Enes Kanter Freedom has been in a bit of a rush lately, and hasn’t been shy about calling out the biggest names in basketball – Michael Jordan and LeBron James. However, the recent rhetoric against Michael Jordan didn’t go well with Shaquille O’Neal, and he’s given part of his mind to Freedom.
Lance Kanter’s freedom against the world
Kanter has been outspoken in his stance on social issues, some of which garnered support from Gregg Popovich, while others angered his fellow players. As someone who has not returned home due to legitimate security concerns, Anis knows what he’s talking about. He has attacked Nike for forced slavery, he has attacked LeBron James for his reluctance to be more active in vaccination campaigns, and Michael Jordan for his lack of contribution to the black community. The Boston Celtics called up MJ and claimed the Chicago Bulls legend needed to do more than focus on selling his shoes.
“Michael Jordan has done nothing for the black community because he cares so much about his shoe sales around the world and in America, and I feel like we need to call upon these athletes and not be afraid of who they are.”
Anais Kanter Freedom, CNN
This rant prompted Shaq to respond to his big podcast. O’Neal is clearly more protective of MJ than he is of LeBron.
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“I understand your meat with LeBron, but don’t talk about what Mike does to the black community. I don’t know his name, I don’t memorize his name, I don’t give anything that changes his name to.”
Shaquille O’Neal, The Great Podcast
MJ’s contribution to the black community
It’s easy to say that MJ isn’t supportive enough towards the social issues the black community has faced in recent years because he chose to do his own thing away from the spotlight or social media, but Jordan did his part.
He may not be like LeBron James, who actively supported the Black Lives Matter movement, but when he was with Nike, MJ made sure the majority of the Jordan brand’s executives were black, according to Scoop Jackson.
In 2020, the former UNC star donated $100 million to support various black community organizations focused on social justice, economic justice, education and outreach. Mike has also donated millions to hurricane relief and health clinics in the past. Saying that the Hornets CEO didn’t do enough isn’t true: He helped Jordan, but he did it his own way and with a bit of PR.
Kanter is fighting for a good cause, but he needs to do his homework.