PHOTO: Pietrus Places Airbus Victims on Shoe

When he heard about the tragedy, Pietrus was devastated, and wanted to help the families. He gave donations and put ‘AF 447’ on his shoes.

Sports personalities often show various symbolic messages dedicated to somebody they care about. However, they must be creative, because the rules most often prohibit covering certain parts of their jerseys, or wearing additional clothing.

For example, footballers are no longer allowed to raise their jersey during celebrations, unless they want to get a yellow card. With this they are limited as far as messages are concerned. Basketball players have a similar situation, but they are most often quite large, like their feet, so they use their shoes for messages.

The Orlando Magic player Mickael Pietrus did this, who is from the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. Because the island is under French jurisdiction, he started his career in Pau Orthez, and then went to the NBA league. Of course, he is linked to France and to the French.

When he heard about the Airbus tragedy, he was devastated, and wanted to help the families in any way. He gave some donations to the victims fund, and to honour the casualties, he worse the sign ‘AF 447’ on his shoes.

He soon became the centre of attention, and many who did not know exactly what it was, now know, and in informing people his aim has been fulfilled, the victims will not be forgotten as long as the NBA finals last. The LA Lakers are currently leading 2:1 in a series that is played according to four matches won.

Take a look at the photo gallery: Mickael Pietrus Honours Crash Victims With Shoes.