Derrick Rose Making Impact Beyond Basketball

Derrick Rose has completely fallen in love with the three point field goal much to the dismay of Bull’s fans everywhere. He plain and simply can’t shoot it from behind the arc, accumulating a season field goal percentage of 30% from behind the three point stripe. But, instead of another editorial article where I banter on about how Rose needs to regain his confidence and start playing like he used to, this article is dedicated to something that he did do correctly last night against the Golden State Warriors. The particular social issue that Rose raised awareness for last night far transcends basketball in terms of importance and further spotlights the impact that he is making in the community.

Pippen Ain’t Easy editor Dave Daniels wrote an outstanding news-based article regarding the same topic on this site. Check it out here. 

Before the start of the game Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors, he was spotted wearing a plain black shirt adorned with white letters that spelled out the simple three letter phrase: “I Can’t Breath”.  Slam Magazine, among other news outlets, posted a picture on its official twitter account of him donning the aforementioned shirt in his pregame warm-up session.

His shirt is a clear and powerful statement condemning the actions of an undercover police officer that killed a black man named Eric Garner last summer in New York City. Garner was approached by a white undercover cop based on suspicion that he was illegally selling cigarettes and was immediately questioned by the undercover police officer named Justin Damico. After verbally resisting an attempt at being restrained by Damico, a second police officer named Daniel Pantaleo put Garner in a chokehold from behind. Garner uttered the phrase “I can’t breathe” several times during the chokehold but his desperate words were ignored by the two officers. Garner eventually died at a hospital from the asphyxiation that he suffered at the hands of the two officers.

Here is the video of the incident. Warning: it contains disturbing content that may not be appropriate for all users.

Although both officers were punished within the confines of the police department, neither were indicted by a grand jury that ruled last Wednesday on the case. Massive protests around the nation immediately post-ceded the result of the trial, and Derrick Rose is the first in a line of pro athletes that have taken a stand on the issue.

The results of this case is a spoke in the wheel of a larger problem plaguing modern American society: police brutality especially against minorities. A litany of high profile cases of this same nature have grabbed national headlines over the last couple of years, many of them following a similar premise of a white officer escaping judicial punishment after killing a black man for questionable reasons. Rose’s “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt represents his disgust over this entire trend.

King James Gospel

Rose’s very public statement regarding his position on police victimization of minorities may stem from a challenge issued by NBA legend Magic Johnson in a recent statement the former Laker presented at an event honoring the legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela a year after his death.

"“They have to get involved socially. They have to because it affects them, too. And it affects their families. They grew up in these situations; they must not forget that. They [were] once poor, they went to inner-city schools that didn’t have technology or computers, they didn’t have good books. See, I went through that whole situation. They went through that as well. A lot of their cousins are still going through that, so they must not forget that. I hope that they would do more.”"

Derrick Rose, Detroit Lion’s running back Reggie Bush, Cleveland Brown’s corner Johnson Bademosi, and St. Louis Ram’s offensive linemen Davin Joseph all wore apparel bearing the “I Can’t Breathe” phrase this weekend.

The fallout of Rose’s statement on Saturday night has been almost entirely positive, with both teammates and bitter rivals supporting the decision that he made. Joakim Noah immediately came to the defense of his teammate when questioned about the shirt after the game on Saturday.

"“I knew that Derrick was going to put that T-shirt on. I think he has every right to express his beliefs. He told me that he was going to wear it. I respect Derrick a lot. I think he’s definitely making a statement by wearing it. That’s my guy. Yeah. If that’s what he wants to do, I respect it. I think a lot of people feel that way. When you wear a T-shirt with a statement everybody’s going to know how you feel about it. I respect Derrick 150 percent and I’m riding with him … a lot of people feel that way. It’s really sad what happened. Police brutality is something that … it happens. Not every cop is a bad person. Not every black person is a bad person. You can’t judge people. But he definitely made a statement by wearing that T-shirt.”"

Even bitter rival Lebron James expressed words of respect regarding Derrick Rose’s decision to wear the shirt renouncing the brutality that Eric Garner suffered at the hands of a white police officer. James used a superlative to state his feelings regarding Rose’s statement.

"“It’s spectacular,” James said. “I loved it. I’m looking for one {a I Can’t Breathe Shirt}.”"

Rose clearly caused quite a stir, much of it positive in nature, with his bold statement. He continues to reiterate to the world that he cares about social issues and is ready and willing to make a difference in the Chicago and national community. Rose opened himself up for a flurry of criticism with his statement Friday. His actions carried a substantive amount of risk. However, they aren’t out of character, as Derrick Rose has demonstrated a unique willingness to give back to the community. He is truly one of the “good guys in the NBA” and the shirt that he wore on Saturday reiterates this sentiment.

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In September of this year, Derrick Rose donated $1 million to ‘After School Matters’, a non-profit charity based out of the city Chicago. The purpose of the organization is to provide constructive after school programs that at risk teens can participate in. Derrick Rose issued a statement following his donation explaining his message to the children that participate in this program.

"“My message to our kids is simple – you matter, you deserve every opportunity in life, and you can and should dream big because dreams can come true.”"

Earlier this year, Derrick Rose participated in a ‘stop the violence’ project in collaboration with teammate Joakim Noah. The two all-stars produced a short public service announcement with a clear and powerful message: the violence in Chicago needs to stop. Here is the video.

Derrick Rose has really embraced the giving back mentality that the NBA would like to define itself with. Rose can relate to these kids because he was dealt almost exactly the same cards growing up on the south-side of Chicago in a rough neighborhood. There were countless positive influences in his life that kept him on the right path and helped him get to where he is today. Rose wants to give these kids the same opportunity that he was afforded as a child, and his recent charitable actions and powerful statements clearly conveys his intentions.

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

As for the statement with his shirt on Saturday, Derrick Rose did a really good thing to advance the cause against police brutality against minorities. As a opinion leader due to his celebrity status (my communication theories professor would be so proud), Rose has the ability to inform and sway countless people around the United States. Rose was the first to take a stand, the next day on Sunday several football players took the stand as well. He is a trend setter, and the movement against minority brutality by police has gained new life due to his statement.

The Bulls lost on Saturday. Derrick Rose shot 1-7 from three point land. But, in retrospect, Rose comes across as a winner with his brave and powerful statement. Cheers to you Derrick Rose.