Michael Jordan Breaks Silence About Police Shootings And Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

Not only did Michael Jordan deliver a passionate statement regarding recent police shootings that have divided the nation, but he also will donate money to charities that will hopefully mend the wounds that senseless violence has caused so many.

One of the most iconic sports figures of this generation penned an article for The Undefeated titled “I Can No Longer Stay Silent: His statement on the shootings of African-Americans and the targeting of police officers.”

“As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.

I was raised by parents who taught me to love and respect people regardless of their race or background, so I am saddened and frustrated by the divisive rhetoric and racial tensions that seem to be getting worse as of late. I know this country is better than that, and 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.”

Jordan tiptoed the delicate line of not placing the blame on one particular group of people.

“Over the past three decades I have seen up close the dedication of the law enforcement officers who protect me and my family. I have the greatest respect for their sacrifice and service. I also recognize that for many people of color their experiences with law enforcement have been different than mine. I have decided to speak out in the hope that we can come together as Americans, and through peaceful dialogue and education, achieve constructive change.”

Then Jordan came up in the clutch as he always does and donated $2 million to two separate charities; the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The NBA legend hopes that the sentiment and the investment will encourage others to increase the peace on the streets.

Jordan concluded with a hopeful plea to end the senseless violence.

“We are privileged to live in the world’s greatest country – a country that has provided my family and me the greatest of opportunities. The problems we face didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved tomorrow, but if we all work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families and our communities.”

Jordan is still the MVP after all these years.