Eagles: Posts by Jackson ‘appalling’
Veteran WR apologizes for anti-Semitic messages
Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson apologized after backlash for sharing anti-Semitic posts on social media over the weekend.
“My post was definitely not intended for anybody of any race to feel any type of way, especially the Jewish community,” Jackson said in a video he posted on Instagram on Tuesday.
“I post things on my story all the time, and probably never should have posted anything Hitler did, because Hitler was a bad person, and I know that.”
The team issued the following statement: “We have spoken with DeSean Jackson about his social media posts. Regardless of his intentions, the messages he shared were offensive, harmful, and absolutely appalling. They have no place in our society, and are not condoned or supported in any way by the organization. We are disappointed and we reiterated to DeSean the importance of not only apologizing but also using his platform to take action to promote unity, equality, and respect. We are continuing to evaluate the circumstances and are committed to continuing to have productive and meaningful conversations with DeSean, as well as all of our players and staff, in order to educate, learn, and grow.”
The NFL also issued a statement, saying: “DeSean’s comments were highly inappropriate, offensive and divisive and stand in stark contrast to the NFL’s values of respect, equality and inclusion. We have been in contact with the team which is addressing the matter with DeSean.”
Baseball: Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said LHP Eduardo Rodriguez tested positive for COVID-19. Rodriguez has yet to report to camp after previously informing the team that he had been around relatives who had been ill. The 27-year-old recorded career-highs last season with 19 wins, 34 starts and a 3.81 ERA . ... The Giants were the latest team to suspend workouts because of a delay in receiving results of COVID-19 tests conducted last weekend . ... The Mets will host the crosstown Yankees on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 next season, according to reports.
Colleges: Louisville announced that it temporarily suspended all men’s basketball voluntary activities for two weeks after two members of the program tested positive for COVID-19.
Soccer: MLS postponed the second match of the MLS is Back tournament after five Nashville SC players tested positive for COVID-19. The match between Nashville and the Chicago Fire was initially scheduled for Wednesday. Four more Nashville players received inconclusive results and are requiring further testing. The league said it would continue to evaluate Nashville’s participation in the tournament. FC Dallas withdrew from the tournament Monday after 10 players and one coach tested positive. The tournament still is set to open Wednesday with a nationally televised match between Orlando City and expansion Inter Miami.
WNBA: Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler isn’t in favor of the WNBA’s social justice plans and sent a letter to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert objecting to the league’s initiatives to honor the Black Lives Matter movement when the league starts play later this month in Bradenton, Florida. Loeffler, a Republican from Georgia who was appointed U.S. senator at the end of last year and is running for re-election, asked the league commissioner to scrap plans for players to wear warmup jerseys with “Black Lives Matter” and “Say Her Name” and instead put an American flag on all uniforms and apparel. Engelbert responded in a statement: “The WNBA is based on the principle of equal and fair treatment of all people and we, along with the teams and players, will continue to use our platforms to vigorously advocate for social justice. Sen. Kelly Loeffler has not served as a Governor of the Atlanta Dream since October 2019 and is no longer involved in the day-today business of the team.”