Porter’s George Floyd tweets set off social media criticism
Michael Porter Jr. said the viral video of a white Minneapolis police officer pinning George Floyd to the ground with his knee drew tears to his eyes.
“That is murder,” Porter tweeted earlier this week.
The Nuggets rookie later encouraged his followers to “pray” for both the Floyd family and the police officers involved in the 46-year-old black man’s death — a message that drew Porter a substantial amount of backlash, including from some fellow NBA players.
“As much as you pray for George family, gotta also pray for the police officer(s) who were involved in this evil. As hard as it is, pray for them instead of hate them,” Porter’s now-viral message read. “…Pray that God changes their hearts.”
Clippers guard Lou Williams, Knicks forward Maurice Harkless and Sixers wing Mike Scott all took issue with his stance.
“Somebody talk to their rook please,” Harkless’ tweet read.
Porter later responded to a handful of his critics defending his message.
“My heart is broken over this, so if prayer is the most powerful weapon in my arsenal, I’m gonna use it,” Porter wrote. “If only God can transform evil, then I’m gonna ask him to.
“If I didn’t, THAT would be dismissive.”
Porter did find at least one prominent supporter in Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons, who tweeted, “I’m praying for a lot right now. The Floyd family, Justice in America, my heart towards those who I disagree with and may not like. You’re right @MPJr we need to pray for it all.”