DeSean Jackson was far from a model citizen during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
More details are surfacing as to why the Eagles decided to release the All-Pro wide receiver March 28, and apparently it has little to do with his reported “gang ties.” Jackson was “not very well liked by teammates” and “blatantly insubordinate” during the 2013 season, sources told CBS Philly’s Joseph Santoliquito.
Jackson would throw temper tantrums and cussed out Eagles rookie head coach Chip Kelly “several times in front of the team,” according to Friday’s report. Jackson signed with the Washington Redskins on Tuesday night.
Jackson’s issues didn’t surface until Kelly took over for Andy Reid, who was fired by the Eagles after the 2012 season.
“With Reid, [Jackson] tried pushing boundaries there, too, but he looked at Reid, I think, much differently than he looked at (Kelly),” a source told CBS Philly. “Reid came in with an NFL pedigree. He was the guy that drafted (Jackson). He was the one that called him on draft day and laid the law down right then.”
Jackson was also considered a “me-guy” by the Eagles, a source told CBS Philly.
Jackson said in an interview with ESPN on Friday that Kelly didn’t give him a reason for his release. Jackson also denied being in a gang.
“Do I know people who are involved? Yes,” Jackson told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “I’m definitely aware of and know certain gang members.
“But as far as being affiliated, never have been in one. I’ve always felt I’ve been a product of my environment, but I’ve always felt I’ve wanted to do things the right way.”
