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Bulls star Rose dons 'I can't breathe' shirt

December 6, 2014 10:08 PM

Chicago (AFP) - Chicago star Derrick Rose warmed up for the Bulls' NBA game on Saturday in a T-shirt bearing the words "I Can't Breathe" in a nod to protests denouncing the killing of Eric Garner by New York police.

"I can't breathe" were the final words gasped repeatedly by Garner, a 43-year-old father of six who died in July after a police chokehold that was caught on amateur video footage.

A coroner's report ruled Garner's death a "homicide" and his death is among a spate of killings of unarmed black men by white police officers that has sparked nationwide demonstrations.

Rose wore the T-shirt prior to the Bulls' game against the Golden State Warriors.

Former Chicago player and current ESPN commentator Jalen Rose was among those reacting to the quiet statement on Twitter.

"I respect Derrick Rose for rocking the 'I Can't Breathe' tee for warmup's," he posted.

The gesture came a day after NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson urged the country's sports stars to get involved with social issues.

"They have to because it affects them, too," Johnson said on Friday at a benefit organized by Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri to honor the late Nelson Mandela.

"They grew up in these situations; they must not forget that," Johnson said. "I hope that they would do more.