Jared Cook talks ‘don’t shoot’ gesture, black officers group commends Rams

St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook said Wednesday there will probably be no more of the hands up “don’t shoot” gestures for the Rams players.

They did it last Sunday, and their point was made. And the gesture touched off quite a controversy.

The five players – Cook, receivers Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens and Tavon Austin – came out for the Rams’ game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday with their hands up, which was a statement on recent events in nearby Ferguson. This summer in Ferguson, police officer Darren Wilson shot and killed teenager Michael Brown. After a grand jury declined to indict Wilson, there have been widespread protests.

The St. Louis Police Officers Association demanded the NFL discipline the players and offer an apology, which ratcheted up the controversy with the Rams. The NFL didn’t discipline the players.

On Wednesday, Cook spoke for the group about the gesture and the fallout. He said the gesture was not just a show of solidarity for the Ferguson protesters, but for peaceful protesters everywhere. Cook said he would “absolutely” do it again, although he has received threats online.

“I think we kind of got our point across,” Cook said Wednesday night, according to the Associated Press. “Especially now, I think the world understands a little more why we did it.”

Cook was asked if there was another tack the Rams could have taken that wouldn’t have antagonized law enforcement officials.

“We could have, absolutely. But would we? Absolutely not,” Cook said, according to the AP.

Cook said they players never meant to be disrespectful to the police.

The Ethical Society of Police, which represents black police officers in St. Louis, said it supports the Rams, calling their actions “commendable.” In a statement on the organization’s Facebook page, the Ethical Society of Police said that the St. Louis Police Officers Association’s statement “does not represent the opinion of a majority of African-American officers.”

General Counsel, Attorney Gloria McCollum, on behalf of THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF POLICE- St. Louis, STATES:

“THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF POLICE, is the primary voice of African American Police Officers in St. Louis City, and as such it COMPLETELY SUPPORTS THE ACTIONS OF THE ST. LOUIS RAMS FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN WHICH THEY SHOWED SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL BROWN BY ENTERING THE STADIUM WITH THEIR HANDS UP.

“We think that their actions were commendable and that they should not be ridiculed, disciplined or punished for taking a stand on this very important issue which is of great concern around the world and especially in the community where these players work.

“THE STATEMENTS OF THE ST. LOUIS POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE MAJORITY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN POLICE OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THERE ARE NO AFRICAN AMERICAN OFFICERS ON THEIR GOVERNING BOARD AND THEY HAVE A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEMBERS.”

The Ethical Society of Police has been the primary bridge between African American community and the police department for many years. The Ethical Society will use its best efforts to continue to work with the community leaders and the Department of Justice to address issues that affect our community such as racial profiling, police brutality and disparities in hiring and disciplining practices of African American Officers.