Browns WR Andrew Hawkins Delivers Emotional Response to Cleveland Police Union’s Reaction to ‘Justice for Tamir Rice’ Shirt

Washington Informer December 16, 2014

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In this Dec. 14, 2014, photo Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins wears a shirt calling attention to two black Ohioans killed during encounters with law enforcement before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland. The Browns say they respect the police and their player's rights to protest. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

CLEVELAND, Ohio (Cleveland.com) — Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins defended his wearing a “Justice for Tamir Rice” shirt during warm-ups before Sunday’s game against the Bengals.

“My wearing of the T-shirt wasn’t a stance against every police officer or every police department,” Hawkins said. “My wearing of the T-shirt was a stance against wrong individuals doing the wrong thing for the wrong reason to innocent people.”

Hawkins made the statement the day after Cleveland police union president Jeff Follmer called Hawkins’ shirt “pathetic” and said Hawkins should stick to playing football.

Follmer said on Monday that he took issue with Hawkins’ statements, especially ones that characterized some officers as “not-so-good.”