Philadelphia Eagles released DeSean Jackson for having a gang tie, is that fair?

[spring]

Philadelphia Eagles released Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson for having a gang tie. Is that fair?

[lifes_curve_ball]

They say they released him because of gang ties and that they didn't know anything of it until they were alerted to it by the article. They really released him and stated this as why to justify not paying him and not having gotten what they wanted in trade value for him. They had to have known about throwing the signs in the game cause you watch your own film more than anyone else would so how can you miss that? It's on film you review, you're there on the field as it happens, you're on the sidelines watching everything unfold as it happens etc. Also when he got robbed didn't it seem kind of odd that that much would go missing and they wouldn't be able to trace even the slightest? Even though he was said to have security there?

No, they released him and said this as a way of justifying not paying him or having gotten what they thought was fair trade value, it also serves the purpose of making another team who was thinking of signing him possibly rethink but he has way too much production on field for him to not be signed and playing next year. This is not to defend any possible ties he may have if he does, it's just to say that that's not really why the Eagles released him regardless of what they claim.

[agent79]

I don't think it's the right angle to ask if it's fair or not. For me it's more about whether they have the authority or right to. The Eagles (like all sports franchises) are a business AND a brand. Ownership is fully permitted to shape their team in a way that reflects their vision, and gang ties or other extracurricular activities might in their opinion tarnish the brand. Every professional athlete has clauses in their contract referencing "off the field behavior." Just as any company can choose not to hire a person because of their criminal record, the Eagle can say someone's not the right fit due to similar reasons.

[Rissyanne]

They release this man because he might have a gang tie? But they pay a piece of garbage like Michael Vick millions of dollars who abused animals for his entertainment.

[Anonymous]

NFL teams are worried about possible gang connections that players may have because of the Aaron Hernandez situation.

[madhatters4]

the gang affiliations are just one, if they are even one of the reasons the eagles, cut him.

he was reported to be a locker room distraction who got in to obscenity laced arguments with his coach, he quite on the team in 2010 because he wanted a new contract (he essentially went through the motions of playing), he was suspended for a game that same year for that behavior, he was set to make $11 million this year and had publicly complained about wanting more...then of course is the stories of gang affiliations

I don't like that the eagles cut him (because we aren't as good a team without him) but there is a lot more to the story than just throwing up gang signs, and people being murdered on his property... and I can understand with all the factors considered why the eagles would feel a need to release him

[madhatters4]

my biggest issue is we got nothing for him. cut our #1 receiver and have nothing to show for it

[sketchy]

If you're the kind of liability that DJax is (a disruptive influence in the locker-room and injury-prone on the field) with a big contract like his, you have to know that you can't afford to give a team *any reason at all* to let you go. Sure, other players get away with more, but there's nothing unfair about what happened - he brought it upon himself.

[TheStaff_Sergeant]

They suspect of him of having gang ties, there is not concrete proof that he has, as of the recent reports I've seen. One report claimed that he was released due to poor work habits, consistently missing team meetings, and poor chemistry with the Eagles new head coach in addition to his alleged gang ties. And the fact that he displayed a gang sign during a game in addition to the report on NJ.com may have heighted the Eagles fears which ultimately led to Jackson's undoing.

[thisGUYknows]

hell no. you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. he's never been proven to be in a gang. yet jim irsay, the owner of the indy colts got arrested driving drunk and having drugs in his car. yet he's a "victim" and needs "help". what kind of bullshit is that? if he was black, he'd have "severe drug addiction" and a be a "terrible person". its pure media racism to me.

[Metal189]

hey, i don't understand why you defined "spring" in your profile. i get that you have your username as spring but why did you define it (would have messages you this, but your private)

and i think his outer personal things shouldn't affect whether he plays or not. you're supposed to only get fired if you can't do the job, which of course wasn't the case since he was an excellent player. i think they were just too quick to jump to conclusions.

[SkyrimAddict]

Not really. He has never got arrested or in trouble off the field but I guess they are concerned about a potential Hernandez situation or something. Guys have stayed in the league for having done much worse then have gang ties though.

[nickstaa]

It's bs if it's the only reason , I wouldn't be surprised if some of these nfl team owners have ties with dodgy white collar criminals.

And didn't Michael Vick play for them after he got out of jail?

[martyfellow]

Is it fair to all the victims of gang behavior to make heroes out of gangsters? Doesn't our media do that too much already?

[ImCoasting]

Locker room distractions are not good. Look at Aaron Hernandez and richie incognito. Gives teams unwanted attention.

[MrAtticusLebowski]

NO WAY...he's out because he's been inconsistent. If Aaron Hernandez was out of prison right now any team desperate enough would sign him.

[Jonny_]

Yes, why wouldn't it be? These people are supposed to be role-models.

[rotarymoon]

Hypocritical? Maybe.

Rights? Yes they can as long as they have a valid reason that can be stamped beside it.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely fair. Why do you want that kind of liability in your locker room? Bye bye.