Troy Aikman was heavily criticized on Twitter after he threw his support behind the Dallas Police Department.
(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The 49-year-old former quarterback tweeted out that he “backed the blue” after a sniper opened fire during a Black Lives Matter protest last Thursday night and killed five officers.
“Sadly most police departments around the country don’t feel much support these days,” Aikman wrote.
Sadly most police departments around the country don't feel much support these days. #backtheblue pic.twitter.com/ZRY419bQ9O
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) July 8, 2016
Many of his followers said he was “in denial about police abuse and violence.”
@TroyAikman you're in denial about police abuse and violence.
— BTB (@AlleyesonGaza) July 9, 2016
@TroyAikman are you deaf and blind? Ugh
— Mary Ramirez (@MaryDram) July 8, 2016
@TroyAikman @myecoll the problem isn't lack of support for police departments. Good lord.
— Dave Clark (@Clarkmeister1) July 10, 2016
@TroyAikman @Buck Cops rarely lose their badge. They just lateral transfer to another dept. in another town or state.
— Jen King (@jenk264) July 8, 2016
@TroyAikman @benshapiro
Lost support the day they stopped serving and protecting the public!..elites enforcers now— Greeny (@ronaldgreenio) July 8, 2016
@TroyAikman @Buck Then they need to start arresting/charging the racist thugs they hire instead of covering for them.
— Jen King (@jenk264) July 8, 2016
SoOOoo the 2 killed black men earlier this week by the officers n #Louisiana & #Minnesota r vs. who?
Por favor, abre los ojos
— Dana (@danaq11) July 9, 2016
Despite criticism, Aikman defended his original statement.
Couldn't be more proud of my city of Dallas & its officers. Yes, I support the blue. It's not a black v white issue. It's a good v bad issue
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) July 9, 2016