Seahawks' Avril takes to Twitter to dismiss report of drag racing

Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Cliff Avril defended running back Fred Jackson via Twitter. Steven Bisig USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks veteran Cliff Avril quickly jumped to the defense of teammate Fred Jackson following a published report that the running back was involved in a car crash while drag racing teammate Marshawn Lynch.

Avril responded to a Twitter posting by Pro Football Talks that referenced the initial report by TMZ, which was later refuted by police in Renton, Wash. Avril tweeted "that's a LIE" on the posting that Jackson wrecked his car in a reported drag race.

The veteran defensive end sent out a follow-up tweet saying that the "facts aren't what they are making them."

A police report backed Avril's stance, saying Jackson was involved in a one-car collision and added that "there is no indication Jackson was racing another vehicle."

Jackson, whose car slammed into a pole after running off the road, later sent out a tweet of his own expressing thanks for the support and explaining his version of the accident.

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