Jesse Jackson -- Calls for Symbolic Protest ... From Clippers Players

Reverend Jesse Jackson is calling for Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the rest of the Clippers to employ some kind of "symbolic expression" to protest the statements made by team owner Donald Sterling.

We just spoke with Jackson ... who tells us he's outraged by Sterling's racist comments -- and says it puts the players in an awkward situation, due to the fact they have a playoff game tomorrow.

Jackson says the league "must respond and respond quickly" -- and says the players should do something during the game to "show a sign of indignation."