Tyrann Mathieu says he knew 'coward' charged with killing Will Smith

Tyrann Mathieu is a proud ambassador of New Orleans, but Will Smith's tragic death has caused the Arizona Cardinals defensive back to speak out about violence in his hometown and the man charged with killing the former Saints star.

Smith was fatally shot Saturday evening after a car accident in an apparent road rage incident.

Cardell Hayes was charged with second-degree murder in Smith's death. Hayes is a former high school football star in New Orleans, and Mathieu said he knew him.

I know that dude, he been a hating ass coward.... Never knew he'd grow up to be a killer tho.... May you get what you deserve coward
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 10, 2016

Mathieu also said in a series of tweets that a lack of political support for recreational and educational programs is contributing directly to the city's crime rate.

Until y'all get them crooks out of office and until y'all give these kids something constructive to do, the violence will continue to grow!!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 10, 2016

They can't go to parks like I was able to, because the grass ain't cut & the rims have no nets nor do they even have rims ..
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 10, 2016

The budgets cutting into "education" "recreation" and everything else that is VITAL to a kid having success..
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 10, 2016

Not too mention half of their fathers are in prison... So this isn't coming from an angry place but from a person who has made it out!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 10, 2016

The 23-year-old Mathieu was dismissed from LSU's program after multiple failed drug tests for marijuana, but has been a model citizen since being drafted by the Cardinals in 2013.

Tyrann Mathieu says he knew 'coward' charged with killing Will Smith

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