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Jordan supports athletes using their platforms for activism

Streeter Lecka / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Michael Jordan avoided speaking out on social and political issues during his playing days, but that's changed in recent years.

As the NBA legend explained Friday in a sit-down interview with Craig Melvin of "Today," being away from the game has given him more time to educate himself on issues.

"When I was playing, my vision and my tunnel vision was my craft," Jordan said. "I was a professional basketball player and I tried to do that the best I could. Now I have more time to understand things around me, understand causes, understand issues and problems, and commit my voice, my financial support, too."

When asked what he thinks about professional athletes today using their platforms for activism, Jordan replied that he thinks "it's great."

"If they understand the causes, obviously if they feel their voice matters, great, and I support that," he said.

Jordan declined to comment on the NBA's ongoing dispute with China, citing pending litigation over the improper use of his name in the country.

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