Riley Cooper Back At Eagles Training Camp

Riley Cooper is back at the Eagles’ training camp after a brief stint away. The wide receiver was caught in a video last week using a racial slur.

The video went viral and resulted in Cooper’s temporary removal from the team while he attended sensitivity training.

But according to Cooper, he is back and has apologized to every teammate for his actions. ESPN notes that, rather than ask for forgiveness for the racial slur, Cooper instead asked them to judge him by his future.

Following the Eagles’ joint practice with the New England Patriots, Riley Cooper explained to the press that he told each teammate, “I don’t want you to forgive me, because that puts the burden on you. I want it all on me.”

Cooper added that he felt his fellow Eagles were 100 percent in support of his return to football. But only time will tell if Cooper has actually earned back the respect of his teammates.

But his attitude may be an indicator that it is time to put the scandal to rest. The Washington Post notes that Riley Cooper appeared remorseful during the press conference. He added, “I realize being in the NFL you have responsibility to behave on and off the field. I realize that.”

He also added that he now realizes how many people, families, and kids he hurt by the insensitive racial comments. Cooper added, “I’m going to live with this every day the rest of my life.”

Video of the racial slur first surfaced a week ago. As a result, Riley Cooper was fined an unknown amount by the Eagles and given time off the team to seek counseling. But just four days later, Cooper was seen on the practice field again. He was able to catch two touchdown passes against the Patriots’ defense.

And it appears Cooper’s teammates are forgiving him. He got a chest bump during practice from fellow wide receiver Jason Avant, who is African-American. He also received several high fives from other teammates.

Do you think it’s time to forgive Riley Cooper? Has he learned his lesson after using a racial slur during a Kenny Chesney concert last month?