Ashburn, Wa. – Jack Del Rio, the defense coordinator of the Washington Commanders, apologized for calling the riots at the US Capitol “DustUp” on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Del Rio said in a statement: “I made the remarks earlier today regarding the attack on the United States Capital on January 6, 2021. It was irresponsible and reckless to call that situation dust and dust and I’m sorry. Twitter.” As an American citizen, I strongly support all peaceful protests in my country.
“I love, respect and support all my fellow coaches, players and staff I work with and respect their opinions and opinions.”
On Monday, Del Rio tweeted in response to a post about the upcoming hearing on the January 6 incident: “It would be good to understand the ‘full story’ of why the riots, looting, arson and destruction of private property took place. It never stops.” Is discussed but is it ??? # Simple thing. “
Del Rio told reporters Wednesday before apologizing that he was only asking one question about the events of the spring and summer of 2020 after the death of George Floyd.
“Why don’t we look at those things – if we’re going to talk about them – why don’t we look at those things?” Del Rio said. “I can see images on TV, people’s lives have been ruined, businesses have been burnt down, no problem. And then we have dust in the capital, nothing burns and we’re going to make a big deal out of it. I think these are two kinds of standards, and if we apply the same standards and we are fair to each other, we will discuss. That was it. Let’s talk. “
The House committee investigating the 2021 uprising will hold its first public hearing on Thursday. The six hearings, which are expected to take place by the end of June, will be the first time the committee has uncovered “previously unseen material” that touched on almost every aspect of the rebellion during a 10-month investigation. .
Unlike any other congressional committee in recent times, the panel’s work has been highly anticipated by Democrats and has been regularly criticized by Donald Trump and former presidential aides, including some Republicans in Congress who complain of being biased.
This was not the first time that Del Rio had caused a stir with his tweet, although there was no sign that it had become a problem with his players. Commanders’ defensive match Jonathan Allen told NBC Sports Washington that the tweet was not the subject of the locker room.
“Everyone has the right to vote,” Allen said. “Some people decide to share on Twitter; Some people don’t. You may have differences and yet you may respect each other. I think that’s how our country is, that’s how the team is. As long as he shows up every day and works hard, I don’t care about his opinion. That’s what I want from my defensive coordinator. “
Cornerback Kendall Fuller said Wednesday he was unaware of Del Rio’s tweet.
When a reporter read Fuller’s tweet, he replied: “I have no response yet. If I have a reaction or a feeling about something, I will tell it to him. “
Former Washington cornerback D’Angelo Hall, the team’s radio analyst for the past two years, tweeted a joker emoji to Del Rio on Wednesday in response to one of his tweets.
Two years ago, in response to criticism he received from other Twitter users – and some calling him a Trump supporter – Del Rio tweeted, “I’m 100% for America, if you are not. You can kiss me. A.”
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera did not say whether he had spoken to Del Rio about his tweet.
Rivera said: “I’m not going to talk to my coaches about things, especially off-field and non-football. “However, everyone has the right to have their say.
“If it ever becomes a problem or a situation, we will discuss it. Right now, it’s something I’ll face when it comes. “
Earlier on Wednesday, Del Rio was asked by reporters if he was concerned that his tweets could have a negative impact on black players.
Del Rio said: “Whatever I say or write, I feel comfortable speaking or writing in front of everyone I work with – players and coaches. “I express myself as an American – we have that ability. I love this country, and I believe in what I believe and I say what I want to say. From time to time, some people get angry about it.”
Del Rio told reporters during his availability that his tweet was affecting his relationship with the players, most of whom are black, he did not think the “race had anything to do with that incident” on January 6. ,
Del Rio said, “I’m going to be the man I am.” “I work as a coach here and there is nothing but love and respect for the people I work with. ते If it [upset] And they want to talk about it, I’ll talk to anyone about it, no matter what, anytime.
“But they are not. I am just expressing myself, and I think as an American we all have the right to express ourselves, especially if you are respectful. I am respectful.”
Del Rio’s criticism of Virginia State Sen. Scott Surowell, who represents the district where the team recently bought land in hopes of building a stadium, criticized. Late last month, the Virginia General Assembly delayed voting on the new stadium. Voting could take place later this summer, although it is not considered possible.
Surovel tweeted Wednesday afternoon: “Jack del Rio’s indifference to the rebellious potential and tolerance in the @NFL underscores the league’s hypocrisy in ep Kaepernick7 blackballing and also makes it clear to me that we will not get more votes on stadium bills.” Won. Can’t see the year. “
In 2017, when he was head coach of the Raiders, Del Rio defended Marshon Lynch when Trump criticized the star for sitting back during the Mexican anthem before the game in Mexico City, for running behind him while the US national anthem was playing. Stand up
Del Rio said at the time that “everyone should respect the flag … but this is America and everyone can choose their own.” His wife, Linda, later tweeted that she regretted voting for Trump in 2016.
The Commanders’ off-season was turbulent, at least when it comes to non-football issues. Congress is specifically investigating the organization and owner Dan Snyder for workplace culture; The hearing is set for June 22.
Congress also sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission alleging financial irregularities. The team denied the claims in its own 105-page letter to the FTC.
The report uses information from the Associated Press.
