Another high-profile individual, NFL wide receiver Riley Cooper, has been caught using a racial slur.
While attending a Kenny Chesney concert, Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver Riley Cooper was recorded on video saying he would "…fight every Nigger".
A contrite Cooper issued a public apology yesterday. He acknowledged that he had been drinking and said that is not the person he was. He also noted that his parents were disappointed in him.
"I am so ashamed and disgusted with myself," Cooper said. "I want to apologize. I have been offensive. I have apologized to my coach, to Jeffrey Lurie, to [general manager] Howie Roseman and to my teammates. I owe an apology to the fans and to this community. I am so ashamed, but there are no excuses. What I did was wrong and I will accept the consequences."
Cooper was fined an undisclosed amount by the Eagles. "We are shocked and appalled by Riley Cooper's words," team owner Lurie said in a statement. "This sort of behavior or attitude from anyone has no role in a civil society. He has accepted responsibility for his words and his actions. He has been fined for this incident."
Cooper also apologized to the team, which has African-American quarterback Michael Vick on it. Vick said that the team had forgiven Cooper. Like any NFL team, the Eagles' roster consists of a majority of African-American players.
Cooper is expected to play a much more prominent role on the team now that wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is out for the season with a knee injury. The Eagles have a new head coach in Chip Kelly, and are looking to turn the page and create excitement after last year's disastrous 4-12 record.