NAACP calls for Del Rio’s ouster for his remarks about Jan. 6
The day after Jack Del Rio referred to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol building as a “dust-up,” the president of the NAACP is calling for the Washington Commanders defensive coordinator to step down or be dismissed.
In a statement released to media outlets, Derrick Johnson said, “It is time for Jack Del Rio to resign or be terminated. His comments could not have been more offensive and ignorant. The January 6th insurrection – an attempted coup – was far from a ‘dust-up’. Each day we learn more and more on just how close our democracy came to autocracy. Downplaying the insurrection by comparing it to nationwide protests, which were in response to a public lynching, is twisted. You can’t coach a majority Black team while turning your back on the Black community. It’s time for you to pack up and step off the field.”
Del Rio had asked on Twitter why protests following the killing of George Floyd were not investigated as the attack on the Capitol was.
Asked by reporters about his tweet, Del Rio on Wednesday doubled down, saying, “Let’s get right down to it, what did I ask? A simple question: Why are we not looking into those things? Because it’s kind of hard for me to say I can realistically look at it, I see the images on TV, people’s livelihoods are being destroyed, businesses are being burned down – no problem. And then we have a dust-up at the Capitol, nothing burned down and we’re gonna make that a major deal. I just think it’s kind of two standards.”
Del Rio later issued an apology. “I made comments earlier today in referencing the attack that took place on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021,” Del Rio said in a statement. “Referencing that situation as a dustup was irresponsible and negligent and I am sorry. I stand by my comments condemning violence in communities across the country. I say that while also expressing my support as an American citizen for peaceful protest in our country. I have fully supported all peaceful protests in America. I love, respect, and support all my fellow coaches, players, and staff that I work with and respect their views and opinions.”
The Commanders didn’t immediately offer a response when asked by USA TODAY about the NAACP statement.