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Boykin clarifies Kelly isn't racist, but has trouble relating to players

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin is the latest player to question the motives behind head coach Chip Kelly's personnel decisions.

In a text message sent to Derrick Gunn of CSN Philadelphia, Boykin said Kelly is "uncomfortable around grown men of our culture."

"He can't relate and that makes him uncomfortable," Boykin, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, added in the text. "He likes total control of everything, and he don't like to be uncomfortable. Players excel when you let them naturally be who they are, and in my experience that hasn't been important to him, but you guys have heard this before me."

Boykin later clarified those comments to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, saying his differences with Kelly stemmed from a lack of communication.

"When you're a player, you want to be able to relate to your coach off the field," Boykin said. "There were times he just didn't talk to people. ... I'm not saying he's a racist in any way."

Boykin added that he believes Kelly's inability to relate to his players is likely why others have spoken out against him.

Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy accused Kelly of racism after he was sent packing by the Eagles earlier this offseason, telling ESPN that the coach "got rid of all the good players. Especially all the good black players."

Former Eagles offensive tackle Tra Thomas, who served as an assistant coach for the team last season, said in March that some players sensed "a hint of racism" in the locker room.

When asked about Boykin's comments Sunday, Kelly said he had no idea why the cornerback would say something like that.

"When he left here last night, he shook my hand and gave me a hug, didn't say anything," Kelly said during a press conference. "I like Brandon. I just don't know. I really don't know."

Kelly also said the Steelers had been inquiring about Boykin for months, and the depth the Eagles have at cornerback made him expendable.

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