Cleveland Browns & Receiver Andrew Hawkins Respond To Police Criticism – Tha Wire [VIDEO]

Today in Tha Wire Andrew Hawkins and other professional athletes join millions of Americans and protest against police killings of unarmed black men.

Over the weekend 50, 000 people walked in New York and another million plus across the nation, all in protest against police brutality, the recent decisions not to indict the officers responsible for deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner and the senseless shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice.  In peaceful protest,  arm in arm Americans from all walks of life, ethnic and social backgrounds are making it clear, that our justice system needs serious reform.

Professional athletes have also taken a stand against the violence and injustice.  Their silent protests have been met with stark criticism and anger from the various police departments that protect their players and stadiums.

Several St. Louis Rams players made the ”hands up, don’t shoot” gesture, following a grand jury's decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.  Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose wore an "I Can't Breathe" shirt in pregame warm-ups earlier this month after no indictment was made in the death of Eric Garner.  Many players followed his lead including Cleveland Cavaliers and  the Los Angeles Lakers.

Most recently, during warm-ups before Sunday’s game against the Bengals, Cleveland Browns receiver Andrew Hawkins was slammed for wearing a “Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford” shirt.   Both the NBA and NFL are standing behind their player’s right to express themselves.

Sports Illustrated reports, Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association president Jeff Folmer, was furious with Hawkins and said in the following'

“It’s pretty pathetic when athletes think they know the law.  They need to stick to what they know on the field.”  He went on to suggest that the Browns owe the department an apology.”

The Browns delivered an immediate response to Folmer's comment, saying

“We have great respect for the Cleveland Police Department and the work that they do to protect and serve out city.  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.”

AllHipHop reports Hawkins also responded to the criticism saying,

“If I was to run away from what I felt in my soul was the right thing to do, that would make me a coward and I couldn’t live with that.  My mom also taught me just as there are good police officers, there are some not-so-good officers who assume the worst of me without knowing anything about me for reasons I can’t control.  A call for justice shouldn’t warrant an apology."

As the protests continue, I’m sure more feathers are gonna get ruffled, but hopefully all of this will spark change for the good.  In the meantime learn more about today's story now and listen to Tha Wire.  Plus, get the scoop on what celebs are celebrating birthdays today.