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.
The “I Can’t Breathe” shirts are to show support and spread awareness about the death of Eric Garner by the hands of the police. Garner was accused of selling cigarettes and told police he wasn’t guilty this time and asked them to leave him alone. They continued to place him under arrest. Officer Daniel Pantoleo then used a banned chokehold on Garner as he and other officers tried to bring him to the ground.
Garner’s now infamous last words were “I can’t breathe” as he stretched out his arms and asked for help. The grand jury decided not to indict Pantoleo and in what many consider an unlawful death. Despite the case being ruled a homicide and despite it ALL being captured on video, Pantoleo was free to go.
Protests have broken out across the country and the NBA players have shown their support by wearing the shirts. NBA commissioner Adam Silver says he respects the players for voicing their personal views but would prefer if they abide by the NBA’s on the court attire rules.
*photos in gallery above*
