Jaylen Brown skeptical Breonna Taylor’s killers will be charged

Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown shared his skepticism Tuesday on the odds the police who killed Breonna Taylor will be charged.

With a decision set to come soon from the local District Attorney about whether to charge the police involved in the shooting death of Louisville, Kentucky Emergency Medical Technician Breonna Taylor, the weight of being away from that particular struggle has been on Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown’s mind.

Speaking to the media during Tuesday’s availability session, the Georgia native opened up about how the case was an issue of concern for Brown.

It’s tough,” he began, “because it seems like they’re gearing up for the decision that I disagree with. We’ll see what the ultimate outcome is I guess later today.”

“But to be honest, I think that’s what is a problem,” added Brown.

“I think that’s where the disconnect is, that people don’t see an issue like the death of Breanna Taylor. And so [to] a lot of people, the issue is so evident and so clear, and I don’t see how people can miss it. So, that’s something that definitely can throw your balance off. You’re talking about balancing — that’s something that’s going on in the real world that can throw your balance off in terms of you being here, and you playing basketball and being in the playoffs because not only does that directly affect people women of color, etc.”

“You can’t help but think of … people that you’re close to that could possibly go and see similar situations and [the] outcome would be the same,” he explained.

There has been police reforms agreed to as part of the civil settlement awarded to Taylor’s family — including changes to the “No-Knock” warrants that ultimately led to her death by police shooting.

But for Brown, the double standard he sees in the representation of Taylor’s situation a problem unto itself.

“I think there was obvious wrong doing there, that’s the reason why Kentucky or Louisville banned the “No-Knock [warrants] more, because they know that that isn’t okay to just break into somebody’s house or bust in regardless of who you are, not making yourself [known as police]. You look at “Stand Your Ground” laws, I don’t see too much of a difference. Now if you’re a threat, or somebody’s breaking into your place, we look at George Zimmerman, he was commended for some of those things … and Breonna Taylor’s [case is] looked at is different.”

“So, that’s something that can definitely throw your balance off in terms of being in a bubble,” Brown suggested. “I’m curious I guess to see what the ultimate decision is, but I will not be surprised.”

While we don’t have a precise timetable for the announcement from the Kentucky District Attorney, it is expected in the next day or so — potentially sparking significant protests in the area and perhaps nationwide, depending on the outcome.

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