Riley Cooper signs new contract; supports proposal to penalize NFL players for racial slurs

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- On Thursday the Philadelphia Eagles announced they re-signed wide receiver Riley Cooper to a long-term extension reportedly worth $25 million over five years.

The contract has $10 million in guaranteed money, not a bad amount considering Cooper’s antics off the field last summer. The white player was caught on camera yelling a racial slur at a Kenny Chesney concert.

Following the incident, Cooper left the team to undergo counseling but returned in August and went on to have the best year of his career with over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“I talked to everyone individually,” Cooper said when he rejoined the team. “I told them, ‘I don’t want you to forgive me because that puts the burden on you.’ I want it all on me. I told them that and I told them I apologize. They could tell it’s from the heart. They know I’m not that type of person. It feels good to have support from the guys.”

The former fifth-round pick said he is in favor of a proposal that would make using one particular racial slur on the football field a 15-yard penalty.

“Riley is one of the toughest and hardest-working guys in our locker room,” head coach Chip Kelly said in a statement regarding the extension. “We talk a lot about how players have to make the most of their opportunities, and he did just that last year. He used his size, strength and speed to make a lot of big plays for our team and I’m excited to watch him build upon his success.”

[Sports Illustrated]