ATLANTA (AP) – The Atlanta Falcons apologized Friday after it was revealed that one of their coaches asked an inappropriate question to Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple during the NFL’s annual scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Apple said Friday in an interview with ComcastSportsNet he was asked, “So, do you like men?'” He says the question came at the start of an interview with an unidentified Falcons coach.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn acknowledged in a statement released to The Associated Press that he has addressed the inappropriate question. He said he has told his entire coaching staff such questions should not be asked and he apologized to Apple.
“I am really disappointed in the question that was asked by one of our coaches,” Quinn said. “I have spoken to the coach that interviewed Eli Apple and explained to him how inappropriate and unprofessional this was. I have reiterated this to the entire coaching staff and I want to apologize to Eli for this even coming up. This is not what the Atlanta Falcons are about and it is not how we are going to conduct ourselves.”
It was not known if the assistant coach faces any disciplinary action.
It was the second apology issued following the behavior of an Atlanta assistant coach at the combine.
Defensive line coach Bryan Cox apologized following reports he shoved an Arizona Cardinals scout in a dispute over access to a rookie during the interview process last week.
Cox issued a statement Sunday saying, “I intend to apologize to the young man for the incident.” He also said, “It shouldn’t have happened.”
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Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL