Seeing the Other Side    

   Three "police officers" pulled over a vehicle without a tag. They got out of the car. Then...

Boom, Boom, Boom

   Ambush! But it's okay. They were role playing at Tampa's Citizens Academy. 

   Interim police Chief Brian Dugan had seen J.T. Brown, who is black, raise his right fist during the national anthem at an October 7 hockey game. The chief, a former hockey security rep, wanted Brown to see the other side.

   "We as a police department, we've always been supporting of people protesting peacefully. Not trying to change his mind; just wanted to educate him," Dugan said.

   After a three hour visit, Brown said, "You see what they go through. I have a better understanding. I can guarantee you that."

   A fellow player added, "You realize every time you leave the (police) car it could be the last time."

   Brown said he put much thought and prayer into becoming the first NHL player to do a protest. Knowing there would be backlash, he consulted with members of the military, family members, and especially his wife. 

   Sure enough. He received racist comments and death threats on social media. 

   Three players experienced mock traffic stops, reports of domestic violence, and drunk and disorderly. They participated in computer simulations that teach shoot and no-shoot scenarios.

   Brown said it wasn't always easy to tell what was an active threat. "It was stressful," he told the Tampa Bay Times. 

   He has mentored at-risk kids, and he supports a hockey program that fosters positive social change and more inclusive communities.

   Update: On Wednesday, Brown said, no more anthem protests. He calls on others to look for ways to make a difference in the community. He will do ride-alongs with police, and is donating 600 hockey tickets to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and a police department outreach for at-risk youth. 

   Meanwhile, NFL player Chris Long is donating all 16 pay checks this season for scholarships and programs to increase educational opportunity for under-served youths. 
   

      Jimmy