Browns' Hawkins Protests Police Shootings; Police Demand Apology

Browns WR Andrew Hawkins made a “powerful statement” yesterday, wearing a black T-shirt over his jersey and pads during pregame warm-ups that read: "Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford." Hawkins’ silent protest of recent deadly Ohio police shootings “drew an immediate and scathing response from the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association.” CPPA President Jeffrey Follmer in a statement said, “It's pretty pathetic when athletes think they know the law. They should stick to what they know best on the field. The Cleveland Police protect and serve the Browns stadium and the Browns organization owes us an apology” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/15).

The Browns in a statement said, “We have great respect for the Cleveland Police Department and the work that they do to protect and serve our city. We also respect our players' rights to project their support and bring awareness to issues that are important to them if done so in a responsible manner” (ESPN.com, 12/14).