Cleveland Police Union demands apology from Andrew Hawkins for shirt

   Jasmine Watkins
The Browns didn't take care of business against the Bengals, but Andrew Hawkins made his mark on the field.

Hawkins came out of the tunnel wearing a shirt that read, "Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford." Rice was shot by a Cleveland police officer last month, and Crawford was shot by police in August. Now the Cleveland Police Union wants an apology from the wide receiver.

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Some better pictures of @hawk representing for the families of Tamir Rice & John Crawford. pic.twitter.com/JRUTiIS915

— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) December 15, 2014
Jeff Follmer Police Patrolman Union President issued a statement to newsnet5.com.

"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."

The Rams most famously came out with the "hands up, don't shoot" gesture, and since then it's been nothing but support in regards to other NFL players giving their point of views on the subject. Their fellow players support it, but the local police don't. It further drives a wedge between the community and police.

The head of the St. Louis Police Union wanted an apology from the Rams organization for the gesture, but did not receive one.

Reggie Bush, DeSean Jackson, Johnson Bademosi and others have all donned apparel that expresses their feelings of the recent stories in the news involving police and the killing of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, along with Rice and Crawford. They are attempting to use their platform to send the message they are behind the community and want justice. While some fans have been receptive to it, others turn their backs.

So far no NFL or NBA players have been punished.



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