'I can't breathe' shirts sported by NBA, NFL stars in support of George Floyd protests

tragic murder of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American, by a police officer in Minneapolis brought back  memories of 2014 death of Eric Garner - ar unarmed African-American who fell victim to police brutality. Despite an almost six-year gap between two incidents, death of two men feels more relevant than ever. George Floyd protests in United States are a result of frustration and anger among masses reaching boiling point after multiple incidents of racial injustice in US. deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor in 2020, all have two things in common - trio was African-American and was killed by a current or former member of police force.

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Amid nation-wide protests in US, NBA and NFL players have also shown ir support for cause. Many have reposted ir photos wearing 'I can't brea shirt' as a sign of protest against unjust killing of George Floyd. likes of NBA stars like late-Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Derrick Rose wore 'I can't brea shirt' in 2014 as a protest against death of Eric Garner. w in 2020, posts are once again headlining social media in aftermath of death of Floyd.

'I can't brea shirt' made its way from 2014 to 2020:

George Floyd I can't brea shirt: Drawing parallels to death of Eric Garner

On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner died in New York, after NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo put him in a chokehold while arresting him. incident was recorded by Ramsey Orta, a friend of Garner, on his cell phone. Garner, who was allegedly accused of selling loose cigarettes without tax stamps, got involved in a tussle with Pantaleo after latter attempted to handcuff him. tussle resulted in Garner being put in a chokehold for several minutes. Eric Garner repeatedly pleaded to be released by  officer. video captured showed Garner saying, "I can't brea," 11 times. Garner later died in hospital after having a heart attack on his way to same.

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Fast forward to 2020 and as per reports, George Floyd's death had a similar pattern while repeatedly pleading 'I can't brea' to police officer Derek Chauvin. video recorded by a bystander saw Chauvin pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for several minutes. Just like Garner, Floyd passed away while panting 'I can't brea.'

Why did Kobe wear I can't brea shirt? NBA, NFL stars protest against racial injustice

NBA preseason ahead of 2014-15 season saw likes of Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and several players don 'I can't brea shirt' as a protest against ruthless murder of Garner. Kobe Bryant wore that t-shirt ahead of  Lakers' game against Sacramento Kings in 2014. Several players in NFL like running back Reggie Bush and former guard Davin Joseph also donned shirts and boots with mess 'I can't brea'.

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Floyd's death has once again spurred return of 'I can't brea shirts' as a sign of protest. Last week, Lakers star LeBron James began movement when he shared his 2014 photo wearing that t-shirt to Instagram. Subsequently, Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant, shared picture of Kobe wearing t-shirt. Thousands of protestors across major cities in United States have conducted peaceful marches signs of 'I can't brea' and 'Black Lives Matter'. Blackout Tuesday was social movement conducted earlier this week, which was supported by athletes and celebrities across globe. 

Also Read | Vanessa Bryant Posts Kobe's 'I Can't Brea' Photo In Wake Of George Floyd Protests