Sacramento Kings Player's Shoe Statement On Ferguson Draws National Attention
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento Kings player and St. Louis native Ben McLemore's show of support for the Ferguson protesters while on the court is making national headlines.
McLemore played with three words of support for teenager Michael Brown written on his shoes—"RIP Mike Brown."
Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson. A grand jury's decision not to indict Wilson on Nov. 24 re-ignited protests in Ferguson and throughout the country.
McLemore told The Sacramento Bee in an interview after Sunday's game that he lived just 15 minutes away from where Ferguson protesters have gathered for weeks, and that his sister and her kids still live there.
The day after the game, McLemore fans lines up outside the Pizza Guys in Dixon. The player's publicist says he wouldn't answer any questions about politics during his Monday appearance.
Many said protesters need the support from people like McLemore who can spread their message on a bigger stage and a brighter spotlight.
"They get noticed more," said fan Tiana Dickerson. "I think he's like a celebrity people look at it differently."
Several players from the St. Louis Rams did get noticed for making a "hands-up, don't shoot" gesture in pregame introductions before their 52-0 win over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
McLemore said he's hoping to let those back home know he's thinking of them.
