Over the weekend, five St. Louis Rams players help their hands up in the “Hands Up Don’t Shoot” pose that has become virtually synonymous with the Ferguson protests. Their apparent solidarity with the protestors raised the ire of the St. Louis Police Officers Association, who released a surprisingly scathing statement, condemning the players, expressing “profound” disappointment, demanding they be disciplined for their actions and stating that “it is unthinkable that hometown athletes would so publicly perpetuate a narrative that has been disproven over-and-over again.”
“I know that there are those that will say that these players are simply exercising their First Amendment rights. Well I’ve got news for people who think that way, cops have first amendment rights too, and we plan to exercise ours. I’d remind the NFL and their players that it is not the violent thugs burning down buildings that buy their advertiser’s products. It’s cops and the good people of St. Louis and other NFL towns that do.
The NFL has said the players will not be fined for their actions. The full letter can be read here …
