Eagles fans were rocked Friday after reports surfaced that one of the team's star players -- DeSean Jackson -- had potential gang ties, followed minutes later by the team's announcement that the wide receiver had been cut from the team.
Jackson issued a statement denying the allegations that he is associated with anyone involved in criminal activity and thanking the Eagles organization for his time with the team.
"I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang," Jackson said in a statement. "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."
"It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions," his statement continues. "These reports are irresponsible and just not true."
While the three time Pro Bowler fights the allegations and determines if he can continue his football career with another organization, Dirty Birds fans took to social media to express their shock and frustration with the Eagles' decision to release the team's leading receiver.
[View the story "Fans React to Release of DeSean Jackson" on Storify]
