DeSean Jackson Wears Cleats Wrapped In Police Caution Tape During Pregame Warmups
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBS) -- Former Philadelphia Eagles star and current Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson is the latest NFL player to use his celebrity status to stir the discussion about "the senseless killings of both civilians and police officers."
During warmups on Sunday, ahead of the Redskins' game against the Cleveland Browns, Jackson took the field wearing a pair of cleats wrapped with police caution tape.
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In a statement released by the Redskins, Jackson explained his actions.
"Today is the start of my attempts to be part of a solution and start dialogue about the senseless killings of both citizens and police," he said. "I have chosen to wear these cleats in pregame today to use my platform as a pro athlete to add to this discussion. This isn't meant to be any kind of protest against the good men and women in law enforcement in this country. I just want to express my concern in a peaceful and productive way about issues that are currently impacting our country."
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The Washington Redskins also released their own statement, in which the team defended Jackson.
"We stand in support of both DeSean and the law enforcement community," the team said. "We have great respect for law enforcement and the sacrifices they make each and every day to protect and serve our communities. We continue to have open dialogue with our players about issues that are important to them and support their efforts to bring awareness to those issues when done in a responsible manner."