The Browns don’t believe it’s good enough for running back Isaiah Crowell’s to simply apologize for posting on social media an image of an attack on a police officer. The union that represents Cleveland’s police officers agrees.
Stephen Loomis, the president of Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, calls Crowell’s gesture a “store-bought apology.” In comments to TMZ, Loomis also described Crowell’s post as being as “offensive as putting a picture of historical African-American men being hung from a tree in the 60s.”
Loomis has a specific suggestion for what Crowell needs to do next.
“He needs to go to Dallas, help the families who lost their loved ones last week, write them a check, look them in the eyes and give a heartfelt apology,” Loomis told TMZ. If Crowell doesn’t, there will be consequences.
“I will pull Cleveland officers, sheriffs, state troopers out of First Energy Stadium this season if he doesn’t make it right,” Loomis said. “You’re a grown-ass man, and you claim you were too emotional to know it was wrong? Think we’ll accept your apology? Kiss my ass.”
The Browns haven’t cut Crowell, presumably because they value his football skills. If he were lingering at the bottom of the roster, he’d already be gone. If the team is going to keep him, it would be wise for the Browns to encourage him to do what Loomis has requested.