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Riley Cooper is understandably in hot water following his racial comments that were video taped at a Kenny Chesney concert. Cooper has gone on to apologize and the Eagles and NFL have commented on the situation. Former and current Eagles are now making their opinions known after Cooper met with his teammate on Wednesday night.
BGN's Jimmy Kempski was able to grab video of Cooper's press conference:
Following the press conference in front of a brick wall, Cooper met with teammates. After the meeting Mike Vick spoke with the local media:
Mike Vick says I've heard that word so many times...We've got to move on pic.twitter.com/OXEFTzSlLx
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) August 1, 2013
Jason Avant sounds like some Eagles' players may need some time to get over Cooper's remarks:
Jason Avant: Riley is one of my best friends...some players forgave him right away, others will take a while pic.twitter.com/8AM8VqCMVw
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) August 1, 2013
However, Avant understands the position Cooper is in:
Avant said if you followed him around with a camera all day, you'd see his character flaws, too.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) August 1, 2013
Avant also doesn't think Cooper is a racist:
Avant: I know he's not a racist. When Maclin got hurt, first person to help him was Riley
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) August 1, 2013
Avant: "I know (Cooper) is not a racist." Referred to Cooper and Jeremy Maclin as "best buds."
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) August 1, 2013
Avant: "I will say, when I'm around every day, he's not that way. ...I still sat next to him today to let him know I'm there for him."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 1, 2013
DeMeco Ryans says the Cooper's comments don't change his views on his teammate:
DeMeco Ryans said he doesn't think Riley Cooper is a racist and won't look at him any differently.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) August 1, 2013
Fletcher Cox is sympathetic to Cooper's situation following his comments:
Fletcher Cox on Riley Cooper: "Everybody makes mistakes."
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 31, 2013
Jeremiah Trotter, who is not afraid to speak his mind, made this declaration:
No I do not think he should be cut, I think the fine and the public humiliation is enough
— Jeremiah Trotter (@JTrotter_54) July 31, 2013
Ike Reese had a bit of fun with Eagles' fans and Cooper's situation:
Very creative tweeps with the appropriate punishment for Riley Cooper!.My favorite: have him repeat those words at JayZ's concert in 2wks!
— Ike Reese (@Ike58Reese) July 31, 2013
Hugh Douglas basically acted like he wasn't even surprised:
S/O to Riley Cooper.. For keepin it 100.. At least now we know!
— Hugh Douglas (@Bighugh53) July 31, 2013
No matter how you feel about this situation, it is a no-win incident for the Eagles. Let's not forget that whether you're white, black, Asian or a pterodactyl, you love football and you love the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mike Update: I am closing the comment section because this is no longer about football and frankly that is the only type of conversation that should happen here. We all have opinions, myself included, but following the intial reaction to Cooper's comment I just think we need to end this conversation.