Police Outrage Over Rams Players 'Hands Up' Ferguson Tribute

During the Rams’ first home game since the grand jury’s announcement last week, five players raised their hands over their head in a ‘hands up don’t shoot’ pose before running on field for the pregame introduction.

The demonstration was to show solidarity for protestors in Ferguson. Some witnesses stated that 18-year-old Michael Brown had his hands up in submission before being fatally shot by Officer Darren Wilson. Wilson stated to the grand jury that he feared for his life when Brown hit him and reached for his gun.

According to KDSK.com, the St. Louis Police Officers Association stated it is, “profoundly disappointed with the members of the St. Louis Rams football team who chose to ignore the mountains of evidence released from the St. Louis County Grand Jury this week and engage in a display that police officers around the nation found tasteless, offensive, and inflammatory.”

After the Rams 52-0 victory over the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis tight end Jared Cook stated, “I just think there needs to be a change. There needs to be a change that starts with the people that are most influential around the world.”

Wide receivers Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt entered the field first, obscured by the smoke machine in the stadium’s upper reaches. Cook, Stedman Bailey and Chris Givens then entered and stood together with their hands raised.

Photo Credit: AP Photo