Five St. Louis Rams said they meant no disrespect with hands-up gesture

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Rams and the NFL will not discipline the five players who stood with their hands raised in a show of solidarity with Ferguson protesters before Sunday’s game.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Monday that it was his players’ “choice to exercise their free speech,” but he would not comment further on their actions.

“It’s my personal opinion, I firmly believe, that it’s important that I keep sports and politics separate,” Fisher said.

He did say he plans to talk with the players, who are all black, but those conversations will remain confidential.

Jared Cook, Kenny Britt, Chris Givens, Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin made the “Hands up. Don’t Shoot!” gesture protesters in Ferguson – a suburb of St. Louis – have been using since a grand jury did not indict police officer Darren Wilson over the Aug. 9 shooting of Michael Brown, who was black. Some witnesses said Brown had his hands up before being shot by Wilson, who is white.

The players’ made their show of support before running onto the field during introductions.

The St. Louis Police Officer’s Association demanded the players be disciplined and the NFL to issue an apology.

An NFL statement read: “We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation.”

The players have said they meant no disrespect.