DeSean Jackson protests with his ‘crime-scene’ cleats

While warming up during the Washington Redskins-Cleveland Browns game, wide receiver DeSean Jackson wore cleats featuring yellow “crime scene” caution tape.

The Redskins released statements from both Jackson and the organization.

“Today is the start of my attempts to be part of a solution and start dialogue about the senseless killings of both citizens and police,” Jackson said. “I have chosen to wear these cleats in pregame today to use my platform as a pro athlete to add to this discussion. This isn’t meant to be any kind of protest against the good men and women in law enforcement in this country. I just want to express my concern in a peaceful and productive way about issues that are currently impacting our country.”

“We stand in support of both DeSean and the law enforcement community,” the Redskins said. “We have great respect for law enforcement and the sacrifices they make each and every day to protect and serve our communities. We continue to have open dialogue with our players about issues that are important to them and support their efforts to bring awareness to those issues when done in a responsible manner.”

The protests against police-related deaths was first brought to attention by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick sat during the national anthem of a preseason game (he has since begun to kneel during the anthem) in protest.

Jackson is one of many athletes who have made some form of gesture to raise awareness to the civil rights issue. Last week against the New York Giants, Jackson raised his fist in the air, a nod to the “black power” salute, a gesture often cited by USA sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Jackson was joined by tight end Niles Paul, wide receiver Rashad Ross and cornerback Greg Toler. Sunday, he changed his cleats.

“You see the caution tape that’s out there, blocking off the streets,” Jackson said. “In my community, I grew up seeing that. When will there be a time when enough is enough and we have to change?”