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Former ESPN host Jemele Hill lands gig with LeBron James
Former ESPN host Jemele Hill is set to host an upcoming basketball documentary for an entertainment company co-owned by NBA superstar LeBron James. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for BET)

Former ESPN host Jemele Hill lands gig with LeBron James

It didn't take long for former ESPN host Jemele Hill to find another TV gig after losing her job at the sports network last month.

Known for intertwining her outspoken political views with her commentary and reporting, Hill has been slated to narrate an upcoming basketball documentary for NBA superstar LeBron James, titled, "Shut Up and Dribble."

What are the details?

After 12 years at ESPN, Hill's contract was bought out by the network at the end of August as the media giant is reportedly redirecting its coverage to focus more on sports and away from politics.

On Thursday, The Hollywood Reporter announced Hill's new project working for SpringHill Entertainment, which is owned by James and businessman Maverick Carter. The title "Shut Up and Dribble" is a reference to Fox News host Laura Ingraham's response to anti-Trump statements made by James earlier this year.

The documentary will feature interviews with James and other NBA greats, including Isaiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Kevin Durant. Jay Z and Justin Timberlake will also be featured as pop culture influencers.

Hill told The Hollywood Reporter, "I think LeBron, like a lot of people, has been very frustrated by the behavior of this administration. [Black Americans] feel very insulted and vulnerable within this time because of who's in charge," referring to President Donald Trump.

The outlet said that it's unusual for a woman to narrate a sports documentary, "Especially a black woman," Hill added.

"Lately LeBron has talked about gender and wanting to uplift and position black women in particular," she continued. "I get the sense that this is all part of that. He was raised by a black woman, he is married to a black woman and he is raising a black woman.

"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."

Responding to The Hollywood Reporter's post announcing Hill's move, LeBron James tweeted, "@jamelehill is perfect for it!! Let's get it JH!" with the commentator telling him, "Appreciate the opportunity. Although I don't have the hops, this is quite the alley oop."

Anything else?

Hill was no stranger to controversy during her tenure at ESPN. In 2008, she was suspended by the network for writing in a column that "Rooting for the Celtics is like saying Hitler was a victim." She later apologized, saying that what she wrote was "stupid."

Last September, Hill went on a Twitter tirade attacking President Trump, calling him "unqualified and unfit to be president," "the most ignorant, offensive president of [her] lifetime," and "a white supremacist."

She addressed the comments by clarifying that they were her personal beliefs, not those of her employer. ESPN gave Hill a two-week suspension the next month for a "second violation of [their] social media guidelines," after she suggested boycotting Dallas Cowboys advertisers following owner Jerry Jones' decision to bench any players who "disrespect the flag."

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