Riley Cooper Excused From All Team Activities to Seek Counseling

Cooper’s separation from the team comes less than two days after a video emerged showing the wide receiver saying to a security guard at a Kenny Chesney concert, “I’ll fight every ni**er in here.”

Is this the first step to the Eagles parting ways with Cooper? Or just a move to take the spotlight off him until the media heat cools down in Philly? Here’s the full team statement:

"“As we have said, Riley Cooper will be seeking counseling and we have excused him from all team activities. This is all new territory and we are going to evaluate this timetable every step of the way. He will meet with professionals provided by the Eagles during this period of time to better help him understand how his words have hurt so many, including his teammates.” Riley Cooper released the following statement: “The last few days have been incredibly difficult for me. My actions were inexcusable. The more I think about what I did, the more disgusted I get. I keep trying to figure out how I could have said something so repulsive, and what I can do to make things better. Right now, I think it’s important for me to take some time to reflect on this situation. The organization and my teammates have been extremely supportive, but I also realize that there are people who will have a tough time forgiving me for what I’ve done. The best thing for me, and for the team, is to step away for a period of time. During this time I’m going to be speaking with a variety of professionals to help me better understand how I could have done something that was so offensive, and how I can start the healing process for everyone. As long as it takes, and whatever I have to do, I’m going to try to make this right.”"

Cooper was projected to be the #2 receiver for the Eagles this season after starter Jeremy Maclin went down for the season with a torn ACL last week. Cooper’s departure from practice probably means the No. 2 receiver battle will now be between veteran Jason Avant or 4th year receiver Arrelious Benn, who was signed this offseason after Tampa cut him loose.