The social media sphere, particularly NFL Twitter circles closely following figures like John Keim, buzzed with reactions after Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio deactivated his Twitter account on Saturday. This move came a day after the Commanders fined Del Rio $100,000 for his controversial remarks regarding the January 6th, 2021 events at the U.S. Capitol. The fine was a direct response to Del Rio’s description of the Capitol riot as a mere “dustup,” igniting widespread criticism and prompting swift action from the team.
Del Rio’s troubles began when he responded to a tweet questioning the focus on January 6th compared to the “summer of riots.” In his reply, Del Rio questioned why the widespread riots, looting, and destruction of property during the summer were “never discussed” in the same way as the Capitol riot. He further elaborated on these thoughts during a press conference, stating his belief in a double standard in how these events were being addressed. However, it was his subsequent description of the January 6th Capitol attack as a “dustup” that escalated the situation significantly.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera issued a statement distancing the organization from Del Rio’s views, emphasizing that they were “extremely hurtful” to the Washington D.C. area. Rivera directly contradicted Del Rio’s characterization of January 6th, aligning with the broader consensus that it was an act of “domestic terrorism,” an attempt to subvert a legitimate election that resulted in loss of life and damage to the Capitol building. This strong condemnation from Rivera underscored the seriousness with which the Commanders organization was treating the situation, especially given their ongoing efforts to rebrand and navigate numerous off-field controversies.
Despite the public outcry and the team’s official stance, initial reports suggest that Del Rio’s position within the team might not be significantly threatened. Sources close to the Commanders players indicated that his comments were unlikely to cause a major rift within the locker room. One source close to star defensive end Chase Young downplayed the issue, stating, “That’s his guy,” suggesting a strong player-coach relationship that might weather this controversy. Similarly, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen publicly stated that he was unconcerned with Del Rio’s opinions as long as he continued to perform his duties effectively as defensive coordinator. Allen emphasized his focus on Del Rio’s professional conduct and work ethic, rather than his personal views.
The controversy surrounding Del Rio’s tweets adds to a long list of non-football related headlines that have plagued the Washington franchise for the past several years. The team, now rebranded as the Commanders, has been actively trying to rebuild its image, especially amidst a congressional investigation into owner Dan Snyder and allegations of sexual misconduct and financial improprieties. The timing of Del Rio’s comments was particularly unfortunate, coinciding with ongoing investigations and just weeks before Snyder was invited to testify before Congress on June 22nd.
In response to the backlash, Del Rio issued an apology, stating that his “dust-up” comment was “irresponsible and negligent” and expressing regret. He maintained his condemnation of violence across the country but affirmed his support for peaceful protest. However, this apology did little to quell the criticism. Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, publicly called for Del Rio’s resignation or termination, reflecting the severity of the offense in the eyes of many.
While Jack Del Rio’s Twitter account is now deactivated, the repercussions of his comments and the ensuing controversy continue to resonate within the Washington Commanders organization and across NFL discussions, particularly in online spaces where figures like John Keim provide ongoing commentary and analysis. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sensitivity surrounding social and political issues in professional sports and the potential consequences for those who express controversial opinions publicly.
