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Donte’ Stallworth, Derrick Ward Defend DeSean Jackson On Twitter

NFL players Donte’ Stallworth and Derrick Ward took to Twitter on Friday to comment on the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to cut DeSean Jackson.

Jackson’s release comes after NJ.com reported that the Eagles were troubled by the wide receiver’s “continued association” with gang members. Jackson denies these allegations himself, but Stallworth and Ward rushed to support Jackson while taking some jabs at ESPN’s coverage and the NFL along the way.

Stallworth, a former Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots wide receiver, suggested perceived gang affiliations are a poor reason to cut a player with Jackson’s talent.

So, the #Eagles must have had the #FBI (who works closely w/NFL personnel, incl. players) look into D Jack to make such accusations...

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

It is what it is, dude. I know how much you loved Philly, but on to the next chapter homie! Keep grinding, use it as fuel! @DeseanJackson10

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

But... the situation surrounding Aaron Hernandez has changed things. If teams THINK you're affiliated, then you're already guilty.

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

And w/a player of DJ caliber, this is really setting a precedent for future players & what you do and who you affiliate w/off the field.

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

Let me tell you guys a little something... what you see as "gang signs" aren't always gang signs...

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

Where I'm from in @california, guys show love for the neighborhood where they grew up by throwing signs and have ZERO gang affiliation.

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

Everything isn't always black and white like the media or a lot of people would like to believe... that's rarely the case.

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

FTR, I'm not speculating either way... but y'all can't just automatically say DJ's in a gang or affiliated just off what YOU perceive.

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

But, enough of that... I wish my little buddy D Jack well and I hope he blocks out the distractions and has another stellar season.

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Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 28, 2014

Ward last played in the NFL with the Houston Texans in the 2010-11 season. Ward’s Twitter rant started with a critique of ESPN’s coverage of the story and ended with a tweet that sounds like a line out of “The Wire.” He even added a Mark Cuban-like prophecy that the NFL will dissolve in the next 20 years. The string of tweets is long, but definitely worth the read.

These ESPN analyst sound real dumb right now talking about @DeseanJackson10 They think they know what they're talking about but they don't.

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

Im sorry but has @DeseanJackson10 ever been arrested? Suspended? DUI? Drugs? No so why are these dumb asses on @espn trying to make him seem

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

Like he's a horrible person. The NFL is so Contridictive I swear. Especially these punk ESPN Analyst.

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

and @RonJaworski_BFL shut the F**k up. You sound so dumb right now. and fake ass Teddy Bruschi for someone who use to play in the league

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

recently you sure are trying your hardest to act like you where Gods gift to football. I know almost everyone of your old teammates hated u

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

I know @DeseanJackson10 very very very well. If the Eagles where so concerned about his "Gang Ties" they wouldnt had drafted him 6 years ago

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

The @Eagles gonna cut @DeseanJackson10 because they "Think" he might know gang members but they'll keep and resign a well known Racist?

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

I'm born and raised in South Central LA. I have uncles who are still gang bangin cousins who still gang bang. But what does that have to do

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

with someone playing football and ballin out for your team? I'm sorry but Every NFL team knows what there players are doing who there hangin

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

out with. In 6 years has he had 1 single incident? 1 single crime? The NFL is a bunch of BS Im so glad I'm done with that joke of a league

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

Mark my words there won't be an NFL in the next 20 years watch and see There so worried about who a player knows and a player dunking on the

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

goal post than actually worry about whats really important. And the funny thing about it Chip Kelly coached@t Oregon which recruited players

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

From Crenshaw HS. He knows for damn sure who's gang banging and who's not.

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

A lil bro @DeseanJackson10 keep your head up. Keep doing you don't let any of these fake no talent ass analyst on ESPN deter you from doing

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

what you do. Keep working hard like you do everyday and when you do get on a squad and play against the sack ass @Eagles burn they ass for

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

10 catches 150yds 3td's

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

sorry twitter for ranting but I just hate when these so called sports channels start talking about crap they have no idea about.

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

The funny thing is I grew up gang bangin. I had no choice growin up where I lived in LA. u either gang banged or got caught in the crossfire

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Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) March 28, 2014

Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@instinctmag