UPDATE: DeSean Jackson has also now released an apology for his posts.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 7, 2020
Over the July 4th weekend, Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson took to Instagram to share some thoughts by Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan — including, in a second post, a highlighted passage attributed to Adolf Hitler.
Farrakhan spoke at length over the holiday weekend about topics ranging from police brutality and racism, to COVID-19, apparently drawing Jackson’s interest. There’s also some question as to authenticity of the entire quote attributed to Hitler, as well as a lot of other content put out by Farrakhan.
As explained by Kevin Kinkead at Crossing Board:
Just two years ago he had a Facebook video removed after comparing Jews to “termites,” and pro-Hitler comments can be traced all the way back to the 1980s. Farrakhan is a total whack job who says some of the most insane things you will ever hear.
Jackson got back on Instagram Monday, to clarify his initial post, and then to repost the attributed Hitler comments with parts retracted to emphasize what he deemed the main point.
Former Eagles president Joe Banner, who is Jewish, said that Jackson’s post was “absolutely indefensible” and there should be serious discussions about the situation within the organization.
If a white player said anything about AA’s 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.
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) July 7, 2020
The Eagles have released a statement regarding the social media posts by DeSean Jackson, and are “continuing to evaluate the circumstances and will take appropriate action”.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 7, 2020
Additionally, the NFL has released a state on Jackson’s behavior, which is deferring to the Eagles to address internally.
NFL statement on #Eagles WR DeSean Jackson:
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 7, 2020
“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.”