Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones took to Twitter this morning and started talking about something most college athletes shy away from: politics. In this case, Jones’ subject of choice was the “#BlackLivesMatter” campaign vs. the counterpoint, “#AllLivesMatter.”
Retweet if you agree with me #BlackLivesMatter
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) July 23, 2015
#AllLivesMatter 😰 why is it that the only ones getting beaten, killed when unarmed, & mysteriously dien in custody are African American
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) July 23, 2015
You tell me that #AllLivesMatter well I say how do you define "All" ?
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) July 23, 2015
I agree, #AllLivesMatter we need to start walking the walk
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) July 23, 2015
God bless America🇺🇸
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) July 23, 2015
The statement was born in the past couple of years, when Florida man George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting of unarmed African-American teen Trayvon Martin back in 2013, and it gained more traction last summer when the NYPD placed local Eric Garner in an illegal chokehold while arresting him, subsequently resulting in Garner’s death.
The term “All Lives Matter” was recently stated by Democratic presidential hopeful Martin O’Malley at a rally, for which he has received some criticism.
Whether or not one agrees with Jones, it’s hard to ignore the fact that he does indeed have a point, particularly in light of the recent shootings in Charleston and the deaths of Walter Scott, Freddie Gray and Sandra Bland, all of whom died in police custody.
But Jones’ political statement was short-lived, as he went back into football mode just a few minutes after posting the initial tweet.
Less than 3 weeks till camp😁
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) July 23, 2015
Who ready for the college football season?☝🏾
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) July 23, 2015
Jones is currently competing with J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller for the starting quarterback’s job, so it will be interesting to see if his being vocal on Twitter plays any sort of role in who ultimately ends up under center when the season opens against Virginia Tech on September 7.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
