Cleveland Police Chief: Union Boss's Andrew Hawkins Comments Do Not Represent Our Views

The Browns refused that request, and the union boss’s comments apparently did not reflect the beliefs of his constituents. “It is important to note that the comments made by Mr. Follmer do not represent the views of the Cleveland Division of Police,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, in a statement passed along by Cleve Scene. “The Division of Police respects the rights of individuals to peacefully demonstrate their personal views and opinions. Mr. Hawkins was certainly well within his rights to express his views and no apology is necessary.”

Perhaps Hawkins’ subsequent eloquence on the subject weighed into this development, but Williams’ statement is nevertheless a breath of fresh air, and may be the most reasonable public comments that we have seen from a police authority figure — at least pertaining to sports — in months.