Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose kicked things off by taking a stand and wearing a “I Can’t Breathe” shirt during warmups of the Bulls game against the Golden State Warriors. Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James then commented that the shirt was “spectacular” and he wanted one. That’s all anyone needed to hear and of course there was a race to make sure the best and one of the most visible player’s in the NBA received a shirt. Sure enough during the Cavaliers next game, LeBron was wearing the shirt but he wasn’t the only one. Deron Williams, Kevin Garnett, Jarrett Jack and Alan Anderson of the Brooklyn Nets all donned the “I Can’t Breathe” shirt as well. All this happened during the Cavaliers game against the Nets at the Barclays Center with the Royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in attendance. Also there was rap mogul Jay Z and his wife Beyonce. Jay Z took a picture with the Nets and some criticized him for not wearing the shirt as well but it turns out he helped make the whole thing happen
“I Can’t Breathe” Shirts Part of Elaborate Plan By Jay Z, LeBron, Justice League NYC & A Security Guard
Sports Reporters Doug Gottlieb & John Middlekauff: Kobe Isn’t Hood or Poor Enough to Support Eric Garner
Numerous NBA players have come out in support of Eric Garner including Derrick Rose, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. According to these sports reporters however, there’s something Kobe doesn’t have in common with Rose and James so they don’t understand his support. Apparently Kobe isn’t hood enough.
(Photos) Sports: Twitter Goes IN on Fox Deportes Erika Reidt For Her Eric Garner Comments, Fox Suspends Her
Ah the power of social media, I keep telling you guys, it’s not “just Twitter”; what you say or shall I say write, can and will be used against you. There was a picture floating around Twitter of Fox Deportes reporter Erika Reidt commenting on a picture of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers wearing the “I Can’t Breathe” shirts in support of Eric Garner. Reidt wrote “I’m going to start wearing a shirt that says “I can breathe because I obey the law”, essentially victim blaming the deceased man. As the picture began to circulate, Twitter went in on Erika and reported her to Fox Deportes who immediately suspended her.
(Photos) NBA: Kobe Bryant & Lakers All Don “I Can’t Breathe” Shirts
Derrick Rose was the first player in the NBA to wear the “I Can’t Breathe” shirts and since then many other basketball players have joined him. From LeBron James, and Kyrie Irving to Deron Williams and the Brooklyn Nets. Now Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have joined in on the support.
NBA: Adam Silver – “I’d Prefer Players Didn’t Wear ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Shirts”
In light of the social justice issues and protests, athletes have chimed in giving their stance on matters. Derrick Rose set the trend, with many other NBA players following in his footsteps and donning ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirts on the court in support of Eric Garner. Well, NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, has taken a stand regarding recent protests in light of Eric Garner as well…he understands the meaning and thought behind it, but “prefers players didn’t wear [the shirts] on the court.” Sheesh, hit the jump for further comments!
(Video) Sports: Boxer Andre Berto Leads Mike Brown & Eric Garner Protests Alongside Tyrese
Over the weekend, Andre Berto participated in the “Blackout Hollywood” protest alongside Tyrese and others. The non-violent protest occurred to peacefully bring awareness to the Mike Brown and Eric Garner police brutality tragedies. Hit the jump for details.
