‘LeBron, Sit This One Out’: Fans Unimpressed By Lakers Star’s ‘Fake Outrage’ After Cop Pushes South Carolina Standout Nyck Harbor
(Based on reporting from reputable sports and news outlets such as ESPN, AP News, and USA Today)

The Texas A&M Aggies and the South Carolina Gamecocks delivered one of the most dramatic games of the college football season on Saturday in College Station. Before a massive crowd of 108,652 fans, the No. 3 Aggies staged an astonishing rally, overcoming a 30–3 deficit to earn a 31–30 victory — a comeback already being described as one of the most improbable in modern SEC play (ESPN reporting).

But even in the middle of Texas A&M’s historic win, an unexpected off-field incident stole attention nationwide.

Trooper Shoves Nyck Harbor After 80-Yard Touchdown

Midway through the game, Gamecocks receiver Nyck Harbor burst down the sideline for a spectacular 80-yard touchdown, electrifying the South Carolina bench. Near the end of the play, Harbor appeared to tweak something physically and headed toward the tunnel, seemingly to walk it off. When he re-emerged, however, a Texas state trooper intentionally bumped into him and reprimanded him loudly, as if Harbor had somehow provoked the encounter.

The exchange was captured on national television and circulated quickly on social media, prompting immediate backlash. According to multiple reports, the trooper was removed from the game shortly afterward (USA Today reporting).

LeBron James Demands Harsher Discipline

The incident drew widespread online criticism, including from Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who is never shy about speaking on social issues. James blasted the officer’s behavior as unprofessional and intentional, arguing the punishment handed down so far wasn’t nearly enough.

“That A&M cop needs to be suspended! That was premeditated and corny AF!! He went out his way to start some sh-t. Do better man,” James posted on social media, in comments widely covered by major sports outlets (AP News reporting).

Former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson also reacted, labeling the trooper’s behavior “trash” and “clown” conduct.

“This is trash by this clown. Shoving players. Seriously. What are you doing?!” Watson wrote on X, echoing the sentiment of many current and former athletes.

Fans Push Back: ‘LeBron, Sit This One Out’

Not everyone appreciated James’ commentary. Some fans argued that the NBA star exaggerated the situation and inserted himself into an issue that didn’t require his involvement — a narrative often attached to him in online discourse.

One user, posting under the name Desiree, wrote:

“LeBron, sit this one out.
A Texas state trooper does his job, tension flares for a second, and here comes King James with the megaphone, demanding suspensions like he runs the state.
Nobody needed your division, LeBron.
Nobody asked for your input on law enforcement.
This wasn’t your moment. You just made it worse.
Let the trooper relax. Let the facts come out. Not everything is a headline for you to hijack.”

Her comments summed up a broader slice of online opinion suggesting James’ reaction overshadowed the actual situation and made the controversy bigger than necessary (analysis reflected across major sports commentary outlets).

DPS Issues Official Statement

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which oversees the state troopers, acknowledged the incident in a publicly released statement.

“The DPS Trooper involved was sent home from the game. Our Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter,” DPS stated, adding that no further details would be released at the moment.

This aligns with established protocol for reviewing potential misconduct by state officers (Texas DPS policy referenced in AP News reports). Still, James insisted the disciplinary response was insufficient and called for a more serious review.

A&M’s Historic Comeback Adds to the Drama

Overshadowed by the controversy was Texas A&M’s remarkable performance. The Aggies’ 27-point comeback sets a new school record and marks the largest deficit overcome by any SEC team since at least 2004 (ESPN Stats & Info). Until Saturday, teams trailing by 27 or more points in similar scenarios were 0-286.

The victory moved A&M to a perfect 10-0, the program’s first since 1992, and secured a 7-0 record in SEC play — unprecedented in school history. Quarterback Marcel Reed elevated his Heisman résumé with 439 passing yards, including 316 in the second half alone.

The triumph also came on the same day Texas A&M announced a six-year contract extension for head coach Mike Elko, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in the nation (USA Today Coaches Salary Database).