Just when you thought the Kaepernick debacle was out of the news cycle, the 49ers quarterback decided to wear socks to practice depicting cartoon pigs dressed as cops as he continues his protest of police brutality against people of color. This move – which had gone unnoticed until today – appears to have been the final straw for the executive director of one of the largest police organizations in the country.
Bill Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations (a coalition of police unions and associations from across the country), representing more than 240,000 active law enforcement officers, was enraged. As USA Today reports…
“It’s just ridiculous that the same league that prohibits the Dallas (Cowboys) football club from honoring the slain officers in their community with their uniforms stands silent when Kaepernick is dishonoring police officers with what he’s wearing on the field,"
(The Cowboys’ plan to use a helmet decal as a tribute to the five police officers killed in July's sniper attack was denied by the NFL, according to a published report.)
“I think the league is in a downward spiral regarding their obligations to the public under (Commissioner) Roger Goodell," added Johnson, "and this is just another example of that."
The NFL chose not to provide an official response until the league office had consulted the 49ers, who play the San Diego Chargers on Thursday night in their final preseason game.
Kaepernick took to Instagram to try and provide an explanation…
"I wore those socks, in the past, because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust. I have two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people. So before those socks, which were worn before I took my public stance, are used to distract from the real issues, I wanted to address this immediately."
But Johnson was having none of it…
“It doesn’t seem like he’s thought through or bothered to educate himself about the way (law enforcement officers) are out there trying to do a very difficult job, and the vast majority of the time get the job done right," Johnson said.
And is aiming his ire at The NFL…
“I expect more from the NFL," Johnson said. “The NFL has exhibited — it’s not just tone deafness, it seems to be an act of dislike of police, frankly."
e can't help but wonder what Kaepernick's teammates think of all this…
Let's just hope for his sake that his offensive lineman share his perspective or that opener against the Rams may be a long night for the controversial QB (as might tonight's Chargers game).
Of course there is one person who is thankful for what Colin Kaepernick is doing… Ryan Lochte.
The post Police Leader Slams NFL’s “Downward Spiral” After Kaepernick’s “Pig Cop Socks” Stunt appeared first on crude-oil.top.