LeBron James, other athletes react to Ferguson decision
theGRIO REPORT - Professional athletes around the country took to social media last night following the announcement that a grand jury decided not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown.
Professional athletes around the country took to social media Monday night following a grand jury’s decision to not indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.
St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch made the announcement during a 25-minute speech Monday night shortly after 9pm EST.
NBA stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant were among athletes who voiced their reactions to the news.
LeBron James posted this photo to his Instagram account with the caption, “As a society how do we do better and stop things like this happening time after time!! I’m so sorry to these families. Violence is not the answer people. Retaliation isn’t the solution as well. #PrayersUpToTheFamilies #WeHaveToDoBetter”
The system enables young black men to be killed behind the mask of law #Ferguson #tippingpoint #change
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) November 25, 2014
NBA legend Magic Johnson tweeted his thoughts:
I am very disappointed with decision in the Mike Brown case in Ferguson, MO.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 25, 2014
My thoughts & prayers are with the Brown family and the people of Ferguson.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 25, 2014
We must work together to stop the unnecessary loss of young men of color. Justice was not served in Ferguson.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 25, 2014
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson added:
The GRAND JURY DECIDED NOT TO INDICT ME TOO! But that changed a week LATER! MAYBE,BUT NOT LIKELY N THIS CASE #PUTyourTrustNGODnotINtheWORLD!
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) November 25, 2014
Clippers small forward Matt Barnes posted this photo to his account. The caption read:
So it’s okay to kill people……….? As long as the person being killed is of color & the person behind the trigger has a badge!!! Sad day not only for mike browns friends & family but a BAD day for our nation! Not saying all cops are bad, BUT their are a lot of them out there that abuse their authority…. #RIPMikeBrown #WillThereEverBePeace #StopTheViolence
http://instagram.com/p/vzrw7FLzZT/
Fellow Clipper Jamal Crawford tweeted his support to the city of Ferguson.
In life we have to remember what's really important, thoughts and prayers with Ferguson …
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) November 25, 2014
Oakland Raider defensive end Justin Tuck let his thoughts out through a string of tweets Monday night.
Just so no one misunderstands where I'm coming from. I'm MAD. Mad bc I young man I DEAD. I don't care that he was blk white purple. I know
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) November 25, 2014
Cops are under extreme pressure. I have family that are cops, but I'm tired of have of seeing stuff like this. If a blk cop shot a white
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) November 25, 2014
UNARMED white young man I would be mad about that as well so understand I'm about making this world a better place. I have sons and I want
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) November 25, 2014
Them to live in a world that they don't have to worry about this crap. I'm praying for the Brown family and suffering tonight blk white etc
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) November 25, 2014
Oakland Raider fullback Marcel Reece posted a photo of Michael Brown to Instagram. The caption reads:
Praying for Mike Brown, his family, the community of Ferguson and our society today. Let us leave to Jesus and no one else!
http://instagram.com/p/vzrX8kgPZd/
Washington wide receiver DeSean Jackson posted this photo with the caption, “It’s Sad we have to Raise our kids in this Environment !! Wrong is wrong !! Can’t never make that a right !! Justice once again not served !! #RIPMikebrown PRAYERS FOR BROWN’s Family !!”
http://instagram.com/p/vzmJQvONqS/
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash tweeted:
Disgusted by decision in furguson. Racism is learned. Accepted is systematic suffocation of education and opportunity. What are we saying?
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) November 25, 2014
Serena Williams addressed the decision via Twitter.
Wow. Just wow. Shameful. What will it take???
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 25, 2014
Dwayne Wade tweeted his support to the Brown family.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 25, 2014
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 25, 2014
Portland Trailblazers point guard tweeted a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
" Darkness cannot drive out Darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that"
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) November 25, 2014
Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie tweeted the Brown family’s statement.
Michael Brown's parents, who suffered & lost the most issued this statement: #FergusonDecision http://t.co/Oiz3pe38NF
— Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) November 25, 2014
Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush expressed his disappointment.
So this is what justice looks like huh! SMH
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) November 25, 2014
I guess we shouldn't be surprised anymore when stuff like this happens! #JusticeForMikeBrown
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) November 25, 2014
New York Liberty’s Swin Cash reacted to the news on Twitter.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Brown Family…. My heart is so heavy…. #ourkidsmatter #RIPMikeBrown
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) November 25, 2014
Someone PLEASE explain to me why I'm looking at an officer with a shot gun drawn in Feguson what in the …#icannot
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) November 25, 2014
St. Louis Blues defenseman Ian Cole said:
In all seriousness, everyone stay safe and peaceful tonight #STLTogether
— Ian Cole (@ICole28) November 25, 2014
Follow theGrio’s Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.
