Shumpert pledges to match steals with donations to improve police-community relations

by
David Richard / USA TODAY Sports

Becoming a father has changed Iman Shumpert's view of the world, and he wants to make it a better place for his child.

The Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard shared a photo of his infant daughter on Instagram Wednesday, Iman Tayla Shumpert Jr., saying he "can't explain" the dynamic between police and civilians to her, because while cops are supposed to protect African Americans (and all people), they instead instill fear in them.

Related: NBA players decry shooting death of Terence Crutcher

As part of a new campaign called "Steal the Fear," Shumpert pledged that for every steal he records this upcoming season, he'll donate money and time to a foundation that aims to improve police-community relations.

He has a career average of 1.3 steals per game.

The 26-year-old NBA champion also noted that while he commends Colin Kaepernick for his anthem protests to raise awareness, he no longer believes that will solve the problem.

Shump declared he wants to make a real difference and reached out to the San Francisco 49ers quarterback to join him.

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