Several Pittsburgh Steelers players honored a suspect in a drive-by shooting by placing that suspect’s name on their helmets during last week’s season-opening game.
The name “Antwon Rose, Jr.” was placed on several players’ helmets for Monday night’s game against the New York Giants.
Rose was allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting in June 2018. Police say that Rose, who is African-American, was a passenger in a car that was pulled over by East Pittsburgh Police. While the driver was being handcuffed on suspicion of being involved in the shooting, Rose attempted to flee.
He was fatally shot in the back by a white East Pittsburgh Police Officer.
The victim in the drive-by shooting would later tell authorities that Rose who shot at him. Police would find a 9-millimeter handgun magazine in Rose’s pocket. A loaded 9-millimeter Glock was found under the seat with 16-rounds in a 17-round magazine. Police also said gunshot residue was found on Rose’s hands.
The details of the case were apparently unknown to Steelers players who put Rose’s name on their helmets. One of the players, Lineman Maurkice Pouncey, says he will not wear Rose’s name on games going forward.
Outkick contributor Jason Whitlock, who is African-American, also weighed in:
I’m not advocating for anything. I’m providing facts and context. I believe 30 minutes before encountering police, Rose was the triggerman in a drive-by shooting. The police were trying to arrest him for the shooting when he fled. It’s context. https://t.co/R9xsRWdYP3
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) September 16, 2020