Following the conviction of Derek Chauvin Tuesday, the Las Vegas Raiders tweeted these words…”I Can Breathe” from their official account. These words reflected the last words of George Floyd. Raiders’ owner Mark Davis claimed he took inspiration from Floyd’s brother, who had said something “similar” following the verdict.
“Today, we are able to breathe again because justice for George means freedom for all”…
However, Floyd’s brother Philonise, did not say something that similar. His statement was much more personal and heartfelt instead of “I can breathe.” Davis said he would only apologize if the Floyd family was offended. Many people have expressed their criticism for the tweet, including NBA star Lebron James.
James later went on to continue expressing his frustration with police brutality and systemic racism. He used his platform to demand accountability following the death of 15 year-old Ma’Khia Bryant. But then later deleted the tweet after receiving backlash, saying “it’s being used to create more hate.”
James has been an outspoken advocate for social justice since the emergence of the BLM movement and the recent rise of police shootings involving unarmed black men.
Our prayers continue to go out to the Floyd family and anyone who has lost a loved one at the hands of injustice and police brutality.
https://www.instagram.com/kingjames/?hl=en
