Eagles' Jackson after posts: I don't hate Jews - 2 minutes read
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson said he has no hatred toward the Jewish community after posting on social media on Monday an anti-Semitic message that he attributed to Adolf Hitler as well as admiration for Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
On his Instagram story feed, Jackson featured a quote that he attributed to Hitler that said white Jews "will blackmail America. [They] will extort America, their plan for world domination won't work if the Negroes know who they were."
He also shared two posts on Instagram -- on Saturday and on Monday -- expressing admiration for Farrakhan, whom the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified as anti-Semitic.
After receiving criticism on social media, Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, said the posts were taken "the wrong way."
"Anyone who feels I have hate towards the Jewish community took my post the wrong way," he posted on his Instagram story along with the highlighted passage that was attributed to Hitler. "I have no hatred in my heart toward no one!! Equality. Equality." At the end, he added raised fist emojis in multiple skin tones.
The Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia on Tuesday asked on social media for Jackson to "immediately apologize" and to learn more about Farrakhan's "disturbing history of hate and antisemitism."
"Deeply troubling to see promoting the message of notorious antisemite and NOI leader Louis Farrakhan. We have reached out to the about this and call on Jackson to immediately apologize," ADL Philadelphia said on social media. "We urge Mr. Jackson to use his platform as a professional athlete to promote unity and positivity, rather than the divisive words of a bigot."
The Eagles, who signed Jackson to a three-year deal in March 2019 for his second stint with the team, have not yet commented on the posts.
Source: www.espn.com - NFL