NBA star Dwyane Wade has opened up about the recent fatal shooting of his cousin Nykea Aldridge.
In an interview with ABC News on Friday, the Chicago Bulls baller said he was left feeling conflicted after GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump used the death of his cousin as a platform for politics.
“I was grateful that it started a conversation. But on the other hand, it just left a bad taste in my mouth because of what my family is dealing with and what our city of Chicago is dealing with, and it looks like it’s being used as political gain,” Wade said.
Aldridge, a mother of four, was shot dead on Aug. 26 while pushing a stroller in the Windy City.
After news of the death made headlines, Trump took to Twitter and commented on how the death could affect the presidential election. “Dwyane Wade’s cousin was just shot and killed walking her baby in Chicago. Just what I have been saying. African-Americans will VOTE TRUMP!” he tweeted, following up with a more sensitive message. “My condolences to Dwyane Wade and his family, on the loss of Nykea Aldridge. They are in my thoughts and prayers.”
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The shooting stirred up recent discussions about gun violence in Chicago, which is Wade’s hometown.
The Li-Ning-sponsored athlete returned to the city to play for the Bulls after announcing in July that he was leaving the Miami Heat after 13 seasons with the team.
