Free agent receiver DeSean Jackson reportedly met with Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III before traveling to meet with the team. People close to Jackson, meanwhile, insist Jackson has never been involved in gangs.
Multiple reports, including from ESPN and NFL.com, indicated Washington was one of the two top contenders for Jackson, whom the Philadelphia Eagles released on Friday. Before traveling to Washington on Monday, though, Jackson reportedly met with Griffin over the weekend in Los Angeles.
The two "spent several hours" together in Los Angeles before Jackson headed D.C., according to TMZ.
One of the contributing factors to Jackson's release from Philadelphia, according to an NJ.com report, may have been his alleged ties to known gang members, who appear in pictures with the ex-Eagle.
Jackson denied any gang connections after his release, and multiple people close to the veteran have since come forward in his defense.
Raul Lara, Jackson's former coach at Poly whom the NJ.com article quotes, told the Long Beach Press-Telegram his comments were taken out of context and never meant to imply Jackson was involved with gangs.
"Gangbanger, what the hell is that about? He's not a gangbanger. All I was saying was that it was a tragic part of his life when his father died," Lara said. "He's not a gangbanger, I don't know where they're getting that from, and I didn't say that he was. I was close to his dad and I know that when his dad passed it really hit him."
Poly athletic director Rob Shock and Debbie Hughes, Jackson's high school counselor, also defended Jackson against the allegations of gang involvement and emphasized Jackson's good character.
Musical artist and producer Warren G, who is from Jackson's hometown, also dismissed claims of Jackson being involved with gangs, and retired NFL running back Derrick Ward pointed out Jackson's clean record.
Among the teams reportedly interested in Jackson are the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.
