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Rick Ross, Julius Erving & Others Rally for Meek Mill in Philadelphia

Photo: WireImage
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Rick Ross, NBA icon Julius "Dr. J" Erving and others rallied Monday night in Philadelphia to show support for Meek Mill.

"I'm here to support my brother Meek Mill," Ross told the crowd gathered tonight outside Philadelphia's Criminal Justice Center. He also said he came out not only to "draw attention" to Meek Mill's legal situation, but also to "speak for so many others."

As we previously reported, Meek Mill was sentenced last week to a minimum of two years for violating his probation stemming from legal troubles going back to a 2008 drug and weapons conviction.

Earlier this year, the rapper was arrested for engaging in a fight at the St. Louis airport. He was subsequently arrested for driving recklessly on a dirt bike in New York City. Both charges were dropped, but the judge determined the incidents counted as separate violations.

Jay-Z, Kevin Hart and Colin Kaepernick have been among those voicing support for Meek Mill in recent days.

"The sentence handed down by the judge ... is unjust and heavy-handed," Jay, whose social media use is usually limited, wrote on Facebook. "We will always stand by and support Meek Mill, both as he attempts to right this wrongful sentence and then in returning to his musical career."

A number of Philadelphia Eagles players also showed up today at the rally. Malcolm Jenkins, Torrey Smith, Jalen Mills and Wendell Smallwood were among those present.