An NFL player apologized on Saturday after mocking a video showing a Minneapolis police officer being hit and knocked down by what appeared to be a garbage can cover.
In a tweet deleted since Friday, Eagles cornerback Darius Slay commented on ‘Captain America’ alongside a crying, laughing emoji, in response to the video that circulated on social media, apparently comparing the object to the Marvel Superhero Shield.
“Yesterday, I commented on a post that at the time seemed harmless to me,” Slay, 29, wrote on Saturday. “If you know me, you know I’m a funny, outgoing type. I made a comment that sounded humorous at the time but I didn’t mean harm. I do not tolerate the violence of the police at all, especially with everything that is happening now. To all those I have offended, I apologize.
The incident was filmed on Wednesday night of unrest in Minneapolis following the latest police shooting at a black man. A crowd can be heard cheering, as the injured officer – who did not sustain life-threatening injuries – radioed for help.
Police came under close scrutiny following the police murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and more recently the police shooting of Jacob Blake which allegedly left the 29-year-old paralyzed from waist to feet.
Professional athletes have taken a stand against police brutality and systemic racism, leading protests, kneeling during national anthems, forming a voting group and wearing social justice messages on the back of jerseys. Earlier this week, players from the MLB, NBA, WNBA and MLS staged wild strikes, which led to postponements in those leagues in addition to the NHL, in an effort to raise awareness.
The Eagles canceled practice Friday along with several other NFL teams to host a team-wide meeting on social justice.
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