Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘We have had enough’: Michael Jordan issues angry statement following George Floyd death

Legendary NBA player and Charlotte Hornets owner says he is ‘deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry’ after Floyd died while in police custody last week

Monday 01 June 2020 09:47 BST
Comments
Nike releases 'don't do it' ad to combat racism in wake of George Floyd death

Michael Jordan is "deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry."

With protesters taking to the streets across the United States again on Sunday, Jordan released a statement on George Floyd and the killings of black people at the hands of police.

"I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," the former NBA star and current Charlotte Hornets owner said in the statement posted on the Jordan brand's social media accounts and the team's Twitter account.

"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 colour 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."

Floyd was in handcuffs a week ago when a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. Derek Chauvin was charged on Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in