ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders After calling the Jan. 6, 2020 riots at U.S. Capitol a “dustup,” Jack Del Rio, the defensive coordinator, made an apology on Wednesday.
“I made comments earlier in the day in reference to the attack that occurred on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2020. Del Rio posted a Twitter statement describing the situation as “a dust-up” and said that he was sorry for calling it irresponsible. “I stand by my condemnation of violence in communities throughout the country. This is something I stand by while also supporting peaceful protests in the United States. I fully support all peaceful protests within America.
“I love, respect and support all my coaches, players and staff, as well as their opinions and views.”
Del Rio tweeted Monday in response to a comment about Jan. 6 hearings: “Would like to understand the ‘the entire story’ why the summer of riots looting burning personal property was never discussed. But this is?” #CommonSense.”
Before his apology to reporters, Del Rio said that he was asking a question about 2020 events that occurred after George Floyd’s death.
I would love to know the “full story” behind the summer of looting, burning, and destruction of personal property. But this is it.?#CommonSense
— Jack Del Rio (@coachdelrio) June 7, 2022
“Why don’t we look into these things? If we’re going on to talk about it, why aren’t we looking into them?” Del Rio said. I can see the images on the TV. People’s livelihoods have been destroyed. Businesses are being torched. We have a fracas at the Capitol. Nothing was destroyed, and that’s a big deal. It’s a matter of two standards. Let’s discuss if we use the same standard and are reasonable with one another. This was all. Let’s talk.
Thursday will be the first hearing of the House committee that is investigating the insurrection in 2021. These six hearings will last from late June to reveal “previously unseen material” that the committee has uncovered over a 10-month-long investigation that covered nearly every aspect the insurrection.
The panel’s work is unlike any other congressional committee of recent times. It has been highly anticipated by Democrats, but routinely criticised by Donald Trump and his former allies, which includes some Republicans in Congress who claim it is partisan.
Although this was not the first time Del Rio had caused controversy with his tweets there are no indications that it has become a problem with his players. Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen NBC Sports Washington was informed that the tweets weren’t a locker-room topic.
Allen stated that everyone is free to form their own opinions. Some guys share their opinions on Twitter, while others don’t. One can disagree with another and still respect the other. That’s what I believe our country is all about and that’s why this team exists. As long as he works hard and shows up every day, I don’t care what his opinion is. That’s what i want from my defensive coach.”
Cornerback Kendall Fuller On Wednesday, he said that he was not aware of Del Rio tweets.
Fuller’s tweet was read by a reporter. He replied, “I don’t feel any reaction right now.” If I feel a reaction to something, I’ll share it with him.
DeAngelo, a former Washington cornerback, was the team’s radio analyst for the past two seasons. He tweeted a clown emoticon Wednesday at Del Rio as a reply to one his tweets.
Two years ago, Del Rio posted, “I’m 100% against America, if not you can kiss me A $$.”.”
Ron Rivera, the Commanders’ head coach did not disclose whether he spoke with Del Rio regarding his tweets.
Rivera stated, “I don’t want to talk about stuff I talk to coaches about, especially stuff not pertaining football.” Rivera stated that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
“If it becomes an issue, or a situation, then we’ll have that conversation.” It’s something I am dealing with right now.
Reporters asked Del Rio earlier Wednesday whether he was worried that his tweets might have a negative effect on Black players.
Del Rio stated that “anything I ever write or say, I’d feel comfortable writing or saying it in front everyone I work with — players or coaches.” “I am an American and I can express myself. This country is my home, and I love it. I also believe in the Constitution and have spoken what I want. It’s not uncommon for people to be offended by it every once in a while.
During his availability Del Rio said to reporters that he wasn’t concerned about his tweets having an impact on his relationship and his relationships with his players. Most of his players are Black.
Del Rio declared, “I’m going the be the man I’m.” “I am a coach here with love and respect for everyone I work with. … If they are [upset] If they’d like to talk about it, I’d be open to talking about it with anyone, any time.
“But they’re not. I am just speaking my mind, and Americans have the right to be themselves, particularly if they are respectful. I’m being respectful.”
Virginia State Senator Scott Surovell, who represents a district where Del Rio made the comment, was critical. Surovell is the one who criticised Del Rio for his comments. Surovell also represents the area where the team bought land in the hopes of building the stadium. The Virginia general assembly put off a vote last month on a new stadium. While it is possible that a vote will be held this summer, it is not likely.
Surovell tweeted Wednesday afternoon: “The likely indifference & tolerance in the @NFL to Jack Del Rio’s indifference to insurrection underscores the league’s hypocrisy in blackballing @Kaepernick7 and also makes clear to me that we won’t be seeing any more votes on stadium bills this year.”
Del Rio defended his position as Raiders head coach in 2017, when he was a former assistant coach. Marshawn Lynch Trump mocked the star for running back while he sat during the U.S. national song, but he stood during the Mexican anthem in Mexico City.
Del Rio stated at the time that everyone should respect the flag… but it was America and everyone can make their own decision.” Linda, Del Rio’s wife, tweeted that she regrets voting for Trump in 2016.
The offseason for the Commanders has been turbulent, at least in non-football matters. Congress is continuing to investigate Dan Snyder, the owner of the Commanders, in particular for workplace culture. A hearing is scheduled for June 22.
The Federal Trade Commission was also addressed by Congress, claiming that the Federal Trade Commission had committed financial improprieties. In a 105-page response to those claims, the team sent a separate letter to the FTC.
This report used information from The Associated Press.