It wasn’t the best Wednesday for Jack Del Rio.
In a press conference, the Washington Commanders defensive coordinator offered up a word-salad rant regarding the January 6, 2020 attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Among the more notable tidbits, Del Rio downplayed that riot, which resulted in multiple deaths, calling it a “dust-up at the Capitol.” At the same time, he denounced widespread protests against police brutality around the U.S. Those were partly in reaction to George Floyd’s murder at the hands of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was convicted for his crimes in April 2021 and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Here’s part of what For The Win’s Chris Korman had to say about Del Rio’s thoughtless comments on the potential insurrection:
The failed insurrection, meanwhile, was a political plot meant to prevent the installation of a new president. It was fomented by the defeated president and his supporters based on a series of lies meant to undermine the election process that has been the foundation of this country since its founding. It did, in fact, cause property damage, in case that sort of thing really matters to you.
It also left people dead. Four of the rioters died on the day of the attack. One police officer was attacked and died of a stroke. Four others died by suicide in the wake of the violence.
Some dust-up.
After receiving a ton of warranted backlash for his tirade, Del Rio apologized in a Twitter post that reads like it was copy-pasted from the Commanders’ public relations:
— Jack Del Rio (@coachdelrio) June 8, 2022
After his insensitive commentary, what’s next for Del Rio is unclear. But it’s probably already too late for an apology. The damage is done.
Read For The Win’s column in reaction to Del Rio’s comments here.
