Police: Protest prompted by Lakers coach’s comments was peaceful, no arrests

Peaceful protest outside Staples Center

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles police say several dozen people waving signs and American flags gathered outside Staples Center before the Lakers-Phoenix Suns game in a protest over Lakers coach Phil Jackson’s refusal to criticize Arizona’s new anti-immigration law.

Officer Karen Rayner says the Monday night protest was peaceful and there were no arrests.

Among those who came were 15 Los Angeles High School students brought by their teacher, Rodney Lusain. Lusain told the Los Angeles Times he wanted his students “to see the power of protest.”

Jackson released a statement Monday in response to criticism of his comments, saying he has “respect” for those who are opposing the new law. He said he hoped his statement would not be used by either side to rally activists.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson refused to criticize Arizona’s new immigration law, triggering a backlash among activists who plan a protest outside Staples Center on Monday night.

Jackson was asked two weeks ago about a plan by the Phoenix Suns to wear their Los Suns jerseys during a playoff game on May 5, Cinco de Mayo. The immigration law spurred the Suns’ decision to use the jerseys to honor Arizona’s Latino community.

“Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard when the legislators said that ‘we just took United States immigration law and adapted it to our state?’” Jackson responded.

When the reporter suggested that Arizona had usurped federal law, Jackson corrected him. “It’s not usurping, they just copied it, is what they said they did, the legislators. Then they give it some teeth to be able to enforce it.”

The biggest questions about the law center on how it could be enforced without leading to racial profiling of Hispanics and without alienating residents in Hispanic neighborhoods with whom police have spent years trying to build trust.

The law, which is scheduled to take effect July 29, has triggered protests and prompted several cities to boycott Arizona businesses. Los Angeles is the largest of those cities.

“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,” Jackson said in a statement issued Monday.

He said he hoped his statement would not be used by either side to rally activists.

Activists want the Lakers to put on the Los Lakers jerseys they wore for a game on March 21 and in years past to honor Hispanic fans. Lakers spokesman John Black said those jerseys will not be worn during the playoffs.

“We will not be getting involved in choosing sides among our many different support groups in any debate, nor will we be getting involved in political issues of this nature,” Black said.

“Our focus and goal at this time is on basketball, winning games, and hopefully winning another championship, which we feel the vast majority of our fans want us to focus on,” he added.