Jordan slams remarks by owner of Texans

Being a Houston native, Clippers center DeAndre Jordan said he felt compelled to speak out on Twitter about the controversial statement made by Houston Texans owner Bob McNair.

During the recent NFL owners meeting, McNair said, “We can’t have the inmates running the prison,” referring to the ongoing demonstrations by the players during the national anthem to bring awareness to social injustices.

Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins walked out of practice Friday once he was told of McNair’s comment. Though McNair apologized, several NFL and NBA players voiced their displeasure with him.

“Like, obviously I’ve heard that analogy before. But I thought it was — I could be wrong — you can’t let the prisoners take over the asylum, not the prison,” Jordan said.

“Especially in the day and age we’re in right now, it just kind of rubbed me the wrong way,” he added. “Being from Houston and a native, I felt like I had to say something. I felt it in my gut to say something.”

Jordan took to his Twitter account on Friday.

“Too late Bob. I ain’t rolling! Hopefully nobody is … even though I’m not a Texans fan, I’m from Houston and this irks me … and millions!” Jordan tweeted.

He expounded upon his feelings Saturday during the Clippers’ shoot-around in preparation for a game against Detroit at Staples Center.

“Obviously I wasn’t the only one that felt like that,” Jordan said. “Even some of their players felt that way. DeAndre Hopkins felt that way. I respect him for doing what he was doing and doing what he did. We’re going to back guys like that because at the end of the day, we’re all human.

“We all have feelings and emotions, so we’re going to stand up for what we believe in, regardless of color, it doesn’t matter.”

Jordan has shown loyalty to Houston by donating $100 for every rebound he grabs this season to help the city rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

Jordan, who leads the NBA in rebounds (18.3), had already raised $7,300 before the Pistons’ game.

“I did this because I didn’t want people to forget about it,” Jordan said.

“I did something right as everything was going on, right after. But six months later, people may forget about it, something else may happen and then people may forget about what happened,” Jordan added.

“I just want it to be an ongoing thing from me, because it’s going to take decades to rebuild that city. So I just wanted to do my part and help as much as I can,” he said.

“Obviously I’m helping a lot right now in these four games,” Jordan said. “The more I help, the more it’s going to help the city I grew up in and was raised in.”