DeSean Jackson Claims Eagles Ran a ‘Smear Campaign’ after Releasing Him

DeSean Jackson is claiming that his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, ran a "smear campaign" after they released him in 2014.

The 28-year-oldwide receiver, who is now with the Washington Redskins, made these statements on the debut episode of his reality TV show, "DeSean Jackson Home Team," which aired Tuesday on BET.

"When I was released by the Eagles, I feel they tried to paint a picture that definitely wasn't true. It was a slap in the face, coming off one of my best seasons in the NFL," Jackson said on the show.

Jackson made 82 receptions for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns in his final year with the Eagles. That 2013-14 season was Jackson's best in his professional career. The team released him almost immediately after a report surfaced that claimed he was linked to gang activity.

Jackson added, in a conversation with his friends on the show, "The Eagles tried to blow me up. That's cold how they did it."

One of Jackson's unidentified friends suggested that the team "tried to persecute" him based on where he came from."

Jackson replied, "That's why I think they fired me. Have I went to jail? ... I ain't done none of that."

Jackson had a terrific first year with the Redskins during the 2014-15 season. He caught 56 passes for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns. He also recorded an NFL-best 13 catches for 40-plus yards.

"I had an awesome year and I'm going to have another awesome year," Jackson told them. "End of the day, I play football at a high level so I don't care too less anything about nothing. Go look up the No. 1 receiver in the NFL. I'm the No. 1 receiver. So I'm not getting caught up. I know what I can do."

On the show, he also discusses his work out regimen, stating that during the offseason, he works out seven days a week.