Fans are heartlessly booing USC's Bronny James during road games

Bronny — who suffered a cardiac arrest in July — has displayed remarkable courage and determination to return to the court after his health scare.

James initially faced challenges in his return to the hardwood, playing limited minutes off the bench in his first four games.

However, at Oregon State — his first game surpassing 20 minutes of playing time — James showed improvement with 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting from the floor. James followed up this performance by scoring 10 points against California, playing only 18 minutes.

Three games later, James had his first collegiate start against Colorado but failed to score.

James saw his fortunes change in the next two games on the road at Arizona and at Arizona State. Making consecutive starts, James averaged nine points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds and shot 47% from the floor and 33.3% from deep during the Arizona road trip.

Every time James touched the ball on this road trip, boos followed, and even opposing players took note. 

“That just comes with the territory,” ASU guard Jamiya Neal said in a post-game press conference. “I’m sure he’s (James) used to it now. He’s been in the spotlight his entire life and he handles it well.

In the losses, James played 27.5 minutes per game as USC (8-11) was without key players Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier due to injuries.

In sports, triumph and resilience are typically celebrated. It's time for opposing fans to rally behind James, not just as a talented athlete who is overcoming early season struggles, but as an individual who fought his way back onto the court after a life-altering event. 

James merits support similar to Florida and Kansas State forward Keyonate Johnson, who returned to the court after collapsing during a game in 2020 due to a heart condition.