Jul 31, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (14) addresses the media concerning an internet video at the Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
By now you know the name of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper’s just as well as you know Aaron Hernandez’s name. Granted, the two have very separate issues in their lives right now, Cooper has stolen the spotlight of media attention for some insensitive comments.
We won’t go into too much detail here again, but Cooper blasted a racist comment on video and apologized Wednesday at Eagles training camp.
Thursday NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appeared on a radio show and explained Cooper will not be fined or suspended by the league (per Josh Alper of PFT):
"During an appearance with Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic on ESPN Radio, Goodell said that Cooper’s words were offensive and unacceptable and that he was glad that the Eagles disciplined Cooper with both a fine and “training” designed to address the situation. He also explained why the league would not be adding any further punishment to the plate.“We do not penalize at the club level and league level for same incident,” Goodell said. “We will not be taking action separately from the club.”"
The Spin: Of course the league is not going to punish Cooper. Like Goodell pointed out, he is not going to punish a player at the league level when the team has already done so. It would be a violation of the CBA.
Cooper is being punished for his actions already by the team. We are not sure the final actions the Eagles will take at this point, but it is safe to say the organization is not happy with how the comments represent it.
Stay tuned.
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