Former Chicago Bear and NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka has strong feelings about Ferguson. Speaking to the Chicago Sun Times, Ditka was critical of the St. Louis Rams players who made a "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" gesture before their game on Sunday.
Mike Ditka on Ferguson: ‘This policeman’s life is ruined’
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
“I understand what the Rams’ take on this was. I’m embarrassed for the players more than anything. They want to take a political stand on this? Well, there are a lot of other things that have happened in our society that people have not stood up and disagreed about.”
This was preceded by Ditka condemning protesting and riots in Ferguson.
“The shame of it is, I’m not sure they care about Michael Brown or anything else. This was a reason to protest and to go out and loot. Is this the way to celebrate the memory of Michael Brown? Is this an excuse to be lawless? Somebody has to tell me that. I don’t understand it.”
Ditka continued, cautioning against dismantling and limiting the power officers have.
“What do you do if someone pulls a gun on you or is robbing a store and you stop them? I don’t want to hear about this hands-up crap. That’s not what happened. I don’t know exactly what did happen, but I know that’s not what happened. This policeman’s life is ruined. Why? Because we have to break somebody down. Because we have to even out the game. I don’t know. I don’t get it. Maybe I’m just old fashioned.”
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