Dwyane Wades focus is on more than basketball as he returns to Chicago to play for his hometown?Bulls.In an interview with ABCs Good Morning America that aired Friday morning, Wade said he hopes to help bring change to a city that has been hit hard by violence this year.My purpose for being back in the city is bigger than basketball. Basketball is a big part of it, of course; its what I do for a living, said Wade, who signed last month with the Bulls. But I think my purpose at the end of the day hopefully is to come to Chicago and be a part, be a voice that can help bring people together.The violence has hit close to home for Wade. His cousin Nykea Aldridge, 32, was killed when two men walked up and fired shots at a third man on Chicagos South Side at about 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 26. Police say Aldridge, who was pushing a baby in a stroller, was not the intended target.Wade and his mother were part of a series of panel discussions on gun violence hosted a day earlier by The Undefeated on ESPN. Wade grew up in a South Side Chicago house headed by his mother, who was then a drug dealer. Jolinda Wade gave up drugs and turned her life around after being released from prison in 2003.Were coming off doing the town hall meeting, literally the night before. My mothers on the panel, were using our voice, using our platform to shed some light on the city of Chicago for others to look in and see how we can all help and all come together, and hours later one of my family members is killed, Wade said. For me its tough. I want my family to grieve in private, but my name is attached to it.More than 2,700 people have been shot in Chicago this year, mainly on the South and West sides. With 449 killings in 2016 as of the end of August, Chicago is on pace to record its largest number of homicides since 1997, when 761 people were killed in the city. Its homicide rate is higher than that of New York and Los Angeles -- combined.Chicago Police have charged brothers Darwin and Derren Sorrells with first-degree murder in Aldridges death.Derren Sorrells, 22, is a documented member of the Gangster Disciples and currently is on parole, according to Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. Darwin Sorrells, 26, also is on parole for a gun charge, according to Guglielmi.Wade said tougher gun laws will actually help the police, and he continues to have partnerships with law enforcement.On Sept. 17, Wade will hold an event in Miami to promote cycling safety and unity in the community -- and City of Miami Police officers plan to join Wade on the 6-mile bike ride to support the initiative.They are fighting a war, Wade said of Chicago police. And they can do a lot better, but they can get more help, as well, to do better. Theres other cities that have way tougher gun laws. We have weak gun laws.The Chicago Police Department released a statement in response to Wades call for tougher gun laws, saying officers are waging an unwavering fight against criminals but need help.The statement from Guglielmi says making the city safer will depend on strong partnerships with the community. He said the fight against violent offenders who torment neighborhoods with gun violence is unwavering and added that police need help to ensure these individuals stay off our streets after repeated arrests for guns.Wade also talked about how nationwide violence, which has included police-related shootings of African-Americans, has affected his sons, ages 14, 9 and 2.You try to tell them right from wrong, but then they come back to you and say, But Dad, kids are being killed by police officers. I thought you said police officers are safe. Thats where we should feel comfortable, Wade said.My boys are afraid of police the same way I was growing up, and not all police, obviously, but you know my boys hear everything thats going on in the world and all the harassment, all the murders thats going on and they pose the question back to me. And what answer do I have for them?While Wade said he doesnt have all the answers on how to solve Chicagos issues, he is willing to do what he can to help spark change.Now Im back in the city of Chicago -- Im back for a reason, Wade said. I played 13 years in Miami. Now Im back in the city, let me see what I can do as one person to help lend my voice and help shed light on the tragedy thats going on and find a solution to start the process of making change.The Associated Press contributed to this report. Greg Swindell Jersey . -- Running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings were back at practice for the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday despite being hampered by hamstring injuries. Chris Young Jersey . The 31-year-old Spain midfielder hasnt played since Madrid lost in the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid in May due to back and foot injuries. https://www.cheapdiamondbacksjerseys.us/1478l-taylor-clarke-jersey-diamondbacks.html . 10 VCU 85-67 on Thursday night at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Seminoles (4-0) have scored at least 80 points in each of their games. Paul Goldschmidt Jersey . Calgary scored on the first shift, and Michael Cammalleri scored twice as the Flames cruised to a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Randy Johnson Jersey . Olli Jokinen, Mark Scheifele, and Bryan Little each had a goal and an assist as Winnipeg won 5-2, handing Calgary its record-setting seventh consecutive loss on home ice.Max Verstappen has given short shrift to Sebastian Vettels radio meltdown during the Mexican GP, describing the Ferrari driver as a very frustrated guy. Enraged at Verstappens refusal to give up track position after the Red Bull ran off track, a furious Vettel turned the airwaves blue as he vented his anger towards Verstappen.When the paired crossed the line, Vettel drew up alongside Verstappen to wag his finger at the teenager before the stewards imposed a five-second penalty against the Dutchman. That decision promoted Vettel to third only for the German to then be demoted to fifth several hours later by the stewards for blocking Daniel Ricciardo. I think he needs to go back to school, Verstappen told Sky F1. Its just ridiculous. I will speak to him. He is always frustrated. He is just a very frustrated guy.Vettel demoted to fifth by Mexican GP stewardsQuestioning the fairness of the penalty meted out against him, Verstappen added: Lewis [Hamilton] gained a massive advantage [at the start] and Nico went off and gained an advantage.I didnt gain an advantage. When I came back on track I was the same length in front so I think its ridiculous. Ferraris Sebastian Vettel became increasingly frustrated and let rip a barrage of expletive laden radio messages throughout the Mexican GP The Red Bull driver also ecchoed the sentiments of Ricciardo, his Red Bull team-mate, in arguing Vettel deserved a penalty.ddddddddddddhe stewards later agreed with the Red Bull drivers assessment, handing down a 10-second penalty against Vettel and demoting him back behind Verstappen while promoting the Australian to third.Its ridiculous what he did, said Verstappen. Daniel was alongside him and he just turned into him.The 19-year-old later tweeted: A great race with a ridiculous end. I fully accept that there are rules, but they should apply the same for everybody.Meanwhile, before facing the stewards investigation into his clash with Ricciardo, Vettel said of Verstappen: I like him in general but some of the moves on track need to calm down. Paul di Resta looks at why Max Verstappen picked up a 5 second penalty, which meant Ferraris Sebastian Vettel was promoted to third place Dont miss The F1 Reports review of the Mexican GP at 8.30pm on Wednesday on Sky Sports F1. British GP2, and Renault development, driver Oliver Rowland join Natalie Pinkham and Marc Priestley. Also See: The Formula 1 Gossip Column Watch Sky F1 on NOW TV Vettels Mexico radio meltdown Hamilton keeps title bid alive ' ' '