New York Daily News

New Jet Crowell posted graphic police pic in ’16

- BY DANIEL POPPER

The NYPD likely won’t be thrilled with one of the Jets’ new signings.

In the summer of 2016, Isaiah Crowell — the former Browns running back whom the Jets inked to a three-year, $12 million deal this week to bolster their backfield — posted a graphic illustrati­on to Instagram depicting a shadowy figure stabbing a police officer in the neck.

Crowell posted the image to his account after two black men were fatally shot by police officers in July 2016 — Philando Castile in Minnesota and Alton Sterling in Louisiana. Both killings caused an uproar around the country and raised already surging racial tensions. Crowell captioned his post by writing, “They give police all types of weapons and they continuall­y choose to kill us….#Weak.”

Crowell quickly deleted the post and later apologized in a written statement on Twitter.

He posted the image to Instagram a day before five police officers were slain in a Dallas shootout.

“Last week was an emotional and difficult week as we saw extreme acts of violence against black men across our country as well as against police officers in Dallas,’’ Crowell wrote then. “I posted an image to Instagram in the midst of that emotion that I shouldn’t have and immediatel­y removed it. It was an extremely poor decision and I apologize for that mistake and for offending people.

“My values and beliefs do not match that image. I am outraged and upset by the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile along with so many others.

I am also outraged and saddened by the attacks in Dallas and the deaths of the five honorable police officers (Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael J. Smith, Brent Thompson and Patrick Zamarripa) who were providing protection while trying to keep peace.

ASJ MOVING ON TO JAGS

The Jets are officially in need of a new tight end, as they say goodbye to one of the most heartwarmi­ng stories of their 2017 season. Austin Seferian-Jenkins has agreed to terms on a contract with the Jaguars. The deal is for two years and $10 million, according to a source.

CB CLAIBORNE RE-SIGNS

Morris Claiborne is returning to the Jets. The 28-year-old cornerback agreed to resign with Gang Green, according to a source. The deal is for one year and $7 million, according to NFL Network.

CAIRO THE NEW KICKER

The Jets signed kicker Cairo Santos to replace Chandler Catanzaro, who left for Tampa Bay. Santos connected on 86 of 102 field goal attempts in his first three seasons with K.C. He struggled through injuries last year.

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