Over the past week, NBA players across the league have been donning the now-famous "I Can't Breathe" shirts in memory of police brutality victim Eric Garner. We've seen Derrick Rose, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and many others wear the shirts during pregame warm-ups, even to the disapproval of NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
However, one notable exception from the solidarity movement has been reigning MVP Kevin Durant. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has not yet been photographed wearing the shirt, leading some to wonder why Durant isn't taking a stance on the issue. To clear the air, he recently expressed his thoughts on the matter while speaking with a reporter from VladTV:
"I feel as though I really take my hat off to guys— Derrick Rose, who started it off, and then the Brooklyn Nets and the Cavs—who stand up for what they believe in. That's what I'm always about. Even though sometimes it may make people uncomfortable, those guys stood up for what they believe in.
I feel as though, as a citizen first, I was little confused about the whole deal. Obviously you want to get more facts about everything. But I just want what's right for our whole country. That's all I'm about, and having everybody united. So, I'm going to try and do my part every single day, individually, as a man, and then grow from there."
Durant did dodge the reporter's question as to whether he'd actually wear one of the t-shirts himself; it appears that he's taking a more diplomatic approach with the situation. However, respect is respect, and as unclear as Durant's full feelings about the issue may be, it's equally clear that he is in support of every player's right to show their heart on the matter.
[via VladTV]
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