ESPN analyst and former NFL head coach Rex Ryan has apologized for calling Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper a "turd" Friday morning.
Ryan made the remark on ESPN's "Get Up" while discussing Cooper's new five-year, $100-million contract.
"[Amari Cooper] is the biggest disappearing act in the National Football League. ... I wouldn't have paid this turd."
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 3, 2020
—Rex Ryan pic.twitter.com/A8gzRJqBnD
Later that afternoon, Ryan appeared on "SportsCenter" to apologize for his choice of words.
Rex Ryan joined @SportsCenter to clarify his earlier comments: pic.twitter.com/awB44JnETd
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 3, 2020
"First off, I can't believe I said that, used that word," Ryan said. "Obviously, it was a poor choice by me to say what I said about Amari. Quite honestly, I think the world of every player and have a great deal of respect for every single player in the National Football League, including Amari Cooper."
Ryan then doubled down on his critique of Cooper's play, saying he doesn't show up in crunch time, on the road, or against strong competition. However, he also hoped Cooper would accept his apology for the "turd" comment.
"But what I added at the end of that, I want to apologize to Amari again and (I) hope he accepts my apology," Ryan said.
