DeSean Jackson wears police-tape cleats to fight 'senseless killings'

ByJohn Keim ESPN logo
Sunday, October 2, 2016

LANDOVER, Md. -- Washington Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson made a social statement regarding the "senseless killings of both citizens and police" by wearing specially designed cleats during Sunday's 31-20 win over the Cleveland Browns at FedEx Field.

Jackson wore the white-and-blue cleats with yellow caution tape painted on them during warm-ups and kept them on as the game started.He commissioned artist Marco Rivera, aka SolesBySir, to paint the shoes.

"Today is the start of my attempts to be part of a solution and start dialogue about the senseless killings of both citizens and police," Jackson said in a statement. "I have chosen to wear these cleats in pregame today to use my platform as a pro athlete to add to this discussion. This isn't meant to be any kind of protest against the good men and women in law enforcement in this country. I just want to express my concern in a peaceful and productive way about issues that are currently impacting our country."

Jackson could be subject to a fine for violating the NFL's uniform policy by wearing the cleats during a game.

The Redskins declared their support for Jackson in a statement.

"We stand in support of both DeSean and the law enforcement community," the team said. "We have great respect for law enforcement and the sacrifices they make each and every day to protect and serve our communities. We continue to have open dialogue with our players about issues that are important to them and support their efforts to bring awareness to those issues when done in a responsible manner."

Jackson finished with one catch for 5 yards.

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