NFL Player Who Made Racist Comment Has Clearwater Roots

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper – who grew up in Clearwater – is playing defense in the aftermath of some offensive comments he made at a Kenny Chesney concert on June 8.

Those comments were caught on video, which then was posted to YouTube. The YouTube video posted here contains offensive language.

Riley is apologizing about the comments, after the sports blog Crossing Broad, posted the video on its site.

The NFL has now fined Riley for making the comments, apparently when a security guard stopped him from going backstage.

Riley is a hometown hero in Clearwater. He was a standout football player who attended Clearwater Central Catholic High School. He was captain of the football team as a senior and went on to play college football at the University of Florida, where his sister now plays soccer.

Riley said on Twitter: "I am so ashamed and disgusted with myself. I want to apologize. I have been offensive. I have apologized to my coach, Jeffrey Lurie..."

He also tweeted: "Howie roseman and to my teammates. I owe an apology to the fans and to this community. I am so ashamed, but there are no excuses."

Riley also said that his own parents were "disgusted" by his remarks.

For more on this story, turn to the Huffington Post.