The Eagles announced wide receiver Riley Cooper has been excused from all team activities until he seeks counseling, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. That means Cooper will not practice or attend meetings with the team for a seemingly indefinite period. "This is all new territory and we are going to evaluate this timetable every step of the way," the team said a statement. "He will meet with professionals provided by the Eagles during this period of time to better help him understand how his words have hurt so many, including his teammates." The leave of absence comes two days after video surfaced of Cooper using a racial slur at a June concert. One day later, coach Chip Kelly admitted it could divide the locker and said that the situation will not go away any time soon. Several of his teammates also voiced displeasure in their teammate, and the fine he was initially levied. Cooper said the following, in a statement: "The last few days have been incredibly difficult for me. My actions were inexcusable. The more I think about what I did, the more disgusted I get. I keep trying to figure out how I could have said something so repulsive, and what I can do to make things better. "Right now, I think it's important for me to take some time to reflect on this situation. The organization and my teammates have been extremely supportive, but I also realize that there are people who will have a tough time forgiving me for what I've done. The best thing for me, and for the team, is to step away for a period of time. "During this time I'm going to be speaking with a variety of professionals to help me better understand how I could have done something that was so offensive, and how I can start the healing process for everyone. As long as it takes, and whatever I have to do, I'm going to try to make this right." Source: The Redzone
The Eagles would probably cut him if they didn't need him because of the injury to Maclin. At 6-3, he's one of their tallest WRs, and a good target in the red zone.
Has anyone seen the memes that shows Tebow, Hernandez, and Cooper on a football field somewhere in their UF uniforms? The caption reads, "So, a preacher, a murderer, and a racist walk into a bar..."