For some people, using common sense and facts is not an option.

Sports writer and ESPN commentator Jason Whitlock found that out Wednesday — if he didn’t already know it — when he sent out a Tweet essentially telling people to use common sense and not put Tuesday night’s shooting of a Missouri man who was pointing a gun at a police officer in the same category as recent controversial police killings.

Antonio Martin, 18, was shot and killed by a Berkeley, Mo., police officer Tuesday during a routine check at a Mobil gas station that turned violent.

Video footage released following the incident shows the teen raise his hand and point toward the officer.

Officials say he was pointing a gun at the cop, which was found at the scene.

All of those facts don’t matter to those who decided long ago that any time a police officer shoots a black person it is automatically racist and unjustified.

In a Twitter post, Whitlock tried to set them straight.

The police are allowed to protect themselves, particularly when a suspect pulls a gun apparently on surveillance video.

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) December 24, 2014

I’m suspicious of everything and second-guess everything. No reason at all — at this point — to lump Antonio Martin in w/other cases.

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) December 24, 2014

The responses he got from people who seem to have abandoned any sense of reason long ago bordered on comical.

@WhitlockJason They are allowed to protect themselves, but shooting first is not protecting yourself.

— Zach Hoffman (@ZacharyAHoffman) December 24, 2014

Yes. Shooting second is extremely effective — particularly if you’re wounded.

@MissinMarko but you don’t know that he pointed a gun. Video shows nothing/barely anything.

— April ;D (@LirpaW) December 24, 2014

@WhitlockJason “He attacked a cop. He had it coming to him.” (under their breath) “They all have it coming to them.”

— Daniel Roberts (@ironmikegallego) December 24, 2014

@WhitlockJason “Apparently” being the key word… If no gun, bet that video gets “lost”!

— TDF (@TDF4LIFE70) December 24, 2014

Yeah, except the video was released BEFORE this Tweet and showed Martin pointing the gun.

@WhitlockJason no nigga. That video is about as clear dirt. You nor I can see a gun.

— Tron Carter (@Dr_EZwider) December 24, 2014

@WhitlockJason police are afraid of young Black males & vice versa. And cops can’t seem to access a threat. This is just getting started.

— Mark II (@MIIHP) December 24, 2014

I think he meant ASSESS a threat — and having a gun pointed at you doesn’t take much assessment.

@WhitlockJason did you see him pull a gun or are you just believing the cops?

— Justin (@_JGR) December 24, 2014

@ShaunKing This isn’t even worthy of reply. It’s mindbogglingly stupid.

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) December 24, 2014

Then there’s this genius.

@ZacharyAHoffman please God don’t pull a gun on anyone, particularly the police. White privilege doesn’t extend that far.

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) December 24, 2014

Jason Whitlock may have just saved a (white) life.

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Carmine Sabia

Carmine Sabia Jr started his own professional wrestling business at age 18 and went on to become a real estate investor. Currently he is a pundit who covers political news and current events.

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