Not all St. Louis police officers were offended by the Rams players’ “Hands up, don’t shoot” gesture in support of Mike Brown’s family.
The same day that the predominantly white St. Louis Police Officers Association condemned the Rams players’ silent pregame protest, an organization representing black police officers in St. Louis applauded the players for their gesture.
The Ethical Society of Police issued a bold statement Monday voicing their “complete support” for the five players. Gloria McCollum, general counsel for their association, issued the statement on the group’s behalf, via its Facebook page.
‘THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF POLICE, is the primary voice of African
American Police Officers in St. Louis City, and as such it COMPLETELY SUPPORTS THE ACTIONS OF THE ST. LOUIS RAMS FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN WHICH THEY SHOWED SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL BROWN BY ENTERING THE STADIUM WITH THEIR HANDS UP.We think that their actions were commendable and that they should not be ridiculed, disciplined or punished for taking a stand on this very important issue which is of great concern around the world and especially in the community where these players work.
THE STATEMENTS OF THE ST. LOUIS POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE MAJORITY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN POLICE OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THERE ARE NO AFRICAN AMERICAN OFFICERS ON THEIR GOVERNING BOARD AND THEY HAVE A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEMBERS.The Ethical Society of Police has been the primary bridge between African American community and the police department for many years. The Ethical Society will use its best efforts to continue to work with the community leaders and the Department of Justice to address issues that affect our community such as racial profiling, police brutality and disparities in hiring and disciplining practices of African American Officers.”
Both the Rams organization and the NFL said the players won’t be punished or fined for the gesture.
Photo via Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports Images
