Several St. Louis Rams players entered the field for Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders with their hands raised overhead in an apparent act of solidarity with Ferguson protesters.
Players Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook and Chris Givens came out of the Rams locker room for pregame introductions with their arms raised, The Associated Press reported.
The phrase “hands up, don’t shoot” is a rallying cry used by Ferguson protesters that is based on witnesses’ claims that Michael Brown had his hands in the air, allegedly in surrender, when he was shot by Officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9.
A Rams spokesman said Sunday that the team was not aware that the gesture had been planned by players, AP reported.
Rams running back Tre Mason also reportedly made the “hands up” gesture after scoring on an 8-yard run in the fourth quarter.
About 75 protesters gathered across the street from the Edward Jones Dome as about 30 St. Louis police wearing riot gear watched from a safe distance, AP reported.
Protesters chanted “hands up, don’t shoot!” ’’no Justice, no Football!” ’’this is what Democracy looks like,” and “we’re here for Mike Brown,” AP reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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