x
Breaking News
More () »

Thurman Thomas favors bail reform

Former NFL star takes a stand on a criminal justice issue being debated across the nation.

When a NFL Hall of Fame running back goes before lawmakers, you can bet they will listen.

Thursday morning, Thurman Thomas went before the Erie County Legislature to voice his support to end cash bails for anyone arrested for a non-violence misdemeanor or offense.

Thousands of people are in jail across the country because they can't post bail. Thomas says the cash bail system is "inherently biased toward the wealthy."

"When the breadwinner in the family, be it a man or a woman, is jailed while awaiting trial, their family suffers financially when that person cannot work or provide income. This can lead to the family losing their home rented accommodations or going on public assistance," said Thomas.

Legislator April Baskin has proposed legislation for Erie County to support state proposed bail reform.

A bail reform bill passed in the State Assembly, but did not move forward in the State Senate. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed ending cash bail for all misdemeanors and some nonviolent felony charges.

Thomas says African American men are heavily impacted by inequalities in the criminal justice system.

"I've been able to step up with some of my friends back home (in Houston) and help them until they get permission to get released from jail that why it's important to me," said Thomas.

Before You Leave, Check This Out