St. Louis Police Group Criticizes Rams Players

The St. Louis Police Officers Association says the five Rams players who stood with their hands raised before Sunday's game should be disciplined and the NFL should publicly apologize.

Some witnesses said Michael Brown, who was black, had his hands up before being fatally shot by white officer Darren Wilson in August. Wilson testified to the grand jury that Brown hit him and reached for his gun.

The officers' association released a statement Sunday that says the players' gesture was "tasteless, offensive and inflammatory."

Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he wasn't aware the gesture had been planned by the players, who are all black.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Monday in an email: "We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation."

[Associated Press]