Three words that have taken on new meaning since the death of Eric Garner at the hands of a New York city Police officer Daniel Pantaleo on July 14th. The same officer who a grand jury decided earlier this week will not be indicted, despite the fact the medical examiner’s spokesperson announced Garner’s death a homice.
There has been public outcry over the grand jury’s decision and protests across the United States since and tonight a professional athlete took a stand of his own on the matter.
That athlete was Derrick Rose.
In a show of support for Garner’s family and one of his biggest social statements yet, Rose donned a black t-shirt during warm-ups with the words “I CAN’T BREATHE’ emblazoned across the chest. The t-shirt made waves across social media receiving both positive and negative responses.
The t-shirts are available for purchase here and all profits from the sale of the tees goes to support Garner’s wife and six children, who require financial aid on the aftermath of the tragedy. If you would prefer to just donate to the Garner Family Support Fund you can do so here.
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF THE LOVED ONES OF THE VICTIMS. THIS IS A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE. I AM WHITE AND AM ASHAMED OF RACISTS. THE GRAND JURY IN THESE CASES SEEM AS IF THEY HAVE BEEN BOUGHT OFF BY MEMBERS OF THE K K K. IT IS SADLY IRONIC THAT THESE SITUATIONS ARE REACHING THESE PROPORTIONS THIS CLOSE TO CHRISTMASTIME. IT MUST DEEPLY SADDEN OUR LORD.