Philadelphia Eagles receiver Riley Cooper's name became toxic when a video of him using a racial slur went viral. While simply releasing the beleaguered player could save Eagles coach Chip Kelly a headache, history suggests the new coach won't do it, MMQB reports.
"I will jump that fence and fight every n----- here, bro," Cooper said at a Kenny Chesney concert in June.
Cooper needed only 11 words to enrage the masses and alienate his teammates. Although quarterback Michael Vick forgave his 25-year-old teammate, running back LeSean McCoy said he no longer respected Cooper - and he probably isn't the only player in the locker room to feel that way.
Kelly faces a difficult decision, and he risks his locker room splintering because of it. MMQB spoke with former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who Kelly recently reached out to for advice.
"I told him to trust his instincts," Dungy said on Sunday. "He can use this as a teaching moment, and his decision could pull this team together."
Cutting Cooper would be the easiest solution, but history suggests Kelly is unlikely to do it. Kelly faced a difficult situation in Oregon in 2009 after Ducks running back LaGarrette Blount punched a Boise player in the head. Kelly, then in his first-year at Oregon, initially suspended Blount for the season before changing his mind and allowing Blount to remain on the team if he followed strict guidelines.
During that time, Kelly had asked Dungy for advice. Blount eventually found a job in the NFL, something which Dungy credits Kelly for.
"Chip could have kicked Blount to the curb. He chose to believe in him. And it worked out," Dungy said. "With Riley Cooper, this kid made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. The big issue, too, is the alcohol. That has to be dealt with. But Chip will make the right decision. He doesn't care what the popular opinion. He cares about what's right."
The Eagles announced Cooper would return to practice on Tuesday, giving him hope his career in Philadelphia isn't finished.
