James, Kyrie, Nets in ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirts

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, in New York. Professional athletes have worn “I Can’t Breathe” messages in protest of a grand jury ruling not to indict an officer in the death of a New York man. AP

NEW YORK — LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and several Brooklyn players are wearing “I Can’t Breathe” shirts as they warm up for a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Nets.

Kevin Garnett and Deron Williams were among four Nets wearing the shirts before Monday night’s (US time) game in support of the family of Eric Garner, who died July 17 after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

Chicago star Derrick Rose wore one before a game Saturday and James said Sunday he wanted one. He got it from Nets guard Jarrett Jack, who provided them to players on both teams. A few NFL players had the saying written on different items of gear and shirts during pregame warmups before games on Sunday, including St. Louis Rams guard Davin Joseph, Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush and Cleveland Browns cornerback Johnson Bademosi.

“Obviously as a society we have to do better, we have to have empathy better for one another no matter what race you are, but it’s more a shout-out to the family more than anything,” James said before warming up.

Irving had already gone to the court in his shirt as James spoke. James said at the time it was a “possibility” he would do the same, and he was wearing the shirt when he unzipped his yellow and gray jacket in Cleveland’s layup line.

The statement from the players came before a game that was to be attended by Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, as well as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“I respect Derrick Rose and all of our players for voicing their personal views on important issues but my preference would be for players to abide by our on-court attire rules,” Silver said.

Players are required to wear attire of Adidas, the league’s official apparel provider.

A recording of Garner’s arrest showed him gasping, “I can’t breathe” during the fatal encounter, and thousands have protested a grand jury decision not to indict the officer since the announcement on Wednesday.

Irving also said his thoughts were with Garner’s family.

“What happened is a tragedy, I feel terrible about it, but my emotions are just more or less condolences for the family,” Irving said.

RELATED STORIES

LeBron James is looking for ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirt

What if NY police chokehold victim Eric Garner were a Filipino?