The LA Lakers donned “I Can’t Breathe” shirts before Tuesday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings, showing their support for protesters in the wake of the Eric Garner grand jury decision. Every player wore the shirt, except for backup center Robert Sacre. Kobe Bryant stated, “It’s important that we have our opinions. It’s important that we stand up for what we believe in and we all don’t have to agree with it, and it’s completely fine. That’s what makes this a beautiful country.”
Other NBA athletes have joined in the silent protests as well. Earlier this week, Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose donned an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt, and members of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets also followed suit. LeBron James commented, “As a society we know we have to do better, but it’s not going to be done in one day.”
The NBA’s official apparel provider is Adidas, but the league says it won’t fine players for wearing unauthorized “I Can’t Breathe” shirts. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver added, “As long as they’re informed, and to be careful and make sure they understand the issues before they speak out but that I encourage them when they have genuine authentic views on a subject to let them be known.”
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