Jared Cook was one of a handful of St. Louis Rams players who took the field last Sunday doing a “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture. Not surprisingly, the political statement has led to threats on social media.
On Wednesday night, Cook told The Associated Press that he believes the “world understands” why the players did what they did but that there has been plenty of backlash. He added that he has “absolutely” received threats.
“It’s all on the computer,” he said. “How can you really tell if someone’s typing keys?”
Some have supported the five players, while others — including the St. Louis Police Officers Association — have called for the NFL to discipline them. One sports bar in St. Louis has even announced that it will no longer support the Rams because of the Ferguson demonstration.
“‘Hands Up, Don’t Shoot’ is not just a Ferguson thing, it’s a worldwide thing,” Cook said. “People are doing it in New York, people are doing it in Florida, people are doing it on the West Coast.
“It’s a message worldwide that you can do things peacefully without getting out of line.”
Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he had a “productive conversation” with the players but would not elaborate.
One thing’s for sure: the five players have done their part to further the Ferguson discussion. If Fisher and company view it as a distraction, they have yet to say so publicly.
