Derrick Rose wears ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirt in memory of Eric Garner before Saturday’s game
Last week, a group of St. Louis Rams players did the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” gesture before a game against Oakland.
That was in support of the Ferguson, Mo., protestors.
On Saturday, Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose was the latest professional athlete to take a stand.
Rose took part in warmups before a game against Golden State wearing an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt. That’s a reference to Eric Garner and the decision by a grand jury in Staten Island, N.Y., not to indict police officer Daniel Pantoleo in Garner’s choking death.
In a video of the incident, in which Pantoleo put Garner in a chokehold, Garner says, “I can’t breathe” and went into cardiac arrest. He later died. The medical examiner’s office ruled his death a homicide.
Here is Rose:
Derrick Rose wearing shirt that says "I can't breath" during warmups to acknowledge the death of Eric Garner. pic.twitter.com/RvyJQUzmrV
— jimmy g. (@nbacapology) December 7, 2014— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) December 7, 2014The reaction was favorable:
I respect Derrick Rose for rocking the "I Can't Breathe" tee for warmup's #Nba
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) December 7, 2014Good for Derrick Rose. He has a public platform and shouldn't shy away from voicing his opinions on what really matters. #icantbreathe
— Greg Gottfried (@gott31) December 7, 2014Good for Derrick Rose. Not enough athletes have been raising their voices.
— Kyle Cooke (@kylecooke23) December 7, 2014Love that Derrick Rose warmed up in an "I Can't Breathe" t-shirt.
— Chris Draper (@I_Wont_Stop13) December 7, 2014Derrick Rose is my favorite player for a reason.
— Joe Levine (@jnlevine) December 7, 2014To reach Pete Grathoff, call 816-234-4330 or send email to pgrathoff@kcstar.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/pgrathoff
This story was originally published December 6, 2014 at 7:30 PM.