Riley Racist

Riley Racist

Since the news of Johnny Football broke yesterday afternoon, the national media has shifted it's attention to the Heisman Trophy winner, but the big news before Johnny's autograph scandal broke was the story of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Riley Cooper using racial slurs at a Kenny Chesney Concert a while back.  The video went viral, and Riley may be kissing his NFL career goodbye.  I want to point out four good reasons on why he should keep his job, and how the media and the average sports fan more than overreacted to this story. 

 Here's a link to the video.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dEQxO8Yuas

After watching that video, it is impossible to even attempt to defend Riley and the hate that was coming out of his mouth.  There are no excuses, and no words that can be said to fix the damage he has done, but does he deserve to lose his career over a drunken mistake? There are four good reasons he shouldn't.

1. "First Offense"- Even some Eagles players said they were disappointed because they felt like "they didn't know him".  It was the first time any of them had heard anything like that from him.  Although we may assume that he has used this language before, it hadn't been heard from any of his teammates.

2. Alcohol- No, alcohol is not a good excuse for any actions taken place while under the influence.  With that being said, we all wish we could take back some things we have said while under the influence, don't we?

3. Context- Although what Cooper said was undoubtedly wrong (we all agree on that), there are athletes commit more moral and legal crimes, and don't get nearly the criticism this man has received from his teammates and the NFL community.  Domestic violence, drug abuse, and DUI charges come up fairly regularly in the NFL, and they become water under the bridge in 24 hours.

4. It goes both ways!- Why does Roddy White get ten minutes of SportsCenter time for telling the Jurors of the Trayvon Martin case to "kill themselves", but Riley Cooper gets days of criticism? Enough said.

Remember that dialogue and comments are always welcome here at RWO sports.  We need feedback!

Written by: Trey Frisbey
Red White and Orange Sports
8/5/2013