By SAM FARMER, LA Times
The NFL will not fine the St. Louis Rams players who participated in a controversial demonstration before Sunday’s home game against Oakland by raising their hands to mimic the “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture. The image is emblematic of the unrest over the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.
Tavon Austin #11, Jared Cook #89, Chris Givens #13 of the St. Louis Rams pay homage to Mike Brown by holding their hands up during their pre-game introduction against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome on November 30, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Raiders 52-0. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
“We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email.
Players Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook and Chris Givens participated in the gesture and said they came up with the idea on the spot.
Asked about the gesture after the game, Rams Coach Jeff Fisher said he didn’t see it and was unaware of it.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “I was still in the tunnel.”
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