DeSean Jackson has never gotten himself into any real trouble with the law, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver being affiliated with gangs. The Eagles’ reported attempts to trade Jackson this offseason while he is 27 and coming off the best season of his career have left some scratching their heads. Others are not surprised at all.
On Friday, Eliot Shorr-Parks and AJ Perez published a lengthy report on NJ.com detailing how the Eagles have grown concerned over Jackson’s alleged link to the Crips gang in Los Angeles. Sources told Shorr-Parks and Perez that in addition to being annoyed by Jackson missing meetings and having an inconsistent work ethic, the Eagles are also troubled by negative influences in his life.
Back in December 2010, a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed after he flashed a rival gang sign at two men while riding his bike through South Los Angeles. The LA District Attorney’s office said Jackson was “not part of the case,” but he is associated with one of the two men who were charged with the murder.
Theron Shakir, who is believed to be a member of the Crips, is also a rapper known as “T-Ron.” He has recorded tracks on Jackson’s Jaccpot Records music label. Jackson and Shakir have appeared in photos together on social media. One of the photos featured Shakir wearing an LA County Jail T-Shirt while Jackson held up his Jaccpot chain.
DeSean also posted a picture with the caption “Free Trezzy #Real1 #Jaccpot” while Shakir was in jail awaiting trial for murder.
The NJ.com report goes on to talk about times when Jackson has been interviewed by police as someone they believe was connected to suspects in some way. LAPD Detective Eric Crosson, who has spoken with Jackson before, said there is no hard evidence that DeSean is a member of a gang. However, he did mention how Jackson routinely flashes gang symbols like the one he flashed at DeAngelo Hall during a game last season.
Another interesting side note Crosson shared is that police believe the spelling of “Jaccpot” could be symbolic. Putting the letters “c” and “k” next to each other can stand for “Crip Killer” in gang speak. Jackson allegedly told Crosson that he only spelled it that way because the domain name for “Jackpot” was already taken.
Is Jackson a criminal? No, and Shorr-Parks and Perez also spoke to Jackson’s former high school football coach who praised the Pro Bowler’s friendliness and involvement with the community. Still, teams have become more wary of possible gang-related activity given all that has happened with Aaron Hernandez and the New England Patriots. If you think Jackson’s alleged ties to the Crips have nothing to do with his uncertain future in Philly, you’re pretty damn naive.
More on DeSean Jackson:
DeSean Jackson denies having gang affiliation
Flashing these Crips gang signs may have caught up with DeSean Jackson
Derrick Ward on DeSean Jackson: What does gang banging have to do with football?
