've learned in my research and the things that I've seen growing up."

Brown, 21, grew up in Marietta, Georgia and attended the University of California. He was selected with the third overall pick in the 2016 draft and has quickly left his mark on the league, both on and off the court.

"I don't believe in holding your tongue, especially if it's something you can directly benefit from or some people need to hear," Brown said. "Especially young people that's watching and looking up to you. ... Who's to say because you're just a basketball player, or you are a basketball player, who's to say you can't chime in on other subjects or other important topics? I've always disagreed with that and I'll disagree with that until the day I die."

Ingraham on Friday responded to the backlash of her comments in a statement from Fox News sent to USA TODAY Sports and other outlets.

"If pro athletes and entertainers want to freelance as political pundits, then they should not be surprised when they’re called out for insulting politicians," Ingraham said. "There was no racial intent in my remarks – false, defamatory charges of racism are a transparent attempt to immunize entertainment and sports elites from scrutiny and criticism."

Follow USA TODAY Sports' AJ Neuharth-Keusch on Twitter @tweetAJNK

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