What Riley Cooper Really Did Wrong
Jul 31, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (14) addresses the media concerning an internet video at the Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
“What’s up my “n-word,”” is an extremely common phrase where I’m from. The n-word is as common as Hi and Bye now and days. The word is used mostly by the African American community but it’s used almost as a term of endearment in most cases. As a black man I won’t lie and say I don’t say it and other people shouldn’t as well because that would be lie. I have said it and it’s become a part of the culture now. That’s why when I heard Riley Cooper was in trouble for saying the n-word I wasn’t upset, appalled or disgusted. That would make me a hypocrite which I am not. But then I watched the video and that’s when I got upset. The way he used the word was meant as an insult as if he was talking down to whoever that was aimed at. That’s where the problem lies. He shouldn’t be persecuted for what he said. He should be punished for how he said it. He also used very poor judgment by letting himself be filmed in that situation. If no one saw it, we never would have known it happened. He would have been battling for the starting wideout position opposite Desean Jackson and life would have went on like normal for Riley. He was excused from the team for sensitivity training and could possibly be cut soon. It could be argued that he should have been released already because it could cause a rift in the team chemistry. It could also be argued that Eagles need him after all the injuries suffered in the receiving core. In my opinion he shouldn’t be cut until it causes a clear problem in the locker room. Josh Brent killed a teammate and was welcomed back. Mike Vick killed dogs and was welcomed back. I know its three different situations but same premise. For a first time NFL head coach in his first year Chip Kelly has his hands full. I wonder if he misses Oregon.