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

[jaxmeov]

Get a life, losers! If you really want to be effective with your protests, go to the Arizona Statehouse and protest there - at the scene of the crime. And leave Coach Jackson alone...someone asked him for his opinion and he gave it. This is America, and the last time I checked, every American has the right to voice their own opinion, especially when he was responding to a question.

Or are you too afraid to go to Arizona to protest?

Thought so.

[Altatension]

There were only about 10 to 15 'protesters' NOT dozens!.
Where were the so called organizers?? I bet they were either inside watching the game or at a local sport's bar zipping arizona long island teas.

[Ezequiel]

BOOOOOOOOOOOO Jackson BOOOOOOOOOOO

[David R]

Phil Jackson is right! All the way around.

[Verballistic]

The text of this slanted article totally twists the truth when it says protesters carried "American flags" without mentioning the fact that many were DEFACED American flags, as illustrated by the video accompanying a similar article in the Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/05/emotions-flare-at-lakers-game-protest.html

[keith askew]

I find it truly amazing that these activists have the nerve to knit-pick at the Laker game but yet Latinos are killing each other, dying at the hands of other Latinos in these streets every night and yet I don't see Nativo Lopez protesting Latino gang violence. I don't see Lopez protesting Latino violence towards other citizens including innocent blacks. Can I get a witness ? Anyone? WHERE ARE YOU LA RAZA? MAPA? MALDEF?

[jagexxx]

This is so weird. They want his opinion, and if it's the wrong one, they protest!

He's only a celebrity because he coaches a team and a game he loves. He does it quite well. Other than that he's just a guy who really doesn't want to give his opinion on this, it seems. Leave him alone.

Why should the public give a hoot about his politics?

[Lakers fan]

All of you that support Arizona new law are the same racist that did honor MLK day in AZ. This is how the Nazi started. Stop the political racism

[BCPatriot]

Obviously the author(s) hasn't read the law either... stating that the law "makes it a state crime to lack immigration papers and requires police to determine whether people they stop are in the country illegally."... do your homework dumbass... I'll even make it easy for you, here is the link. http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.htm

[carlos soli]

To those ignorants narrow-minded who use bigotry and enjoy to bully others, READ THE FACTS before you speak!

Many reports suggest that undocumented people commit more crime, do not pay an equitable share of taxes, use excessive social services and are an economic drain. None of this is true, according to research by the National Research Council and the President's Council of Economic Advisers, but it does not matter because long-held beliefs and prejudices are impervious to evidence.

published by David L. Altheide is regents' professor at Arizona State University

[Louweegie272]

Who cares what a basketball coach thinks? Our local politicians and news outlets are clearly pro amnesty/big business. They will bang any drum to get that point across.

[Melissa]

I am American of Mexican descent and live in Phoenix, AZ and millions of us Hispanics SUPPORT the law. It is very sad and disappointing that LA City Council and LA County have decided to boycott another AMERICAN state to support unlawful behavior. When did it become okay to choose the laws we obey in our country? Immigration is wonderful, but do it LEGALLY. AZ's new Immigration Law is about securing our borders (entryway to drugs that go to California too), utilizing our LIMITED resources (water), spreading the expenses of our social services (public education, health services, etc), and controlling our population growth. It is a sad reflection that LA's politicians fail to see the depth of this issue and side with illegal activity.

If you support Arizona law, we invite you to visit our state this summer vacation and throughout the year (72 degrees 9 months year). Spend money here, help us save our economy. And vote your radical Mayor, City Council, and County Supervisors out of office.

If you support LEGAL immigration