St. Louis police group criticizes Rams players - U-T San Diego

By Associated Press6:23 a.m.Dec. 1, 2014

Members of the St. Louis Rams raise their arms in awareness of the events in Ferguson, Mo., as they walk onto the field during introductions before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in St. Louis. The players said after the game, they raised their arms in a "hands up" gesture to acknowledge the events in Ferguson. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Police Officers Association says the five Rams players who stood with their hands raised before Sunday's game should be disciplined and the NFL should publicly apologize.

Some witnesses said Michael Brown, who was black, had his hands up before being fatally shot by white officer Darren Wilson in August. Wilson testified to the grand jury that Brown hit him and reached for his gun.

The officers' association released a statement Sunday that says the players' gesture was "tasteless, offensive and inflammatory."

Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he wasn't aware the gesture had been planned by the players, who are all black.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Monday in an email: "We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation."

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