African-American activist, MSNBC host and alleged tax cheat Al Sharpton told gossip site TMZ he believes all athletes should follow the lead of the St. Louis Rams and protest the shooting of Michael Brown by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. (VIDEO: St. Louis Rams Football Players Surrender In Solidarity With Michael Brown)
A TMZ reporter caught up with Sharpton at an airport, asking about his thoughts on the Rams protest and the criticism it received. “I think they had a right to do it,” Sharpton said. “It was much appreciated. I respect and admire them, and I think to criticize people for expressing themselves is against what America should be about.”
“Should more sports players start taking a stance like that?” the reporter asked.
“I think all of them should,” Sharpton responded, “because they all could have members of their family or themselves become victims.” (VIDEO: Texas Congressman Thinks Rams ‘Hands Up, Don’t Shoot’ Gesture Was Heroic)
In true TMZ fashion, Sharpton was also asked whether Missouri native Brad Pitt should weigh in. Unsurprisingly, Sharpton had no strong feelings on the issue.
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[h/t TMZ]