Riley Cooper to undergo sensitivity training
Fined for conduct detrimental to the team, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper is being required to undergo sensitivity training and counseling.
At a Kenny Chesney concert, Cooper used a racial epithet against an African-American security guard in a viral video where he said: "I will jump that fence and fight every (N word) here, bro."
Cooper has apologized publicly and privately. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has said he believes in Cooper as a person.
"In meeting with Riley yesterday, we decided together that his next step will be to seek outside assistance to help him fully understand the impact of his words and actions," the Eagles said in a statement. "He needs to reflect. As an organization, we will provide the resources he needs to do so."
Cooper said his family is disappointed in him and he's disappointed in himself.
"There was a confrontation and I handled it extremely, extremely poorly,'' Cooper said. "This is kind of the lowest of lows. This isn't the type of person I want to be portrayed as. This isn't the type of person that I am.
"I know no one in Philadelphia is happy with me right now. I accept that. I just hope they see the true me. And accept my apology.''
Vick said the Eagles forgive Cooper.
"We understand the magnitude of this situation, we understand a lot of people may be hurt and offended,'' Vick said. "But I know Riley Cooper. I've been with him for three years and I know what type of person he is. That's what makes it easy, at the same time hard to understand the situation. I forgave him.''
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie issued a statement: "We are shocked and appalled by Riley Cooper's words. This sort of behavior or attitude has no place in a civil society. He has accepted responsibility for his words and his actions. He has been fined for this incident.''
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.
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This story originally appeared on Nationalfootballpost.com
