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Sports in Society

Michael Jordan Breaks Silence On Social Unrest, Donates $2M To Help Bring Change

Michael Jordan yesterday spoke out on the country's "growing racial and social unrest" and announced grants of $1M each to two organizations that are "working to build trust between law enforcement and the communities in which they work," according to Wise, Bembry & Johnson of THE UNDEFEATED. Jordan in a letter wrote, "I can no longer stay silent. We need to find solutions that ensure people of color receive fair and equal treatment AND that police officers -- who put their lives on the line every day to protect us all -- are respected and supported." The full letter can be read here. Jordan is making the donations to the Institute for Community-Police Relations, which was launched in May by the Int'l Association of Chiefs of Police, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Jordan wrote, "Although I know these contributions alone are not enough to solve the problem, I hope the resources will help both organizations make a positive difference." Both organizations were "informed of the donations Sunday night." Wise, Bembry & Johnson noted Jordan's statement comes amid a "renaissance of social justice advocacy by prominent athletes nationwide." The statement is something of a "public milestone" for Jordan, who has been "criticized over the years for his low profile in political and social advocacy." Jordan recently has become more "publicly vocal about issues of race and discrimination adversely affecting the league." A Jordan spokesperson said that the decision to go public with his statement and donation was "made about two weeks ago." It was delayed after "learning that the NBA would relocate" the '17 NBA All-Star Game from Charlotte. The spokesperson said that Jordan did not want his announcement to "take away from the focus on the LGBT community" (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 7/25).

BECOMING MORE INVOLVED
: The Undefeated Editor-in-Chief Kevin Merida said Jordan did not want to just speak out, as he "spent some time researching how he could make a direct contribution." The two organizations were decided upon "after a lot of research and talking to a lot of people." Merida said Jordan "has cared a lot about social justice issues -- maybe not been outspoken as others -- but has done a lot of other things behind the scenes." He added Jordan's voice "means a lot." Merida: "Because of the Jordan brand, there are a lot of athletes that are coming up as Jordan proteges, and I believe that there have been a lot of conversations that he and others who run the Jordan brand have had with some of the young athletes. ... He wants to use his influence to become more involved" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 7/25). CNBC's Sara Eisen wonders if this is "going be the beginning of more that we’re going to see" from Jordan being "out front on this issue." Eisen: "This issue doesn’t really have a face that people can relate to” (“Worldwide Exchange,” CNBC, 7/26).

POWERFUL VOICE: ESPN's Michael Wilbon said Jordan's voice "is necessary" in this effort. He noted Jordan “has done many thing behind the scenes,” though he previously has "stayed away" from such public endorsements." ESPN's Tony Kornheiser: "This is about morality” ("PTI," ESPN, 7/25). ESPN's Michael Smith: "Talk about a game-changer" ("His & Hers," ESPN2, 7/25). SNY's Jon Hein: "When Michael Jordan speaks, people are going to listen” ("Loud Mouths," SNY, 7/25). The N.Y. Daily News’ John Harper: “This is a much bigger cause than politics, so it’s great to see because he carries a lot of weight still” (“Daily News Live,” SNY, 7/25). The AP's Steve Reed notes Jordan has been "notoriously silent over the years when it comes to his opinions on politics or social justice issues, which has drawn some criticism" (AP, 7/26). CNBC's Eisen said, "He certainly has been cautious to weigh in on these kinds of issues, so it is notable that he is doing so, an issue that is clearly near and dear to him -- his father was a victim of this brutality. But also in a very sort of politically correct way he’s giving money to each side" ("Worldwide Exchange," CNBC, 7/26).

PLAYING BOTH SIDES: In Philadelphia, John Smallwood notes it will be "interesting to see how Jordan's stance plays." His message basically reads that you can "call for an investigation into police-involved shootings while simultaneously maintaining support for law enforcement." Smallwood: "That is a hard sell given the polarizing nature of the issue" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/26). The N.Y. Daily News' Frank Isola noted Jordan is “taking a stand, but he’s not picking sides." ESPN’s Israel Gutierrez: “While Michael Jordan may not have done the perfect thing here, it still stands as very meaningful support of the situation.” ("Around The Horn," ESPN, 7/25). Meanwhile, FS1’s Colin Cowherd said Jordan’s statement “doesn’t feel terrible authentic to me." Cowherd: "It feels like brand protection. ... For the first time in his life he’s getting poked and he’s getting criticized and he can’t control it.” FS1’s Jason Whitlock: “It feels like it’s a total PR machine.” The $2M donation is a way for him to "restore his image, because his image has been taking a beating over the last 10 years.” Whitlock: “This is management of his brand” (“Speak for Yourself,” FS1, 7/25).

FOLLOW THE NEW LEADERS?
USA TODAY's Josh Peter notes Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, who held a town-hall meeting in L.A. yesterday to discuss recent events, "lauded Michael Jordan's decision to speak out on the issue." Anthony said, "About time that he stepped up. At the end of the day, amongst us, he is our face. He's a very powerful African-American. So for him to step up in the midst of these times now, it was very big" (USA TODAY, 7/26). In N.Y., Brian Lewis noted Anthony has been "socially conscious and begged his fellow athletes to come out and be the same." Jordan in the past typically has "always declined comment on social-justice issues so as to avoid offending either side of the aisle" (NYPOST.com, 7/25). ESPN's Dan Le Batard said, "He’s trying to do something even though he’s following instead of leading on this one” ("Highly Questionable," ESPN, 7/25). In N.Y., Ebenezer Samuel notes this is how you know the "waters are safe now, that being an activist as a professional athlete is the 'in' thing." Jordan has "joined the party after nearly 53 years of never speaking his mind." Samuel: "Here's Jordan, after a quarter-century of laryngitis on social issues, playing the follower to a younger generation of athletes spearheading this charge, piggybacking on the shoulders" of Anthony, Cavaliers F LeBron James and Bulls G Dwyane Wade. For all opportunities missed, "so much time remains, so much time to make an impact" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/26).

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