Reports from Eagles officials say that Jackson was a distraction to the organization. He showed up late to meetings, had a poor work ethic, a bad attitude and had a cold relationship with head coach Chip Kelly. The final straw came when a NJ.com report showed Jackson had ties to the Crips gang. Specifically Jackson's name came up during the investigations of two gang related homicides. Jackson was also known for throwing up signs often associated with the Crips gang and even posted photos on his Instagram of himself hanging out with members of the Crips (the photos have subsequently been removed).
Regardless if Jackson is actually a member of the Crips or is just on friendly terms with those associated with the gang, the issue was enough to concern the Eagles to cut all ties with the three time pro bowler who was coming off his best season with the team. Many Eagles fans felt the move was unjust but some inside the NFL said the move was understandable.
Arizona Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett took to his twitter account to discuss the issue:
The NFL shield is bigger than any football player.. It's all about how you represent that shield and the team you play for.
I may do crazy stuff for a good lol, or share my world but I won't do nothing dumb or really stupid. I have never had to go sit with goddel
Meanwhile, other players like Richard Sherman, who has known Jackson since childhood took to Instagram and Twitter to show support. Sherman posted a photo of himself and Jackson as children on a little league team together
Richard ShermanVerified account@RSherman_25 @DeseanJackson10 and me have been boys since we were kids... No one should be judged by the actions of others! #fam pic.twitter.com/Q7yuxMcz6a
as well as tweeted to defend his lifelong friend
Devin k Anonsen @AnonsenK @RSherman_25@DeseanJackson10 U R who U associate with. How can you say "oh I'm not xyz but I hang around people who are" come on really?
Devin k Anonsen @AnonsenK @RSherman_25 So because your not in a gang that HAS to mean that NO ONE else he hangs with can be in a gang?
Richard Sherman ✔ @RSherman_25 @AnonsenK no it just means don't judge him by who he hangs with .... If one of ur friends commits a crime does that make u a criminal?
Redskins S Ryan Clark took to Twitter to compare Jackson who was released by the Eagles to Eagles current wide receiver Riley Cooper who just received a contract extension:
Some get "he needs treatment". Some get "to apologize for being racist". Some get "released for the good of the team" due to "affiliations".
The whole issue has left many confused, but not completely stunned by the move. Ever since the Aaron Hernandez situation, teams have been more ready and willing to cut ties with players whose affiliations and actions may bring more negative attention to a team then they are willing to tolerate. Numbers aside, if Jackson was a distraction in the locker room and affiliated with shady characters, Eagles may have felt that his release was their best option. No player is worth the headache if he is that much of a detriment to the team.
While I don't know Jackson personally and cannot speak on who he affiliates with, I will say that we live in a society where people are judged by the company they keep. If you hang out with gang members or drug dealers or bank robbers, you will be perceived as being one of them. The old saying "if it walks like a duck it must be a duck" is what people believe. If you don't want to be perceived as a criminal, don't hang with criminals. Especially if you work for a highly visible organization.
Since being released, Jackson says he has had nine teams contact him. Being reunited with his former head coach Andy Reid in Kansas City has been eliminated though, as the team admits they could not afford the star receiver with their limited salary cap space. The front runner for now seems to be the Washington Redskins with the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills also showing interest in signing him as well. Jackson will not be a free agent long.
Despite whatever misgivings teams may have about him, he is still one of the best wide receivers in the league and at 27 has several more years left in him. Whatever team he signs with next may put him on a shorter leash and have stipulations regarding his off field affiliations. Whatever the case, look for Jackson to be signed and playing with a new team next season.
While I don't know Jackson personally and cannot speak on who he affiliates with, I will say that we live in a society where people are judged by the company they keep. If you hang out with gang members or drug dealers or bank robbers, you will be perceived as being one of them. The old saying "if it walks like a duck it must be a duck" is what people believe. If you don't want to be perceived as a criminal, don't hang with criminals. Especially if you work for a highly visible organization.
Since being released, Jackson says he has had nine teams contact him. Being reunited with his former head coach Andy Reid in Kansas City has been eliminated though, as the team admits they could not afford the star receiver with their limited salary cap space. The front runner for now seems to be the Washington Redskins with the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills also showing interest in signing him as well. Jackson will not be a free agent long.
Despite whatever misgivings teams may have about him, he is still one of the best wide receivers in the league and at 27 has several more years left in him. Whatever team he signs with next may put him on a shorter leash and have stipulations regarding his off field affiliations. Whatever the case, look for Jackson to be signed and playing with a new team next season.
