Three NFL players wore “I can’t breathe” messages on their clothing Sunday in protest of a grand jury’s decision not to indict a New York City police officer in the death of Eric Garner.
Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush and Cleveland Browns cornerback Johnson Bademosi warmed up in shirts with the message, while St. Louis Rams offensive lineman Davin Joseph wore the message on his cleats, The Associated Press reported.
On Saturday, Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose wore the message on his T-shirt during warmups before his team lost to the Golden State Warriors.
The “I can’t breathe” slogan refers to 43-year-old Garner, who died after NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo placed him in an apparent chokehold or headlock while he was being arrested for allegedly selling loose cigarettes. A video of the arrest showed Garner yelling, “I can’t breathe,” AP reported.
Five Rams players caused controversy last weekend when they made “Hands up, don’t shoot” gestures as they entered the field at Edward Jones Dome, in reference to the Aug. 9 Ferguson police shooting of Michael Brown. The NFL decided that the players were exercising their right to free speech and that none of them would be fined for the gesture.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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