Philadelphia Eagles excuse Riley Cooper from all team activities
By Mike Dyce
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper found himself in hot water after a video tape of him using a racial slur surfaced. Cooper quickly apologized and the Eagles quickly fined Cooper. Those actions didn’t do enough to prevent the lingering effects that have essentially divided the locker room.
Some have forgiven him and some haven’t, and that division has led to rumors that the Eagles could part ways with Cooper. The Eagles have now announced that Cooper has been excused from all team activities.
The Philadelphia Eagles statement:
"“As we have said, Riley Cooper will be seeking counseling and we have excused him from all team activities. This is all new territory and we are going to evaluate this timetable every step of the way. He will meet with professionals provided by the Eagles during this period of time to better help him understand how his words have hurt so many, including his teammates.”"
Riley Cooper’s 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.”"