Stephen Jackson: Kyrie bought home for George Floyd's family

Kyrie Irving expressed concern that the NBA's resumption in Orlando would distract from the social justice movement. Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Jackson says Kyrie Irving bought home for George Floyd's family

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/18/21

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving made headlines over the last week due to his extended absence from the franchise. He was even criticized after videos surfaced of him at a large family gathering where no masks were worn and social distancing didn't take place. On Monday, he made headlines for a completely different reason.

Irving recently purchased a home for the family of George Floyd, according to Stephen Jackson. The former NBA guard and close friend of the Floyd family discussed the gesture on "The Rematch" podcast.

Jackson also said that rapper Lil Wayne bought the family a Mercedes Benz and brought up Barbra Streisand giving them stock in Disney.

Floyd, who was Black, died in May 2020 after the Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for eight minutes. Floyd repeatedly told Chauvin he couldn't breathe, but the officer refused to stop kneeling on him.

Chauvin has since been charged with second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. Floyd's death and the police killing of Breonna Taylor sparked outrage across the country, resulting in nationwide protesting.

Several NBA players took part in those protests, including Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who drove 15 hours from Boston to Atlanta. Meanwhile, Irving expressed concern that the NBA's resumption in Orlando would distract from the social justice movement.

The NBA ended up allowing players to honor Floyd, Taylor and other victims of police brutality and racial injustice during the resumption. In fact, it was a focal point when the season resumed.

More must-reads: