Back in the day, Michael Jordan got a lot of backlash from African American communities for refusing to use his platform to inspire change. "Republicans buy shoes too," the 6-time NBA Champion said when he was the biggest star in the world.
Now, however, Jordan has finally taken a stand and has voiced his support for the Black Lives Matter movement, even reaching out to the players when they wanted to boycott the return of the NBA season.
Moreover, Jordan even stood for LeBron James when President Donald Trump called him out and tried to get MJ on his side in 2018, claiming that he supports what James is doing off the court as a philanthropist.
Donald Trump Called LeBron James Dumb, Lauds Michael Jordan
"Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike (Jordan)!" the President of the United States said on August 4, 2018.
Trump closed his statement by choosing Michael Jordan ahead of LeBron James. Jordan had never gotten into politics until lately, so perhaps Trump felt like his silence was more of an endorsement. Now, however, we know that couldn't be farther from the truth.
Michael Jordan Has LeBron James' Back After Comments By Donald Trump
"I support LeBron James. He's doing an amazing job for his community," the Chicago Bulls legend told NBC Sports through a spokesperson after Trump brought his name up on social media.
Moreover, Jordan had also shown his support to NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, claiming they're just making their voices heard and shouldn't be criticized or ostracized for that:
"Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized. At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division," Jordan said.
Jordan also committed a lot of money this year through his multiple companies to social justice causes and organizations to empower African American voters, so Trump may want to take his statement back.
