DeSean Jackson saif he wasn't cut over alleged gang ties

Earlier this morning on The Vincent Tucker Radio Show, we reported that DeSean Jackson had been cut from the Philadelphia Eagles for his alleged gang ties. Whether that is entirely accurate is still in question at this time, but one thing is true: DeSean Jackson is no longer a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Hip Hop Wired has more:

A recent NJ.com article may have played a part in All-Pro wide receiver DeSean Jackson's release from the Philadelphia Eagles according to speculation. The post described how Jackson had started up a friendship with a Los Angeles Crips game whom had been responsible for two homicides in 2010. This friendship or even loose affiliation forced the Eagles hand in cutting him without any stipulations or ties.

Reports NJ.com:

DeSean Jackson was nowhere near the scene of the crime when, on Dec. 29, 2010, 14-year-old Taburi Watson flashed a rival gang sign at two men as he rode his bicycle through South Los Angeles.

The men, reportedly members of the Crips, responded to the teen's provocative gesture by shooting him multiple times, police said. Paramedics pronounced Watson dead at the scene.

"DeSean Jackson was not part of the case," Jane Robison, a spokesman for the LA District Attorney's Office, told NJ.com. "He was not a charged defendant. He was not a witness."

Jackson was, however, associated with Theron Shakir, one of the two men charged with the murder. Along with co-defendant Marques Binns, Shakir is a purported member of the Crips. In addition, Shakir, known as "T-Ron," is a rapper who recorded for Jaccpot Records, a label owned by Jackson. The two were close enough that they appear together frequently in photographs -- including pictures posted by Jackson to Instagram while Shakir sat in jail awaiting trial for the teen's execution.

Despite having nothing else to lose on his part in Philly, Jackson vehemently denied the allegations in a statement which read:

"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."

A keen observation notices that Jackson's Instagram handle "Jaccpot10" makes reference to his jersey number and first part of his name, only the "k" is replaced with a "c" as Crips are known to rewrite anything containing the letters "ck" sequentially as it stands for "Crip Killer."