Michael Jordan said he's "had enough" in a statement which has condemned "ingrained racism" in the United States.
The death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man whose neck was knelt on by a white police officer, has seen mass protests throughout the US.
Jordan, a six-time NBA Champion, has been criticised previously for his apparent reluctance to speak out when it comes to societal issues.
But the basketball legend has issued a statement which has called on Americans to be a "collective" as they fight "against injustice and demand accountability."
It read: “I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry. I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.
“I don’t have answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn out backs on senseless brutality.
“We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability.
"Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change. Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.
"My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd and to the countless others whose lives have been brutally and senselessly taken through acts of racism and injustice.
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged on Friday with the murder of Mr Floyd, who was 46.
