Enes Kanter is moving on from LeBron to MJ.
On CNN Sunday, Kanter, who made news last week for wearing custom shoes that call out LeBron James’ business relationships with Nike and China, brought up Michael Jorden when explaining why he’s decided to publicly air his grievances against James.
“Not many people are talking about Michael Jordan,” Kanter said. “Michael Jordan hasn’t done anything, nothing, for the Black community in America besides just, you know, giving them money.”
Wow: that is quite the claim. While Jordan was known for his apolitical demeanor as a player — “Republicans buy sneakers too” — it’s just wrong to say he’s “done nothing for the Black community.” Last year, Jordan donated $100 million to racial justice efforts. Kanter may define that as “just giving money,” but all of that money goes towards programs making tangible differences on the ground.
Jordan also has a history of hiring Black people for prominent positions. As a business mogul — and the only Black principal owner in the five major North American leagues — Jordan is in a unique position to provide the opportunities that are so often talked about. Jordan Brand, for example, is the only division inside of Nike that’s had multiple Black presidents.
ESPN’s Scoop Jackson highlighted Jordan’s efforts in the business world in a 2014 piece: “Jordan contributes to Black issues.”
James responded to Kanter’s claims about him over the weekend, saying the veteran big man isn't worthy of his energy.
Kanter has been a vociferous critic for years of the authoritarian regime in his native Turkey, putting his own life in danger. Turkish prosecutors have put out nine international arrest warrants for the veteran.
In recent months, Kanter has often spoken out against the Chinese government’s human rights abuses. Chinese state TV cut Celtics games earlier this season due to Kanter’s criticisms.
“I feel like we need to call out these athletes,” Kanter said. “At least LeBron James is going out there and being the voice of all those people who are oppressed in America. Michael Jordan has not done anything for the Black community because he cares too much about his shoe sales all over the world and America, and I feel like we need to call out these athletes and not be scared about who they are.”
Kanter is right about that. But in this case, he’s targeting the wrong person.