Philadelphia Eagles: Riley Cooper to seek 'outside assistance'

PHILADELPHIA - August 1, 2013 (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Eagles issued another statement on Thursday in the continued fallout from wide receiver Riley Cooper's use of a racial slur that was caught on video.

In the statement released Thursday afternoon, the Eagles said:

"In meeting with Riley yesterday, we decided together that his next step will be to seek outside assistance to help him fully understand the impact of his words and actions. He needs to reflect. As an organization, we will provide the resources he needs to do so."

The statement did not elaborate on the nature of the assistance.

There are tensions in the locker room as all-pro running back LeSean McCoy is quoted by NFL.com as saying he forgives Cooper, but it hurts losing a friend and "I can't respect a guy like that."

The Eagles have worked with District Attorney Seth Williams in the past with community outreach in Philadelphia. Cooper and the Eagles have reached out to him now, asking what Riley could do to make amends.

"The owner, Jeffrey Lurie, and the coach, Chip Kelly, really hope this can be a teachable moment," Williams said.

Riley Cooper has been fined by the Eagles, though the amount of the fine has not been released.

Speaking on ESPN radio show "Mike and Mike in the Morning," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said there would be no action by the league.

News of the video broke on Wednesday afternoon, which was quickly followed by a news conference with Cooper, who said "I am extremely embarrassed, extremely hurt, and extremely sorry for my actions. I wanted to come up and tell you guys that."

The video, which was first posted on the Philadelphia sports blog Crossingbroad.com, shows Cooper outside the Lincoln Financial Field during a Kenny Chesney concert back in June.

A visibly agitated Cooper can be heard saying, "I will jump that fence and fight every [n-word] in here, bro."

At one point, Cooper is being restrained.

At the same time Cooper was holding his press conference, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurey issued the following statement:

"We are shocked and appalled by Riley Cooper's words. This sort of behavior or attitude from anyone has no role in a civil society. He has accepted responsibility for his words and his actions. He has been fined for this incident."

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