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Miami Heat Hoodie Photo

March 25, 2012 by · Comments Off on Miami Heat Hoodie Photo 

Miami Heat Hoodie Photo, We live in polarizing political times when so many people crave affirmation rather than information. Fox News or MSNBC? Rush Limbaugh or Ed Schultz?

The fallout for being on the “wrong side” of an issue is far more punitive than two decades ago when NBA superstar and Nike pitchman Michael Jordan refused to an endorse a Democrat’s senate campaign because “Republicans wear sneakers, too.”

So, it’s surprising and refreshing to see some NBA players, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, take such strong stands in the Trayvon Martin slaying. The shooting death of an unarmed black teen in suburban Orlando at the hands of a neighborhood crime-watch volunteer has sparked reaction from the corner tavern to the White House.

The decision of the Miami Heat to pose for a picture showing players wearing hoodies, their heads bowed, is one of the most arresting images of the Martin saga. The youngster was killed while wearing a similar garment.

Offering opinions on such social issues as race and gun control comes with the territory for legislators and political commentators. Entertainers also have a long history of joining the dialogue. But over the last 30 to 40 years, athletic superstars have evolved into human bar codes and they have been reticent to speak out on anything outside their arenas of expertise.

Yes, the Scott Fujitas and Anthony Parkers are willing to tackle sensitive subjects, but their words don’t carry the weight of a Wade or James.

“If I say something, is it really going to make national news?” said Parker, who has been critical of the authorities’ handling of the Martin case. The Cavaliers shooting guard is thrilled two of the NBA’s biggest stars have used their platforms to inject themselves into the controversy.

James linked the picture of the Heat in hoodies to his Twitter account. Another tweet included the phrases: #WeAreTrayvonMartin, #Hoodies, #Stereotyped, #WeWantJustice. James scrawled similar messages on his Nikes during Friday’s game against Detroit.

He has angered many for his decision to leave Cleveland in 2010 and his attention-seeking ways. He is part basketball player, part Kardashian. But this was an entirely different display. Good for James and good for any star athlete willing to incur public scorn to express an opinion, regardless of what side of the political aisle it falls.

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