Local police officials are demanding that the Cleveland Browns apologize for the shirt wide receiver Andrew Hawkins wore on the field during player introductions which was emblazoned with the phrase "Justice for Tamir Rice - John Crawford."
Hawkins wore the shirt in support of two black men who were killed by white police officers in Ohio in recent months.
"It's pretty pathetic when athletes think they know the law," Jeff Follmer, Cleveland Police Patrolman Union (CPPU) president, said in a statement. "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."
In response to the apology request the Browns said they "respect" the CPPU although they did not apologize for the player's attire.
"We have great respect for the Cleveland Police Department and the work that they do to protect and serve our city," the Browns said in a statement. "We also respect our players' rights to project their support and bring awareness to issues that are important to them if done so in a responsible manner."
Hawkins' protest was supported by Twitter users - whether they are Browns fans or not:
Much respect to @Hawk. Well done.
— matthew dyett (@devilH2O) December 15, 2014
Whether or not I agree with @Hawk and his stand, I respect the hell out of him for standing up for his opinion today. Good for you sir. — M in CLE (@Miikoll) December 15, 2014
I support you @Hawk
— Jared Carr (@carrjar) December 15, 2014
@Hawk Beautiful statement. I think you handled it with such class. I had tears. I can't imagine what it's like to fear that for your son. — Steve Mallin (@DiscoPuma) December 15, 2014
@Hawk i love when athletes and celebrities take a stand!! pic.twitter.com/3RScJOnoRt
— Lyn Ledbetter (@SeafanLyn) December 15, 2014
