Damian Lillard defends police brutality stance on Twitter
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard explained some of his frustrations with respect to police brutality and the death of George Floyd last Monday in Minneapolis.
Lillard wondered why police–especially in Floyd’s case–are allowed to be the aggressors and “attack” common citizens even without provocation.
If you attack the police then they have the right/reason to arrest you… but when the police attack YOU then you have the right to lay down and beg for your life? …
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 6, 2020
One particular individual attempted to say Damian Lillard’s statement was a “reach” because of Floyd’s purported illegal activity. But Lillard said the act was no excuse for Floyd losing his life.
He could have done it 20 times. That don’t give a reason to kill him. And this is only one example. Let’s not go down the list. If you think all of this is behind one black mans life you been under a rock … https://t.co/nn2Baza607
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 7, 2020
Another commenter came to Lillard’s aid, however, saying the idea of police as “judge, jury and executioner” is counterintuitive to the idea that police are meant to “serve and protect.”
Exactly . https://t.co/SvZghwG61d
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 7, 2020