Michael Jordan is notorious for avoiding anything political.

"Republicans buy sneakers too," MJ allegedly said when asked why he declined to support Harvey Gantt -- a black Democrat and former mayor of Charlotte -- in his 1990 senate race against arch conservative Jesse Helms.

Which is why it's significant that Jordan just weighed in on the recent spate of police violence.

In an essay titled 'I Can No Longer Stay Silent," MJ expressed outrage at both the recent killings of black men by police, and of police by black men.

As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well," he starts. I have seen up close the dedication of the law enforcement officers who protect me and my family. I have the greatest respect for their sacrifice and service. I also recognize that for many people of color their experiences with law enforcement have been different than mine."

What do you think of MJ's words and deeds?