Commanders' Ron Rivera fines coach Jack Del Rio $100,000 for 'extremely hurtful' comments about Jan. 6 rioting and BLM protests

The head coach of the Washington Commanders professional football team fined the team's defensive coach over what he called "extremely hurtful" comments comparing the rioting on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol and violent protests by Black Lives Matter.

Coach Ron Rivera posted his statement about defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio on the team's official Twitter account on Friday.

"This morning, I met with Coach Del Rio to express how disappointed I am in his comments on Wednesday. His comments do not reflect the organization’s views and are extremely hurtful to our great community here in the DMV," said Rivera in the statement, referring to the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia.

"As we saw last night in the hearings, what happened on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was an act of domestic terrorism. A group of citizens attempted to overturn the results of a free and fair election, and as a result, lives were lost and the Capitol building was damaged," he explained.

"Coach Del Rio did apologize for his comments on Wednesday, and he understands the distinction between the events of that dark day and peaceful protests, which are a hallmark of our democracy," he added.

He want on to say that although Del Rio has the constitutional right to free speech, his words "hurt a lot of people" in the community and said the team would not "tolerate" anyone equating the Jan. 6 rioting to that of BLM.

"After reflecting on the situation and circumstances," I have decided to fine Coach Del Rio $100,000, which the team will donate to the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund. I feel strongly that after our conversation this morning, he will have a greater understanding for the impact of his language and the values that our team stands for."

Del Rio had clarified comments he made on Twitter during a briefing with the media and then later apologized for his comments.

"I made comments earlier 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," wrote Del Rio in part.

"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 protest in America," he added.

The Commanders also made a statement in support of LGBTQ advocacy for Pride Month.

Here's more about the Jack Del Rio dustup:

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio responds to criticism over recent tweets | NBC Sports Washingtonwww.youtube.com