Jets' Sheldon Richardson stands by his comment that Ferguson cop Darren Wilson is a 'pig'

FLORHAM PARK -- Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, one of the team's biggest stars, did not back down Thursday from his comment that Ferguson, Mo., police officer Darren Wilson is a "pig."

Richardson made the remark on his Twitter account Nov. 24, after a grand jury did not indict Wilson for shooting and killing Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old.

Richardson was further infuriated by another grand jury, on Wednesday, not indicting a New York City police officer, Daniel Pantaleo, for applying a banned chokehold to Eric Garner in Staten Island. Garner, who was also unarmed, died shortly thereafter.

"Don't get the word pig wrong," said Richardson, a second-year pro from St. Louis, which is right next to Ferguson. "I meant that, but don't take away from my message."

What was his message?

"A guy got murdered and guy got off for it," Richardson said. "It's just that simple. It just happened here in New York, too, so it's not just in St. Louis. It's getting where it's pretty bad everywhere now. So much for the justice system."

Richardson clarified that his "pig" comment was not a blanket statement about all cops.

"I've got friends who are cops," he said. "They laughed about it. They said, 'I can't believe you actually said it on your social media.' That's about it. It was referring to one guy. If you want to take it personal or make it personal, you know where I work at."

Richardson said he is not afraid about speaking his mind regarding these cases.

"Why would I be?" he said. "It's just words. The actions are being done by the police officers who I feel like are doing wrong. You're supposed to protect and serve, but you're out killing people."

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/12/jets_sheldon_richardson_stands_by_his_comment_that_ferguson_cop_darren_wilson_is_a_pig.html