LAPD: DeSean Jackson not involved in gang-related killingsBy John Breech | CBSSports.comMarch 29, 2014 1:42 pm ET
The LAPD says DeSean Jackson has not been involved in any gang-related homicides. (USATSI) The Philadelphia Eagles still haven't specified why exactly the team cut wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Friday. According to a report on NJ.com, the Eagles were concerned with "Jackson's continued association with reputed Los Angeles street gang members who have been connected to two homicides since 2010."In a statement released on Friday, Jackson denied having any gang-ties. The Los Angeles Police Department backed up Jackson's statement by saying they don't necessarily think Jackson has any ties to gangs and they definitely don't think he's been involved in any gang-related killings. "It's kind of like 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.' When people grow up in neighborhoods where you have gang involvement, you don't have to look too far before you find a connection to a connection," LAPD Homicide Det. Chris Barling told the Philadelphia Daily News. "Now, how sinister that connection is, our position is that's for others to judge."The NJ.com report noted that Jackson is close to Theron Shakir. Shakir, reportedly a member of the Crips, was charged with murdering 14-year-old Taburi Watson in 2010 after Watson flashed a rival gang sign at Shakir and co-defendant Marques Binns. During that investigation, the LAPD reached out to the Eagles, who didn't respond. However, Jackson did respond when authorities reached out to him, "[The Eagles] didn't return the call, but we came across a number for him and had a conversation," Barling said. "It was nothing confrontational; he answered our questions."In 2012, a gang-related killing took place in front of a property being rented by Jackson's sister. Detective Eric Crosson told NJ.com that 'investigators found several documents belonging to Jackson, including a car title, a gun permit issued in New Jersey and credit-card receipts.'However, Barling noted that Jackson is not being looked at in relation to that homicide or any others, "There's no other investigation that I'm aware of where Mr. Jackson's name has come up," he said. "It's clear he was not involved in the homicides."Jackson was the victim of a crime in January though when his home was burglarized. In that case, authorities believed that the perpetrators made off with $250,000 in cash. However, a Philadelphia police spokesman told the Philadelphia Inquirer that only $20,000 was stolen from Jackson's place. "This was a genuine mistake on our part," the spokesman said. "His mother was giving police what she thought was in the home. Once, they interviewed Jackson, he knows what's in his house, and he said, 'No, that's wrong.' He told them what was missing."That case is still open. Richard Sherman stands behind former Little League teammate DeSean Jackson By Nick Schwartz USA Today Sports 7 hours ago
The Philadelphia Eagles strange, sudden release of DeSean Jackson has quickly become one of the biggest stories of the offseason, and Jackson’s friends and colleagues are lining up to offer their support. Long before his release, the Eagles were shopping Jackson on the trade market. According to reports by NJ.com, there were behind-the-scenes issues, and the Eagles were concerned about Jackson’s relationships with gang members. Shortly after those reports were published Friday, the Eagles cut ties with the Pro Bowl wide receiver. Jackson released a statement afterward denying any involvement in gang activity, and the LAPD confirmed that he was not a target in any investigations. A number of fans and fellow players have come to Jackson’s defense following his release. Former Giants running back Derrick Ward wrote a passionate series of tweets ripping the Eagles and ESPN for the way they handled the situation. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, who also grew up in Los Angeles, shared an old photo of his little league team, which featured two future NFL stars. Sherman’s message: “No one should be judged by the actions of others.”
