Richard Sherman defends DeSean Jackson, calls out Eagles

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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman wrote an open column defending former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Jackson was released last week. Some reports said the Eagles were worried about Jackson’s alleged gang ties, but the organization has denied those allegations.

Jackson signed a contract with Philadelphia’s division rival the Washington Redskins earlier this week.

Sherman wrote a column entitled “Stardom Doesn’t Change Where You’re From” for TheMMQB.com, describing his personal ties to Jackson and stating his opinion on Philadelphia’s alleged reasoning for Jackson’s release.

The two professional athletes grew up together in Southern California, even playing baseball together in elementary school.

Sherman called out the Eagles for what he believes is a double standard. Philadelphia released Jackson but resigned Riley Cooper, a white player who was caught on video using racial slurs.

This offseason they re-signed a player who was caught on video screaming, “I will fight every n—– here.” He was representing the Philadelphia Eagles when he said it, because, of course, everything we do is reflective of the organization. But what did they do to Riley Cooper, who, if he’s not a racist, at least has “ties” to racist activity? They fined him and sent him to counseling. No suspension necessary for Cooper and no punishment from the NFL, despite its new interest in policing our use of the N-word on the field. Riley instead got a few days off from training camp and a nice contract in the offseason, too.

The Seahawk added, “commit certain crimes in this league and be a certain color, and you get help, not scorn.”

Following Jackson’s release, former NFL players Derrick Ward and Donté Stallworth also voiced their displeasure with the Eagles via Twitter.

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Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.