Ashburn, Wa. – Jack del Rio, defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, defends his tweet about the forthcoming congressional hearing of the January 6, 2021 insurgency, saying he wants to know why there is no “riot-like” energy in the summer. In 2020, he called it “dust-up” in the US capital.
Del rio Tweeted Monday Replying to a tweet about the upcoming hearing on the January 6 incident: “It would be nice to understand the ‘whole story’ of why riots, looting, arson and destruction of private property are never discussed ?, #simple.”
Del Rio said on Wednesday that it was asking questions about the events leading up to George Floyd’s death in the spring and summer of 2020.
I would like to understand the “whole story” of why riots, looting, arson and destruction of private property are never discussed but is it ???# Simple thing
– Jack del Rio (achcoachdelrio) June 7, 2022
“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 the dust in the capital, nothing burns, and we’re going to make that a big deal. 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 is not the first time that Del Rio has caused a stir with his tweet, although there are no indications that it has become a problem with his players. The commanders are defensive. Jonathan Allen told NBC Sports Washington that tweets are not locker-room topics.
“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 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 from other Twitter users – and some calling him a Trump supporter – Del Rio tweeted, “I’m 100% for America, if you don’t, you can kiss my 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. “
Del Rio was asked if he was concerned that his tweet could have a negative effect 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 said his tweet was affecting his relationship with his players, most of whom are black, not worrying about it, adding that he did not think the January 6 race had anything to do with that incident. .
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 have respect. I am respectful.”
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.
