Given the fiery political climate and how divided the United States finds itself, perhaps it was the right move for the Las Vegas Raiders to have moved on from Jack Del Rio. Oh, and spare me the “stick to sports” commentary. If not, read on.
Unless you’re living under a rock, you must know what’s currently going on in this country. There’s a pandemic, nationwide protests against police brutality, and lastly, a Presidential election looms large. So why on Earth would you mix some of these polarizing factors with a new job? Well, in Jack Del Rio’s defense, he’s true to his convictions. He supports Donald Trump and quite literally told everyone to kiss his ass on Twitter if they take offense on him being “100% for America.” Fair enough coach.
I’m 100% for America, if you’re not you can kiss my A$$ https://t.co/PKCLPIbqVJ
— Jack Del Rio (@coachdelrio) June 24, 2020
Related: Raiders HC Jon Gruden Needs To Win Big in Year 3
Out Of Touch?
As far as the Raiders are concerned, did they make the right call when they fired Del Rio? To be clear, Del Rio was fired for his on-field shortcomings. After their successful 2016 campaign, the wheels fell off in a season dominated by player protests against police brutality, not the flag as many seem to believe. After a disastrous game against the Washington Redskins that season, the Raiders never recovered.
Josh Schrock of NBC Sports recently spotlighted Del Rio’s Twitter rant, which only shows how interesting this development really is.
“Del Rio’s tweets came a few days after Trump said he wouldn’t watch the NFL if players kneeled during the national anthem to protest police brutality and systemic racism. Washington running back Adrian Peterson is one of the players who has said he will take a knee next season, along with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, among others.”
Well This Is Awkward…
Adrian Peterson, who plays on Del Rio’s new team, has said he will kneel next season. An awkward position, considering Del Rio’s stance and the state of current affairs.
Maybe all things considered it’s best the Raiders don’t have such an outspoken coach right now. There’s enough debate with Derek Carr on a daily basis with Raider Nation. Adding a coach that so openly and publicly supports the president could be a disaster all things considered.
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*Top Photo: Don Feria/Getty Images
