When DeSean Jackson was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, many pointed to alleged gang related activity and gang signs that Jackson was spotted throwing up in photos and on the field.
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Since signing with the Washington Redskins, Jackson has denied being involved in any gang activity and he again stated that in a recent interview.
As far as the hand gestures go, that is just Jackson showing support to his friends and recognizing where he came from.
“If I score a touchdown or make a play and my boys at home can see me throwing up the area we’re from, that’s me showing them love,” Jackson told ESPN The Magazine.
“They weren’t fortunate enough to make it where I’m at. All my friends wanted to be in the NFL growing up, but they weren’t able to do that, and I was. That doesn’t mean I forgot about them. They’re my boys, I grew up with them, and I’m going to give them love.”
It is a bit unfair to judge Jackson based off of some hand signs because of what they may mean, because a lot of people are proud of where they grew up.
For Jackson, that just happened to be in an area that is associated with gang activity so some of those hand gestures could be taken the wrong way.
Once the season starts, none of that will matter, because Jackson can put the past behind him and focus on helping his new team in the NFC East find success.