Athletes should not be demonized or ostracized if they take a Knee - Michael Jordan

[Alexander The Great]

The weekend that woke the United States up—and reminded everyone including President Donald Trump that athletes can have a powerful political voice—also dragged a famously reticent megastar into the debate.

Michael Jordan, the current owner of the Charlotte Hornets and de-facto greatest basketball player of all time, told the Charlotte Observer Sunday night that those athletes taking a knee during the national anthem should not be “demonized or ostracized.”

“One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech, and we have a long tradition of nonviolent, peaceful protest. Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized,” Jordan said.

“At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division.

“I support Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA, its players and all those who wish to exercise their right to free speech.”

 

[BXKingPin82]

:saywordbx:

 

[Lord Beasley]

not on his

 

[chargers31]

Republicans watch sports too

 

[Zero]

 

[Kunty McPhuck]

Republicans are going to trade in their shoes for Jesus Creepers

 

[75 Others]

MJ is.....the last person who'd I think would be talking about this issue

 

[WesCrook]

Historically, MJ has been a mute (and criticized for it) when i came to speaking out on controversial issues, even long after his playing days.

The fact that current, high-profile athletes such as Lebron, Carmelo, & DWade are willing to speak out, regardless of potential risks to their sponsorships/endorsements, has put Jordan on the spot.

This is more about him protecting his ego if you ask me...

 

[SAINT]

"Liberals buy Jordans too"

 

[Broad Street Bully]

Historically, MJ has been a mute (and criticized for it) when i came to speaking out on controversial issues, even long after his playing days.

The fact that current, high-profile athletes such as Lebron, Carmelo, & DWade are willing to speak out, regardless of potential risks to their sponsorships/endorsements, has put Jordan on the spot.

This is more about him protecting his ego if you ask me...

So speaking up is a competition now?

 

[BXKingPin82]

So speaking up is a competition now?

this IS Michael Jordan we're talkin about here.

 

[PS5 Pro]

As most old blackleaders are looking like c00ns as they get older, the greatest to ever ball is looking less and less like one.

You know people often turn into the opposite of what they were when they were younger. The biggest bully in my elementary school is now a pastor. This girl who was nerdy and quiet grew up to be a stripper.

Maybe Jordan is finally ready, looks like it, and I'm basing that off of what I've seen from him over the last 2yrs. Tbc...

 

[Cladyclad]

Adidas got MJ like

MJ like It’s time to take it to the streets

 

[AndroidHero]

Weak statement.

 

[Alexander The Great]

don't say anything = not good
says something = not good enough

#thecoli