‘Another Black life gone with no consequences.’ Sports icons react to Breonna Taylor news
Sports icons from several eras reacted to the news that police officers were not charged in the death of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky Wednesday evening.
The case has been a lightning rod in the social justice movement that erupted in the wake of George Floyd’s May death in police custody in Minneapolis. Taylor was shot and killed by Louisville police during a raid on her apartment as part of a drug investigation. The warrant used to search the home was connected to a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside, according to the Associated Press.
Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, opened fire when police burst in, wounded one officer, according to the AP. Walker told police he heard knocking but didn’t know who was coming in and fired in self-defense, the AP reported.
Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by the officers.
NBA star LeBron James said he was “devastated” by the news in a post on Twitter.
“I’ve been lost for words today! I’m devastated, hurt, sad, mad! We want Justice for Breonna yet justice was met for her neighbors apartment walls and not her beautiful life,” James posted. “Was I surprised at the verdict. Absolutely not but damnit I was & still am hurt and heavy hearted! I send my love to Breonna’s mother, family and friends! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!!”
James also called Black women “the most disrespected person on earth.”
“I promise you I’ll do my best to change this as much as I can and even more!! LOVE to you QUEENS all over this country and beyond!” he said.
NBA legend Magic Johnson lamented “another innocent Black life gone with no consequences!!”
“Breonna Taylor was 26, a daughter, a cousin, a friend, a girlfriend, an ER technician, an AMERICAN,” Johnson said.
The Jefferson County grand jury chose only to indict one officer for “wanton endangerment” for blindly shooting 10 rounds from outside Taylor’s apartment. Two other officers on the scene were not charged.
Former NBA star and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose couldn’t help but let his emotions out during a telecast of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.
“It would also be a great day to arrest the cops who murdered Breonna Taylor!” Rose said, raising his voice for emphasis before the network cut to a commercial.
Former NBA star Dwyane Wade posted a letter to Taylor on Twitter.
“Dear Breonna,” Wade wrote. “I’m so sorry the people in power have failed to get this right. You deserve so much more. Your life mattered. You deserved the bright future that was ahead of you. We will continue to say your name. We will continue to fight in your name.”
This story was originally published September 24, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
