It's refreshing to see Kaepernick using his platform for something positive and constructive. His willingness to help Thompson's family find answers is commendable, and it shows that he's not just interested in stirring up controversy for the sake of it. By funding a second autopsy, he's ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted into Thompson's death.
While we may not agree with everything Kaepernick says or does, we have to give credit where credit is due. This is a step in the right direction, and we hope that more celebrities use their influence to make a positive impact on society.
TMZ reported that typically, autopsies can cost between $20-50k. Aside from wanting to provide the family with closure, we're told Colin was, and is, upset about the conditions in which LaShawn, initially arrested for a misdemeanor simple battery, and other inmates endured.
In fact, it's those disgusting conditions the Thompson family believes contributed, if not caused, LaShawn's death.
"The cell he was in was not fit for a diseased animal. This is inexcusable and it’s deplorable,” Thompson family attorney Michael Harper said of the cell where LaShawn lived, and ultimately died.
The family has released several photos of the scene, as well as LT's body, which appears to be covered in bug bites.
In the wake of the outrage over jail conditions, three high-ranking jail officials have stepped down, with the Fulton County Sheriff saying, “It’s clear to me that it’s time, past time, to clean house,” adding they're making "sweeping changes" to the facility.
While we may not be Colin Kaepernick's biggest fans, we have to acknowledge that his decision to fund an independent autopsy for LaShawn Thompson is a positive one.
