He’s got a point
Derrick Ward, a former NFL running back for the Giants, Jets, Buccaneers and Texans, just let off an obliterating Twitter rant, aimed at both the Philadelphia Eagles organization and ESPN for the release of Desean Jackson, and the television coverage that followed.
Ward, whose best season was the 2007-2008 season, when he rushed for over 1,000 yards despite splitting carries with then starting running back Brandon Jacobs, took to his Twitter account after news broke earlier that rather than trade him in return for some substantial value, the Eagles would be cutting Jackson from the team. Several news outlets suggested that along with interest in increased cap space, the Eagles’ main reason for releasing Jackson–one of the league’s best, fastest, explosive and reliable receivers–was that he was affiliated with, or knew known members of a Los Angeles gang.
For the record, Jackson has never been officially cited as having any off-field trouble, or been arrested as a member of the NFL.
Ward, despite never having played a single down with Jackson as a teammate, was infuriated, and in more than 140 characters, expressed his dissent.
The @Eagles gonna cut @DeseanJackson10 because they “Think” he might know gang members but they’ll keep and resign a well known Racist?
— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014
I’m born and raised in South Central LA. I have uncles who are still gang bangin cousins who still gang bang. But what does that have to do
— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014
out with. In 6 years has he had 1 single incident? 1 single crime? The NFL is a bunch of BS Im so glad I’m done with that joke of a league
— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014
goal post than actually worry about whats really important. And the funny thing about it Chip Kelly coached@t Oregon which recruited players
— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014
From Crenshaw HS. He knows for damn sure who’s gang banging and who’s not.
— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014
This is just a sampling of what Ward had to offer on his Twitter account, you can scroll freely and read the full rant here.
Desean Jackson is coming off his best season as a professional, recording career highs in catches (82), touchdowns (9), and yards (1,332).