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Iowa football players put fans on notice: Support their movement or don

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 05:36:31 +0000

Current Iowa football players have now made it clear to fans that they will not tolerate those who don’t support their message off of the field on the heels of allegations against strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle. Sophomore defensive back Kaevon Merriweather took to Twitter on Monday to deliver the message that fans who don’t support the team’s decision to kneel during the national anthem shouldn’t bother cheering for them moving forward.

“If you can not support us right now with this movement and with our team taking a knee during the national anthem, DO NOT support us during the football season,” he wrote. “DO NOT watch our games on TV. DO NOT come up to us when you want photos. DO NOT ask us to give your kids autographs. DON’T COME TO US EXPECTING US TO DO FOR YOU WHEN YOU CAN’T SUPPORT THE BLACK ATHLETES ON THIS TEAM AND THE DECISIONS WE MAKE AS A TEAM. I would rather play in front of 1,000 fans who care about us as people outside of football and what we are standing for, than 70,000 fans who only care about us when we are in uniform and on the field entertaining them.”

Scott Dochterman of The Athletic pointed out that several current Iowa players have posted the same statement on Instagram.

Junior running back Ivory Kelly-Martin, on his Twitter account, shared a differing message urging others to become a part of the change.

Former Hawkeyes voiced their concerns over the last week about mistreatment of players on social media — specifically allegations against Doyle, citing negative words and actions toward African American players. Doyle was placed on administrative leave by the school pending the outcome of an investigation.

Ex-Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels was one of the first former Iowa players to speak out on Doyle’s mistreatment of black players. Several other former Hawkeyes, including defensive back Amani Hooker, followed suit by sharing their stories regarding Doyle.

“I remember whenever walking into the facility it would be difficult for black players to walk around the facility and be themselves,” Hooker said. “As if the way you grew up was the wrong way or wasn’t acceptable & that you would be judge by that and it would impact playing time.”

Doyle released a statement on Sunday saying that he was proud of the former players for speaking out but denied the mistreatment of players.

“I have been asked to remain silent, but that is impossible for me to do,” said Doyle on Twitter. “There have been statements made about my behavior that are not true. I do not claim to be perfect. I have made mistakes, learned lessons and like every American citizen, can do better. At no time have I ever crossed the line of unethical behavior or bias based upon race. I do not make comments and I don’t tolerate people who do.”

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz posted a video to Twitter on Saturday addressing the situation.

“There’s been a call for a cultural shift in our program,” he said. “I’m creating an advisory committee, chaired by a former player, and comprised of current and former players, as well as departmental staff. This will be a diverse group that will be able to share without judgment so that we can all examine where we are at today, and how we can have a better environment tomorrow.”

Black Lives Matter protests have sprung up all over the country following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. Those protests have called for justice, social equality and an end to police brutality. Former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, and three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder related to the death of Floyd.

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Stephen Jackson, Karl-Anthony Towns attend rally in support of George Floyd

admin — Sat, 30 May 2020 18:00:48 +0000

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson says he’ll use his platform and “everything I have to get a conviction” for the four Minneapolis police officers who were fired after George Floyd’s death.

Jackson, like Floyd, is from Houston and they were friends. The handcuffed black man died after pleading for air as a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck.

That officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The charges were announced shortly after Jackson spoke at a news conference organized by activists at Minneapolis City Hall. Actor Jamie Foxx and Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns were among those in attendance.

Towns, the city’s franchise star, stood near Jackson wearing a “Black Lives Matter” hat and a black and white mask. It was a display of tremendous commitment for Towns considering his mother, Jacqueline, died from the coronavirus on April 13.

Respect! @KarlTowns know you goin through a lot bro! ???? https://t.co/MEDHocxqyH

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 29, 2020

Other players, including Timberwolves’ Josh Okogie, were in attendance as well.

“We need each other now more than ever,” Okogie wrote on Instagram. “I am immensely disgusted in the amount of pain and suffering that my fellow black brothers and sisters have to endure until change happens. We can no longer be alienated and we can no longer normalize the injustices that this system of oppression feeds us. No more lives need to be lost.”

Floyd could be heard repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” in the video. Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, including nearly three minutes after Floyd stopped moving and talking, according to the criminal complaint.

The incident sparked outrage among the NBA community.

#JusticeForGeorgeFloydpic.twitter.com/1HjiwLMB8c

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 29, 2020

??????????? https://t.co/ifcJ93TTKZ

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 29, 2020

Knee on my man neck!!! When does it stop?

— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) May 27, 2020

JUSTICE WILL NOT BE SERVED UNTIL THOSE UNAFFECTED ARE AS OUTRAGED AS THOSE WHO ARE

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) May 27, 2020

1/ What happened to George Floyd is unacceptable and disgusting beyond words . What the officer did should be punished to the fullest extent. How in the world can someone like this be hired to serve and protect us! Praying for George Floyd’s family and for all ppl impacted by

— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) May 30, 2020

GEORGE FLOYD. We will never forget you..

— ? Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) May 28, 2020

“I don’t have no more tears honestly,” Jackson said. “I’ve cried enough. I’ve cried enough. I’m here for one reason. For my brother’s honor.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Kellen Winslow Jr.’s Wife and Father Support Ex-NFL Star After He’s Accused of Raping Women, 59 and 54

admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 06:20:28 +0000

The family of former NFL star Kellen Winslow Jr. is speaking out after his arrest for allegedly kidnapping and raping two older women and targeting others, including an 86-year-old.

Winslow’s wife, Janelle, issued a joint statement with his parents, including father Kellen Winslow Sr., an NFL Hall of Famer.

“On behalf of our son and my husband, we want to reiterate our love, support and affection for him during this difficult process,” the statement reads. “We will always be there for him and we know the true facts will come out.”

Winslow, 34, faced a San Diego Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, kidnapping and other crimes, according to court records.

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, Deputy District Attorney Dan Owens claimed that the first alleged victim was a 54-year-old woman who had been hitchhiking when she accepted a ride from Winslow in March. She alleges he “told her if she screamed, he would murder her,” saying he then raped her, Owens said in court.

A 59-year-old woman alleges that after she got in his car in May, Winslow kidnapped, raped and sodomized her, the newspaper reported. He was charged with indecent exposure against a third alleged victim, 55, in May.

The newspaper also reported Winslow is charged with burglary with the intent to rape a 71-year-old woman in June and burglary with the intent to rape an 86-year-old woman that same month.

Winslow was first taken into custody on June 7 after being accused of burglary at a mobile home, according to the Los Angeles Times. He posted $50,000 bond and was released from the Vista, California, jail.

Police then arrested him on the rape charges on Thursday and, following his arraignment Friday, he was denied bail and will stay behind bars. His next court date is June 25.

Winslow is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison, the AP reported.

His attorneys, Brian Watkins and Harvey A. Steinberg, have not responded to PEOPLE’s requests for comment. Winslow agent also has not returned PEOPLE’s calls.

• Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

But Steinberg has said, “He would have no need to burglarize or steal anything from anyone at a trailer park,” according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Steinberg added the former football player “looks forward to being vindicated” in court.

Winslow Jr.’s father Kellen Winslow

Bettmann/Getty

Winslow was arrested and charged with drug possession in 2014 after being accused of having synthetic marijuana. He received a conditional discharge.

Winslow’s father played 10 seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers from 1979 to 1987. Winslow’s Sr. is recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the league’s history.

Winslow Jr. played college football at the University of Miami, and was later drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2004 with the sixth overall pick. He also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets.

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Community shows support for star football player charged in robbery

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 07:24:06 +0000

Published: Monday, February 05, 2018 @ 3:31 PM
Updated: Friday, February 09, 2018 @ 3:25 PM

By:

Mark Gokavi
–
Staff Writer

—

UPDATE @ 3:25 p.m. (Feb. 9):

Caleb W. Johnson was indicted Friday on two counts of aggravated robbery and single counts of kidnapping and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, according to court records.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Update@2:55 p.m. (Feb. 9):

Caleb W. Johnson, 18, the only adult among the group of seven teens accused of robbing the Huber Heights AT&T store, has posted bond and is no longer in jail, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office. No other details were immediately available.

First report:

The All-Ohio football player from Springfield High School admitted to his role in the robbery of a Huber Heights AT&T store, according to a court paperwork.

Caleb W. Johnson, 18 — the only adult among a group of seven teens charged in the Feb. 1 armed robbery — appeared Monday in the Montgomery County Municipal Court in Huber Heights.

A judge entered a plea of not guilty on Johnson’s behalf and set bond at $50,000 with electronic home detention (EHD) if Johnson makes bail.

RELATED: ‘Not going to sugarcoat’ that juveniles could face long prison time, judge says

A preliminary hearing wasn’t scheduled because the judge said it’s a bypass case that will go to a grand jury for possible felony indictment and placement in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

Several of Johnson’s friends and current and/or ex-teammates arrived near the end of the proceedings and prayed outside the courthouse. All of his supporters refused to be interviewed on the record.

Johnson admitted to the armed robbery, according to a complaint and affidavit filed by a detective. Johnson was charged with aggravated robbery, two counts of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

RELATED: Huber Heights robbery may be connected to Springfield case

Johnson — who attended Trotwood-Madison High School until his senior year — had no juvenile court record in Montgomery County outside of a traffic violation. Johnson, a wide receiver, was to make a recruiting visit to Eastern Kentucky University, according to coach Maurice Douglass.

After the juvenile court hearing on Friday, an aunt of one of the defendants said many of the boys knew each other from playing youth football with the Dayton Flames.

One of Johnson’s co-defendants, a 16-year-old Trotwood boy, was one of multiple juveniles charged in an April 2016 incident in which a car was stolen and drove away from a gas station with the vehicle’s driver clinging on the hood.

RELATED: Woman clings to stolen car as it swerves

Cherity Martin, 23, suffered a broken wrist, various cuts and bruises to her arms and legs and a minor head injury, according to Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies. She had been driving her mother’s Chrysler Sebring when she stopped to buy a soft drink.

The juvenile was 14 when that happened, according to Montgomery County Juvenile Court records and has the longest record of the six facing possible transfers to adult court.

Deputies suspected a group of juveniles were involved in the theft of a car in Moraine. The 2016 incidents resulted in the arrest of six juveniles from 14 to 17 years old for the aggravated robbery at the Valero gas station on Philadelphia Drive in Harrison Twp. and the car theft.

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Some of those juveniles also were suspected in an attempted break-in of a Sprint store at The Greene in Beavercreek.

Huber Heights police are speaking with law enforcement in Springfield and Miami Twp. to determine if similar crimes are connected to last week’s Huber Heights AT&T robbery.

The six juvenile suspects face another court hearing Feb. 16.

MORE: Read other stories from Mark Gokavi

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Community shows support for all-state football player accused of robbery

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:41:58 +0000

DAYTON

A pastor is among those rallying behind a Springfield all-state football player who is one of seven teens charged in connection to a robbery at a Huber Heights AT&T store.

“Our community has been devastated by the incident and our job is to show support,” said the Rev. Paul Mitchell of Revival Center Ministries International in Dayton, who said he is is pastor and friend to 18-year-old Caleb Johnson.

>> 18-year-old suspect in Huber Heights AT&T store robbery indicted

Johnson, of Fairborn, is the only adult of the seven teens charged in the Feb. 1 armed robbery. He pleaded not guilty today during his arraignment in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court on two counts of aggravated robbery and one count each of kidnapping and improper handling of a firearm. The judge continued his bond so he can remain out of jail.

Surveillance video captured a group of seven young men wearing masks and carrying guns, some of them automatic rifles, as they burst into the AT&T store in the Northpark Plaza at 8245 Old Troy Pike in Huber Heights. They forced a customer to the ground and ordered workers to open a safe in the back room. Witnesses spotted their getaway cars and police tracked them all down in less than an hour during a manhunt that forced the lockdown of neighboring schools.

>> VIDEO: 2017 interview with Caleb Johnson on college recruiting offers

“I treat is as these young men deserve a second change, deserve another opportunity. We are not our mistakes. They don’t define us,” said Mitchell, who pointed out that Johnson had never been in trouble before, which police and court records confirm.

The 18-year-old Springfield High School wide receiver attended Trotwood-Madison High School until his senior year.

“We all make mistakes, fall short, need to show mercy and grace, especially in our community,” Mitchell said.

>> 7 in custody in custody in Huber Heights AT&T robbery, manhunt

Johnson’s next court appearance is not until the end of the month. The six juveniles will appear Friday in juvenile court, but prosecutors have said it’s possible their cases would be moved to adult court.

Got a tip? Call our monitored 24-hour line, 937-259-2237, or send it to newsdesk@cmgohio.com

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