Sherman wonders if there is a lack of consistency and favouritism in NFL.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman has shared his opinion on the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to cut wide receiver DeSean Jackson last week, and is confused as to why Riley Cooper didn’t receive the same treatment.
The outspoken Super Bowl winner from last season was writing for TheMMQB.com, and took issue with the fact that the Eagles didn’t release Cooper when a video emerged of him using the N-word.
In contrast, although the organisation insisted that the decision to release Jackson was based on his “work ethic and attitude”, reports circulated soon after that it was predominantly because they believed he had ties with gangs in Los Angeles.
Sherman clearly believes that there has been double-standards in this instance, and wasn’t shy to share his views on what should have happened.
“The Seattle Seahawks get it. The Philadelphia Eagles apparently do not” Sherman wrote.
“This offseason they re-signed a player who was caught on video screaming, ‘I will fight every n—– here.’ He was representing the Philadelphia Eagles when he said it, because, of course, everything we do is reflective of the organization.
“But what did they do to Riley Cooper, who, if he’s not a racist, at least has ‘ties’ to racist activity? They fined him and sent him to counselling. No suspension necessary for Cooper and no punishment from the NFL, despite its new interest in policing our use of the N-word on the field. Riley instead got a few days off from training camp and a nice contract in the offseason, too.”
Sherman wasn’t done there with his criticism, as he also considered the situation surrounding Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, after he was arrested for driving under the influence and drug possession.
The Seahawks star conceded that if you commit certain crimes in this league and “be a certain colour”, you can get help, not scorn.
Sherman is of course a childhood friend of Jackson, and believes that he has also been unfairly portrayed by the media who have no legitimate evidence that he has “gang ties” or has done any previous wrongdoing himself.
Nevertheless, the general consensus remains that ultimately Jackson was released specifically because of his attitude and salary cap issues that the Eagles needed to rectify.
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