Michael Jordan criticizes Donald Trump
Basketball legend Michael Jordan was famously hesitant to speak out on social issues during his time playing the game. It’s long been alleged that he once explained his hesitance to a friend by saying that “Republicans buy shoes too.” Over the past year, as he’s grown into his role as owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team, Jordan has begun to speak up a bit more here and there. But today, MJ decided to definitively criticize Donald Trump.
Still careful with his words, and making a point of not mentioning Trump’s name while clearly referring to Trump’s words, here’s what Michael Jordan told his local newspaper the Charlotte Observer today: “One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech, and we have a long tradition of nonviolent, peaceful protest. Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized. At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division. I support Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA, its players and all those who wish to exercise their right to free speech.”
The “not create more division” remark is clearly in reference to Donald Trump’s recent attacks on NBA star Steph Curry and NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, which later morphed into an attack on all black professional athletes who are protesting against racism. Michael Jordan’s remarks come two days after LeBron James ripped into Trump in more direct fashion, calling him a “bum” in the process. James received essentially no pushback after condemning the guy holding the office of President of the United States, and that seemed to serve as a green light to more cautious sports stars.
Michael Jordan wasn’t the only sports star speaking out against Donald Trump in surprising fashion today. NASCAR race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, a white star in arguably the whitest and most conservative sport in the nation, spoke up in support of the rights of the athletes to peacefully protest (link). This came even after NASCAR’s owners said they would punish any driver who protested during the National Anthem.
