The St. Louis Rams kicked off Sunday’s supreme thrashing of the Oakland Raiders by showing that their organization was in tune with the turmoil affecting their local community.
Led by Rams players Jared Cook, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Kenny Britt and Chris Givens, the team marched out of the tunnel of the Edward Jones Dome stadium with their arms in the “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture made famous by protesters who feel like unarmed teen Mike Brown was done a great deal of injustice when he was gunned down by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.
Afterwards, St. Louis Rams team staff, officials and the players locked arms during the singing of the National Anthem to show support for the city that has been embattled in constant tension inducing headlines since August 9. The feeling of unification seemingly boosted the 4-7 Rams as they went on to dismantle their Oakland opponents by a score of 52-0.
Meanwhile, outside of the stadium, the act of solidarity wasn’t being carried over as fans, protestors, the Missouri National Guard and local law enforcement all battled for the middle ground outside of the arena.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpoiler alert: the authorities won like the Rams did. Several people were arrested and the cops seemed a little too eager to test out their riot gear.
Flip through the gallery below to see the scenery outside of the arena.
