[ot-caption title=”Magic Johnson believes that athletes must take a stand for what they believe in. (via AP Images and Jae C. Hong)” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1411077314000-AP-Reds-Dodgers-Baseball-NYO.jpg”]

Over the past few weeks, we have experienced social unrest due to the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Eric Garner in New York, and 12-year old Tamir Rice in controversial police shootings.

As a result of this unrest, NBA Superstar and face of the league LeBron James felt compelled to speak out about these matters.  In several different interviews this week, Lebron did not shy away from questions regarding the incidents.

“It’s a sensitive subject right now,” James said Thursday, “Violence is not the answer, and retaliation isn’t the solution. As a society, we just have to do better. I pray for the families of the lost ones.”

Former NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson was impressed by James’ willingness to comment on such touchy subjects, and spoke about how athletes must be vocal about their opinions in times like these.

“They have to get involved socially,” Johnson said, “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. But you see LeBron. LeBron is a great example of doing a wonderful job. When this first came out, when you think about everything that he stood up for — the Donald Sterling thing, when that mess happened, just now with these young people being shot down unarmed, he’s been right out front, so I’ve got to give him a lot of credit. If he’s out front being the best player, then the other guys usually follow the best guy.”

One must wonder how much of an impact sports figures like LeBron James or Magic Johnson could have on our society by discussing such controversies that have led to unproductive violence.

James’ comments are in line with the statements given out by the parents of Michael Brown, whose death has lead to violent uprising in the town of Ferguson, Missouri.  Brown’s parents simply stated that we, as people, must fight against this without violence, but rather in a more productive fashion.

Other athletes have been expressing their feelings on these matters, as NBA players such as Derrick Rose and Kyrie Irving have worn t-shirts before their games with the words “I Can’t Breathe,” referring to the death of Eric Garner where he was choked by a police officer.  Two members of the Oregon Ducks Men’s Basketball team also put their hands up during the pledge of allegiance in one of their games this past week, as many eye witnesses of the Michael Brown shooting say Brown put his hands up and was surrendering to the officer.

“For us to change things, we have to get people to the table that can bring about change. We’ve got to do it in a peaceful way,” said Magic Johnson.

Source: ESPN