NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is reportedly paying for a second autopsy on the body of a Georgia man who died in a county jail last year.
The man, named 35-year-old LaShawn Thompson, was reportedly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and was found dead in his cell in December 2021.
According to reports, Kaepernick is funding the second autopsy, which could cost up to $50,000, in an effort to uncover the truth about LaShawn Thompson’s death. The family of the deceased man has welcomed the move, saying they hope it will help provide answers about what happened to their loved one.
The family’s lawyer, Michael D Harper, said in a statement that the first autopsy was conducted by the same doctor who had previously been criticized for his work in the high-profile death of another African-American man, Ahmaud Arbery. Harper said that the family was skeptical of the initial autopsy results and wanted to ensure that all possible causes of Johnson’s death were thoroughly examined.
Also, read; Kenya police exhume remains from suspected Christian cult graves
Kaepernick, who has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and police reform, has reportedly been involved in similar initiatives in the past. In 2020, he launched the Know Your Rights Camp Legal Defense Initiative, which provides legal assistance to people who have been arrested while protesting against police brutality.
The news of Kaepernick’s involvement in the case has generated widespread attention, with many people praising him for his commitment to seeking justice for Johnson and his family. Others have criticized the move, saying that Kaepernick is politicizing a tragedy and exploiting it for his own gain.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the move, it is clear that the issue of police brutality and the treatment of mentally-ill individuals in the criminal justice system continues to be a major concern in the United States. The outcome of the second autopsy will likely have significant implications for future cases and may help bring some closure to the family of LaShawn Thompson.
