Jewish NFL player Julian Edelman has extended an olive branch to DeSean Jackson after the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver’s anti-Semitic post on social media over the weekend.
Edelman posted a lengthy video on social media where he addressed his own experiences with anti-Semitism, including being called a slur on the field in the NFL. He also addressed Jackson directly and brought up the possibility of the two receivers taking a trip together in Washington D.C.
Compassion, empathy and love.
✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻
Link to full video: https://t.co/pNkLg9s44V pic.twitter.com/LspyPKzCC3
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) July 9, 2020
“I think the Black and Jewish communities have a lot of similarities,” Edelman said. “One unfortunate similarity is that they are both attacked by the ignorant and the hateful. It’s really hard to see the challenges a community can face when you’re not part of it. So what we need to do is, we need to listen, we need to learn, we need to act. We need to have those uncomfortable conversations if we’re going to have real change. So to that end, DeSean, let’s do a deal. How about we go to D.C., and I take you to the Holocaust Museum, and then you take me to the Museum of African-American History and Culture? And then afterwards we’ll grab some burgers and we’ll have those uncomfortable conversations. This world needs a little more love, compassion and empathy.”
To his credit, Jackson has already apologized for his posts on social media and promised to educate himself and do better.
— Desean Jackson (@DeSeanJackson10) July 7, 2020
Perhaps as part of that education process, he’ll take Edelman up on his offer.
It might make sense for Jackson to do that and show he truly does want to atone for what has happened and what he posted as the Eagles are reportedly considering whether to cut him or not.
DeSean Jackson, posts a quote from Hitler, says he’s not anti-Semitic and then highlights the particularly anti-Semitic part.
As an Eagles fan, this is disgusting. Where is the response from the team and the NFL? pic.twitter.com/MFPmz0PyOY
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 7, 2020
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the decision may hinge on if the team can get out of paying Jackson his guaranteed $4.8 million salary this year. That guaranteed cash may be all that is keeping Jackson on the team, as he’d almost certainly already be gone if he was an undrafted free agent.
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