The former employer of a Philadelphia Eagles fan is taking exception to some of the reaction the company has received over an incident the man had over the weekend with two Green Bay Packers fans.
Lawrence Hibbert and Dr. Randal Pinkett, co-founders of DEI-focused BCT Partners in New Jersey, spoke with TMZ Sports about the negative social media posts circulating online following the incident and comments defended their company.
"Some of the posts, some of the comments about our company are just as bad, if not worse, than the comments about (Ryan Caldwell). That's the point, right?" Pinkett said. "That's the problem with the culture we've created, is there's no room for grace. There's no room, there's just two extremes, either you're OK or you're canceled.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Philadelphia Eagles fans cheer during the NFC Wild Card Game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (Eric Hartline - Image)
"We believe there is a middle ground, we can recover from our mistakes, we can learn, we can grow. We believe Mr. Caldwell can learn and grow, but we believe our society can also learn and grow. We can criticize "We can condemn the behavior without condemning the individual."
Hibbert has spent the past few days feeling regretful, given that the company is celebrating a major milestone.
"It's been a very difficult time over the last 24 to 48 hours," Hibbert said, adding that the company was celebrating its 25th anniversary. "...It's painful when you get social media posts and national media questioning your integrity and the way you do your job. But we also believe we can maintain our record and we want to use these opportunities to confirm , even in difficult times we will operate according to our value system and do what we believe is right."
Eagles fan's vicious tirade against female Packers fan costs her job at DEI-focused New Jersey firm
The fan was identified as Ryan Caldwell, and the company announced it was parting ways with him on Tuesday. Pinkett said they knew it was Caldwell from the video.
Philadelphia Eagles fans attend the NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (Bill Streicher-Iman Photo)
"I cannot describe how abhorrent the behavior we observed was and how disheartening it was to see someone associated with our company displaying this behavior at the time," he said.
Caldwell was seen berating a female Packers fan while her fiancé recorded the incident. He repeatedly called her "idiot" and "idiot."
Caldwell issued a statement to Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
"While attending an NFL game last Sunday to support my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, an incident occurred that I deeply regret," he said. "What started as a joke with two Packers fans sitting next to me escalated into something more serious and I said some unacceptable things. In the heat of the moment, I chose callous words to One of the fans spoke,
"Ms. Ellie Keller. I want to sincerely apologize to Ms. Keller for these words, and to my wife, family and friends, my former employers and co-workers, Packers fans, Eagles fans, the Philadelphia Eagles, the City of Philadelphia , that is to say, every story has two sides.
Detailed view of the Philadelphia Eagles helmet during their game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Click here to get the Fox News app
"The video footage circulating online does not reflect the full context of what happened and my actions were not without provocation. I will live with this experience and there will certainly be a personal cost to me. For those who don't know me, this incident It does not reflect my values or my respect for others, nor does it represent who I am.”
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on X, and subscribe Fox News Sports Gathering Newsletter.