UPDATE 12/10/14 2:12 p.m: Well, now we know why Jay Z didn't wear one of the shirts: The New York Times reports that Jay opted out of donning one himself because the shirts were too big. "He's not going to put on a 2XL that goes down to his knees," said Michael Skolnik, political director for Russell Simmons.
Last night, while a mass of protestors gathered outside Brooklyn's Barclays Center, a number of Nets players hit the court for warmups in "I Can't Breathe" tees in support of the family of slain Staten Island resident Eric Garner. On Twitter, journalist and Decoded co-author Dream Hampton confirmed that the shirts, which were made by the New York Justice Defense League, were given to the players by none other than Jay Z. (A number of Cavaliers players, including LeBron James, also wore shirts of their own.) It's too bad, however, that Jay chose not to wear one while greeting the visiting royals—it would have matched his Buddha hand necklace nicely.
Special shout out to @dreamhampton for helping us make this happen tonight! #RoyalShutdown #EricGarner #ICantBreathe pic.twitter.com/NH4RvP4qKt
— Justice League NYC (@NYjusticeleague) December 9, 2014
LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Nets players "I Can't Breathe" shirts before Cavs-Nets game: http://t.co/kXYfEEjNX9 pic.twitter.com/Uamc66EkvS
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) December 9, 2014
was jay wearing an "I can't breathe" shirt also? didn't see it in pics floating around but hoping he did.
— e. (@3rika) December 9, 2014
I wish jay z would've worn an "I can't breathe" shirt also.
— e. (@3rika) December 9, 2014
the shirt was too big for him to wear? it would've been a distraction? fuck that. with the influence he has, he should've put one on first.
— e. (@3rika) December 9, 2014
And fuck a photo opp, you know what should've been a photo opp? jay z shaking the hand of royalty with an #ICantBreathe shirt.
— e. (@3rika) December 9, 2014
Photo credit: Andrew Burton/Getty
