Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defends George Floyd protesters, says racism is deadlier than Covid-19

While George Floyd's death has resulted in thousands of Americans taking to streets to protest, many people have voiced ir opinion against protesters. Some people are focusing on people igring social distancing measures amid COVID-19 pandemic, and some think protests are too violent. However, people have defended protesters, arguing that one kws that people are going through. NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's op-ed piece for Los Angeles Times on Saturday defends protesters, explaining that se protests are a result of black Americans being pushed to ir limits. Here is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on George Floyd, protesters and racism:

Also read | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar donates 900 safety goggles to UCLA Health for COVID-19 relief

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar racism: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on George Floyd's death and protesters 

Also read | Kobe Bryant death: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar posts emotional video mess following trdy

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar racism: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on George Floyd's protesters and racism

Abdul-Jabbar compared USA to a burning building for African Americans, saying that y are 'choking on smoke as flames burn closer and closer'. He compared racism in America to dust in air, writing that 'it seems invisible -- even if you're choking on it -- until you let sun in. After that, it is everywhere,' Abdul-Jabbar wrote. 'Those who criticize looting and fires, saying that those actions are hurting protesters' cause aren't wrong, but y're t right, eir', said Los Angeles Lakers legend. 

Abdul-Jabbar explained that 'black community is used to institutional racism inherent in education, justice system and jobs'. He added that even though people 'do all conventional things to raise public and political awareness -- write articulate and insightful pieces in Atlantic, explain continued devastation on CNN, support candidates who promise change -- needle hardly budges'. NBA legend stated that maybe people are t concerned about how far away protesters are standing, but worried about ir 'sons, husbands, brors and fars', wondering if y will be murdered next instead of thinking about people stealing T-shirts or setting police station on fire. He also pointed out at number of African Americans dying from COVID-19 as compared to number of white people dying. He even mentioned President Donal Trump's tweet, which said 'when looting starts, shooting starts'. 

According to Abdul-Jabbar, black protesters are a part of community that has been 'pushed to edge, t because y want bars and nail salons open, but because y want to live. To brea'. He ended his op-ed by saying that people's perspective on situation be based on wher y are sitting in front of TV with a bowl of corn chips waiting for NCIS to begin, or wher y are living in that burning building. What he sees is t a 'rush to judgment, but a rush to justice'.

Also read | George Floyd death and George Floyd protest: Michelle Obama opens up on George Floyd protest and death

Last week, George Floyd was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota. surveillance videos showed a compliant Floyd being led away after being handcuffed for possibly trying to pass a counterfeit bill. However, a video circulated by onlookers shows Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for seven minutes while he constantly cried out for help. Chauvin igred Floyd's cries and people's protests, only stopping when Floyd was unresponsive. His death caused thousands of people to protest, seeking justice for brutal crime.

Also read | George Floyd protest: People at George Floyd protest ransack Nike store in Chicago, loot merchandise