Riley Cooper has said that he wants to remain with the Philadelphia Eagles despite his recent absence from training camp after a racial slur.
The wide receiver returned to practice yesterday following a four-day absence to seek counselling after a video surfaced of him using a racist term at a Kenny Chesney concert earlier this year.
Addressing reporters, the 25-year-old said: "It took a few days to be honest with you. It took a few days. It's been a tough, tough ride. I'm going to try each and every day to prove that and just play as hard as I can and play my game. I want to stay here.
"I talked to [teammates] individually. I told them, 'I don't want you to forgive me because that puts the burden on you.' I want it all on me. I told them that and I told them I apologise. They could tell it's from the heart. They know I'm not that type of person. It feels good to have support from the guys.
"It's going to be tough. No doubt, it's going to be tough. I'm going to live with this for the rest of my life. It's one of those things where you can't let it affect your play on the field and that's what I'm going to strive to do."
Cooper scored three touchdowns for the Eagles last season.
Sian Cowper
