Jack Del Rio apology to Commanders team ‘well received’

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke to the team Tuesday morning about comments about the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

“Jack spoke to the team this morning during the team meeting,” Rivera said per Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala. “He was very open and very forthright, very contrite and apologized and open himself up to questions or opportunities for any players to come in and meet with him.”

Last week, Del Rio compared the Capitol insurrection to some of the social injustice protests following the death of George Floyd. He drew further criticism when he called the Jan. 6 riots a “dustup."

Rivera fined Del Rio $100,00 after meeting with him Friday. Rivera explained the fine was as a result of Del Rio being a “distraction” to the team.

“He’s already met with some of our players and talked to some of them about what was said,” Rivera continued. “I’ve been told those meetings went very very well. And so I’m very pleased with that. As we finished, he did the same thing: ‘Guys, please any questions see me let’s talk about that.’ And I thought it was good. It was well received and we’ll see.”

The Commanders started their three-day mandatory minicamp Tuesday. Del Rio’s comments were among the biggest storylines heading into this week’s set of practices. The team address may not be suffice for all players. But it surely will help ease any tension within the locker room.

It’s a matter that the Commanders are intent in keeping as private as possible. Rivera’s reaction along with having Del Rio address the matter head-on with the team appears to be a step forward.