NFL’s Victor Cruz, Roddy White apologize for George Zimmerman tweets
- Share via
NFL stars Victor Cruz and Roddy White are no different than many other Americans who were outraged at the verdict in the George Zimmerman murder trial this weekend.
The difference, though, is that Cruz and White are NFL receivers who have Twitter feeds with hundreds of thousands of followers each.
Both men tweeted rather extreme reactions Saturday night after Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Each of them have since apologized for their tweets.
Upon hearing the verdict, the Atlanta Falcons’ White tweeted an expletive with Zimmerman’s name, wondering what kind of world we live in. He followed that with this emotionally charged statement:
All them jurors should go home tonight and kill themselves for letting a grown man get away with killing a kid — Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) July 14, 2013
By the next morning, he had toned it down:
I understand my tweet last nite was extreme. I never meant for the people to do that. I was shocked and upset about the verdict. I am sorry. — Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) July 14, 2013
According to USA Today, the New York Giants’ Cruz initially tweeted on Saturday night: “Zimmerman doesn’t last a year before the hood catches up with him.”
The next day he posted a series of apologies and an explanation as to why he chose to delete his earlier tweet:
My tweet last night was my initial interpretation of the reaction I was reading on twitter.I immediately realized my tweet was a mistake and — Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) July 14, 2013
I apologize, that’s why I deleted it. I believe conversation not confrontation leads to change and progress. I never have and never will — Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) July 14, 2013
advocate violence under any circumstances and I pray that we all encourage and educate each other. The death of Trayvon Martin is an — Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) July 14, 2013
unthinkable tragedy that is any parent’s worst nightmare. As a father, I want my daughter to grow up in a country that uses this tragedy to — Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) July 14, 2013
heal and grow and progress. My prayers continue to go out to Trayvon Martin’s family. — Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) July 14, 2013
ALSO:
Maurkice Pouncey apologizes for wearing pro-Aaron Hernandez hat
Johnny Manziel leaves Manning camp early, setting off much speculation
Civil rights leaders, protesters seek action after George Zimmerman verdict
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
