CANTON, Ohio (AP) -- The Rev. Al Sharpton's organization plans to ask the NFL to cancel this summer's Hall of Fame game over allegations of police misconduct in the city.
Richard Jones, who heads the local chapter of the National Action Network, founded by Sharpton, said the group is taking action because of police officers' "general aggressiveness and over-the-line attitude to the citizens of Canton, especially the black citizens."
The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins are scheduled to play in the Hall of Fame game Aug. 3 in Canton.
Jones said he has sent information on police misconduct to NFL players Tank Johnson and Adam "Pacman" Jones, who have been punished by the league over their legal troubles.
"Please hold Canton to the same standards you're held to," Jones said he asked the players.
The group also will publish contact information for black NFL stars so they can be urged to put pressure on the league, Jones said.
Adam Herman, spokesman for Mayor William J. Healy II, said the call for the NFL to cancel the game comes as a surprise. Herman said the mayor is committed to meeting with Jones.
"We do not believe the cancellation of the Hall of Fame game is either likely or appropriate in this situation," Herman said Wednesday.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Wednesday that the group has not contacted the league.
One arrest the group is concerned about is the Dec. 4 arrest of Cortes Everett, 21, who is accused of carrying a loaded gun and having marijuana.
Everett contends his pants were removed during a search. Safety Service Director Thomas Nesbitt said an internal affairs investigation, which includes video of the arrest, shows Everett's complaints are unfounded.
Two officers were reprimanded for unprofessional conduct during the search, including using foul language, Herman said.
