Since George Floyd lost his life at the hands of four police officers on May 25, not only has his death sparked activism across the world, but it's also caused some to mock the way he died. There was a cruel challenge going around social media where people would take photos of themselves kneeling on the necks of friends and family members, and even Crossfit issued an apology after their CEO tweeted "Floyd-19." Now, Anytime Fitness in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin is issuing an apology after they shared the George Floyd-inspired "I Can't Breathe" kneeling workout.
Anytime Fitness corporate tweeted that they are anti-racist and would never approve of such a workout, adding that the specific franchise owner at that Wisconsin location has taken full responsibility. "No matter the intent, we absolutely do not condone the words, illustrations or actions this represents. To our employees, owners and members, we are truly and profoundly sorry that this incident occurred."
They added that the owner and the entire staff would undergo "antiracism training" that the company announced last week. "One of our publicly-stated commitments to antiracism work is to bolster education efforts for our franchise owners to lead with empathy, love and respect. This incident makes it clear that we have work to do in this space; immediately, we are sharing this incident with our franchise owners worldwide as an example of what not to do, why it is offensive, and what locations should be doing instead." Still, some are calling for the franchise to be closed as soon as possible.
NBA 2K20 Gives Gamers Black Lives Matter-Related In-Game Clothing
NBA 2K is doing their part to promote social justice in light of the murder of George Floyd.
George Floyd was tragically murdered by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota last week and people are still rightfully angry at the injustice that was committed. Floyd was seen as a leader in his community and his death truly came as a shock to those around him. His murder led to numerous protests throughout the country that are still ongoing. In addition, the Black Lives Matter movement is stronger than ever as people around the country are uniting to fight against systemic racism.
The NBA 2k20 video game is looking to do its part to promote social justice causes as they recently gave gamers free Black Lives Matter-related gear in their MyPlayer mode. As you can see in the clip below, there are “I Can’t Breathe,” “Black Lives Matter” and “Say Their Names” t-shirts that players can put on at any time. From there, the “neighbourhood” mode even has a huge Black Lives Matter billboard which helps promote the movement that much more.
Since the passing of Floyd, numerous NBA athletes have come out in support of those protesting which just goes to show how important this moment in time is. People have had enough with police brutality and everyone is coming together to make real positive change.
David Oyelowo Says "Selma" Was Blackballed Over "I Can’t Breathe" Shirts
David Oyelowo starred in "Selma" as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and he recently shared that after the cast wore "I Can't Breathe" shirts to the film's premiere, upset Academy members pledged not to vote for the movie.
It was a powerful film that dramatized one of the Civil Rights Movement's most poignant moments in history, but Selma was reportedly blackballed by the Academy Awards. Selma would go on to earn Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Song, with Common and John Legend winning for the latter. However, as well-received as the movie was, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided not to include the film in any other category. David Oyelowo starred in the Ava Duvernay-directed film as Dr. Martin Juther King Jr., and he recently told Screen Daily's Screen Talks that after they wore "I Can't Breathe" shirts to the movie's premiere, Academy members were angry.
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"Selma coincided with Eric Garner being murdered," Oyelowo said of the black man who was choked to death by police as he told them, "I Can't Breath." The actor added, "That was the last time we were in a place of ‘I Can’t Breathe.'... I remember at the premiere of Selma us wearing ‘I Can’t Breathe’ T-shirts in protest," the actor continued. "Members of the Academy called in to the studio and our producers saying, ‘How dare they do that?' 'Why are they stirring sh—?’ and ‘We are not going to vote for that film because we do not think it is their place to be doing that.' It’s part of why that film didn’t get everything that people think it should’ve got and it birthed #OscarsSoWhite. They used their privilege to deny a film on the basis of what they valued in the world."
Later, DuVernay co-signed David Oyelowo's account when she tweeted, "True story." Someone from The Academy acknowledged the story and retweeted the filmmaker with a response that read, "Ava & David, we hear you. Unacceptable. We're committed to progress." Check it out below.
Manuel Ellis Died After Telling Police "I Can’t Breathe," Ruled A Homicide
Manuel Ellis died in early March after being involved in an altercation with police, and a medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by physical restraint.
“I Can’t Breathe” police-related deaths are becoming far too common. Eric Garner uttered those words when he was choked to death by officers, George Floyd cried out for his mother and begged an officer not to kill him before making “I can’t breathe” his final words on earth, and on March 3 in Tacoma, Washington, 33-year-old Manuel Ellis said the same phrase as police restrained him.
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According to an autopsy, Manuel Ellis died of respiratory arrest due to hypoxia and being physically restrained. He was handcuffed at the time, and the medical examiner also determined that heart disease and methamphetamine intoxication were contributing factors. It was 11:30 p.m. on March 3 when police reportedly saw Ellis attempting to break windows of vehicles and pulling at handles. A police report states that Ellis walked up to the patrol car and told police that he was seeking help. He allegedly also mentioned that he had warrants for his arrest.
Police claim that while speaking with Ellis, he grabbed one of them by his vest. The second officer reportedly exited the patrol car, wrestled Ellis to the ground, and handcuffed him. While it was noted that no batons or tasers were used, nor was a knee placed on Ellis’s neck, he was somehow restrained enough to cause his death. It has not been specified what that restraint was, but it was reported that Manuel Ellis stated, “I can’t breathe.”
The father of two was remembered by his loved ones at a press conference on Tuesday (June 2). “Manny was taken from me, he was murdered,” said Ellis’s mother Marcia Carter. “My heart hurt. I cried for two months and 10 days, every day, all day.” She added that his last words to her were, “Remember, I love you.” Ellis’s death was ruled a homicide and it’s reported that the officers involved in the incident that lead to Manuel Ellis’s death have been placed on administrative leave.
Vanessa Bryant Shares Powerful Kobe Photo In Support Of George Floyd
Vanessa Bryant had a powerful message about life in light of the recent protests.
Police brutality in the United States has always been a massive problem. Numerous unarmed people of color have been killed by the police, including George Floyd who was choked to death in Minneapolis this past week. Protests have erupted all across the country and people are waiting to see how this will all play out. Needless to say, people are scared and angry and with the Coronavirus going around, life feels incredibly fragile.
When Eric Garner was killed by police a few years ago, many NBA players wore “I Can’t Breathe” shirts in solidarity, including Kobe Bryant. Today, Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram with a photo of Kobe wearing the shirt and urged people to take care of each other while also standing up against injustice.
“My husband wore this shirt years ago and yet here we are again,” Bryant wrote. “Life is so fragile. Life is so unpredictable. Life is too short. Let’s share and embrace the beautiful qualities and similarities we all share as people. Drive out hate. Teach respect and love for all at home and school. Spread LOVE. Fight for change- register to VOTE. Do not use innocent lives lost as an excuse to loot. BE AN EXAMPLE OF THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE.”
Bryant’s post is a stark reminder of the loss of Kobe and what a leader he would have been during these times. Regardless, it’s good to know one of the best basketball players ever had the back of his people.
Ben Simmons Dons "I Can’t Breathe" Shirt Amid George Floyd Protests
Ben Simmons had some poignant thoughts on the death of George Floyd.
Ben Simmons is one of the most high-profile players in the NBA although we don’t always hear from him outside of the basketball court. Well, it appears as though the Philadelphia 76ers star is looking to change that in light of the police killing of George Floyd. Simmons is outraged by what has happened and recently, he took to Instagram where he made a statement.
In the post below, Simmons can be seen wearing an “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt along with a heartfelt caption in which he speaks about the racism in America and how it must come to an end. He is also urging everyone regardless of race to speak up against racism and police brutality.
Per Simmons:
“Witnessing the news the past few weeks & hearing the outcry has given me a lot to think about. It is time for everyone, from all walks of life, to get comfortable with voicing & calling out the uncomfortable subject of Blatant Racism that exists heavily within our society. We are ALL accountable & we shouldn’t have to revisit tragedies like George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery time & time again. 6 years ago I put on this tee shirt to show solidarity & we’re still fighting. Enough is enough.”
Simmons’ message is a strong one and we hope many of his fans and peers listen intently. This could very well be one of the greatest issues of our time.
