Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio apologizes after calling Capitol insurrection a 'dustup'

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio apologized on Wednesday after calling the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol a «dustup.»

«I made comments earlier today in referencing the attack that took place on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. Referencing that situation as a dust-up was irresponsible and negligent and I am sorry,» Del Rio said in a statement posted on Twitter. «I stand by my comments condemning violence in communities across the country. I say that while also expressing my support as an American citizen for peaceful protest in our country. I have fully supported all peaceful protests in America.

»I love, respect, and support all my fellow coaches, players, and staff that I work with and respect their views and opinions."

On Monday, Del Rio tweeted in response to a post about upcoming hearings on the events of Jan. 6: «Would love to understand 'the whole story' about why the summer of riots, looting, burning and the destruction of personal property is never discussed but this is??? #CommonSense.»

Del Rio told reporters on Wednesday, before his apology, that he was just asking a question about events in the spring and summer of 2020 that followed George Floyd's death.

«Why are we not looking into those things — if we're going to talk about it — why are we not looking into those things?» Del Rio said. «I can look at images on the TV, people's livelihoods are being destroyed, businesses are being burned down, no problem. And then we have a dustup at the Capitol, nothing burned down, and we're going to make that a major deal. I just think it's kind of two standards, and if we apply the same standard and we're going to be reasonable with each other, let's have a