In case you missed it over the weekend, Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose sported an "I Can't Breathe" shirt during warm-ups of Saturday's game against the Golden State Warriors.
The shirt's phrase was a clear reference to the late Eric Garner, who died of asphyixation via a police officer's chokehold in August. A Staten Island grand jury elected not to charge the NYPD officer with a crime last week, sparking widespread criticism and protests nationwide. Rose's gesture was a small one, but spoke volumes.
Rose was candid when speaking to reporters about his thought process on Monday.
Rose said T-shirt was his idea and he only told Noah beforehand.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 8, 2014
Rose: "Usually I stay out of politics and police brutality. I’m not saying all cops are bad or anything. I’m just saying that what happened — K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 8, 2014
Rose continued: "those days was uncalled for and I think it hurt a lot of people. It hurt the nation."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 8, 2014
Rose: "My biggest concern is the kids. I know what they’re thinking right now. I was one of them kids. I grew up in an impoverished area." — K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 8, 2014
Rose: "I’m a parent now. 2 years ago, I probably wouldnt have worn the shirt. But now that I’m a Dad, it changed my outlook on life period."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 8, 2014
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Rose's gesture earned him high praise from fellow superstar LeBron James. "It's spectacular. I loved it. I'm looking for one," James said, via Pro Basketball Talk. "I think it was great."
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