Phil Jackson's Immigration Stance Draws Protest

(AP)  Several dozen people waving signs and American flags gathered outside Staples Center before the Lakers-Phoenix Suns game in a protest over Lakers coach Phil Jackson 's refusal to criticize Arizona's new anti-immigration law, Los Angeles police said Monday.

The protest was peaceful and there were no arrests, Officer Karen Rayner said.

Among those who came were 15 Los Angeles High School students brought by their teacher, Rodney Lusain. Lusain told the Los Angeles Times he wanted his students "to see the power of protest."

Jackson was asked two weeks ago about a plan by the Phoenix Suns to wear their Los Suns jerseys during a playoff game on May 5, Cinco de Mayo. The state's immigration law spurred the Suns' decision to use the jerseys to honor Arizona's Latino community.

"Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard when the legislators said that 'we just took United States immigration law and adapted it to our state?"' Jackson responded.

When the reporter suggested that Arizona had usurped federal law, Jackson corrected him. "It's not usurping, they just copied it, is what they said they did, the legislators. Then they give it some teeth to be able to enforce it."

The biggest questions about the law center on how it could be enforced without leading to racial profiling of Hispanics and without alienating residents in Hispanic neighborhoods with whom police have spent years trying to build trust.

The law, which is scheduled to take effect July 29, has triggered protests and prompted several cities to boycott Arizona businesses. Los Angeles is the largest of those cities.

"I have respect for those who oppose the new Arizona immigration law, but I am wary of putting entire sports organizations in the middle of political controversies," Jackson said in a statement issued Monday.

He said he hoped his statement would not be used by either side to rally activists.

Activists want the Lakers to put on the Los Lakers jerseys they wore for a game on March 21 and in years past to honor Hispanic fans. Lakers spokesman John Black said those jerseys will not be worn during the playoffs.

"We will not be getting involved in choosing sides among our many different support groups in any debate, nor will we be getting involved in political issues of this nature," Black said.

"Our focus and goal at this time is on basketball, winning games, and hopefully winning another championship, which we feel the vast majority of our fans want us to focus on," he added.

[imthaid]

"Lusain told the Los Angeles Times he wanted his students "to see the power of protest." "

A "few dozen" people is NOT a protest. It is a handful of unemployed, drunken morons who have no other place to hang out. Of course the Suns won't take a stance on ANY issue. They would risk losing fans. Money overlooks a lot of civil rights abuses.

[-SkirtLifter-]

by DaVicar8 May 18, 2010 12:57 PM EDT
America was named after Amerigo Vespucci . . . which makes us all Italians.
___________
lol

welcome back Vic, I've missed your obtuse sense of humor...

[diamruby]

Hopefully all the rest of the illegals will go to LA since they want them there. The protesters are not Americans & should be sent with the illegals back to their homelands. The illegals do not want to obey the laws of our country that is why they are here & flaunting it in our face. What is wrong with our government that they allow these illegals to be here & ruin our country. The American people want the immigration laws strickly enforced & have voted for it, yet farmers & other employers continue to employ them under the table therefore they should also be charged as criminals. Americans should also stop buying all Mexican products, going to their restaurants etc. Until politicians start working for the American people instead of running for a party to get rich we are going to be fighting for our rights as Americans.

[sunday42]

Finally some one in the politicosport world that knows what he is talking about. This law is a carbon copy of the federal law. The problem is the federal government refuses to enforce it's own laws. Enforcement by choice. Arizona can no longer stand to be the countrys dumping ground for ILLEGAL immigrants.

[lovethiscountry]

I never thought I would see the day, but we are living in the US with a government controlled media. I have not yet heard one main-street media announcer talking about this issue report factual information. If they would have said right at the beginning it is the same as our Federal Law with even more added to make sure the police cannot profile this would not have still been talked about.

Our current Administration (who never seem to know the facts), other political groups and the media have kept this fire burning. THE PRICE WE PAY FOR THEM TO GET VOTES!!

[FauxNews]

Now they are importing protestors from LA. They must be running out of illegals.

[-SkirtLifter-]

I've heard the arguments on both sides of this issue ... and actually ... I'm surprised this is an issue. We're all Americans, right? North, Central & South Americans? Can't we all just get along? There is plenty for all right here in the USA. The middle class of the USA can support the Americas, right? We are the land of plenty, right? Other nations have borders but borders are so pass?. We have immigration laws but ... do we really need to enforce them? Give us your huddled masses, right? Why don't we simply encourage EVERY poor, 3rd worlder, to immigrate at once. We wouldn't be labeled "racist" if we took 'em all! Heck, a couple of BILLION landing here all at once, how cool would that be? Break out the BBQ's it's gunna be a helluva party! No racism, no laws, just utopia and love for all ... how wonderful is THAT?...?...

[DaVicar8]

America was named after Amerigo Vespucci . . . which makes us all Italians.

[jd2408]

I am beginning to believe those who claim Corporate America and our government want totally open borders with free flow of people, services, and products similar to the EU are right. That may just be whats going on here.

[jd2408]

Since when can't a person express their opinion without receiving all the negative press that this man has had to put up with. It has gotten to the point when you express an honest opinion that the Corporate media does not hold then you are harassed. Do you want all of us that agree with him and Arizona to take to the streets and march with our signs ? What happened to freedom of speech ?

[betterusa]

If You Cross The North Korean Border Illegally You Get 12 Years Hard Labor.
If You Cross The Iranian Border Illegally You Are Detained Indefinitely.
If You Cross The Afghan Border Illegally, You Get Shot.
If You Cross The Saudi Arabian Border Illegally You Will Be Jailed.
If You Cross The Chinese Border Illegally You May Never Be Heard From Again.
If You Cross The Venezuelan Border Illegally You Will Be Branded A Spy And Your Fate Will Be Sealed.
If You Cross The Cuban Border Illegally You Will Be Thrown Into Political Prison To Rot.

If You Cross Our U.S. Border Illegally You Get. . .
A Job, A Driver?s License, Social Security Card, Welfare, Food Stamps, Credit Cards, Subsidized Rent or a Loan to Buy a House, Free Education, Free Health Care, A Lobbyist in Washington, Billions of Dollars worth of Public Documents Printed in Your Language, and The Right to Carry Your Country's Flag While You Protest That You Don't Get Enough Respect.

I Just Wanted To Make Sure You All Had A Firm Grasp on the Situation Here In America.

[sddrepublican]

Phil Jackson is saying what the majority of Arizona is saying. I do not think we can condemn Arizona for trying to protect their families, property and jobs. I used to live in Arizona and still have family that do. They are sick of the illegals getting state aid and housing while the taxpayers pay for it. Us other taxpayers have been getting stuck with Mr. Obama's illegal aunt's expenses. She is now legal thanks to a judges ruling, however she has had about 6 years of living free of charge in assisted housing, thanks to us citzens. How does that make you feel? I feel betrayed by our President. Is Mr. Obama paying for his aunt's attorney or are we the taxpayers getting stuck with that bill. I doubt the attorney is providing his services pro bono.