WASHINGTON — Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson plans to wear custom cleats before Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns to protest police killings.
“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 in a statement. “I have chosen to wear these cleats in pregame today to use my platform as a pro athlete to add to this discussion.”
Jackson said his actions aren’t meant to be “any kind of protest against the good men and women in law enforcement in this country,” but a way to express his concern about issues that are impacting the country in a “peaceful and productive way.”
TMZ Sports first reported that Jackson would wear the stylized cleats to draw attention to police violence against African Americans. The shoes feature a yellow caution tape design, customized by artist Marcus Rivero.
“I’ve seen enough yellow caution tape and it’s time for a stand and a change in our community and society,” DeSean Jackson said in an interview with TMZ Sports.
The Washington Redskins expressed support of both Jackson and the law enforcement community in a statement.
“We have great respect for law enforcement and the sacrifices they make each and every day to protect and serve our communities,” the statement said. “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.”
NBC Washington reported that Jackson could be fined by the NFL for a uniform violation if he wears the cleats during the game.
The Redskins’ game against the Cleveland Browns is Sunday, 1 p.m. at FedEx Field.
DeSean Jackson — Protesting Police Killings … With Custom Cleats https://t.co/8V0oAsz4Ih
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) October 1, 2016
