Dozens protest Lakers coach Phil Jackson's comments on Arizona immigration law

Several dozen protesters waving signs and American flags demonstrated outside Staples Center before Monday’s Lakers-Phoenix Suns game, calling on Lakers coach Phil Jackson to denounce Arizona’s new anti-illegal immigration law.

Among those at Monday’s protest were 15 Los Angeles High School students brought by their teacher, Rodney Lusain. He teaches history to 10th- and 11-graders and said his classes are currently studying immigration and protest. Lusain said he wanted to bring his students to the demonstration “so they get to see the power of protest.”

Jackson, responding to criticism for his comments about Arizona’s crackdown on illegal immigration, released a statement Monday saying he has “respect” for those who are opposing the law.

“I’ve been involved in a number of progressive political issues over the years and I support those who stand up for their beliefs. It is what makes this country great,” he said in his statement.

“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.”

Sparking the furor are remarks made by Jackson to ESPN.com columnist J.A. Adande in which the Lakers coach seems to back the Arizona law, which makes it a state crime to lack immigration papers and requires police to determine whether people they stop are in the country illegally.

“Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard [the Legislature] say, ‘We just took the United States immigration law and adopted it to our state?’ ” Jackson said of the Arizona statute.

The Lakers coach then disputed the columnist’s assertion that the Arizona Legislature had “usurped” federal immigration law -- an allegation widely made by critics who say the law could lead to racial profiling of Latinos.

Supporters say the state law complements federal statutes and deny any intent to target Latinos.

“It’s not usurping” federal law, Jackson replied, adding that the Arizona lawmakers “gave it some teeth to be able to enforce it.”

Jackson, long known as a free spirit who in Adande’s words “has showed lefty leanings in the past,” also seems to chastise the Suns’ management for its criticism of the Arizona law.

--Robert J. Lopez at Staples Center and Patrick J. McDonnell

Photo: Michael Novick of Los Angeles, left, protests with others outside of Staples Center against Lakers coach Phil Jackson's recent comments saying that he wasn't for or against Arizona's newly passed immigration law, gets into a verbal exchange with Mark Steven of Santa Ana, who is in support of the law. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Marlena]

As of 5 pm there was a whoping 15 protestors, i.e, illegal alien criminal lovers supporting illegals who lie, cheat and steal your identity and tax dollars.

DEPORTATION, DEPORTATION, DEPORTATION, SI SE PUEDA

[Marlena]

This is the NO TRUTH ZONE - No one is allowed to tell the truth or spread the facts - otherwise the criminal lovers will come after you.

[matt]

Wow. I think these people need to get a life. Protesting over Phil's COMMENTS? Does anyone else think that's completely ridiculous? These people think free speech is something to be protested against. Protest the law, not someone's making a perfectly logical and reasonable comment on it! Unbelievable.

[i<3LA]

Several "dozen" protesters? Big turnout... NOT!
I guess they didn't have a ticket to the game... or their cable's out... lol
.... Go Lakers!

[Keith,Austin Tx]

I just hope all the illegals fleeing Az. will head to Ca. so this morally(& actually) bankrupt
state can have some more to "help"their economy. LA is overrun with latin gangs so what's a few more million candidates gonna hurt anyway? I'm also disgusted with my city's liberal council whom also chose to side with the illegal problem by boycotting AZ;I'm planning my family's summer vacation to see the Grand Canyon instead of our usual San Diego venture.

[antarez]

How sad.Millions of Illegals in California and only dozens show up.What a JOKE!!!!

[John Q]

"Teacher, Rodney Lusain teaches history to 10th- and 11-graders and said his classes are currently studying immigration and protest"?

It's too bad that Rodney Lusain couldn't have taken that time with his students to study the new Arizona law, our Constirution and critical thinking...

[John Q]

Why is it that all the epic beard guy are here in California? :)

[Randy L AZ Resident]

The priest's say it's a "moral" issue. While I really don't place anything a priest says as valid, this time I have to agree.

Illegals are immoral.

[Yoga2010]

Dozens. Wow.

[OBAMA]

ARIZONA LAW = FEDERAL LAW

[Mike]

Wow! Dozens!

[pasadena jag]

Hooray for Arizona. We need that law. Time to get rid of every slimy smelly politically correct political hack.

[starry]

This is the first time I'd heard Phil J. talk about anything other than basketball. Seems like an intelligent guy with a lot of integrity.

[Hammer]

``Several dozen.''

LOL. Nice try, L.A. Times. ESPN said there were 40 people there -- although I've yet to see a picture that shows anything more than 3 people carrying signs and about 15 standing around -- and apparently 15 of them were kids dragged along by their teacher. That's a furor? Or is the word choice an opportunity for you to continue pushing an agenda that the vast majority of Americans are rejecting?

[D. Martinez]

I totally agree with the Governor of Arizona, I wish Arnold and other polititians here in California could show the same respect for our laws as the Governor in Arizona does. And you know if Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are involved it's a going to be a circus, because those two are just a couple of race baiting CLOWNS. The same with our loser Mayor and all the other idiots who are trying to punish the good people of Arizona for protecting themselves, And follow the laws of our land. Hopefully in the next election we can clean some of the crap out of Government and return the Country to the people of America. And to all LEGAL Immagrants that wish to be here, obey our laws and be proud new American's.

[J.G. White]

Jackson, has the right to support or not support AZ immigration laws. If the federal government had been doing its job in the place we would not have this problem. Other countries enforce their immigration laws, and we should do the same. Mexico enforces their immigration laws, and no one is saying they are wrong to do so not even illegals here from Mexico.

[My opinon means nothing]

Last time I checked Phil Jackson was a couch of a basketball team. He's not involved in politics.

[Heather]

Oh, wow. You guys changed the picture away from the protesters holding the American flag upside with the swastika. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01348103bff0970c-pi

Amazing ... not really. You are the LA Times.

[Jerry Garcia]

Phil Jackson's comments reflects the lack of understanding of L.A. and California realities despite his years living in the most diverse city in the U.S. His standing among the Latino community has been greatly diminished.

[Ron]

Lakers win, idiots go away.

[lola]

"Dozens" of protestors including a high school field trip? And this is a story? Why not cover the millions of people who support the AZ law instead? That's a story.

[Andy]

Come on!!this law targets latinos, legal, illegal and citizens as well. Any body who makes the argument that this is not true either is an idiot or a bigot.

[Nero's Fiddle]

DOZENS?! And this was front-page fodder on Monday, LA Times? Oh man, I was close to re-subscribing again. I'll have to wait and see.

[Tornadoes28]

Hooray Arizona and Phil Jackson. Go home illegals.