Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders took to Twitter to call for prayer and affirm that “all lives matter” in the wake of a massacre in his city that left five law enforcement officers dead and 12 people wounded at a Black Lives Matter march.
Not everyone like his message.
One Twitter user called Sanders a “HOUSE N—A” in all-caps, while another dismissed the idea of praying at such a terrible time.
A gunman reportedly uttered the words “I want to kill white people” shortly before cops used a robot to deliver an exploding bomb to his location. The racial motivations and targeting of police outraged Sanders, which in turn outraged extremists.
Sanders tweeted:
Black lives Matter,White lives matter,Hispanic lives matter,Latin lives matter,Asian lives matter,All lives matter,Yo life matters! #Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
OK now that Police & Blacks have each others attention what’s next? What the next move people?! Ignorance & hatred does not stop at a sign.
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
White policeman are more fearful than ever for their lives & Blacks feel the same. Let’s stop the mayhem b4 more innocent people die. #Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
God bless u man. Now u killing another brother. #Thinkaboutthat I’ve been called a lot of things but never that https://t.co/0nKqIapeUa
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
Parents this is a teaching moment to your kids. Speak into their hearts & minds and allow them to know how & why hatred & racism is WRONG!
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
Speak for yourself. It works for me and many others. God bless u. https://t.co/xQluyi2dUu
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
We can’t result to killing,stealing,verbal & physical abuse,lying,cheating & hatred. Innocent people are being victimized. STOP!#Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
All Lives Matter! #Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
Love Love Love Love, I’m gon give love to as many people as I can today. I’m gonna have a blessed productive day and bless a lot of kids!
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) July 8, 2016
The Pro Football Hall of Famer played five seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, helping the team win their most recent Super Bowl after the 1995 season. Following the end of his career after stints in Washington and Baltimore, he bought and later sold a mansion in Prosper and currently lives in a condominium in Dallas.