Chip Kelly says LeSean McCoy's comments about race are wrong

One of the things Chip Kelly was asked about prior to practice on Thursday had to do with the comments made by former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

In an interview with ESPN earlier this offseason, McCoy said Kelly got rid of all the "good black players" on the Eagles. McCoy's comments followed some made by former Eagles coach (and player) Tra Thomas who said some players believe there is a hint of racism in Philadelphia's locker room.

Kelly had a back and forth exchange with some media members who were pressing him on this issue. Read the entire exchange below:

"Q.  What was your reaction to LeSean McCoy's comments a couple weeks ago alleging that you favor white players over black players?  Any reaction to that at all?

COACH KELLY:  I have great respect for LeSean; however, in that situation, I think he's wrong.  We put a lot of time in looking at the characters and factors that go into selection and retention of players and color has never been one of them.

Q.  Were you hurt by it?

COACH KELLY:  No.

Q.  Is it something you have had to address in the locker room?

COACH KELLY:  No, I haven't.

Q.  Have you talked to McCoy since?

COACH KELLY:  No, I reached out to him twice and he didn't accept my call. Then I talked to his agent and told him I'd love to talk to him at some point in time, but I haven't had a chance to touch base with him.

Q.  When WR Riley Cooper went through that incident you said that people need to understand words do hurt. Three people have said that you use race in decisions.

COACH KELLY:  That doesn't hurt me.  I'm not governed by the fear of what other people say.  Events don't elicit feelings.  I think beliefs elicit feelings.  I understand what my beliefs are and I know how I am.

Q.  Sometimes the perception...

COACH KELLY:  You start chasing perception and you got a long life ahead of you, son.  That's what it's all about.  If you're worried about someone else's perception of what is going on with you, then -- You can control one thing.  You can control yourself.  I know how we run this organization, and it's not run that way."

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An anonymous NFL general manager once said of Chip Kelly: ""I just think he doesn't give a s--- what other people think, and he has his beliefs, he is outside the box and he is true to himself."" The last two responses from the Eagles coach here especially reflect that sentiment. He's not worried about what others have to say about him.