Derrick Rose Shows Support For Eric Garner, Bulls Writer Catches Heat Over “Can’t Breathe” Joke

Chicago Bulls star player Derrick Rose brought more attention to the controversy surrounding a New York grand jury's decision not to indict the police officer responsible for killing Eric Garner.

D-Rose donned a “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt last night (December 6) prior to playing against the Golden State Warriors.

Ahead of the Chicago Bulls big game against the Golden State Warriors tonight, Derrick Rose donned a black t-shirt with the words “I Can’t Breathe” printed on it in big white letters during warmups. The shirt, of course, is in reference to the final words of Eric Garner, who died after being put into a chokehold by a member of the NYPD while he was being arrested for selling illegal cigarettes. The officer was not indicted by a grand jury, resulting in protests all over the country. (Complex)

Check out what one Chicago Bulls beat writer said about Rose’s shirt right here…

Chicago Bulls beat writer Sam Smith sparked some controversy after making a joke about Rose’s shirt.

Following some backlash, Smith apologized for his remark.

Apologize for earlier tweet from Bulls game if considered offensive. Certainly didn't intend any political statement. Poor word choice.

— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) December 7, 2014

According to reports, a Staten Island jury reached its decision Wednesday (December 3).

The decision was reached after months of testimony, including from the officer who used the chokehold, Daniel Pantaleo. The grand jury reached its decision less than two weeks after a grand jury in Ferguson, Mo., declined to bring charges against a white officer who fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown. (New York Times)