Players around the NBA and NFL continue to use their platform to spread awareness and take a stand against the growing number of black men killed by the police. This week Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins wore a T-shirt reading “Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford III” during pregame warmups and introductions. Apparently that didn’t go over too well with the Cleveland police department.
Tamir Rice, age 12, died last month after Cleveland police shot him while he was waving a pellet gun. John Crawford III was shot in an Ohio Wal-Mart earlier this year while holding an air rifle. Both cases have drawn scrutiny because of the uncertain and questionable reasons behind the shootings.
“It’s pretty pathetic when athletes think they know the law,” said Cleveland police union head Jeff Follmer, per a local Cleveland journalist. “They should stick to what they know best on the field. The Cleveland police protect and serve the Browns stadium, and the Browns organization owes us an apology.”
The St. Louis Rams took a stand and did the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” gesture used to show solidarity and support against the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson. The St. Louis police demanded an apology as well but didn’t get one. Hopefully the Cleveland police doesn’t receive one either from Andrew Hawkins or the Cleveland Browns.
h/t Yahoo Sports
