Brooklyn Nets Kevin Garnett, Deron Williams, Jarrett Jack, and Alan Anderson, along with Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James and guard Kyrie Irving, took Monday night’s game to make a political statement, wearing “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirts during warm-ups before taking on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
James said he got the shirt from Jack. Jack supplied the shirts for the Cavaliers, while Jay-Z supplied the shirts for the Nets.
Brooklyn 5 pic.twitter.com/hLSPUSM530
— NetsDaily.com (@NetsDaily) December 9, 2014
Jack said he was able to get the shirt from his agency, Excel Sports Management.
“I know us as a team we’re gonna go out and try to make a stance and show that we’re a team that’s not with prejudice,” Jack said. “We want to have tolerance for everybody. And I just want to allow those guys to come be a part of it as well as much as we could.”
When asked if he considered wearing the shirt before or if the Nets would make a similar statement before the warm-ups, Jack smiled. “Stay tuned. Stay tuned. Stay tuned.”
The shirt reflects the last words of Staten Island man Eric Garner, who was killed in an altercation with police on July 17, 2014, in a death ruled a homicide by the coroner. The officer was not indicted by a Staten Island grand jury. The issue has set forth national protests, including one outside of Barclays Center before and during the game.
“It’s not a black-or-white issue, it’s not, it’s just an equality issue, it’s a people issue. It’s a citizen issue,” Jack added.
Former MVP and Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose wore the same shirt pregame against the Golden State Warriors Saturday night. There is no discipline from the league expected.
