NFL says it won't discipline Rams players for Ferguson protest

[Transborderwife 4,666]

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/12/nfl-rams-ferguson-protest

The NFL will not adhere to a request from the St. Louis Police Officers Association to discipline St. Louis Rams players who did the hands up, dont shoot pose used by protesters in Ferguson, Mo. during pre-game introductions on Sunday.

We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.

The police officers association issued a letter late Sunday condemning the players actions as tasteless, offensive and inflammatory given a grand jurys decision not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of black teenager Michael Brown.

Five Rams players raised their hands as they walked out of the tunnel onto the field at the Edwards Jones Dome before Sundays game against the Oakland Raiders.

Wide receiver Stedman Bailey said he and his teammates decided to make the gesture shortly before the game, and intended it to be something positive.

Violence should stop. Theres a lot of violence going on here in St. Louis. We definitely hear about it all, and we just want it to stop, Bailey told reporters after the game.

Tight end Jared Cook said he and his teammates wanted to show solidarity with protesters, because they had not been able to physically join them since the grand jurys announcement was made last week. Cook said his family members went to Ferguson last week and reported back to him what they saw.

Its dangerous out there. None of us want to get caught up in that. We wanted to come out and show our respect to the protesters that have been doing a heck of a job, Cook said.

Cook said he didnt consider his teammates actions a distraction, and wide receiver Kenny Britt took issue with the notion that Rams players were choosing sides in a heated community issue.

We are here making sure something positive comes out of it, Britt said. Im not here for the police. Im here for a great cause that could come out of this if people come together.

[Karee 4,189]

Another group of people that either doesn't have the facts or is willfully ignoring them. I suspect it's the latter.

[decocker 7,198]

Another group of people that either doesn't have the facts or is willfully ignoring them. I suspect it's the latter.

or..simply has a different opinion on the matter than you. shocking huh.

[Karee 4,189]

or..simply has a different opinion on the matter than you. shocking huh.

Sure everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if there's no facts to support their opinion. Happens here on vj all the time as you are probably more aware than most.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

My only issue is that I do not believe that the workplace is a place for protest. Technically this is their workplace.

[decocker 7,198]

Sure everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if there's no facts to support their opinion. Happens here on vj all the time as you are probably more aware than most.

do you think they should be disciplined?

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Did not see the NFL players protest that openly during Ray Rice / Adrian Peterson domestic violence issues.

And Ray Rice wins the suspension appeal, so he will be back on NFL soon.

[decocker 7,198]

Did not see the NFL players protest that openly during Ray Rice / Adrian Peterson domestic violence issues.

And Ray Rice wins the suspension appeal, so he will be back on NFL soon.

why would you expect them to protest ray rice's suspension for punching his wife in the face?

[Merrytooth 5,748]

why would you expect them to protest ray rice's suspension for punching his wife in the face?

No, openly condemn domestic violence on the football field like they did for the Ferguson protest.

[decocker 7,198]

No, openly condemn domestic violence on the football field like they did for the Ferguson protest.

right, why would you expect them to do that?

[Karee 4,189]

do you think they should be disciplined?

Personally no. That said the NFL fines players for the dumbest things. Not wearing the right color socks etc etc. Seems odd to me that they let this slide.

[Sousuke 1,214]

I don't think they should be disciplined. I also don't think the police should be disciplined if they decide to walk off the job when it comes to future games either...

[Merrytooth 5,748]

right, why would you expect them to do that?

They are just being selective in expressing themselves.

[Teddy B 17,251]

do you think they should be disciplined?

Yes they should.

[decocker 7,198]

Personally no. That said the NFL fines players for the dumbest things. Not wearing the right color socks etc etc. Seems odd to me that they let this slide.

nfl probably didn't want to look like the bunch of buttholes they are, trying to break their streak.

They are just being selective in expressing themselves.

i just don't get why you'd expect them to 'protest' something directly concerning their employment.

Yes they should.

football is important.