According to local Italian media reports, NBA superstar LeBron James has sparked controversy after posting a video on social media showing himself hitting golf balls into the Mediterranean Sea while on vacation.

 

In the video, James is seen vacationing near the Faraglioni rock formations on the island of Capri, in the Bay of Naples, practicing his golf swing. Several balls are hit into the sea. Some netizens have expressed environmental concerns, questioning whether James used biodegradable golf balls.

 

According to reports, Matteo Marchetti, president of the Italian consumer association Codacons (the Coordinating Committee of Consumer and User Associations), has filed a complaint with the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office to determine whether the golf balls used by James were biodegradable.

 

If potential environmental damage is found, the complaint invokes Italian law. Under the Italian Criminal Code, anyone who unlawfully causes significant and measurable damage or deterioration to water or air, ecosystems, biodiversity, flora, or fauna may face imprisonment of 2 to 6 years and a fine of between €10,000 and €100,000. If the damage occurs within a protected area, the sentence can be increased by up to 50%.

 

As of the time of reporting, James has not yet responded to the incident.