NFL, Rams Won’t Discipline Players For Ferguson Demonstrations
Prior to Week 13’s game against the Oakland Raiders, several players of the St. Louis Rams decided to make a statement on the field and join the national outrage caused by the shooting incident in Ferguson that left 18-yo Michael Brown dead. Members of the team entered the field with hands raised in a symbolic “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture used by protestors in nearby Ferguson.
The move drew criticism from the St. Louis Police Officers Association, which called the players’ statement “a display that police officers around the nation found tasteless, offensive and inflammatory.” The association asked is asking the team take some action and discipline its players, and for the NFL to deliver “a public apology.”
But despite what the local police have to say about the Rams, the NFL won’t issue an apology. While the NFL tries to maintain strict control of everything players do on the field, the league also seeks to remain apolitical and minimize individual statements of belief while on the field.
“We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation” Brian McCarthy, NFL VP of Communications, said in a statement.
In addition, the Rams informed that they will not be fining any of the players involved in the act. Tight end Jared Cook said the team simply wanted to show solidarity with protesters, and added that his family members went to Ferguson last week and reported back to him what they saw. The Rams join many other athletes and sports celebrities that have made public statements about the situation in Ferguson and that wanted to express their opinion on this matter.
“We kind of came collectively together and decided we wanted to do something. We haven’t been able to go down to Ferguson to do anything because we have been busy. Secondly, it’s kind of dangerous down there and none of us want to get caught up in anything. So we wanted to come out and show our respect to the protests and the people who have been doing a heck of a job around the world.” tight end Jared Cook said.
