Riley Cooper was back at Eagles practice on Tuesday after taking a four-day hiatus to undergo some sensitivity training, but the controversy surrounding the receiver was still abuzz.
After enjoying an impressive day on the field during the Eagles first of three joint practices with the Patriots, Cooper spoke to the media and addressed the situation for the first time since taking some time away. The 25-year-old wideout expressed remorse once again but says he isn’t looking for forgiveness, according to CSNNE’s Tom E. Curran.
Cooper told reporters on Tuesday that he’s met with every one of his Eagles teammates to apologize personally. While he hopes they accept his apology, Cooper added that he doesn’t want them to forgive him.
“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 how sorry I was,” Cooper said. “They know it was from the heart and they know I’m not that kind of person. It feels good to be back out there.”
Cooper also said he understands how serious the situation is and agreed with the notion that it would likely follow him throughout the rest of his career and beyond.
“It’s brutal but that’s reality,” Cooper said when asked if the moment defined him. “It’s gonna be with me every day and I’m gonna think about it every day, I know I will.”
Cooper scored a pair of touchdowns in the practice against the Patriots on Tuesday and even received a celebratory helmet tap from quarterback Michael Vick after the play. So, it seems at least one teammate is trying to move forward.
Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.
