This past Sunday, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins wore a shirt stating, "Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford III" during pre-game introductions before Cleveland's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. According to ABC News, the head of the Cleveland Police Union called the protest "pretty pathetic." Hawkins has since declined that statement.

The 28-year-old football player addressed the media this past Monday, stating, "I was taught that justice is a right that every American should have. Also justice should be the goal of every American. I think that's what makes this country special. To me, justice means the innocent should be found innocent. It means that those who do wrong should get their due punishment. Ultimately, it means fair treatment. So a call for justice shouldn't offend or disrespect anybody. A call for justice shouldn't warrant an apology."

He continued, "Before I made the decision to wear the T-shirt, I understood I was putting that reputation in jeopardy to some of those people who wouldn't necessarily agree with my perspective. I understood there was going to be backlash, and that scared me, honestly. But deep down I felt like it was the right thing to do. If I was to run away from what I felt in my soul was the right thing to do, that would make me a coward, and I can't live with that.

As you well know, and it's well documented, I have a 2-year-old little boy. The same 2-year-old little boy that everyone said was cute when I jokingly threw him out of the house earlier this year. That little boy is my entire world. And the number one reason for me wearing the T-shirt was the thought of what happened to Tamir Rice happening to my little Austin scares the living hell out of me. And my heart was broken for the parents of Tamir and John Crawford knowing they had to live that nightmare of a reality."

Watch his entire speech here.