Andrew Hawkins Cries Explaining Why He Wore ‘Justice For Tamir Rice And John Crawford’ T-Shirt [Video]

Andrew Hawkins was moved to tears in the below YouTube video, explaining his logic behind wearing the “Justice For Tamir Rice and John Crawford” t-shirt that prompted the head of the Cleveland Police Union to demand an apology from Hawkins for wearing the t-shirt, reports the Inquisitr.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver spoke about his decision to sport the “Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford” T-shirt, with Andrew Hawkins saying he’s not an activist, but felt compelled to wear the shirt during warm-ups and introductions prior to the football game on Sunday, when the Browns played the Bengals.

“I was taught that justice is a right that every American should have and justice should be the goal of every American. Ultimately it means fair treatment. A call for justice shouldn’t offend anybody. I utterly respect and appreciate every police officer that protects and serves all of us with integrity.”

Tamir Rice was a 12-year-old shot dead by a Cleveland police officer after Rice was discovered in a park waving around what was assumed by police to be a real gun. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Tajai Rice – the 14-year-old sister to Tamir – claims a Cleveland police officer “attacked” her after the shooting occurred.

John Crawford is making the news due to a newly released video that shows police threatening and accusing Crawford’s girlfriend of being high after police shot and killed John Crawford at a Wal-Mart store in Beavercreek, Ohio, reports Yahoo! News.

These are the two recent cases that prompted Andrew Hawkins to wear the t-shirt, although Hawkins says that he still has a high level of respect for good police officers.

“My mom has taught me my entire life to respect police officers. My wearing of the t-shirt was a stance against those doing the wrong thing. Those who assume the worst of me. Being a police officer takes bravery. When a police officer makes a snap decision it’s a matter of life and death. I’m not an activist in any way, shape or form.”

Ultimately, Hawkins said that it was the thought of his young son facing any danger similar to what Tamir Rice and John Crawford faced that drove him to put on the t-shirt.

“The thought of what happened to Tamir Rice happening to my little boy scares the living hell out of me.”

[Image credit of Andrew Hawkins: Cleveland.com video]