The Philadelphia Eagles released a statement Tuesday saying they have spoken to wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who posted what many deemed to be anti-Semitic messages on social media Monday that he attributed to Adolf Hitler and other quotes and information attributed to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
The Eagles said they have spoken to Jackson and “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.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 7, 2020
Jackson. meanwhile, could have jeopardized his place on the team, per an ESPN tweet.
Eagles decision on whether to keep DeSean Jackson could come down to whether post is a default under his contract. Jackson is guaranteed $4.8M this year in salary and already received a $2M option bonus. Eagles could try to figure out a way out of guaranteed salary first.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 7, 2020
The Instagram story featured a quote attributed to Hitler that said “[white Jews] will blackmail America and [they] will extort America, but their plan for world domination won’t work if the Negroes know who they were.”
DeSean attempted to clarify his post on Monday, stating that he doesn’t hate Jewish people.
“Anyone who feels I have hate towards the Jewish community took my post the wrong way,” Jackson wrote. “I have no hatred in my heart towards no one!! Equality equality.”
He then tried to apologize Tuesday: Jackson wrote a statement and recorded a video, in which he said he “didn’t intend any harm or hatred,” and specifically repudiated any connection with approving of Hitler.
I post a lot of things that are sent to me. I do not have hatred towards anyone. I really didn’t realize what this passage was saying. Hitler has caused terrible pain to Jewish people like the pain African-Americans have suffered. We should be together fighting anti-Semitism and racism. This was a mistake to post this and I truly apologize for posting it and sorry for any hurt I have caused.