Boston Celtics star Enes Kanter called out Michael Jordan on Sunday, accusing the retired NBA player of doing "nothing" for the Black community in the U.S. but give them money.
During an appearance on CNN, the Turkish NBA player, who has made headlines for his continued criticism of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) human rights abuses, took aim at Jordan.
Kanter accused the 59-year-old of not doing enough to assist the Black community.
"Not many people are talking about Michael Jordan," Kanter began. "Michael Jordan hasn't done anything, nothing, for the Black community in America besides just, you know, giving them money.
"I feel like we need to call out these athletes. At least LeBron James is going out there and being the voice of all those people who are oppressed in America," he added.
Shortly later, Kanter again said that he believes Jordan "has not done anything for the Black community."
He charged that this is "because he cares too much about his shoe sales all over the world and America."
Kanter added: "I feel like we need to call out these athletes and not be scared about who they are."
Newsweek has reached out to representatives for Jordan for comment.
Last month, Kanter called out sportswear giant Nike for remaining "silent" on the CCP's human rights record.
"Dear @Nike Stop the modern day SLAVERY, now!!! #HypocriteNike #EndUyghurForcedLabor," Kanter said on Twitter last month.
His comments came after Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida accused Nike of turning a blind eye to forced labor allegations in China.
Western lawmakers, rights groups and analysts say up to one million Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities held in China's northwestern region are being subject to forced labor.
"Your company says that you're making a positive impact in our communities," Kanter said last month. "But when it comes to China, Nike remains silent."
"You are scared to speak up," Kanter added. "Who makes your shoes in China? Do you even know? There are so many forced labor factories in China.
"For instance, Uyghur forced labor. A modern-day slavery. And it is happening right now in China ..."
"Did you know that almost the entire apparel and footwear industry is tainted by Uyghur forced labor? Many well-known global brands are implicated. And yes, that includes one of the NBA's biggest sponsors, Nike."
In June, the sportswear brand's chief executive John Donahoe said the company is a "brand that is of China."
Newsweek has contacted the NBA for additional comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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