One day after Riley Cooperreturned to practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Michael Vick says the team is ready to move on from the controversy swirling around the wide receiver.
Breer: The fallout in Philadelphia
What's the vibe like with the Eagles after the Riley Cooper incident? Albert Breer went to Philly and found a locker room divided. **More ...**
"Everything is back to normal," Vick told NFL.com's Albert Breer on Wednesday.
Cooper was excused from the Eagles last week to receive outside counseling. He also was fined by the team after a video went viral showing the receiver making a racially insensitive comment at a Kenny Chesney concert. Amid reports that some players want Cooper off the club, Vick sang a different tune.
"I'm so proud of my teammates because of their resolve," Vick told Breer. "In tough situations and tough times, you have to be able to persevere and kind of become bigger than the situation, so to speak ... I respect these guys because they understand the bigger picture."
Cooper called his counseling sessions a "tough, tough ride" that illuminated the hurt he's caused others, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He told reporters Tuesday that he's since met with every one of his teammates.
"I told them, 'I don't want you to forgive me because that puts the burden on you,' " Cooper said. "I want it all on me. I told them that, and I told them I apologize. They could tell it's from the heart. They know I'm not that type of person."
Said Vick: "We understand the severity of it but ... want to move forward."
It would be understandable if not all of Vick's teammates agree. The Eagles hardly ignored the issue, but plenty will question coach Chip Kelly's decision to give Cooper a second chance. If that opportunity creates turmoil inside the locker room, we're not convinced Kelly will keep Cooper around for long.
The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.