Eagles player Darius Slay apologizes for derogatory comments about Brazil on the eve of the opening game
The game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers on Friday in Sao Paulo is eagerly awaited – the first NFL game of the regular season in South America.
However, it did not take long for the legitimate security concerns surrounding the trip to drift into the realm of xenophobia.
On Tuesday night, Eagles cornerback Darius Slay apologized on social media for derogatory remarks about Brazil on his podcast. Great game, Slay.
“I want to apologize to anyone I offended, that was not my intention. I look forward to playing in your beautiful country and I hear (you all) are just as passionate as our amazing Eagles (fans),” Slay wrote. “Only a few more days, I can’t wait!!!!”
I would like to apologize to anyone I have offended, that was not my intention. I am
I’m excited to play in your beautiful country and I hear you all are just as passionate as our amazing Eagles fans. Only a few more days, I can’t wait!!!! #FlyingEagleFlying— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) 4 September 2024
This statement represented a radical departure from what Slay said on Friday.
“Man, I don’t want to go to Brazil,” he said. “They already told us we can’t leave the hotel… NFL, why would you send us somewhere with such a high crime rate?”
The notion that Philadelphia’s players were instructed not to leave their hotel was denied by Jon Ferrari, the Eagles’ assistant general manager, according to Jeff Neiburg of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
