UPDATE: DeSean Jackson released a statement regarding his release from the Eagles while also addressing his alleged gang affiliation.
First I would like to thank the Eagles organization, the Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia for my time in Philly. I would also like to thank coach Andy Reid for bringing me in. Secondly, I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true . I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless.
After being unable to come to terms on a trade, the Philadelphia Eagles released 3-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
After careful consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 28, 2014
Jackson, who is coming off a career highs in catches (82) and yards (1,332) last season was constantly being rumored to be traded or released coming into today’s news. On the surface releasing a guy with Jackson’s skill set, coming off a career season seems implausible.
But was there more leading into Jackson’s release? Obviously but what?
According to Eliot Shorr-Parks and A.J. Perez at NJ.com Jackson’s alleged connection to gang activity may have (probably) played a role in his release from the Eagles.
A bad attitude, an inconsistent work ethic, missed meetings and a lack of chemistry with head coach Chip Kelly are the reasons, sources told NJ.com. And when the Eagles looked more deeply into why Jackson was missing meetings, they found that his friends were becoming a more powerful — and negative — influence in his life. Now the Eagles have even more serious concerns — Jackson’s continued association with reputed Los Angeles street gang members who have been connected to two homicides since 2010.
In today’s day and age in the NFL teams have to be careful, especially after the Aaron Hernandez saga that left the Patriots in an unfortunate spot. In all fairness too unlike Hernandez, DeSean Jackson has a relative clean record with Police that includes some traffic incidents and marijuana charges that are mere child’s play in today’s League. However there’s also Jackson’s connections to rapper Theron Shakir (who’s signed to Jackson’s record label) an accused Crip who was charged with murdering a 14-year-old who flashed a rival gang sign back in 2010. Shakir was eventually acquitted in 2013 of the murder with his co-defendant and accused Crip as well, Marques Binns being convicted.
In addition there’s also the gang signs Jackson apparently flashed during this game against Washington.
