Rams players won't be punished over Ferguson protest

The St Louis Rams and the NFL will not discipline the five players who stood with their hands raised in a show of solidarity with Ferguson protesters.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Monday that it was his players’ “choice to exercise their free speech,” but he would not comment further on their actions.

“It’s my personal opinion, I firmly believe, that it’s important that I keep sports and politics separate,” Fisher said. “I’m a head coach. I’m not a politician, an activist or an expert on societal issues, so I’m going to answer questions about the game.”

Fisher did say he plans to talk with the players, who are all black, but those conversations will remain confidential.

Jared Cook, Kenny Britt, Chris Givens, Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin made the “Hands up. Don’t Shoot!” gesture protesters in Ferguson – a suburb of St Louis – have been using since a grand jury did not indict police officer Darren Wilson over the August 9 shooting of Michael Brown, who was black. Some witnesses said Brown had his hands up before being shot by officer Wilson. Wilson, who is white, told the grand jury that he shot Brown in self-defence.

The players made their show of support before running onto the field during pregame introductions.