Members of the St. Louis Rams sent a loud message without saying a word Sunday in St. Louis.
The Rams played their first home game since the controversial grand jury ruling that cleared police officer Darren Wilson after he killed unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., back in August.
Some Rams players took the field Sunday with their hands in the air in the “hands up” gesture that’s been a rallying cry for protesters in the days, weeks and months following the shooting. The outrage was sparked even more this past week after the grand jury decided not to try Wilson.
“I just think there has to be a change,” Rams tight end Jared Cook told reporters, according to The Associated Press. “There has to be a change that starts with the people that are most influential around the world.
“No matter what happened on that day, no matter how the whole situation went down, there has to be a change.”
Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said he had no idea his players were going to do the gesture heading onto the field. Rams running back Tre Mason and wide receiver Kenny Britt also made the gesture after one of Mason’s touchdowns in St. Louis’ 52-0 blowout win over the Oakland Raiders.
There also were peaceful protests outside of Edward Jones Dome before the game.
Photo via Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports Images
