"Hands up" is less about police and more about the dissatisfaction with the grand jury decision.

That's their problem. This is still America and people are allowed to protest or be upset with decisions like this.

tkihshbt wrote:

That's their problem. This is still America and people are allowed to protest or be upset with decisions like this.

And the police officers are entitled to tell the Rams organization to go fuck themselves when they ask the police department to provide off-duty cops to handle security.  That isn't a fight the Rams want to pick.

forsberg_us wrote:

tkihshbt wrote:

That's their problem. This is still America and people are allowed to protest or be upset with decisions like this.

And the police officers are entitled to tell the Rams organization to go fuck themselves when they ask the police department to provide off-duty cops to handle security.  That isn't a fight the Rams want to pick.

Yes, they do have that right, but I would put the chances of police officers rejecting the Rams' offer to provide security at near zero. 
 

tkihshbt wrote:

alz wrote:

You seem to really dislike police TK, is there a reason for this that I've just never heard about?

Oh fer crying out loud...

What have I said that would give off the impression that I dislike police? I said that if police can't handle being criticized, that's their problem. I would say the same thing to Jared Cook if he was complaining about being criticized. This whole thing would've been a minor footnote had Jeff Roorda not puffed up his chest and acted like they're going to bully around an NFL franchise and the NFL itself. I mean, what's the endgame here -- a bunch of police officers boycotting the NFL? They can get in line with everyone else that's boycotting the league while it somehow makes $15 billion.

I just find that a bit fascinating because of the Brown discussion. Had he just been a big boy, not puffed out his chest, cussed out and assaulted the officer, he'd be alive today. Yet in that case, you seem to lean the other direction saying that police should be above and beyond other people's reaction. Yet if they react, you tell them to suck it up and be above it. ????

The only thing that seems to be constant with your arguments is that the police are wrong! So I asked
 

tkihshbt wrote:

Of course police have to be above that. We entrust them to protect our lives and our property. We count on them to keep order and bring justice. It's pretty much in the job description that you have to eat shit from the public. We expect them to act in a stand-up matter and keep cool at all times because otherwise, there would be no trust between law enforcement and the citizens and it would be dangerous.

Reading Roorda's statement, basically what he's asking for is for the Rams players to be disciplined for a thought crime. I think I'd be more on board with the content if he just said that he disagrees with what the players did and end it there.

Two points. While wearing the uniform of your employer, you'll find you have no "freedom of expression" while you represent your job. In the NFL this is especially true, since they signed off on a conduct policy which means they can't bring the league into disrepute with what they do, criminal or not. 

Since I'm hearing season ticket holders pointing to this episode and telling the Rams offices they won't be back because of this, I'd expect something to occur.

AP, according to the story, cops were working with the Rams all week to facilitate an environment of safety for the players and fans. 12 hour shifts to ensure everything was as safe as possible. Nothing about it being a moonlighting gig (like guarding the player parking lots is). Fors might know better, but it sounds like the Rams are allowed to use the St. Louis Police Department for free security. If that's the case, this is a seriously stupid move to pull. 

I sent them an email saying I would not watch them in person or on television, nor buy merchandise until there was a very heartfelt apology given to the shields over this. The fact that I don't like the Rams, and don't watch professional football anymore wasn't brought up.

Last edited by alz (12/01/2014 2:28 pm)

APIAD wrote:

Well you are free to do that and as you can guess i hope you email is one of many. Thats a personal opinion tho. I also dont think the players should answer to anyone but there boss for their actions. If there bosses think they are out of line they will be corrected. As a fan you have a stake in the debate. Me, on the other hand, root for an entirely different, equally shitty, football team.

It's cool. I'm just predicting something to come back from the Rams and NFL addressing it. I promise you they want no part in taking sides in the mess that is Ferguson, and would like to just play football without that drama.