DeSean Jackson was reportedly a problem for Chip Kelly, Eagles in locker room

Chip Kelly seems to value locker room culture above talent in Philadelphia. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Prior to his release from the Philadelphia Eagles, a report surfaced detailing DeSean Jackson's connections to members of the Los Angeles Crips. Many believed that the gang ties were a big reason behind the team's release of the wide receiver, but it was clear from the start that there was more to the story.

According to the latest report from CBS Philadelphia, Jackson was a big problem for head coach Chip Kelly and the Eagles' locker room, and he was not very well liked by his teammates.

"Jackson was not very well liked by his teammates, was blatantly insubordinate, with temper tantrums cussing out Kelly several times in front of the team, [he] pushed the NFL rookie coach the way 'a child would test boundaries,' and was more concerned with his rap label than he was about winning football games," the report reads.

Another source who spoke to CBS detailed Jackson's behavior, describing him as a self-centered, diva wideout.

“The fact is, [Jackson] was a ‘me-guy’ with an attitude problem and [Jeremy Maclin] is the complete opposite, a team guy, a great character guy you go to war with,” the source said. “Funny how [Jackson] has this anti-bully thing and he thought he could push [Kelly] around; he found out otherwise. His being cut had nothing to do with the gang stuff. The team knew it. Everyone knew he had ‘ties.’ Those were his guys. That’s OK. What put him out was his selfishness. He can try and spin it all he wants how he’s ‘a team player.’ He’s not. I’ll put it this way, when it came out last Friday that [Jackson] was released, more than a few guys were happy it happened. They said ‘good riddance.’ He had no real connection with anyone.

“Yes, you can say he was the type that could catch three TDs in a loss -- everyone would be down, but you had the impression he was happy, because he got his. It was all about him. A lot of guys thought that way about him. [Kelly] came in here with a plan to get this thing right, and the one major [obstacle] standing in his way was [Jackson]. If we were going to move forward as a team, he had to go. Think about it -- did anyone come right out and back him publicly? Not one.”

Chip Kelly is working to change the culture in the Eagles' locker room and needs players that buy into the system. Me-first guys are always a big distraction and often cause others to question the coach's authority.

By getting rid of Jackson, the Eagles should be able to work more closely together and focus on reaching their goals as one cohesive unit.

[si_video id="video_9EBAA8C1-D679-9638-D687-2828C9016E80" height="470"]