Browns Player Donates First Game Pay To Fallen Officers
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - An NFL star running back who became the source of controversy shortly after the Dallas Ambush is making good on his promise.
The Cleveland Browns Isaiah Crowell donated his first check, estimated around $35,000, to the Texas Fallen Officer Foundation.
A day before five officers were killed in Downtown Dallas, Crowell shared an image on his Instagram of a drawing illustrating an officer being executed with a knife cutting into his neck.
"I was upset. I was just as upset as anyone else," said Sgt. Demetrick Pennie with Dallas Police.
The post his Pennie hard.
"It came around a time we were dealing with fallen officers here in Dallas," said Pennie. "It was shared at a difficult time and rather be part of the problem I wanted to be a part of the solution."
Apologetic and embarrassed, Crowell pledged to donate his first game check to help fallen officers.
Instead, Pennie invited Crowell to Officer Patrick Zamarripa's funeral.
"That was the most hostile situation that he could have been in. I wanted him to understand what service and sacrifice was about," said Pennie.
Crowell flew in from Cleveland to witness the ceremony and meet with officers firsthand with Pennie as his guide.
"He just gave me a whole different outlook and I respect him for that and I appreciate that," said Crowell.
The NFL's 2nd leading rusher also made good on his check donation promise to the Texas Fallen Officer Foundation.
"I knew this would be something I had to get through. I had to make right," said Crowell.
Pennie said it was never about the money. His goal was to plant a seed of change.
"I want to be able to see this young man take his career to the next level and be able to help the next person," said Pennie.
