Darius Slay issues apology over Brazil comments ahead of Eagles-Packers opener
Darius Slay did not mean to offend Brazil and his people with his recent comments. But after backlash, he is retracting them.
During Monday's episode of his podcast BIG PLAY SLAY, the Philadelphia Eagles cornerback claimed that because of the high crime rate, he had reservations about playing the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. He also said the team told them not to leave his hotel outside practice and game hours.
He also advised his family - his wife Jenna and children (sons Darion, Demetrius, and Desmond; daughter Desirae; and stepson Trent) - not to join him in Sao Paulo.
But amid backlash from Brazilians, Darius Slay issued this statement on his X.com account:
I want to apologize to anyone I offended, that wasn’t my intention. I’m Looking forward to playing in your beautiful country and i’ve heard yall are very passionate just like our amazing Eagles fan. Just a few more days, can’t wait!!!!
Darius Slay not the only Eagle to voice concerns about trip to Brazil
But as it turns out, it was not just Darius Slay. Wide receiver AJ Brown also revealed that he would be inside his hotel when not practicing:
"We had a meeting [on Aug. 28], and there were a whole bunch of 'Don't Do's.' So I'm just trying to go down there and win a football game, and come back home ... But after hearing all this stuff, I'm probably going to be in my room," Brown said, per CBS Sports.
CJ Gardner-Johnson also raised doubts about why the NFL scheduled a game in an already-smoggy city battling forest fires.
However, third-string QB Tanner McKee gave his teammates assurances that the experience would be different from the expectation and that they would be "pleasantly surprised" by the people.
He also gave a practical tip on how to avoid being targeted by a violent crime:
“I would say no matter where you go, if you’re a football team you probably shouldn’t walk around a big city with cash in your hand or things like that.”
Other players, like wideout DeVonta Smith, refused to comment.