07/07/20 12:45:00
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07/07 12:44 CDT Eagles WR DeSean Jackson apologizes for anti-Semitic post
Eagles WR DeSean Jackson apologizes for anti-Semitic post
By ROB MAADDI
AP Pro Football Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) --- Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has
apologized after backlash for sharing anti-Semitic posts on social media over
the weekend.
"My post was definitely not intended for anybody of any race to feel any type
of way, especially the Jewish community," Jackson said in a video he posted on
Instagram on Tuesday. "I post things on my story all the time, and just
probably never should have posted anything Hitler did, because Hitler was a bad
person, and I know that."
The team issued the following statement: "We have spoken with DeSean Jackson
about his social media posts. Regardless of his intentions, the messages he
shared were offensive, harmful, and absolutely appalling. They have no place in
our society, and are not condoned or supported in any way by the organization.
We are disappointed and we reiterated to DeSean the importance of not only
apologizing but also using his platform to take action to promote unity,
equality, and respect. We are continuing to evaluate the circumstances and are
committed to continuing to have productive and meaningful conversations with
DeSean, as well as all of our players and staff, in order to educate, learn,
and grow."
The NFL also issued a statement, saying: "DeSean's comments were highly
inappropriate, offensive and divisive and stand in stark contrast to the NFL's
values of respect, equality and inclusion. We have been in contact with the
team which is addressing the matter with DeSean."
Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowl pick, is in his second stint in Philadelphia,
returning last season to the team that drafted him in the second round of the
2008 draft.
Former Eagles president Joe Banner criticized Jackson on Twitter. Banner wrote:
"If a white player said anything about (African-Americans) as outrageous as
what Desean Jackson said about Jews tonight there would at least be a serious
conversation about cutting him and a need for a team meeting to discuss. Which
would be totally appropriate. Absolutely indefensible."
Banner, who also worked for Cleveland and Atlanta, later shared an
anti-Palestinian tweet with the hashtag "Palestinianprivilege getting away with
murder."
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