NEW YORK (AP) – Magic Johnson praised recent activism by professional athletes on Tuesday and called for more conversation between government, law enforcement and black leaders.
The basketball Hall of Famer made his remarks a day after Cleveland star LeBron James and other players wore “I Can’t Breathe” shirts before the Cavaliers’ 110-88 victory at the Brooklyn Nets.
“They’re incredible stars that people will listen to,” Johnson said at Michael Jordan’s restaurant in Grand Central Terminal. “I’m so happy they’re socially conscious … and they want to use their platform and their voice.”
James, Kyrie Irving and four Brooklyn players said they were supporting the family of Eric Garner, who died in July after a New York police officer placed him in a chokehold while trying to arrest him for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.
A recording of Garner’s arrest showed him gasping “I can’t breathe” during the fatal encounter, and thousands have protested a grand jury decision not to indict the officer since the announcement last Wednesday.