Protesters show up at Lakers game, at the Staples Center

 

A redneck from Santa Ana, named Mark Steven, showed up to support the Arizona racial profiling law, SB 1070, at tonight’s protest against Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who recently criticized the Phoenix Suns for coming out against SB 1070.

You can see him in the video above. 

Jackson tried to backpedal, unsuccessfully, from his earlier comments with this statement, from the L.A. Times:

“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. This was the message of my statement. I know others feel differently, even in the Lakers organization, but it was a personal statement. In this regard, it is my wish that this statement not be used by either side to rally activists.”

While Jackson says he is wary of mixing sports with politics, his statement against the Suns did exactly that.  Moreover, he was seen years ago promoting Bill Bradley’s failed presidential campaign, with a button on his lapel. 

I debated this today on the Tim “Monty” Montemayor national radio show, on Sporting News Radio.  Montemayor, whose Wikipedia page says he was born here, has a Spanish surname but he is a supporter of SB 1070.  He lives in Huntington Beach and his Twitter page makes it clear he is a holy roller.  Probably a Republican.  Funny how so many born again Christians are anti-immigrants.  What would Jesus do?

Ironically, the Lakers would totally suck if not for the presence of Spanish immigrant Pau Gausol, who made them into a champion team when he came over from the Memphis Grizzlies, in a lopsided trade.


About Art Pedroza