Amid speculation that the Philadelphia Eagles may release Riley Cooper, head coach Chip Kelly made it clear that the team will not do so. In fact, Kelly said the team hasn't even discussed the possibility.
Eagles haven’t considered cutting Riley Cooper, says Chip Kelly
Chip Kelly has insisted that Riley Cooper will remain a member of the Eagles.
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
“There’s never been any question of cutting Riley ... Thought it was important for him to be with us yesterday,” said Kelly on Friday. “This isn’t a football decision.”
For more on Cooper, visit: Bleeding Green Nation
Cooper found himself in trouble on Wednesday after video surfaced of him saying, "I will jump that fence and fight every n***er here." The team moved quickly to fine Cooper and on Friday, the team announced that the wide receiver had been excused from team activities so he can receive counseling.
Cooper has caused a divide in the locker room, leading some to question if Philadelphia would cut him. He apologized to owner Jeffrey Lurie, Kelly and the entire team after the video went viral and has used every opportunity to admit what he said was wrong and apologize to anyone who would listen. But while some players said it was important to get back to work, others expressed doubts that they could be in the same locker room as him even after his repeated apologies.
“The coaches are saying we should think team first, but this is just crazy,” an anonymous player told Jeff McLane. “Was he thinking about the team when he said that?”
Despite the turmoil and his absence from the team as he receives counseling, Cooper will remain a member of the Eagles. If Kelly is to be believed, that won’t change anytime soon either.
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