James Harden was supposed to wear his Harden Vol. 1 that read “FREE MEEK” across the upper when the Houston Rockets visited the Boston Celtics on Thursday, but it turns out he went with another Kickstradomis custom.
James Harden didn’t wear custom sneakers supporting Meek Mill after rapper’s prison sentence
Still, his message was heard loud and clear.
Still, by posting the custom shoes Harden joined in doing so a growing list of athletes and celebrities who have vocally supported rapper Meek Mill, who was sentenced to two to four years in prison in early November.
This is the first time Harden has worn sneakers with a custom message. The phrase “Free Meek” or #FreeMeek has spread in support of the popular hip hop artist, who is signed to Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group.
On Wednesday, Harden visited Meek Mill in prison and posted this to his Instagram story.
Mill is serving his current sentence for violation of his probation after a gun and drug case when Mill was 18. Earlier this year, he was charged with reckless endangerment for popping wheelies on a dirt bike, and he was also charged with assault after getting into a fight. Mill’s legal team has argued that his 10-year probation from an incident almost a decade ago was excessive and atypical, and that the judge went against the wishes of the district attorney, who recommended “no incarceration for technical violations,” according to CNN’s Deena Zaru.
Many hip hop artists such as Jay Z, Rick Ross, and even former rival Drake have rallied to his cause, as well as athletes such as LeBron James. Harden has had Meek Mill perform at birthday parties and the two participated in a charity basketball game together this summer, per ESPN.
Meek Mill’s case has not only led to an outpouring of support for the Philadelphia-born rapper, but it has also re-opened a long standing debate around criminal justice reform. In November, a rally was held where community leaders such as former 76ers legend Julius Erving and Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins took to the podium outside the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia.
Two attempts to appeal Mill’s case have been denied so far.
