'Deeply saddened' Michael Jordan issues statement on the death of George Floyd

NBA.com Staff

'Deeply saddened' Michael Jordan issues statement on the death of George Floyd image

NBA players continue to take an active role in protesting racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was handcuffed and unarmed as a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes despite several pleas that he could not breathe.

MORE: NBA players speak on racial injustice, participate in protests for George Floyd

Over the weekend, several players were involved in marches and protests around the country, including Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon, and Tobias Harris, while several others have spoken out on social media, further driving the conversation in America and around the world. 

Charlotte Hornets owner and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan issued a statement Sunday, sending his condolences to Floyd's family, calling for justice and condemning the “ingrained racism” in the United States.

“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry. I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration. I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.

I don’t have the answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn our backs on senseless brutality. We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability.  Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change. Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.  

My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd and to the countless others whose lives have been brutally and senselessly taken through acts of racism and injustice.”

 

NBA.com Staff

NBA.com Staff Photo