Derrick Rose Explains Why He Wore ‘I Can’t Breathe’ T-Shirt

Dec 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) prior to a game against the Golden State Warriors at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) prior to a game against the Golden State Warriors at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose spoke with the media for the first time since warming up in a t-shirt with “I can’t breathe” in memory of Eric Garner who died in police custody in New York.

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Derrick Rose has a reputation as a player who has let his play do the talking for him and is one of the few superstar athletes in any sport who has not been out in front of a microphone to deliver a quote.

That’s just not his personality, but Rose spoke volumes when he wore a t-shirt on Friday with “I can’t breathe” in reference to Eric Garner who was placed in a choke hold by New York City police officer Daniel Pantoleo and went into cardiac arrest after he said that he couldn’t breathe.

His death was ruled a homicide but a grand jury did not indict Pantoleo which sparked outrage in the community and led to protests across the country.

Rose addressed the reasons why he had the shirt made, how the story weighed on him personally and how many were hurt as a result of what transpired.

Professional athletes don’t often speak out on issues like these for a myriad of reasons, but I think you have to respect Rose taking a stand for something he believes in.

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