DeSean Jackson wearing custom cleats as a statement against police brutality. pic.twitter.com/X1hv6S1XEU
— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) October 2, 2016
Prior to Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, Washington wide receiver DeSean Jackson was seen wearing custom cleats that portrayed crime scene tape. The 29-year-old Jackson released a statement about the reasoning behind wearing these cleats and what he was attempting to portray:
“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. 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 to express my concern in a peaceful and productive way about the issues that are currently impacting our country.”
Jackson joins an increasingly long line of NFL personnel in protesting social and political issues in the aftermath of Colin Kaepernick’s choice to kneel during the national anthem. It should be noted that the talented wide receiver made it a point to convey that he is not, in fact, going against law enforcement as a whole, but rather as a vehicle for promoting an increase in social discussion.
Jackson isn’t the first and he won’t be the last NFL player to engage in a statement such as this, but it appears safe to assume that his decision will generate additional dialogue about the issues plaguing the country as a whole.
(Via USA Today)
