Colin Cowherd: Michael Jordan’s Statement on Recent Violence ‘Doesn’t Feel Terribly Authentic’

Fox Sports personality and aspiring Dallas Cowboys PR person Colin Cowherd criticized Michael Jordan‘s statement on the recent violence between law enforcement and the African American community.

On Monday’s edition of Fox Sports 1’s Speak For Yourself — a daily talk show Cowherd co-hosts with Jason Whitlock — Cowherd said that the basketball great’s statement, and accompanying $2 million donation to charity “doesn’t feel terribly authentic.”

“It feels like brand protection,” Cowherd said. “In the city he made his career, Chicago, there’s been all kinds of opportunities to have opinions on massive gun violence. He has not.”

Co-host Whitlock agreed.

“I saw this come out, and it feels rigged,” Whitlock said. “When I look at the reaction, it feels rigged. And it feels like a total PR machine.”

This criticism has been frequently levied against Jordan over the years. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar told NPR last November that he felt Jordan “took commerce over conscience.”

But yesterday’s statement was well received by many in the sports world — including, notably, Carmelo Anthony. Anthony has been vocal about wanting his NBA peers and other athletes to use their platforms to speak out on social issues. He praised Jordan at a Monday press conference in Los Angeles.

“I thought it was brilliant and about time that he stepped up and said what he said,” Anthony said.

But Cowherd and Whitlock disagree. Watch the video above for more.

Correction: An earlier version of this post linked to unrelated video clip. The proper clip is now posted.

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