Former Trail Blazer Cliff Robinson wants apology from the City of Portland for racial profiling incident in 1997

Former Trail Blazers' star Clifford Robinson wants an apology from the City of Portland for a racial profiling incident in 1997.

Amid the backdrop of protests about systemic racial injustice and police brutality following the death of George Floyd, Robinson's communications manager, Chris Young, chronicled the alleged incident on social media.

"In the summer of 1997 Portland Trail Blazer Clifford Robinson, his brothers, and friends were the subject of blatant racial profiling by Portland (Oregon) police. Robinson was seen entering his vehicle with paintball guns, the cops were called by someone that reported that Robinson and his party had assault rifles, and a public safety alert was broadcast on local and national media. Robinson's vehicle, along with its occupants, was subjected to a paramilitary-style blockade near the Portland waterfront, which was widely publicized. Heavily armed Portland police did not find assault rifles in Robinson's vehicle for obvious reasons (there weren't any)..."

The post also ask for people to sign a petition "demanding that the City of Portland apologize" for the incident, calling it "shameful." The post concludes by saying the City of Portland cannot move forward until it acknowledges the "harms" it created in the past.

-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold

Ex-Blazer star wants Portland apology for 1997 profiling