The Las Vegas Raiders became the target of intense mockery and scorn on social media on Tuesday over the organization’s reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict. Chauvin was found guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd, who was killed last May, and countless athletes sounded off on the verdict, including Lakers star LeBron James.
The Raiders, however, at the direction of owner Mark Davis, issued a remarkably tone-deaf bit of branding, with the words “I Can Breathe” and the date of the verdict above a Raiders logo. Unsurprisingly, many fans were upset, and the Raiders’ tweet received more than 30,000 direct responses.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 20, 2021
Davis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the tweet was his, and he takes full responsibility for it. Davis explained that he was inspired by a quote from Floyd’s brother, Philonise.
Via the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“I was driving home from a meeting (Tuesday) when the verdict came in. Soon after, I was listening to George Floyd’s brother, Philonise, speak. And he said, ‘Today, we are able to breathe again.’ I took my lead from him. In my mind, that was all I needed to say — ‘I can breathe.’”
LeBron James couldn’t believe the tweet when he saw it: “This is real????”
This is real???? Nah man this ain’t it at all. The F^%K!!!! 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/f44D7OQWfo
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 21, 2021
