DeSean Jackson is defending himself from criticism over the conduct some are insisting led to him being released by the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason after a career year.
Jackson recently told ESPN the hand gestures he routinely throws up after scoring a touchdown are dedicated to his childhood friends and not signals meant to express any gang affiliations.
DeSean Jackson throws sideline tantrum
"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," he added. "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."
The Eagles released Jackson after several media outlets reported some authorities suspect the NFL star still had such ties, including a Los Angeles detective who patrols the area where Jackson grew up as a youth.
"Those were neighborhood Crip gang signs," the detective told reporters of the hand machinations following big-plays Jackson has become infamous for flashing.
Five days after being released by Philadelphia, Jackson scored a three-year, $24 million deal with Washington on the strength of his nine touchdowns, 1,332 yards receiving 2013 season. In Washington, Jackson is expected to team with Robert Griffin III and wideout Pierre Garcon to form one of the league's most dynamic offenses.
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