Isaiah Crowell Apologizes for Instagram Post Showing Police Officer Getting Throat Slit
By Kyle Koster
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell apologized Monday for posting an illustration of a police officer getting his throat slit to Instagram with the caption, “Mood: They give polices all types of weapons and they continuously choose to kill us…#Weak.”
The disturbing image can be seen here. Warning: it is very graphic.
The post went up after the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile but before the deaths of five police officers in Dallas.
"“Last week was an emotional and difficult week as we saw extreme acts of violence against black men across our country as well as against police officers in Dallas,” Crowell said in the statement. “I posted an image to Instagram in the midst of that emotion that I shouldn’t have and immediately removed it. It was an extremely poor decision and I apologize for that mistake and for offending people. “My values and beliefs do not match that image. I am outraged and upset by the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile along with so many others. I am also outraged and saddened by the attacks in Dallas and the deaths of the 5 honorable police officers (Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael J. Smith, Brent Thompson and Patrick Zamarripa) who were providing protection while trying to keep peace. We have to be better as a society, it’s not about color, it’s about what’s right and wrong. I was very wrong in posting that image. Every single life matters, every death as a result of violence should be treated with equal outrage and penalty.” "
The Browns’ response:
"“We have spoken to Isaiah regarding his extremely disturbing and unacceptable social media decision. It was completely inappropriate and we have made him aware of our high level of disappointment. Isaiah has apologized but also knows that just an apology is insufficient and that he must take steps to make a positive difference after a very negative and impactful post.”"
The fact that this story reached the public on Monday makes Crowell’s judgement appear even worse. Many people won’t look into it enough to realize the offending post came before the tragedy in Dallas. This, of course, in no way excuses the decision to post such a disturbing image.
Crowell was the Browns’ leading rusher last year and one of the few proven offensive entities entering the season. It will be interesting to see what steps he takes — either publicly or privately — to fulfill the team’s desire for “a positive difference.” That would seem to be a subjective goal.