That's going to be a rather awkward locker room for awhile. Saying the n-word when you make your living in a sport with 68% Black players, is a bad call.
Seems like the players are definitely taking the high road here...at least publicly. I appreciate Vicks comment... "We talked about it man to man, one on one. We just know that we have to some way move on. It's a very delicate situation. But we all understand. Somehow we all have to find a way to get past it. That's maturity in itself.'' Bottom line is dude is still an Eagle, and it seems as though the players are willing to accept his apology and move on as a team...maybe just for the sake of the season, or maybe they sincerely forgive him. Either way, kudos to those players for reacting so professionally and with such forgiving hearts.
http://www.ngngsports.com/2013/08/a...nts&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter While Philadelphia residents seem to be ready to move past Riley Cooper’s racist outburst at a Kenny Chesney concert, it seems that some of his teammates aren’t. According to Jeff McLane of Philly.com, a group of players are in complete support of Cooper. While another group of players are having a “difficult time” accepting Cooper’s apology. And further, the second group believes that if Andy Reid were still the head coach in Philadelphia, Cooper’s punishment would have been harsher than the one he received. So yep, the locker room is already divided in Philadelphia. Despite several team leaders speaking out in support of Riley Cooper on Wednesday, there are many Eagles – the majority of them African American – that are having a difficult time accepting the wide receiver’s apology for using a racial slur, according to team sources. And there was one prominent Eagle that questioned the punishment – Cooper was fined — handed down by owner Jeffrey Lurie and new coach Chip Kelly. “I’ll tell you one thing, if it was Andy Reid, he would have gotten more than a fine,” the player said on the condition of anonymity. Another veteran Eagles player said that he could not get past Cooper using the n-word and that he didn’t think he would ever speak to him again. “The coaches are saying we should think team first, but this is just crazy,” the player said. “Was he thinking about the team when he said that?” In the immediate aftermath of Cooper’s comments coming to light, there was a belief that the reaction within the locker room would be rather tame. But that belief has quickly gone out of the window in the past 24 hours. On Wednesday when the video was first posted, linebacker DeMeco Ryans and several other veterans said they didn’t think that Cooper’s slur would divide the locker room. Jason Avant did say that there were some players that may need as long as a month to forgive Cooper. However, another Eagles player said that there is a definite line being drawn between players that were ready to move on after the incident and those that aren’t sure if they can forget what Cooper said. “If he’s on the team, he’s on the team,” the player said. “Don’t mean I have to like him.” Good luck Chip Kelly. Looks like you’re going to need it.
Yeah true, kudos, as I know a few are having a problem with it. So this reinforces once again, the word just needs to be obliterated. It has no place in society. (In any context, really). Hopefully he can appreciate the forgiveness received and look to examine why he said it. And lay off the booze while he's at it. Center Kelce, who was with him, told reporters that 'Riley is not a racist, but can get out of control", and 'he doesn't remember the altercation or Riley saying the word, as they were both really drunk', but that it 'doesn't excuse him saying it'. I saw another video of Riley earlier that day picking a fight with two (white) men in the parking lot, and yet another of him on stage with Chesney, running off and nose-diving into the crowd (oblivious to potential injuries). Judging by the 3 videos, I wouldn't be surprised if Riley had a hard time recalling his obnoxious and shameful behavior until the videos surfaced. Time for a sober introspection. Hopefully too, this experience will give others pause as well, and no one will ever use that word again, not in practice, the locker-room, or jawing on the field.
Riley Cooper released the following statement: "The last few days have been incredibly difficult for me. My actions were inexcusable. The more I think about what I did, the more disgusted I get. I keep trying to figure out how I could have said something so repulsive, and what I can do to make things better. Right now, I think it's important for me to take some time to reflect on this situation. The organization and my teammates have been extremely supportive, but I also realize that there are people who will have a tough time forgiving me for what I've done. The best thing for me, and for the team, is to step away for a period of time. During this time I'm going to be speaking with a variety of professionals to help me better understand how I could have done something that was so offensive, and how I can start the healing process for everyone. As long as it takes, and whatever I have to do, I'm going to try to make this right."
Yea he is. I was watching NFL Live last night and they were talking about whether he'll be an Eagle on day one of the season and the answer seemed to be a resounding NO, mainly due to the fact that the team cannot function and move on as one if they're divided on Riley Cooper. Makes sense. He had the opportunity to really shine this year, and he ruined it. I honestly don't have sympathy for him...I think often times people spill their underlying feelings when they're drunk and he got caught. I thought his apology seemed sincere (jmo) but it doesn't take away what he did. He needs to keep striving to earn back the respect/trust of those around him.
This reminds me of John Rocker, who pitched for the Atlanta Braves. Rocker and the Braves were getting clobbered during the World Series in New York and in Atlanta. The New York fans really got to Rocker and it affected his pitching. Thoughout the run of the World Series, it was not a good time for the Braves. When the Baseball Commisioner stepped in, ended the series and declared the Yankees the champions, it was in the lockeroom of the Braves when John Rocker "stated how he felt" about the Yankees and New Yorkers. This brought about a backlash that the Braves organization was unable to remedy. Rocker had to first apologize to his teammates, the Mayor of Atlanta(who was African- American), the Braves fans and the country. John Rocker was kicked out of the Braves and he ended up pitching in the minor leagues. Riley Cooper would have to do some serious soul searching if he is ever going to play with any team in the future.
Whitlock weighed in yesterday in his Column... http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/...ffers-perfect-time-to-evolve-and-learn-080113 **** And Riley's Granny has no sympathy for him... http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Riley-Cooper-grandma-not-sympathizing-with-him-080313
