Riley Cooper's Philadelphia Eagles teammates are divided in their response to his racially insensitive remarks. Several players voiced support for Cooper following his public apology and punishment from the team, but others are finding it harder to move on from the incident.
Riley Cooper’s Eagles teammates say locker room is divided over remarks
Players from the Philadelphia Eagles are divided over Riley Cooper’s remarks and the team’s reaction to the incident.
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper was fined by the Eagles, and will be sent to counseling over the issue. One “prominent” player, speaking anonymously, said felt that Cooper got off easier with head coach Chip Kelly than he would have under head coach Andy Reid.
As reported by Jeff McLane at the Philadelphia Inquirer:
“I’ll tell you one thing, if it was Andy Reid, he would have gotten more than a fine.”
Another anonymous player put Cooper’s remark in the team-first context, after coaches reportedly told them to put the team first.
“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?”
Teammate LeSean McCoy went on the record to discuss the incident. The veteran running back said that he forgave Coooper, but felt like he "lost a friend" because he "can't respect a guy like that."
It raises the specter of a divided locker room in Philadelphia. McLane’s report cites one player who said that the team was divided between those who were ready to move on and those still reeling from hearing Cooper’s comments captured on video.
See More:
