DeSean Jackson denies having gang ties after being cut by Eagles

In a stunning move, the Philadelphia Eagles released Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Friday.

The team issued the following statement: "After careful consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today."

Jackson's spokeswoman, Denise White, told USA TODAY Sports six teams had inquired about his services within 30 minutes of his release.

"He's like, 'I'm ready for my next team. I want to go in there, show them I am the Pro Bowl player that I am and give them 110%,' " White said, adding Jackson was working out Friday in Los Angeles.

"He's not letting this get him down, although it definitely concerns him, and he doesn't like what's going on. At the same time he has a job to do, and he knows whatever team he ends up on, he needs to be ready.

"He wants to go somewhere where they want him."

Jackson's departure came shortly after NJ.com published a story Friday suggesting he was affiliated with a gang in Los Angeles.

Jackson subsequently issued a statement that reads in part: "I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible.

"I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions.

"These reports are irresponsible and just not true . I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless."

Jackson also tweeted: "Steady GRind Mode God Got the Plan !! Not Me." He included a picture of himself running on a track.

White addressed Jackson's alleged gang connections.

"You always are concerned with that old saying 'guilty by association.' You always want to make sure who you're hanging around with and who's been on your coattails are positive, influential people and not people who will drag you down," she said, adding Jackson has struggled in the past with some negative associations.

"It's a hard decision to make (cutting off old friends) when these people have been in your life most of your life. He's struggled with that, and I think a lot of guys in the league have struggled with that. It's not a DeSean Jackson issue.

"He's very disappointed that he's been portrayed as something that he is not. And he wants people to know that he's not a gang member. ... That's just not who he is."

White says Jackson isn't quite ready to address Friday's firestorm in a public forum.

"When the dust settles, when he finds a team," she said. "I think today's really rough because there's so much speculation and innuendo and just plain non-truths being reported.

"He doesn't want to say anything out of emotion."

At least one of Jackson's former teammates didn't seem overly upset to see him go.

Philadelphia center Jason Kelce tweeted: "We just made an extremely unpopular decision, but I couldn't be more excited and happy with where this organization is going!! #FlyEaglesFly

"Good luck with whatever team you end up with DeseanJackson10!"

Jackson, 27, had been rumored to be on the trading block for weeks. But he implied Monday on Twitter that he gleaned from a recent conversation with coach Chip Kelly that he would remain with the Eagles.

"Good to talk to Big Chip today!!! Say or hear what ya want!! Picture speaks for itself!! Winner," Jackson tweeted.

Kelly addressed Jackson's standing Wednesday at the NFL meetings in Orlando.

"I talked to DeSean and when you deal with situations like that it's coach to player, player to coach,'' Kelly said. "We had a good conversation. We're always going to do what's best for the football team. ... I like DeSean. He did a really nice job for us.

"He knows where he stands with us. And I know where I stand with him.''

A second-round pick out of Cal in 2008, Jackson was set to enter the third season of a five-year, $51 million contract he signed in the 2012 offseason after initially receiving the Eagles' franchise tag.

The three-time Pro Bowler was the deep threat and home run hitter in Kelly's uptempo offense and had his best pro season in 2013. Jackson's 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine TDs all established or matched his career best totals for a single year.

However the Eagles remain in solid shape at wideout after reaching new deals with Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin last month, preventing both from reaching the free agent market.

As for Jackson, his future in the league is suddenly in question despite his talent and youth.

"He's a toxic commodity right now," said ESPN analyst and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski.

In addition to the new questions regarding any gang affiliation, Jackson's work ethic has been criticized in the past, and he was even suspended for one game in 2011 by then-coach Andy Reid for missing a team meeting.

Earlier this week, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson acknowledged a level interest in acquiring Jackson with an important caveat.

"He's a very good player. We're looking at a number of them," Johnson said Sunday when asked if the Jets might trade for Jackson.

"We're always interested in talent if it's somebody that fits into our locker room and understands that he can fit into our culture at a price we can afford."

Contributing: Jim Corbett

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