Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya slammed LeBron James after the Los Angeles Lakers wrote a glowing essay about China in a state-run outlet on Monday.Tafoya appeared on OutKicks "Dont @ Me with Dan Dakich" and gave her thoughts on James column. She said she was unsure if it was even real at first.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"The first (thought) was, OK, is this real? Is this A.I.? Is this legit? Is he this ill-informed? This is like American malpractice," Tafoya said. "This is the guy who is defending China to the hills. Why? Because all of his sneakers are made there."Tafoya pointed out that James, like a majority of NBA players, has been silent on the plight of Uyghur Muslims in China. The U.S. Department of Labor released a report in 2024 about Uyghur Muslims being forced to undergo "ideological indoctrination" as well as being forced to learn Mandarin.China has consistently rejected claims of human rights violations when it came to Uyghurs."And he is ignorant of the human rights (issues) the absolute atrocities going on in China, and the fact that China would like to destroy most of the Western world and own the globe, or else LeBron loves that idea," Tafoya added. "Maybe hes all in. Maybe thats what he wants too. For a guy who is very vocal about the slave history of the United States of America.NBA REPORTEDLY FINALIZING ANOTHER NEW FORMAT FOR THIS SEASON'S ALL-STAR GAME"Hes certainly able to overlook the slave life thats still going on in China. I would never understand this, and I would love to sit down and interview him about it because I have a lot of pointed questions, but I dont think hes going to take any questions about this."James essay coincided with the end of the "Forever King Tour" in which he visited Shanghai and Chengdu."The enthusiasm and kindness of Chinese friends deeply touch me, and all I can do is give my all in every game to express my gratitude," he wrote in the paper,via Reuters. "I hope I can contribute to the development of Chinese basketball."TheSouth China Morning Postalso noted that James thanked his Chinese fans for their reception of him."Every time I come here, my family and I are warmly welcomed. I am deeply moved by the hospitality and friendliness of our Chinese friends. All I can do is give my all in every match and express my gratitude to everyone," he wrote.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.