Jordan seeks bridge between blacks, police

NBA legend speaks out, donates $2 million in trust-building effort

Michael Jordan finally spoke out Monday about racial tensions in America in hopes of easing conflicts between blacks and law enforcement.

The NBA great and Charlotte Hornets owner announced he is giving $1 million to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and another $1 million to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The aim is to help build trust following several shootings around the country.

“As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers,” Jordan said in a statement. “I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.”

Jordan’s father was killed in 1993 in a botched carjacking in North Carolina. Daniel Green and his friend Larry Demery were convicted of killing 56-yearold James Jordan along U.S. 74 and dumping his body in South Carolina. Both were sentenced to life in prison.

The high-profile Jordan has been notoriously silent over the years when it comes to his opinions on politics or social justice issues, which has drawn some criticism.

But he said Monday he “can no longer stay silent” on the issue.

Jordan said he chose the Institute for Community-Police Relations because its policy and oversight work is focused on building trust and promoting best practices in community policing. He gave to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s oldest civil rights law organization, to support its work in support of reforms aimed at building trust and respect between communities and law enforcement.

Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue has agreed to a five-year contract with the Cavaliers, according to multiple sources. The Vertical reported the deal is worth $35 million and ESPN reported the first four years are fully guaranteed. Lue, who took over in January when David Blatt was fired, led the Cavs to the city’s first major professional sports championship since 1964.

Shooting guard CJ McCollum agreed to a fouryear, $106 million contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, a person familiar with the deal said.

Shooting guard Dion Waiters and the Miami Heat were finalizing a one-year contract worth $2.9 million, two people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Motor sports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. warned Monday that his return to NASCAR could take longer than planned. NASCAR’s most popular driver is scheduled to miss his third consecutive race this Sunday with concussion-like symptoms. On his weekly podcast, he said he will have another evaluation soon to see “what kind of gains we’ve made and get in front of my doctors, and let them tell me where they think I’m at and that will help us make the decision on what we’re going to do for Watkins Glen.”

Jeff Gordon came out of retirement to drive for Earnhardt on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Gordon will race the No. 88 car again this weekend at Pocono.

Baseball

Dylan Davis hit a threerun homer in the first inning Monday, and the San Jose Giants went on to beat the Bakersfield Blaze 4-1. Mark Reyes (8-4) struck out six in seven innings, and Reyes Moronta pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.