Cam Newton had a chance to say "I told you so" to his pre-draft critics. Instead, he blamed Jamarcus Russell and Vince Young. Here's why that was sad and stupid.
Dec 29, 2011 - Tim Tebow commands more attention right now, but the ESPN The Magazine's "Next" issue has Cam Newton on its cover. Despite the criticisms of Bristol's love affair with Tebow -- which is really about America's obsession -- they know the deal. There's a futuristic, record-breaking superstar in Charlotte, and his time is around the corner.
But right now, his present remains an extension of his past. Newton avoided the media most of the season, so it's almost like the movie about his life cut after the draft and resumed with Peyton Manning behind him on the all-time passing yardage list for rookies. Right next to him on rushing touchdowns for rookies? Barry Sanders.
Cam has exceeded every reasonable expectation of him this season. He has also exposed his unreasonable critics, those who would stutter as they tried to defend themselves now. His 15-game career is enough to hold lots of feet to fires about the lingering barriers for black quarterbacks on all levels, obstacles that have been overlooked for years.
Go back and find what gave so many pause about such a spectacular and accomplished talent. You'll find much of it was built on one thing: nothing at all. And as long as people purport themselves as experts, they must explain being that wrong in such a familiar, problematic way. If mentally slow with a poor work ethic sounded racist in the past, someone needs to explain why baselessly saying the same in 2011 was somehow different.
But instead, Cam blames that on Jamarcus Russell and Vince Young?
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In his feature on Newton, David Fleming mentioned Cam's affection for Drake's music. As if that wasn't bad enough, Newton offered a silly response to Warren Moon's belief that much of the criticism of Newton going into the 2011 NFL Draft stemmed from racism.
"But I can't sit up here and look at it like, oh man, my critics are racist," Newton says. "I blame JaMarcus Russell and to some degree Vince Young. If you have the opportunity to make that kind of money doing something you love to do, why would you screw it up? I'm trying to be a trailblazer. If Baylor's Robert Griffin decides to come out, I want people to say 'He can be the next Cam Newton' instead of 'He's gonna be the next JaMarcus Russell.'"
Never mind that the massive, athletic Andrew Luck seems more similar to Newton than the spindly Griffin, in spite of the unwritten rule that such comparisons aren't allowed.
The real danger is in the foolishness of the quote and its underlying sadness. It's stupid because the knocks on Cam were based in the same madness that sent his mentor, Moon, to Canada seven years before Russell was born. And it's heartbreaking because, in spite of the progress the world claims it has made with regards to race, the young man who could be the NFL's future blamed his own unfair treatment on two men who had to fight the same battles.
Make no mistake: Russell has been an unequivocal failure, and Young didn't live up to what's expected of the third pick in any draft. But neither's shortcomings had anything to do with the other's. Young, as far as we know, doesn't have a penchant for codeine cough syrup, nor did he lose his father figure in his second year in the league. Russell, though he isn't wrapped so tight, doesn't suffer from Vince's particular type of sensitivity. The only common link between them was being mishandled, Russell by the Raiders running schemes ill-suited for him and Young by a head coach who never got over the fact his quarterback was forced upon him by his owner.
These are pitfalls, for one reason or another, Newton was fortunate enough to avoid. Cam's father, Cecil Newton, may have broken NCAA rules, but he's an integral part of Cam's support system, one stronger than anything Russell or Young had. Newton's franchises gave him weapons to play with -- great receiving tight ends, in particular -- and his coaches and ownership have built the Panthers around him. His success is a top priority. Without those things, there's a chance the next hotshot quarterback would blame Cam Newton for making him look bad.
Newton was often compared to Russell and Young, even Akili Smith. The only thread linking all three was race. Newton's ability to absorb a pro-style offense after years in the spread was questioned, even though Sam Bradford, the previous No. 1 pick made the same adjustment to positive reviews. His work ethic was questioned, as if a man could simply roll out of bed and have the best season ever for a college quarterback.
For those keeping score at home, that's a trifecta: dumb, lazy and just like the others. For more, there's Nolan Nawrocki's absurd takedown, centered around Cam's purported inability to lead, and the belief much of the league agreed with him. This was transparent, textbook racism, the same rap guys from Marlin Briscoe to Joe Gilliam to Doug Williams fought.
How else would one explain the gulf between pre-draft fears he wouldn't be smart enough to pick up an NFL offense and current teammate Jeremy Shockey's observation that Cam seems "one step ahead of the game mentally"? How could so many think he wouldn't put in the requisite effort for success when he'd won championships on two levels in consecutive seasons and immediately began honing his skills with quarterback coach George Whitfield after the 2010 football season? Or how, in spite of winning a national title on a team with just four 2011 draft picks -- two were seventh-rounders -- Cam wasn't afforded the title of "winner" like Tebow, his former college teammate? Blaine Gabbert, who has looked absolutely lost at times and also played in a spread offense, was believed to be smarter than Cam? How would one know that with such certainty?
Don't forget: this wasn't the first time someone inexplicably deemed Newton couldn't play quarterback for reasons that must range from silly to nonexistent. Rodney Garner, Georgia's recruiting coordinator, unequivocally told Newton's high school coaches Newton would never play quarterback in the SEC. Instead, the Bulldogs signed Logan Gray, a quarterback from Missouri termed by Rivals as a "dual-threat" quarterback, to run his pro-style attack. Richt offered Cam the chance to play tight end -- a position switch that harkens the bad ol' days -- and probably cost himself a national championship.
Then there's Newton's peculiar time at Florida, where some say Newton outplayed Tebow in the spring of 2007, before he transferred, largely because he would never start over John Brantley. You read that right.
Given all that he personally overcame to get to the NFL, it was shocking to hear Cam give shelter to the indefensible at Russell and Young's expense. Some of these same judgments were made about him when Russell was at LSU. And given how many of the white "dual-threat" quarterbacks in his class were trusted to play with their arms, compared to the black ones who weren't, it's safe to say Newton wasn't the only one.
Cam may have given them an escape, a chance to hide behind coded language and passive-aggressive assertions. But the rest of us don't have to. In fact, given how much bigger it is than one man and one era, we can't let it slide.
Newton has succeeded because he is singular, incomparable to anyone I can remember. He has flourished without having his offense dumbed down like Denver did for Tebow, a second-year quarterback. His force of personality revived the career of Steve Smith, who went from trying to get Ron Rivera to release him after the lockout to being Cam Newton's biggest fan. He's still making the transition from years in spread offenses -- check how often he throws off his back foot -- but those concerned with how quickly he could pick up Carolina's scheme (like me) need not worry. And he has demonstrated one of the most common traits of exceptional athletes: an overpowering hatred of losing. He is the talent, star and competitor he was in college, regardless of what reason one could have for not seeing it coming.
So shame on Newton for blaming a decades-long problem on men born in the 1980s. Their problems are their own like his belonged to him. But luckily for Newton, when some moron uses his words to slam another black quarterback, I won't blame him for their stupidity. Just as Cam would have been slammed regardless of who failed before him, those people didn't need an excuse to say how they truly feel.
And I don't need Cam's permission to do the same. Instead of protecting the foolish, now is the time to make them to explain themselves.
191 comments
Comments
Great article.
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by ParadigmShift35 on Dec 29, 2011 2:05 PM EST reply actions
puke!
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by detroit_fan on Dec 30, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Makes me like Cam even more
The kid did a pretty good job deflecting questions about his past during the hyperanalysis that is the draft. Impressed enough people to get himself drafted #1. Since then all he’s done is kept a low profile and played fantastic football. Keep it up Cam! You wont gain anything by accusing every critic of being racist. You are making the best move just by proving your critics wrong.
I went back and read some of criticism/concern about Newton. The biggest ones I saw seemed to take the issues from his past (at Florida and his dad looking for bribes) and draw conclusions about Cam’s character. Did they use racial sterotypes to draw their conclusions? I cant tell. I’ve seen so many similar articles from critics, and I generally don’t know the race of either the critic (or somethimes the player). It may be that the issue is not so much racism as it is that every one and their dog is a critic :^)
by Osco on Dec 31, 2011 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I have to agree...
I get tired of almost every criticism of anyone black being blamed on racism, but in Newton’s case I tend to agree somewhat. Yes, he did some dumb things as a teenager (didn’t we all?) at Florida, but the fact is he learned from his mistakes and did not repeat them. Much of the scrutiny came from this and his dad’s actions in the pay-for-play scandal, as well as Cam’s competitive demeanor and desire to be great – which can be off-putting and seem like arrogance for those who do not know that type of person he is (witness Nolan Nawrocki’s ridiculous and highly-personal “analysis” of Newton linked above)
What I did find disturbing and racist however was critics commenting on Cam’s “intellegence” and ability to grasp an NFL offense. Why were they not questioning the intelligence of other white spread QBs like Bradford, Tebow, and Gabbert? None of these guys is still anywhere close to Newton’s level in terms of running an NFL offense (in fact Tebow is still running the spread in Denver!)
But having said that, I believe Cam made the absolute right choice by taking the high road and not blaming racism on the ridiculous amount of scrutiny he had to deal with over the past year. Even if it was a factor, he is more likely to come across to his fan base as angry and bitter, and those are two things that a guy with a great attitude like Cam is most certainly not. This young man is going to be a superstar, and is so far saying and doing all the right things.
by si on Jan 4, 2012 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
This is ridiculous
I don’t understand what the point is. Newton was unquestionably the number 1 pick. This article screams “EVERYONE IS RACIST RACIST RACIST” with conjecture/selected minority opinion backing it up as apposed to evidence. Go back into your cave.
by GasolineSnuggie on Dec 29, 2011 2:08 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions 10 recs
there is a definite underlying race factor comparing black QBs to white QBs. These are issues that mcnabb struggled with coming out of college too.
Heck, I remember questions about “work ethic” and “football intelligence” when people talked about Jason Campbell and Leftwich, both of whom were not the super athletic, african american QBs, where it is easier to get away with racism.
It’s a legitimate problem with judging players in the draft that isn’t just a problem for QBs (Dez Bryant anyone?).
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 10 recs
“Newton was unquestionably the number 1 pick.”
Bullshit.
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Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
there was very little question that Carolina would take him. There was much speculation in the media that taking him at #1 was too high and they should take someone else. It was pretty clear to most people that Cam #1 was almost certain to happen.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Unquestionably the #1” implies that there was a consensus. Carolina may have made it obvious they were taking Newton, but most people thought that was a bad idea. (Most complaints that I remember were about maturity (NCAA scandal and laptop theft) and accuracy (whatever you say about his time at Auburn, his accuracy was never great))
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Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
What does it matter what other teams think though? It only matters that the team with the #1 pick has a consensus on a player, and here in Carolina there was no doubt that Cam was the pick. I don’t get the constant flaming of race in all of this… I just don’t get it.
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by Ivan459 on Dec 29, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not talking about race
GS was implying that Newton didn’t face criticism when he was drafted, because he was the consensus #1, which isn’t true.
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Ok, my fault on that. All I’m trying to say is that it only really matters what the team holding the #1 pick thinks. And in Carolina, Ron Rivera (the head coach) knew immediately that he was the guy, and soon after a consensus was reached within the organization to pick him.
Perhaps the rest of the NFL was skeptical, but in the end, all that mattered was what Carolina thought.
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by Ivan459 on Dec 29, 2011 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
To clarify,
I worded that part of my comment poorly. I meant to say something along the lines of “Newton was unquestionably an elite talent worthy of the #1 pick”. That is not to say that that argument did not face scrutiny at the time. It certainly did. Rather, I mean to say that a good portion of NFL pundits, fans, and FOs believed that Newton was worthy at the time. Those people believing that makes him unquestionably worthy of the #1 selection. In other words, I was just stating that he wasn’t a reach. Anyway, enough clarifying the part which you guys fixated on! My main point was that the argument Bomani is making is completely baseless.
To get back to that point, in the today’s age, writing an article calling out racists on a matter such as this sets us back as a society – just a tiny bit! While most of Bomani’s points are well-communicated and valid, the conclusion he arrives at is flat-out offensive; he’s calling people racist because they were wrong about a QB’s future. That’s insanity. Those people had legitimate concerns (NCAA violations, spread offense, one-year starter, etc.) that have clearly been proven to not hold ground. Bomani’s points don’t prove that anyone is racist; rather, they lead to the conclusion that some people completely missed the ball when they scouted/analyzed Cam Newton. Whether that’s because of racism or lack of skill, we can’t pretend to know.
The assumption that it is because of racism is ironically racist.
by GasolineSnuggie on Jan 3, 2012 5:27 AM EST up reply actions
From a "textbook racist"
comes this?
Bomani’s racial claims hold no merit.
by GasolineSnuggie on Jan 3, 2012 5:36 AM EST up reply actions
He was unquestionably the #1 pick. The meaning of this statement is that there was no question he was the #1 pick. There was some question to whether he was deserving of the #1 overall pick, but that would be a different statement entirely.
And to be quite honest, about 50% of the time when a player is taken #1 overall, there is some question as to another player being better or more deserving of the pick.
The only time I can really remember there being almost no one questioning “hey, maybe this guy should go #1” is this year with luck. Even with Bradford in 2010, which was one of the more agreed upon #1 picks by the media (by that, I mean the sports writers were very much so in a consensus that he was deserving), there were some who thought Suh should go #1 because he was such an elite talent.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
this is really good.
enjoyed reading this.
by mattw on Dec 29, 2011 2:13 PM EST reply actions
Bomani
good article but I think Cam’s larger point was that the fact that these two took a very lackadaisical approach to working at their craft hurt his stock more than anticipated.
Think about this, had Russell and Young worked hard, grasped the game mentally and succeeded, will all these critics have come out so hard against Cam? I think the career paths of both fed into their stereotypes about tall, athletic black QBs, and I think this is why the critiscm was more pronounced, as many believed he was just one of the same.
A big problem in the black community(I’m black) is not accepting responsibility for your lot in life and blaming the ‘man’. At least Cam is working extremely hard, not making excuses and looking to better himself, so coming from that standpoint, for him its hard to fathom how two guys given so much, failed so horribly at their craft.
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by DownForce on Dec 29, 2011 2:16 PM EST reply actions
OUT OF ALL THE QBs that were busts he chose those two?????
willie lynch mentality.
by dmv4life on Dec 29, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
VY and JaMarcus need to hear this over and over. They didnt fail because they had racist critics. They failed because they werent mentally ready to take on one if the most specialized jobs in the world. It sounds racist to say that VY and JaMarcus were lazy and dumb, but guess frickin what? They were both highly lazy and very dumb. Ask anyone in wither organization they came up with and ask them whether they thought either man embraced the QB position like you are supposed to. Unfortunately, they validated every critic.
It was 100% racist to re-trot out all of the same cookie cutter arguments against for no other reason than he’s black. But if it’s true of VY and JaMarcus, it’s not racist, it’s fact. And all Cam was saying is, “I know they werent leaders, I know it didn’t kill them to lose, I know they didn’t stay late or come early, but I will do all of those things.” How in the hell is that racist or even sad?
by jpmchugh77 on Dec 29, 2011 2:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions 3 recs
sad because
they aren’t the only two qbs that were busts, and vince young isn’t really a bust. how many other qbs aren’t/weren’t good that were high draft picks? why make this a color game? he’s an nfl quarterback, not a race war. leave it on the field.
by dmv4life on Dec 29, 2011 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Yes, but they were overwhelmingly the 2 QBs that he was compared to during so called “Draft Season” last year. So when he was asked about Warren Moon’s comments calling that racist, it’s not shocking to see him use the 2 guys he was compared to over and over. I’m a big fan of Bomani, just don’t necessarily agree there’s anything wrong with him acknowledging the 2 guys he’s been compared to over and over again.
And for the record, how exactly is VY not a bust? Cuz he’s still on a roster throwing 3 picks a game?
by jpmchugh77 on Dec 29, 2011 3:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Gross exaggeration!
16 td passes, 14 picks, how does that average out to 3 picks a game. Cam Newton has broken many a rookie record and this is only the beginning. Wait until he’s really comfortable out there. Those who said he wouldn’t succeed just didn’t want him to. Tough luck for all the “haters”, the man is really, really, good!
by dulaineharris on Dec 30, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
he meant
that vince young was throwing three picks a game, not cam newton
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by LatrellSprewell on Dec 30, 2011 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
They were both “dumb” in the fact that they didn’t do well on the wonderlic. You know who else didn’t? Favre. You can stereotype him as the good ol’ simple country boy but he had an amazing work ethic. That is clearly something Cam has that those guys don’t
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
actually VY failed because he was in a system where the Owner forced him on
the Team, VY has a winning record as a starter, he left TN 30-17 in starts.
and those aren’t the Years TN had one of the best Defenses
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by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Dec 29, 2011 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What I find most interesting...
…is that Cam Newton doesn’t seem to realize that by preemptively bringing up Russell, Young and Griffin III, he’s doing EXACTLY what his critics are accused of doing.
by Omagus on Dec 29, 2011 2:20 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
here's the thing...
yes, we know vince and russell f cked up. there’s no question. but that has NOTHING to do with cam, and simply reiterating that obvious fact isn’t saying anything. why not bring up ryan leaf, for example? vinny testaverde? any white guy? cmon ppl.
by Bomani Jones on Dec 29, 2011 2:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
“we know vince and russell f cked up. there’s no question. but that has NOTHING to do with cam, and simply reiterating that obvious fact isn’t saying anything. why not bring up ryan leaf”
—
Probably because Newton didn’t mention Leaf.
by Omagus on Dec 29, 2011 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
and Leaf is less recent
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by nolander on Dec 29, 2011 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
Which is exactly Bomani's point, Omagus ...
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by Jeff Nusser on Dec 30, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Heath Shuler
Got by on sheer athleticism in college despite questions about his mental approach. Would seem to fairly summarize the worries folks had a few months ago. Problem is Cam Newton doesn’t remember Heath Shuler
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by Incipient_Senescence on Dec 30, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Come on Bomani
This is a Whitlock article. Its beneath you.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 29, 2011 2:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions 10 recs
It's a great article and I'm better for having read it.
But I too, disagree with the idea that Newton screwed up by leaving Young and Russell in the subject of his comparisons. First of all he’s a kid still, as much exposure as he’s had to society as of late he’s still developing his understanding of the world and how it responds to certain stimuli.
It’s not his job to slam the comparisons as racist. If he had done so, for every reader who is disappointed in him for this response, there would probably be 10 who’d slam him for that one. Personally, I think the guy is pretty good at saying the right things and some people are looking a little too hard for something to hit him on.
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by dbcouver on Dec 29, 2011 2:35 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Rookie mistake
Cam hasn’t learned how not to be sincere yet. He hasn’t taken the flack from flow of consciousness remarks. He hasn’t mastered the art of media diplomacy, he just speaks his mind. To him, being fake and saying all the right things is still Chinese, thank God! Was he correct, probably not, but he feels like they didn’t give everything they had, ( VY et JM) and resents them for it. That’s his right as is freedom of speech!
by dulaineharris on Dec 30, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
excellent article
i too find it sickening how so many obvious racist overtones are ignored in the NFL.
The treatment of black QBs by Franchises, fans and the media have all been appalling.
I do however, think Cam was not stupid for avoiding the mentioning of racism. He showed a degree of intelligence and media savvy that inidcates sustained success in the NFL. If he called out the racists, he’d be the victim of yet more racism. Instead, he aligned himself with the racists so they don’t actually have anything to say negatively about him.
I’ve ranted many a time on TST about racism in the NFL, especially with regards to black QBs, and am often greeted with ‘oh no not the race card again.’ the fact it is seen as a ‘card’ is appalling.
I thank you for writing this, and bringing up this discussion, as it’s imperative to the progression of society to be aware of the blatant racism we all accept benignly, and to change it.
I hope that Cam continues to prove his doubters and the racists wrong, so that there is a positive example that can be used as an example of a successful black QB.
We must also thank the Carolina Panthers organisation for supporting him, and so fully investing in his progress. Sometimes franchises (such as the Redskins) make it too easy for racism to be proved ‘correct’.
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 2:37 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Dez. Bryant.
The question by Jeff Ireland is one of the most sickening acts of jumping-to-conclusions racism I have heard in a while and makes me think that in some areas, the Civil Rights movement changed nothing.
I do like when good columnist like Jones do address some of these issues that do exist.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
precisely.
There are far too many instances of this institutional racism for it to be ignored as a hot button issue.
The Dez Bryant one is one of many.
For me, the poster boy is Jason Campbell though.
What happened to him is sickening.
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t remember the specifics, I’d honestly like to know more. This is kind of a hot button issue for me.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
i'll write a response in a bit,
his treatment wasn’t the worst, however, it is more sickening with how accepted his treatment was.
No one bats an eyelid or even mentions jason Campbell. He’s been totally forgotten.
Just look at his wikipedia page and a lot should be apparent with the correct perspective.
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
basically
Jason Campbell was dumped on by fans, media and the Redskins despite improving every year and upping his game.
Once Gibbs left, he had no supporters, and it seems the powers conspired to pave his exit.
First, they hire an OC and system that runs entirely contra to his skillset, the OC, then HC, Zorn, was entirely unqualified and was a huge misstep, and everyone saw it immediately. He was not given any legitimate weapons, nor an offensive line to work with.
He did not have the same OC for the first 3 or 4 years of his Redskins career, and only continuity was with Zorn as HC… an absolute fail on every level.
Despite all this he continued to post improved numbers every year, never said an ill word of his teammates, organisation or anybody. He quietly kept his head down, took responsibility for his shortcomings and worked on them.
Regardless of this, media, fans and seemingly his organisation (when Shanahan was hired) believed that he was of little use to anyone, they attributed the same racist cliché of lack of intelligence, lack of leadership, lack of accuracy (which had many mitigating circumstances for not being great) aswell as invented terms such as ‘no it factor’ or ‘non entity’ etc.
Hilariously, they also said that he was not a fit in Shanahan’s system, although strong armed athletic QBs are the requisite are they not?
The organisation, fanbase and media never ‘took’ to Jason Campbell despite his doing everything you would hope and expect of a young QB on a dreadful team. There was just ‘something’ about him that they could not support. It wasn’t the classy demeanour he exhibited in the face of adversity, it wasn’t the improving stats every year despite no consistency at OC/HC, despite the lack of an offensive line or playmakers and it sure as hell wasn’t the very impressive physical dynamic he brought to the team as a prototypical drop back QB with a strong arm, height, strength and mobility.
I’d like to argue the only thing that went against Jason Campbell in Washington was the colour of his skin. Do you honestly believe if Andrew Luck walked into that exact same situation he’d be written off immediately?
Look at Sam Bradford on my Rams. Unfortunately it looks like he is being screwed over by an ineffective organisation in a likewise manner to JC, however, we (rightly) hear the assertation that Sam is smart and talented enough to deserve the team sticking with him through it all. He has upside to be great, and it will be uncovered with support.
Is this not true of Jason Campbell too?
Granted, he did not have the financial attachment to the team Sam has, nor was he AS talented coming out of college, but he was pretty damn good regardless.
Now in Oakland, he has a similar deal, in which he is playing well, doing all the right things and progressing with his team. he gets an unlucky break with the injury, and instead of doing what most teams with a QB they see in their future (sign a capable backup but make it clear it is the starters job) they give 2 first round picks for an over the hill white QB in Carson Palmer. Now it seems Jason Campbell will face the Free Agent market, and hopefully lands in a place that will support him and build around him, although unfortunately I doubt it with the upcoming draft class and the financial dedications made to average QBs such as Fitzpatrick and Cassel (…how on earth did these guys get mega deals?)
He also is approaching 30 and is no longer the young guy teams will look towards as their franchise.
Jason Campbell has been fucked over inexplicably his entire career, and it is for no reason that makes sense other than the colour of his skin.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
PS.
I know I’m going to get a whole load of comments like ‘JC sucked’ and all the usual simplistic dismissive points made to ignore the racial undertones to Jason Campbell’s story, and that disheartens me.
The simple rebuttal is that you make Jason Campbell white and his perception in the media and fanbase is entirely different.
Who would give up on a talent such as his if he wasn’t restricted by the clichés associated with black quarterbacks?
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I second all of this (well done)
Jason Campbell was screw/undermined by teammates too! Chris Cooley, who the Redskins organization parades out there as a face of their franchise would go on local and National radio shows (Sirius NFL radio) and throw Jason Campbell under the bus every off-season without repercussions from the Redskins FO or fan base! Why? Campbell helped to put Cooley in consective Pro Bowls (07 and 08).
Any wonder why the Redskins are one of the worst organizations in all of Pro Sports?
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
Thank you
Having never listened to Cooley on the radio, I could not mention that, but that is also ridiculous.
Unless behind closed doors Jason Campbell was the laziest, most egotistical, teammate’s wife fucking, diva ever, there is absolutely NO justification for his treatment.
What was Cooley saying with regards to JC?
Also, I touched on it in the above posts, but does anyone not see the OBVIOUS racial overtones to the treatment of Carson Palmer as a Franchise QB and Jason Campbell as a journeyman?
Palmer has exhibited a me first attitude in quitting on his team, played very poorly and is one of the most immobile QBs in the league (if not the) and yet he is deemed a greater QB than Campbell.
I find this utterly detestable.
Can anyone try and argue that if Carson Palmer was black and did what he did to get out of Cincinnati that he would not be crucified from every facet of the fanbase and media?
How did Palmer get a free pass for what he did? He didn’t even attempt to defend his actions. Not only that, but the Raiders overpaid for him and he was treated as some form of saviour for the organisation and their playoff hopes.
Jason Campbell played better while he was QB of the Raiders.
again, I will repeat it, but there is absolutely no reason for this absolutely horrific chasm in attitudes towards Jason Campbell and other black QBs and Carson Palmer and the majority of white QBs than the colour of their skin.
I challenge anyone to propose an argument to counter it that does not employ the tired racist clichés we are all painfully familiar with.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Re: On Cooley
Cooley would specifically tell the media " Jason Campbell made the incorrect read, he holds the ball to long, I don’t know if he’s the guy, I was open and didn’t get the ball, Jason needs to be more of a leader, etc.
Campbell never responded publicly to these attacks. Cooley is one of the worst NFL teammates in recent memory that you have never heard about! We know why.
As far as Carson Palmer is concerned: First, Palmer quit on Bengals. As a Ravens fan, I have watched Palmer and he is a declining player in the NFL. Both his stats and attitude suggest it. The thing that pissies me off the most, Palmer got rewarded by Hue Jackson, who has hitch his wagon to a QB that lacks mental toughness, needs everything around him to perfect to function (firm pocket) and whom the Raiders clearly overpaid for.
To say that Palmer has gotten a free pass is to be stating the obvious. Jason Campbell is a better player than Carson Palmer for no other reason than Campbell IS NOT a turnover machine like Carson Palmer (15 picks 2 fumbles and inconsistent performance).
And one more thing, how in the hell is Carson Palmer to justify the draft picks given up for him with his sorry ass play?
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
WOW
that’s shocking. Funny how Cooley gets away with that sort of behaviour and yet idk someone like… OchoCinco asking for more targets, or TO or Randy Moss get labelled divas and bad teammates…
Campbell did not once say anything out of party line while a Redskin and even when he left he kept his frustrations muted. He is truly a class act and to see him treated as some incompetent buffoon has been one of the most painful things to watch in the league.
I remember being very vocal with regards to how awful Carson Palmer was throughout that entire debacle. He quit and for no reason that was ever even leaked to the press. It was then just accepted and said it was understandable. THEY HAD BEEN BUILDING AROUND HIM, GIVING HIM WEAPONS and he was still playing poorly. He had several years left on a huge contract and he flat out refused to play for them. That should be enough to get you kicked out of the league.
Likewise, it angered me how he was received by the Raiders and their fan and his performance has not merited it in the slightest.
Off memory, but isn’t Campbell something like 4 or 5 years younger than Palmer is too?
They really believe Palmer can lead them to a Superbowl… I wish them good luck, but I wouldn’t count on it.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
He did not win for multiple years so they moved on.
New people come in and bring in new players that they believe fit their scheme better, not to mention the QB that replaced Campbell in Washington was black. Yes there will always be some racism involved, specifically fans and critics but to act like the organization made an ill advised move specifically because the QB wasn’t white is ridiculous.
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"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."--Vince Lombardi
by Marcus Allen Krause on Dec 31, 2011 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
Infemous this is such a great post i don't even know what to say
It is the truth but what makes me abit sad is i don’t think it is hate. I think it is a racist environment. Because honestly I did not think much of Jason Campbell. But after really thinking about it he was always a good player. Maybe not dynamic (which maybe because of in and out of different systems and no real go to target). But he did his job without much negatives. You don’t really identify big mistakes to lose games and Jason Campbell. And i wonder how he would really do if he got a chance.
As a Lions fan part of me thinks What if the Vikings started Joe Webb. Then they would be scary. Then i start to think “hey why don’t they?”. Between you and me thank God they don’t he is really good.
There are situations like that that me wonder what can be done about this. And if you speak up about it then you get the dismissive “race card” responds. Almost like your paranoid or seeing ghosts. I mean i am objective here i am trying to understand i really am. Cam Newton and his journey over the last 18 months has opened up a good conversation. I hope he can help change some perspectives.
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 9:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words
I feel like I’ve been championing Jason Campbell’s cause to people who simply do not care.
They shrug it off, “Oh but JC just sucks pure and simple” yet there is next to no evidence to ever support such a claim.
He has done what Cam Newton is doing now, but with a tonne more adversity and less legitimate reasons for lazy racial stereotyping.
I’ve not watched Joe Webb play much, but he has impressed me. As to why he has been overlooked is also beyond my comprehension.
Again, I am not entirely supportive of Bomani’s points in this piece but I appreciate it on a level many here simply choose not to acknowledge.
I think that with the raising of awareness it can be called out by more people and as such can no longer be dismissed as a mere ‘card’.
It will take time, and while investing so much in an internet forum can be tiresome at times, the fact that I have made you aware of the more subtle examples of discrimination against black QBs in the NFL makes it worth it.
I’m sure looking around the league we will see many an example.
One that springs to mind is quite how easily and quickly Pat White fell out of the league despite being (IMO over)drafted in the 2nd round?
Why was he not given more than the year or 2 of half chances that he was given?
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
See that is my thing. I don’t agree with everything he is saying as well. But if EVERYONE was objective then NO one would agree with everything everyone says. I may align more with the perspective and not align with every point made.
My only issue is when people just don’t even want to have the discussion and shoo you away as if racial dynamics don’t exist… as if people that have had to deal with it are all parnoid. And that is when there is the disconnect. When it shouldn’t be like that. It should be smart people vs ignorant people (regardless of race). But we seem to not all be able to see the forest through the trees and get angry at the wrong enemy.
Not everything said about Newton in the draft process was racial. But for people to say nothing was is where there is a disconnect. Because that dynamic exist and it isn’t my imagination either.. And i don’t have to be a victim or have a victim mentality to observe it..
Just wish everyone could stand up for what is right plain and simple. Again do i think Cam has to make a politcal statement? It is too is disadvantage to do so as a quarterback of a National Football League team. The fire storm of that is too much to surround your team with. The smart thing for him to do is what he did.. then shut up and play well. So maybe it take advantage of the moment to take the stage and say “see”.
Honestly feel like he set the stage for future quarterbacks to realize “you are on you’re own better act right.”
I just think that now is not the time for him to pick up the Mic and fight that cause right now. After his career he can write a book and do a movie. But not now it just isn’t the time. Besides everyone hears his side of the story out there on the field and he is winning that debate.
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
oh gawd i can't type
i mean it is not to his advantage to do so as a quarterback of a National football league team.
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
lol
some of my typos have been dreadful, kinda wish there was an edit button haha!
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
I am with you 100% bro
exactly my perspective and the basis of my discussions here.
Rec’d that
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Oh because the QB they paid so much for was white it was obviously racist?!
Jason Campbell was treated absolutely horrible in Washington, I have no argument there. However to act that the move the Raiders made had ANYTHING to do with his race is absurd. For one thing the move was made by Hue Jackson! Campbell got hurt and the Raiders went and got the best QB who was available. Over the hill at 31? Campbell himself is only 2 years younger. They should have got somebody who will always be a number 2 and sold in the season simply because the QB they had was black?! They went and got the best QB they could so that they could make the playoffs which they are still alive for. They traded 2 high picks for him because their coach and acting GM, who is black, wanted the best QB that he ever had to work with who happened to be available. Not everything that ever happens to a black QB is racist man. If Campbell never got hurt he would still be the QB, dont pull the race card simply because a team moved on from a player after a serious injury and happened to get a white QB. Their QB that they want to take over down the road is Pryor, but if he doesnt do well and they draft a white QB will that be racist too?!
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by Marcus Allen Krause on Dec 31, 2011 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
That’s not the way bigots work.
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
True, however, you get what I was saying
in that it gives them less ammo to use against him.
Instead it may incite others lol
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
100% Correct and based on Facts--The Truth Hurts
I was never a Cam Newton fan because I hate the cheat-to-win SEC. Even I could see how hard the media worked to undermine Cam Newton’s selection as the #1 pick.
People hate being called out for their racism, especially the new era racist that is delusional about their own intelligence.
1. Russell and Young were Cam Newton’s poor choice for comparisons. Bomani spelled out very slowly and simply for you simpletons why these were bad comparisons. So why do you simpletons persist in making the comparison? Race.
2. Gasoline Snuggle – “Newton was unquestionably the number 1 pick.” No. He. Was. Not. Were you asleep during the entire pre-draft last year? Not only are you uninformed and ignorant of the facts. You are to LAZY to click the links that Bomani put in front of you. You are dismissed from this adult conversation.
3. DownForce – "A big problem in the black community(I’m black) is not accepting responsibility for your lot in life and blaming the ‘man’. you are the typical scared black man afraid to stand up for yourselves and call out racism for what it is.
Mark Mandingo? nice name, idiot.
Bomani called out the names of every single
by 206 on Dec 29, 2011 2:41 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Bomani called out the names of every single person that he was referring to. He didn’t make it up. The rest of you are delusional or hiding something.
by 206 on Dec 29, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
fuck off
Can Newton left Florida because he was gonna be behind Brantley on the depth chart. Sure. Nice facts.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 29, 2011 2:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Yup, definitely because he was behind Brantley. Nothing else had anything to do with it whatsoever.
Especially not something like this:
On November 21, 2008, Newton was arrested for alleged theft of a laptop computer from a student at the University of Florida. He was subsequently suspended from the team after the laptop was in fact found to be in his possession.14 Campus police “tracked the stolen laptop to the athlete…Newton tossed the computer out his dorm window in a humorously ill-advised attempt to hide it from cops.”15 All charges against Newton were dropped after he completed a court-approved pre-trial diversion program. “I believe that a person should not be thought of as a bad person because of some senseless mistake that they made,” said Newton in 2010. “I think every person should have a second chance. If they blow that second chance, so be it for them.”16 Newton announced his intention to transfer from Florida three days before the Gators’ national championship win over Oklahoma.12
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
On point and rec'd
Both Blain Gabbert and Ryan Mallet were huge considerations for the Carolina Panthers with the #1 pick. People in the know knew this. The blue-eyed-blonde Blaine Gabbert did not fit the vertical passing offense of Rob Chudzinski but Ryan Mallett certainly did!
Mallett took himself out of consideration for the 1st pick or any pick by the Panthers after he partied the night before he was to meet the Panthers top brass……. at the Panthers facility.
Cam Newton was hardly the #1 consensus pick for the Panthers! And certainly not the established football talent evaluation “community”.
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
New rule
Any player who is the #1 pick in a draft, therefore being paid upwards of $20M is NOT a victim of racisim.
There were real questions about him. He cheated in school and stole things. Pardon me for thinking he might not be ready to lead an NFL team. Bradford is in the minority of QBs who succeed coming from a spread, and the same questions were asked of him.
Every time somebody calls racisim on a celebrity, it makes me feel less and less strongly about the real racisim in america. Get over yourself, hack.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 2:41 PM EST via Android app reply actions 2 recs
Your premise is stupid and shows a lack of intelligence.
Racism is based on Racial Animus not money or lack thereof —that is called Classism.
by 206 on Dec 29, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
Check the verbage
A man with $20M cash on hand is not a victim of anything. He was drafted ahead of everybody else. And while I’m sure some people hate him because he’s black, a lot hate him as a QB and leader because he was immature and a criminal. If you think the knocks against him came solely from a place of bigotry, you’re diluted and probably are twice the victim Cam is.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 2:48 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
so because someone is rich...
its impossible for anyone to be racist towards them?
are you kidding?
by Loretta8 on Dec 29, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
No
If you’re filthy rich, you’re not a victim of anything.
When are minorities as a whole going to rise above the lousy scummy hick bigots and quit letting it effect them. I’ve been called a ton of slurs as a white person, more than I’ve ever heard directed towards minorities. I don’t need a support group and press conference to shame the entire race. I brush it off and realize that I control my own fate…i writ allowing myself to be a victim.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 2:52 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs
i'm speechless
by Loretta8 on Dec 29, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 2:55 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
lol
are you being serious?
Is this seriously a means of defending your ‘point’?
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Are you really trying to say that you've dealt with just as much racism as minorities?
Twitter
by The Mexican't on Dec 29, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Yes
Just because I’m not a minority doesn’t mean I don’t get it. I’d actually argue that hate is often stronger towards whites because of the crappy things that have ben done in the past by the white race.
I come from a lineage of inuit alaskans. A minority ghats treated not to dissimilar to minorities on the mainland. I’ve watched my family prosper in the face of hate, and as a whole have little sympathy for those who allow hate to effect them.
Cam Newton is not a victim, he’s a man who screwed up, earned his scrutiny, did his thing and prospered into wealth. If you’d like to change the world, make me feel sorry for the kid without a father who had to sling drugs because he can’t find work based on the color of his skin. That’s a victim of racisim, and that’s what needs fixing.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 3:12 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 2 recs
get out of here homie
I’d like to see you argue this.
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
I've been treated poorly by minorities
Based on something some backwoods white guy said to them years ago. It goes both ways, and from my experience, white guilt is very prevelant while the myth that racism is abound carries on.
For example, I’m being accosted on this thread, having said nothing hateful. I’ve been shamed for holding people accountable and not feeling sorry for anyone, minority or otherwise.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 3:31 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 3 recs
Well argued
however, you’ve got to think of the scale here.
There is little to zero quantifiable demonstration of institutional racism against whites.
And you are being accosted on this thread for saying something that many, including myself, to be utterly moronic. The fact you are white is not a part of it.
You are saying because someone is rich they cannot be a victim of racism. This is fundamentally incorrect. I am trying to understand how on earth you can seriously believe this, while simultaneously telling you you are wrong lol
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Because if you're rich in this country
You’re better. It’s bit the way out should be, but as a capitalist society, money is power. Money shapes others opinions of you as much as what you do outside of your wealth.
He doesn’t have to be anyones bitch. Since racism isn’t a tangible and physical thing (such as murder or assault), you are only a victim as much as it effects you. My point isn’t that rich people can’t be discriminated against, only that he’s powerful enough for it to not effect him if he so chooses.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 5:36 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
dude
money does not make one impervious to verbal or physical attacks that are based on something that you have absolutely no control over. money might make life easier, but it doesn’t guarantee that life will be easy.
Me and my squad build just like contractors
I break s***, you only give hairline fractures
by LatrellSprewell on Dec 30, 2011 3:48 AM EST up reply actions
racism can and has directly affected the way in which people see you
regardless of your finances.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
racism does not make someone a victim. this is utterly moronic.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This is ingnorant
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
lol
so earning money and being an NFL player means you’re immune from racism?
How do you justify this?
C’mon man try and make a valid argument here.
This is an example of ignorance, one of the greatest contributing factors, or roots of all racism.
The real questions asked about Cam Newton is the time it’d take for him to adjust to an NFL offense having come from a ridiculously simple college offense (his playbook was a collection of numbered plays) and a lack of experience playing at a high level. Other than that he had it all.
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
just realized
that the guy who literally can’t spell “racism” is pretending to be an expert on it
by Loretta8 on Dec 29, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
My sincerest apologies your highness
Please don’t go to hard on me, I merely have a phone to type with. If I had as much education provided to me as famed racism victim Cam Newton, I’d probably be able to spell better.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 3:15 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I remember many concerns about Bradford's transition from spread to pro
Besides OU is spread to pass, AU is spread to run, so one would not expect the same concerns. That aside, great article. Cam has impressed me. I, too, worried that we lacked evidence that he’d be able to pick up a pro offense quickly. I’m glad to say I was wrong. If he was white the media would be losing their minds over him.
Shot a Gator in Jean Shorts just to watch him die.
by AMFKNole on Dec 29, 2011 2:42 PM EST via Android app reply actions
there were concerns, but no one was just saying that he doesn’t have the mental capacity to get it. That was a legitimate concern for some about Cam
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
mebbe i am wrong...
but wasn’t cam dismissed from uf’s football team for stealing another student laptop? not bc of brantley…
by bcbullyblinders on Dec 29, 2011 2:55 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Never dismissed.
Chose to transfer after that, which was possibly because he slipped down the depth chart after that, which was possibly because of that. But never dismissed.
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by Andy Hutchins on Dec 29, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
He was the no. 1 pick, unequivocally.
The reason people likeTebow is more rooted in America’s love for an underdog. I’ve heard nothing but vitriolic statements uttered about Tebow from the press. Cam is no underdog, like you said, he wins everywhere he goes. Saying JaMarcus didn’t work hard, came into camp overweight and unprepared isn’t racist, it’s the truth. JaMarcus wasn’t those thing because he was black, he was those things because he didn’t like football or working hard at it.
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by LiquidPolio on Dec 29, 2011 3:08 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
tebow the underdog?
ummm, he won plenty at florida with one of the most talented rosters of all-time.
by Bomani Jones on Dec 29, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He was questioned out of college
from a similar system far more than Cam. Mechanically he was shredded by the media and labeled a late round pick. Cam transfered because he cheated in school and stole things, but it’s racist to question his leadership.
It should be noted that by the most important metric (wins), Tebow has outperformed Newton. And nobody hates Tebow and his smug face more than I do.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 3:35 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
QUARTERBACK WINS MEAN NOTHING.
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
It’s hard to win with Carolina’s D and Special teams. That was a top 10 offense in points, efficiency (ypa, ypc), execution (getting 1st downs and limiting turnovers). In every metric, that is an offense that should be at least .500, but they don’t even have a shot.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
Winning is the most important thing, but it’s actually an awful metric of individual talent. I don’t think anyone with a brain would genuinely argue that Alex Smith was the 2nd best QB in the NFC this year, ahead of Drew Brees.
I heard he doesn't like music.
by Reverend_Randy on Dec 29, 2011 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
Of course not
Tebow is awful. Historically awful. I’m just noting that he’s winning, which is his supporters biggest piece of ammo. Jones was saying Tebow wasn’t or isn’t an underdog, but he is because he’s so bad. Both of their careers are going to be measured by wins in the end…fair or not.
by B Money on Dec 29, 2011 7:10 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Ha!
Hence, why you should put the phone down that you claim to be using to type the drivel you are expressing. Tebows does not have more wins, the Dever Broncos as a team do.
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
Get a life
I was playing devils advocate. You quoted me fully…including the part about how much I hate Tebow.
by B Money on Dec 31, 2011 2:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Newton is clearly better than Tebow
Drafting Tebow in the first round was justifiably ridiculed. He was third on the depth chart behind Orton and Quinn. As much as I hope he washes out next year, he was an underdog story this year. Come on, Bomani.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 29, 2011 3:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
however,
Tebow may be the ‘underdog’ in the NFL. but he’s only that because there is a ridiculous amount of fanfare surrounding his every move.
Do you honestly believe if he wasn’t ‘the greatest college player of all time’ (i disagree entirely but whatevs) that he’d have been even considered in the NFL draft?
The dude had an NFL career given to him before he even played at Florida, despite all the legitimate concerns about his ability to succeed at the next level.
I also don’t see much ‘underdog’ in him when he is being attributed the successes of his defense and offensive line. The dude did well not turning the ball over, but his actual ‘quarterback’ play has been historically dreadful.
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I'm not defending tebowmania
I’m just saying that he definitely could be used as an underdog story this year. Bomani implies that he wasn’t an underdog in the NFL due to his college successes. That’s untrue. Lots of college players have phenomenal careers in college then get crapped on by the Todd McShays and Merrill Hodges of the world. Its disingenuous to pretend that Tebow was viewed as anything other than someone who most people had dismissed as not being an NFL QB.
I don’t think he is even now, but that wasn’t the point.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 29, 2011 4:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
even if you don’t buy into all the fanfare and hype about him in college, he certainly still would have been drafted. He has a unique set of physical skills that would have him drafted in the draft somewhere just as a pure athlete, but he also was a starter for multiple years at a major college program.
I was down on Tebow as a starter, but the only think hype probably affected was maybe moving him up a round.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
Bullshit. If this is true, you must never watch ESPN, or the Pre-Game, Post-Game or Halftime shows during NFL broadcasts.
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
jones is a racist and a stooge
People dont like cam because his father pimped him out as a college player.
Cam will do fine but for jones to make it a race thing speaks to jones’s prizim of race, not the “establishment”.
Plus it’s disgusting for jones to glom onto cam for his own racist issues.
by slimelvis on Dec 29, 2011 3:16 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions 6 recs
Half right.
Comparing Cam to Vince makes sense. In college, the athleticism of both allowed them to take over games via run or pass. They were absolutely dominant and a sheer joy to watch. The question you always ask about a player (of any colour) who dominates thru sheer athleticism at any level is how he’ll do at the next level when the opposition is bigger, stronger, smarter and faster. So far, Cam is passing the test, which is really cool. As for Vince, well, he showed flashes.
Now comparing Cam to JaMarcus: that sure looks racist, with a side of stupid. Nothing in common except SEC background, position and skin color. I’d never even thought about such a comparison until I read this article.
by Skortchaser on Dec 29, 2011 3:18 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
the vince comparison doesn't hold, either
i watched just about every game vince played in college. there were some BIG differences.
1. it’s not just that vince played in a passing spread vs. malzahn’s more run-heavy attack (btw, playing for malzahn didn’t make ppl think MITCH MUSTAIN couldn’t play pro-style qb). it’s that cam was running off-tackle and up the middle in that offense, vince, basically, ran zone reads. vice was long, effortless strides to the outside. cam was a truck.
2. we’re talking night and day with throwing arms. vince threw a catchable ball. cam threw rockets.
3. never, ever did cam struggle like vince did the middle of his sophomore year at texas. that’s when — and somehow ppl forget this — ppl were openly discussing making vince a tight end…except there was no one really behind him.
they were just both big and black. that’s really it.
by Bomani Jones on Dec 29, 2011 3:26 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
The only reason people would make lazy comparisons
is race?
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
by nolander on Dec 29, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
What? You mean, except USC’s coaching staff?
I really don’t see what you’re getting at with this comparison. Mustain was a Sophomore in college when he transferred, with his full transfer year to transition. I don’t remember any fanfare for him going to USC, and he ended up not doing anything. What’s your point?
Sharlon Schoop - honkbalspeler extraordinaire.
Trolls are like cockroach Nazis. Sure, you CAN try to reason with them, but they won't listen, and if you respond to them, they invade your Sudetenland.
Or something.
That metaphor got away from me.
by Viliphied on Dec 29, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
MITCH MUSTAIN?
This discussion has clearly left planet Earth. I’m out.
by Skortchaser on Dec 29, 2011 10:43 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Vince's struggles his sophomore year?
You mean when he only lost one game all year and led the Longhorns to victory in the Rose Bowl?
Only calls for a VY position change were as racially motivated as your column subject.
Cam didn’t have an opportunity for a “sophomore struggle” playing in Blinn Junior College.
@ccommand3r
by CMDR on Dec 30, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
Just what is this? A article telling Cam Newton to cry "Wacism!" What the devil?
So Cam Newton coming out and accusing his critics of racism is supposed to make me think better of him as a person? All it would do is annoy me and I’m a fan of his based in the Carolinas! What is there to be gained except disrespect?
There was a lot to not like about Cam Newton coming out of the draft. He was a junior player with only one good season under his belt. An exceptional season, but a single season none-the-less. He came out of an overwhelmingly simple Auburn offense. You have one read and if it’s covered you run. That’s all you do and because of it people wondered if he would be able to grasp the complexities of an NFL playbook. He showed indecision and occasional bad play in the ending minutes of the National Championship game when they were up against the other best team in college football. People wondered if he could succeed in the NFL where the players were the cream of the crop.
He had strikes on him just like other players coming into the draft and a lot of the things said about him was along the same thing said about Jamarcus Russell concerning his arm strength and Vince Young with his mobility. There was the alleged crimes in Florida where Cam Newton was accused of stealing laptops from dorm rooms. Cam was generally viewed as the player with the highest ceiling in the draft, but also the greatest risk. To ignore his risks on draft day in light of his recent successes is silly!
Luckily for the Panthers he did pull through and he landed on the ceiling side of that argument. Hell, he did enough to become the #1 NFL player taken in the draft, the greatest achievement that a college player can hope for coming into the NFL and a definite cry AGAINST racism, not for it! And now that he’s in the NFL he’s broken rookie records and he’s going to break more this week. That’s good enough for me, a victory by any regard.
For Cam Newton to turn around and accuse his critics of being racist would be to stain his victory. And this article ignores some of his critics that has come out to praise Cam Newton after previously bashing him. He had things going against him in the draft and he’s overcome. The best thing that Cam Newton can do is continue playing well as an NFL QB. To put his play on the field where his mouth is.
But what this article is trying to claim that ‘nothing at all’ kept Cam Newton from being criticized is ludicrous. Hindsight is 20/20. It’s so easy to make an article claiming that when Cam Newton has come out and become a success. When you examine the risks he had coming out on Draft day, reality couldn’t be further from the truth.
It is Cam’s choice on what he decides to say or what he decides to not say. And if anyone doesn’t like it, then they can go eat cake.
ACC Championship Member Brandon Thompson is the new Jacoby Ford. You better pick him Panthers or you will be doomed to relive the 2010 season over and over again in the Twilight Zone.
Clemson 2011 ACC Champions! Look forward to doing it again next year! :D
by Revshawn on Dec 29, 2011 3:31 PM EST reply actions 16 recs
YAIS... you sir are rec'd
I wish I could give you more than one. Finally someone with some damn sense.
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by TheDutchWonder on Dec 29, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Well said Rev.
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by Ivan459 on Dec 29, 2011 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
The real reason we are critics
Rae has nothing to do with it, if you want critics off your back, win more games or they will start comparing you to Ryan Leaf and Matt Leinhart too.
by Kenned on Dec 29, 2011 3:46 PM EST reply actions
Cam Newton Apparently Doesn't Fit Anyone's Mold
Newton has broken the expectations of everyone. He threw the ball all over the yard although the critics said he wouldn’t be able to. He stayed in the pocket like they said he wouldn’t. He showed poise when he had to leave the pocket. Now he’s refusing to acknowledge those who cry racism based on subjectivity. Apparently he is his own man. Can’t we celebrate that?
by ElwoodPDowd on Dec 29, 2011 3:49 PM EST reply actions 12 recs
i like this
rec’d
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by Infemous on Dec 29, 2011 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Being a warrior for justice is not Cam Newton's responsibility.
He is the face of his franchise. His job off-field is to charm the media and the fans and avoid saying things that would cause controversy. Racism is an uncomfortable topic, and Cam is smart enough to know better than to bring it up.
Bomani
Jrlz rhymes with Charles.
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by Jrlz on Dec 29, 2011 3:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
I admit I compared Cam Newton to Akili Smith. None of it however had to do on race, but on the idea of a player with only about 1 season of FBS starting experience taken in the top 5 based on upside and skill set.
I was wrong about Cam and gladly admit it. Watching him, he is definitely the exciting player I thought he could be, but didn’t have the confidence he would be.
On the racism part, there is definitely legitimacy. Black QBs, and african americans at other position do sometimes get treated differently in the process. It’s not always overt, but it’s often about some of the criticism levied or the wording used. No one questioned Bradford’s “mental capacity” to get a pro style system but I heard that with Cam.
Tim Tebow was on magazine covers and because he was the archetype of the hardworking religious athlete, he didn’t get pegged with the “work ethic” tag or that he had too much of a superstar ego. Cam Newton does that and gets the opposite treatment.
Now this kind of racism is not really debilitating, unless you are Vince Young. If you pay attention to all the critics and cannot tune them out (imo, one of VYs biggest problems), it will get to you. Cam is clearly determined to rise above the critics who think if your mom does drugs and is black, she is a prostitute.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 3:54 PM EST reply actions
Bomani
Used to listen to your show in Raleigh…
I know from listening that you are finely tuned to the racial dynamic in America. Perhaps too much so.
I like to think of myself as a one-man wolfpack.
by ERL on Dec 29, 2011 3:58 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Good points, Bomani
I also note that some players who win are credited with leadership, hard work, etc. and other QBs are just “gifted” and “blessed” without a word towards their intelligence and own work ethic.
by Jason Walker on Dec 29, 2011 4:08 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I'm really tired of everybody blaming anybody who brings up race...
Just seems like an attempt to intimidate people from speaking about race. If everytime someone talks about race you accusing them of “playing the race card” (God I loathe that term) or “injecting race into a conversation” or “race-baiting” then I get the feeling you want people to shut up and swallow whatever injustice they might be experiencing. Whether that injustice is valid is up to debate. But why avoid the debate period?
If certain people are tired of people always bringing up race, I would say, equally, the same people bringing it up are tired of having to deal with the repercussions of racial attitudes and resentments. They are as tired of dealing with it as you are talking about it. Talking about it is really the only solution. Accusing someone of malicious intent for bringing it up seems to only make the situation worse.
As for Cam, I can’t speak to some of the scouts intent but he faced a vitriol that no one in his class faced. Not even Tebow. Tebow has been ridiculed for being lame or two goody good but no one called him dumb, unable to lead or fake. Some of this is probably from Cam’s on doing from his time at Florida. Or maybe people don’t trust his father and think the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Either way it surprised and angred me. I’m that much happier about his success. (Tebow too btw).
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
by Tuna Helper on Dec 29, 2011 4:11 PM EST reply actions 11 recs
It sometimes seems like we shouldn’t talk about it and people are tired of it, but that just leads to it getting pushed under the rug. People talk about it for 5 minutes and then ignore the serious race issues in the NFL. The lasting implications of the Dez Bryant incident a couple years ago? Jeff Ireland apologized and Bryant ended up falling in the draft. That’s a situation where the league needed to seriously investigate how it looked at race issues, but everyone turned a blind eye.
Bomani is one of those people who tries to stop people from turning a blind eye and by doing so, he rubs people the wrong way. Problems don’t get solved unless people do something about them.
I teach good life choices. That's why I almost didn't graduate high school.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The Jeff Ireland comment was absolutely disgusting and I thought he should have been fired immediately for it.
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here."--Al Davis
"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."--Vince Lombardi
by Marcus Allen Krause on Dec 31, 2011 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
I say the race card when it is used where race is not involved in the specific incident
If somebody is talking about legitimate racism, which Cam definitely has received, I dont consider it pulling the race card but here is an example of what i consider the term to be:
I had a Native American coworker at a Dairy Queen when I was in high school. He screwed up on three straight orders putting us behind so I told him he needs to pay more attention to what he is doing and that his mistakes had put us very far behind in our service times. His response was “You are only saying this to me because I’m Native”. His heritage had absolutely nothing to do with it, and I would have said the same thing to any other race I was working with.
His mistakes are what brought up my criticism not anything to do with his race. It is really annoying when people do that, and that is pulling the race card IMO. If the situation was reversed and I said that my coworker was only criticizing my mistakes because I am white it would be considered absurd, and rightfully so.
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here."--Al Davis
"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."--Vince Lombardi
by Marcus Allen Krause on Dec 31, 2011 8:03 PM EST up reply actions
The reverse argument.
Wes Welker is the NFL’s leading receiver. Despite being a successful player at Texas Tech, he went undrafted.
Did being white hurt his draft stock? Likely, as did his small size. Is it Welker’s job to be a vocal champion against the stigmas of white skill players? NO.
Mr. Jones, I hope you realize that Cam Newton’s play on the field is doing a lot more for black QBs than anybody’s words can or will.
Jrlz rhymes with Charles.
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by Jrlz on Dec 29, 2011 4:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions 7 recs
Great point!
ACC Championship Member Brandon Thompson is the new Jacoby Ford. You better pick him Panthers or you will be doomed to relive the 2010 season over and over again in the Twilight Zone.
Clemson 2011 ACC Champions! Look forward to doing it again next year! :D
by Revshawn on Dec 29, 2011 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think many teams would be high on drafting a 5’9’’ WR with a 30 inch vertical leap. If You have the same stats, physical abilities, and measurables in a black player, he likely doesn’t get drafted either.
Was he not invited to the scouting combine because he was white? or because he wasn’t from a powerhouse school and they thought he had very limited skills.
The best player I can come up with is Jock Sanders who wasn’t as productvie and is a bit shorter. The problem is, guys that are 5’9’’ (and generous at that) and that production rarely exist and guys who get drafted who are similar players (Aldrick Robinson) are considerably bigger/more skilled.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
Indeed
If you want the kind of athletic, fast white guy skill player, a much better comparison is Jordy Nelson, who was a fairly high pick (2nd round).
I suppose you could argue he should have been picked higher and wasn’t because he was white, but I suspect it probably had more to do with him being from a relatively outside-the-spotlight program at K-State.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
by PaulThomas on Jan 2, 2012 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
Especially when you consider he will be the first black QB to win a Super Bowl. ;)
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
by Ivan459 on Dec 29, 2011 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
Doug Williams already did
Jrlz rhymes with Charles.
My Tumblr- cfbinbadmspaint.tumblr.com
by Jrlz on Dec 29, 2011 7:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Whoop there it is!
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
Since the race card is in play...
What’s with all the hating on white running backs and receivers? Maybe the NFL is racist after all!
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/19/teammates-say-jordy-nelson-is-underestimated-because-hes-white/
by Seabeek on Dec 29, 2011 5:38 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
And Eric Decker.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 29, 2011 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
and Jordy Nelson
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here."--Al Davis
"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."--Vince Lombardi
by Marcus Allen Krause on Dec 31, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions
There's no maybe about it
Remember, Dustin Pedroia is a “scrappy gamer.”
I rarely tweet
"I ain't having it" - Buster Posey, hosing folks down
by woomikee on Dec 30, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Awful article.
First, you condemn Cam because he didn’t say “I told you so” to his critics? If Cam had gone that route, he’d be spawning more “racist” rhetoric. He’d be the bragging, “it’s all about me” type that the public tends to loathe. (and one could rightly claim Cam already does this to a certain extent- not any more so than other black athletes in celebration after scoring, but he does act cocky nonetheless). You calling out Cam Newton for NOT being the vengeful, “sore winner” can only be taken as an unabashed, selfish ploy to let your audience know that people are wrong to ever question a black man.
Second, as several people have mentioned, hindsight is 20-20. To say there were no causes for concern in drafting Newton is just plain ignorant.
Third, racism is not something about which one can write a column and have prejudices magically melt away. You, and other authors who engage in this type of behavior, come off as someone who is giddy for any type of racial inequality so that you can throw in your two cents. Yet the information you provide is so patently false that the reader dismisses your claim entirely (except those who see the title “Black QB” and see a writer denouncing all those racists out there and yell for joy). “Go get em Cam?” No. You cannot tell people what to think and how to perceive certain athletes based on the color of their skin. The only way racism can be overcome is, as someone alluded to before, through money. It is not that simple, of course, but say the Panthers passed on Cam. Look at what they’d be missing out on. Jersey sales, attendance, a Franchise player. The Panthers have a hell of a lot more reason to NOT be racist; if they do exude racism, they’d be out a fortune. They would be the ones suffering, and you know what, that’s often incentive enough to look past the color of one’s skin. Think of restaurants serving "whites" only—their business suffered when people said "Hey, you know what, I’m not going to eat there because I think blacks deserve the right to be seated too." I cringe everytime I see a race related article because a) they’re usually biased, b) they’re usually fabricated, and c) it is a falicy to try to get others to adopt the same social outlook as represented in the article, bemoaning anyyone who didn’t forsee a certain black athletes greatness as a bigot.
Cam Newton is eons ahead of you Mr. Jones in paving a path for black athletes. He wants to be viewed as someone who made it, not someone who demeans others. You give a few anecdotes of how Cam was a leader- well, there is no better example than Cam’s quote. This article was unnecessary, it is a poor compilation of advice for Cam Newton, it is misguided, and it takes the tone of far too many “pieces” these days in regards to the merit of a black athlete in sports- You cannot tell people what to think about a person’s skin color, and anyone who misses the boat and has something against Cam Newton is worse off for it.
by ayebaybay on Dec 29, 2011 7:16 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
i dunno what a falicy is but I am intrigued to find out…
I teach good life choices. That's why I almost didn't graduate high school.
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by bross09 on Dec 29, 2011 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
Excuse me, *fallacy.
by ayebaybay on Dec 30, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
you meant “phallacy”.
"All noble things are as difficult as they are rare."
- Baruch Spinoza
The most classless fan in college football since 1984.
by Avap on Dec 31, 2011 1:13 AM EST up reply actions
why mention ‘black’ athletes in this point?
Don’t ALL athletes act somewhat cocky?
Didn’t Drew Stanton dougie after a rushing TD? C’mon man, this mentioning of skin colour is totally unnecessary!
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Well, I mean let’s be honest here- when you think of athletes celebrating after a TD, who usually comes to mind? TO, Chad Johnson? There are more black players in the NFL than there are white players, so naturally, they would be the ones with the greater opportunity to celebrate. Look, maybe I shouldn’t have isolated the black athlete, but part of the knock on Cam was that he did celebrate too much, that he was too cocky. I was just attempting to relate to the article, my mistake.
by ayebaybay on Dec 30, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
my point was, however, that all athletes celebrate
if the majority are black, why state ‘black’ in this instance? it’s unnecessary.
A criticism of Cam is his celebrating… how on earth is celebrating something worthy of criticism? Do white athletes get criticised for celebrating? Why do athletes in general get criticised for celebrating? It’s not something to be critical of.
With regards to Cam being cocky, I again beg to differ to that as a worthy criticism. Brett Favre was adored for his arrogance. Why is there a difference? and Cam has done a great job of being humble to the media and dispelling any notion of arrogance that was brought up due to his ‘icon’ comment.
There’s no maybe about you not isolating the black athlete. You shouldn’t have, but you did, and it’s evidence as to why these discussions need to be had with regards to race, because fundamentally there are racially motivated regressive thought patterns that are all too common.
I don’t believe you are a racist because of your comment, but you perpetuated the small, often deemed insignificant, ignorant attitude that is a big part of the wider problem.
The fact of the matter is, is race, class or creed, should not enter any realm of discussion. The fact that it must be is a sad sign, but necessary. The more awareness raised to these small things, the better attitudes will be in the future.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you that it was unnecessary to mention “black” when referring to athletes. But look, there’s a stigma that while not necessarily “proven” does seem to exist, and that is that black athletes celebrate in a more obvious manner than do white athletes. In as much as that is “true”, it is also true that such characteristics do not have the be the sole attribute we use to judge them. “Judging” them is the key term- we as the public are free to have any opinion we want on any given topic, no matter how “racially upsetting” it may be. And thank you, I am not a racist- my point is that some people find an over-celebratory inclination to be something negative. You would say that it’s not, maybe I’m somewhere in the middle, but for you to say that it “shouldn’t be” a factor at all is absolutely incorrect. You do not lose anything by me not liking an athlete you like. The person who really loses something is me! (and this is all hypothetical as I do like watching Cam Newton play), But take any athlete- as I alluded to in my original post, it is to my benefit to overlook race when watching football because I may miss out on seeing an incredible athlete perform. It behooves GMs and owners to view an athlete for what he or she can do on the field rather than his or her skin color, because if one continually drafted athletes who were all white, that team wouldn’t exist for very long. The problem, in my mind, with your statements and those of the author of this article is that you cannot, no matter how hard you try, convince other people to refrain from acting in a racially motivated way. “How on earth is celebrating something worthy of criticism?”, well, that’s for each individual to decide. But for this author to insist that anyone against anointing Cam Newton as the next John Elway is crazy and in effect racist is so overreaching- what do you think writers were saying when there was segregation? I’d be willing to bet there were many anti-black rants from white authors telling the readers under which criteria they were allowed to judge an athlete. The advancement of black athletes in professional sports wasn’t due to the conglomerate uniting in a “whites only” mentality, it was because people opposed the status quo and saw in them athletes who were more than capable. So really, you’re ahead of the game. But to say creed, race, class, etc “should not” be a factor is not only irrelevant and unwarranted, it is something that can’t be enforced and should not be.
by ayebaybay on Dec 30, 2011 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
we also have a social obligation to attempt to live our lives without intentionally angering or hurting anyone. To an express an opinion that is ‘racially upsetting’ is to open yourself to discussion and more often than not petty name calling.
To try and defend ignorance in the name of freedom of speech is stupid.
Unfortunately, I’m too tired to entirely engage with your response bro, but the closing line is worthy of counteracting.
Exercising my own right to freedom of speech I have expressed my belief that, in a utopian world, there SHOULD NOT be a discussion with regards to race, creed, whatever. To say that my expression of this belief is unnecessary and unwarranted runs entirely contra to the main body of your above argument.
It cannot be enforced, and probably shouldn’t be (I’m undecided) however, to desire that collective attitudes are all changed to something more commonly accepted (in the sane parts of the world) as ‘correct’ is not fundamentally wrong in the way specifically attributing an unfounded and regressive assumption that black athletes celebrate more than white athletes do.
You said it yourself that there are more black players in the NFL (especially at skill positions) than there are white. Therefore exposure to seeing them celebrate is infinitely higher. To ignore that and specify skin tone in a discussion of celebration is foolhardy.
Is there any harm in trying? Is there no hope for this world? Can we not strive for a better society?
we may not be able to, but we can try, and one changed attitude for (widely believed) better is a step in the right direction. baby steps homie. if it isn’t for us now, what hope is there for those in 25/50/100 years?
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by Infemous on Dec 31, 2011 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
i know of a few of my favorite TD dancers from the Lions would have a word with you!!!!
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
HAHAHAHAHAhahA
that Bucs one is awesome!
I will always reserve a place in my heart for Drew Stanton’s dougie though.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
simple fact is, anyone who doesnt believe that racism goes both ways in sports and life is foolish.
cam choosing not to figh that battle is actualy a good thing imho. a lot of the problem isjust the media itself, everyone is judging others without knowing their motivations etc… people make mistakes, cam sure did. he has grown andmoved on. steroetypes are fed daily by action of people who fit into those stereotypes. pretending there arent a lot of people who fill those molds is to me igorance. and that to me brings it right back to people judging others without full knowledgeof the situations or understandng of the person in question.
"Don't tell me about the pain, just bring me the baby" Cam Newton
by braves&panthers4ever on Dec 29, 2011 7:54 PM EST via Android app reply actions 2 recs
excuse my lck of typing skills on my phone sitting in traffic.
critics judging cam without knowing him as well as cam judging them without knowing their motivation would be folly.
"Don't tell me about the pain, just bring me the baby" Cam Newton
by braves&panthers4ever on Dec 29, 2011 8:11 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs
This article is trash.
It is on the same level of trash as the trash Jemele Hill writes. And for the record, this kind of whiny race-baiting article is the exact reason that people have become numb to accusations or racism. The boy-who-cried-wolf crap like this article and Hill’s are ruining it for people that actually encounter racism, because they can’t receive help because everyone else assumes it’s boy-who-cried-wolf all over again and do nothing because of #$%& like this.
It is not racist to question Newton’s ability to run a pro-style system or his mental capacity prior to the NFL. He ran a simplistic one-look read offense in college. This is why people (the majority) were questioning his mental capacities, not because he was black. Is it possible a couple of analysts did? Sure, racism will never be completely stamped out and it’s unrealistic to believe so. And only idiot writers would try to compare Sam Bradford’s offense in a similar manner to the one Newton ran. The spread is a formation, not an offense. There are offenses based around the spread, but they are not all equal and are not inherently similar. Sam Bradford ran a spread formation based offense that included pro-reads. Newton ran a one look tuck and run offense that didn’t. That is why people questioned Newton, and that is why the majority who did were not acting out of racist intentions.
It is not racist to question his character when the person that raised him was involved in an NCAA scandal, and when said prospect stole a laptop. Was he charged? No. But if he was innocent why would he go through the court-ordered program that he did? Due to boredom? Hah!
You know what’s racist? Assuming every white man that criticizes a minority does so because he is racist. And for the people commenting here trying to claim that nothing’s changed since the 60’s, I’d like to take a quote from the movie “Charlie Wilson’s War”, coming from Gust Avrokados.
“Go %$#& yourself, you %$#&ing child.”
If you think you have it bad, go sit on a street corner and have a fire department water hose spray in your face. Racism exists still, and it always will, but you are ignorant if you think you have it as bad now as blacks in the south had it 50 years ago.
Lastly, as a white, I make no apologies for not wanting Cam Newton prior to the draft, and not being as impressed with his TD/INT ratio he sports as a passer. I did question his character because of his run-ins with the law and because of his dad. I did question whether or not he’d be able to make the transition from a spread-option offense (very dissimilar to Bradford’s) to a pro-style offense. I did question to what degree his running ability helped his passing. I stand by my judgments still.
I will not apologize for not wanting a run first college QB like Newton but rather a proven passer like Robert Griffin III. But then again, maybe I was just really racist a year ago and had some grand epiphany between NFL Draft 2011 and NFL Draft 2012. Grow up, people.
/rant.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 29, 2011 9:06 PM EST reply actions 9 recs
sigh... you do realize that lack of information and misperception also feed bias right
All of this would ease my concerns if it where true. Auburn coaching staff said this wasn’t how they deployed their offence and that they did have pro reads. Now are they lying to us?
Also Cam Newton did not have a “one read and run” offence. As he only scrambled 43 times in 14 games. That is 3 scrambles a game. So by this logic recievers where only covered 3 times a game….sigh. During the last 6 games of the Auburn Tigers season Newton only took off and ran on designed pass plays 15 times. That is 2 times a game that during a pass play he found no other option other than running.
The math dispells the notion that he looked at one guy and took off and ran. The coaches said he did look at one guy and took off and ran. Panther Coaches confirmed this as well.
So clear point i am making here is that maybe you don’t have ill feelings against Newton. But your perception is altered by misinformation and sterotyping that the media pumped down our throats.
Similiar to how they continue to pump down our Throats that Andrew Luck is soooo great. They say it over and over and over until it is fact. Same thing happen with Newton on alot of evaluations. Even this “one read and run” crap.
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
All I want to say is this:
I won’t say it was a bad post, because it wasn’t. It’s a thought process that every man (including myself) had thoughts of when Cam Newton came out of the draft, hoping that he would silence all critics at some point in his NFL career. Please understand the key word here: Process.
Look, I’m not going to knock you, call you an effin’ child or anything of the sort. Cam was bashed just like EVERY Black QB coming out of the draft in any given year. Whether you had arm strength, were a winner, blah blah blah. Whatever. Cam didn’t help himself either by always being around the BS. I was very heated with all of these commentators not giving him a chance to show what he has before saying that they could probably move him to WR or some crap.
Should Cam tell them all kiss his a$$, yes. Should he scream racism? Maybe. Will it help anyone? No.
I’m proud of Cam. I’m proud of how he has handled ALL of this. Why not blame Russell? When it mattered most for Russell to step up, he didn’t. When he was supposed to be studying his playbook and making it happen with his teammates, he shows up to training camp looking like Warren Sapp. Cam is saying that as African-Americans, we should do our best to pave the way for each other, uplifting each other by getting through the struggles of being the minority all the time. Russell didn’t help that, nor did Young. But who cares anymore. Cam is changing that, through his game. He’s letting it speak for itself telling all of his critics to kiss his a$$ with every touchdown he throws (in the pocket). He’s not in the media being a diva either. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do, and that’s being a complete professional in every way possible way. I like that, I commend that, I respect that.
If only everyone took a stand in this manner instead of going on a racism rampage.
So what’s the key word Process all about? It’s a process to change your mentality from one that’s always clinging to racism as an excuse, and using it to fuel the fire of Success. Cam is fueling his Success, and bringing a different mentality in his approach to creating a new atmosphere for Black QBs – For Black Life.
Just my rant. Grace and Peace.
GANG GREEN ALL DAY!
I put God first! Anything else comes a distant second, next to a cross-country third.
Being that I'm Nigerian, being a Jets' Fan only comes natural... it's all about that old Green and White.
You see, it's not about how you won the game, it's about how you played the game.... there's a difference. If you don't understand this, then you're losing big time.
by King A! on Dec 29, 2011 10:57 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Wow, I was unaware Bomani Jones and SBNation needed the clicks
I thought things were going well for everybody involved in this site. Maybe not.
I’m really disappointed in this article for all the reasons people have listed above. I expect better. Although I guess I shouldn’t. Here I am clicking the link and making a post. Really wish I could flag this article.
by evenflow58 on Dec 30, 2011 9:05 AM EST reply actions
i expected you to have better reading comprehension
guess we’re all disappointed today.
by Bomani Jones on Dec 30, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Good comeback
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
"articles" like this make me sick
every time someone criticizes a black athlete, or president, or anything else it’s because their racist. just listen to eric holders recent speech about the criticism he has faced, he says it’s because him and barack are both black! meanwhile people like louis farrakhan, al sharpton and jeese jackson are spreading real racism and black people like you are completely silent about it.
You know what’s racist? asking for special treatment based solely on skin color for school admission, job hiring and other things. Affirmative action is special treatment based only on skin color, why are you not up in arms about that? do you think MLK supported special treatment of any race based only on skin color?
Where was your racism article when eric holder came out and said his office will not charger ANY minority with a hate crime or voter intimidation, because of what happened in alabama 50 years ago!
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Dec 30, 2011 11:58 AM EST reply actions
these tactics are created to counter the deeply ingrained prejudices still held
the fact they harbour and provoke affirmation of these prejudices are sad.
It seems it is a lose lose situation.
Not have things to support minorities and the minorities do not get represented and are excluded, do things to promote equality and it is seen as racist or unfair to the majority (in this case whites).
Why can’t people such as yourself acknowledge that there are huge gaps and disproportionate representation in positions of power, and see steps to level the playing field some as progressive?
Why is it, in a discussion of race, that white people get angry and start saying “look at me, we’re being discriminated against too! What happened in the past happened in the past and they’re getting benefits over us because of it!”
The issue is, is what happened in the past is being perpetuated more insidiously in the present, and the attitudes of the past are all too prevalent today. They are ingrained and action needs to be taken to change it, so that in 50 years time, or 100 years time, those attitudes are non existent like they should have been 50 years ago.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
so in other words
racism is fine, as long as it’s against the majority. the “steps to level the playing field” you refer to, means special treatment to someone based only on skin color. isn’t that exactly what racism is? you are no better than the racist author. reverse racism is not progressive, its regressive, no matter how you and the other racists try to spin it.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Dec 30, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
no, it's not against the majority
because the majority hold the advantage of being in the majority.
and racism is the discrimination AGAINST. I do not see how these strategies discriminate against the majority. They simply support the minority.
Why is it, when dealing with ignorance, that everything is dealt with absolutes.
Can you really not see that you do not necessarily have to treat one group worse to help another?
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
i live in michigan
the university of michigan turns away white students with 4.0 gpa’s to accept minority students with lower gpa’s based only on skin color. that is affirmative action, and it IS against whites. if whites are being denied opportunity, education or employment because of their skin color it is racism, no matter how people like you try to spin it. If you were really for equality you would advocate for color blind admission and employment polices, where skin color is neither a benefit or disadvantage.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Dec 30, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
You are almost right
I am an advocate of colour blind admission, however, it is horrifically apparent that the tutors and admission staffs are not.
You must also consider things such as postcode lotteries with regards to applications to schools.
In a dream world, you are entirely correct, that skin colour is neither a benefit nor disadvantage, but the world we live in does not reflect this YET and things must be done to promote that for the future.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
to say that "what happened in the past is being perpetuated more insidiously in the present, and the attitudes of the past are all too prevalent today"
is a joke! a majority white population elected a black president. Blacks make up only 12.3% of the population, that’s it.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Dec 30, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
so because there is a black president racism on other levels does not exist?
I don’t want to be insulting towards you but it is getting very difficult to comprehend your ignorance.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
you said, and i quote
“what happened in the past is being perpetuated more insidiously in the present, and the attitudes of the past are all too prevalent today”
if that was true, how did a large majority white population elect a black president? i did not say racism does not exist, you and the author prove it does.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Dec 30, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
the key term there is 'insidiously'
the attitudes can still be found across the more backwards parts of the US, and are accepted.
To say that because the majority of people are not racist and elected a black president, does not mean that powerful people in industry or local communities on a smaller scale cannot exert their prejudices on minorities.
And what exactly is your point if you were not implying that racism does not exist by mentioning Obama’s election?
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i agree with you Infemous... why can't we have discussions that move forward is what i am wondering.
it is almost like this could be a discussion. Then in comes anger and “there is the reset button”
talking about a issue is different that complaining about it. And just because someone is talking about something doesn’t mean they are paraniod. The term race card then gets thrown in as if everyone is just making up paranoid delusions or something.
I wish we could discuss issues without it becoming “us” against “them” type of tone. When the truth is it is the really ignorant people (regardless of race) vs the rest of us (regardless of race).. isn’t it like counter productive to fight against people that are acturally on your side?…or too even fight at all?
Newton is in a tough spot so i can understand him remaining PC. He has to represent a NFL team. That is too big of a distraction really. He isn’t being a uncle Tom because of this. To be honest the best thing possible for him to do is shut up and ball out. Then it makes racist people look really stupid
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
At the admitted risk of going off-topic:
When people do blind tests of things like admissions, housing applications, and job applications, applicants with historically black names and/or dialects always do worse than identically qualified applicants with historically white names and/or dialects.
Under those circumstances, awarding extra credit to black applicants is not merely justifiable on moral grounds, it’s actually economically efficient, because it cancels out the effect of irrational prejudice.
This has little if any applicability to football, but your sheer wrongness compelled me to rebut it.
As for the “hate crime” claim, according to the article I’m reading, the local police investigated and couldn’t prove racial motivation. Not only is that not “saying the office won’t charge minorities with hate crimes,” it’s not even any generalized policy statement at all, just a statement about inadequate evidence in a specific case. Proving racial animus is hard, proving it beyond a reasonable doubt is harder still, and electing not to prosecute a specific case is not a statement that anyone believes that no crime occurred.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
by PaulThomas on Jan 2, 2012 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
if you wanna take it there...
go check the percentage of white voters obama won over. it’s probably not as big as you think. now, we STOP TALKING POLITICS.
by Bomani Jones on Dec 30, 2011 12:47 PM EST reply actions
don't like it when people question your racist article?
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Dec 30, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
You sir,
are an idiot. There is racialization in sports, its a simple fact. We often hear of adjectives like “athletic” for black athletes, while hearing “intelligent”, “crafty”, etc for white athletes. It is intellectually dishonest and insulting for both groups. Just ask peyton hillis, who was lazily compared to Mike Alstott rather than someone like Eddie George, where the comparison is apt.
Saying that there have not been lazy comparisons of athletes where race is a determining characteristic is ignorant. Although I don’t agree with everything Bomani wrote, comparing Cam Newton and Jamarcus Russell is idiotic, which is the crux of this article.
Me and my squad build just like contractors
I break s***, you only give hairline fractures
by LatrellSprewell on Dec 30, 2011 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
rec'd
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Rec'd
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Rec!!!!
Latrell Sprewell was holding back all this time!!!
But no seriously this is hard for me because i really want people to stop figthing over it and honestly realize the dynamics here. Very good way to put it
I hate it when any type of sterotype for anyone is referenced. Putting people in a box regardless of race is the root of this issue. That includes putting a white person in a box.
Putting someone in a box = (telling him/her what he is capable and what they are/aren’t good at)
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Nice.
Definitely Rec’d.
I still appreciate what Cam is doing nonetheless. Pointing out racism in this country is just a lost cause. Letting his game speak for itself at this point is the best thing he can do.
GANG GREEN ALL DAY!
I put God first! Anything else comes a distant second, next to a cross-country third.
Being that I'm Nigerian, being a Jets' Fan only comes natural... it's all about that old Green and White.
You see, it's not about how you won the game, it's about how you played the game.... there's a difference. If you don't understand this, then you're losing big time.
by King A! on Dec 31, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Troll Hard Bomani
Do you just want everyone to be racist?
Ever think that Cam blames the black quarterbacks in recent history because they had the tools and the talent to overcome those stereotypes, but ultimately blew their opportunities? Is it possible that Cam is implicitly saying “yeah, this racist shit still exists, and Vince and Jamarcus don’t help”?
I’m just grasping at straws here…like former Duke Professor’s who also dabble in jounalism are want to do.
by I-Right Fullback Dive on Dec 30, 2011 12:51 PM EST reply actions
you missed the point
to blame them for racism, which that was, is to absolve the racists. there was no excuse to compare him to them. them doing badly isn’t close to a justification. why is that so hard for you to grasp? you need to read slower, man.
by Bomani Jones on Dec 30, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
What’s next weeks article going to be?
Don’t trust Whitey?
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 30, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
this sort of ignorance makes me question humanity
Do you not feel ashamed making public such idiotic statements such as this?
http://brotherspork.wordpress.com/
Follow @infemousss
by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
He published something absurd, is it wrong of me to think of something absurd for him to follow up with?
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 30, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
how is the article as absurd as "don't trust whitey"
seriously.
You may disagree with the article, think it’s poorly written or whatever, but comments such as that are entirely ignorant.
I’m using ignorant as a polite way of saying ‘f*cking dumb’.
I’d like to ask you how treating alleged absurdity with yet more absurdity holds any benefit to anyone at all?
fighting fire with fire and all that…
http://brotherspork.wordpress.com/
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Because this article is labeling legitimate pre-draft criticisms as being racist in nature simply because one or two racists may have agreed with said criticisms.
Questioning Cam’s mental fortitude isn’t racist.
Questioning Cam’s mental fortitude because he is black is racist.
Questioning Cam’s mental fortitude because he ran a simplistic offense in college and didn’t demonstrate mental fortitude with pro style reads isn’t racist. It’s called not making an assumption that said prospect will automatically adjust to the pros well and that the offense he ran isn’t something that needs to be worried about.
This article takes leaps of faith that said criticisms were based on Newton being black, and takes leaps of faith that the majority of criticism had racist intent. Said leaps of faith have nothing to corroborate the allegations.
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 30, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
true
I don’t entirely agree with the article, as I too doubted the SPEED with which Cam could grasp an NFL offense coming from the Auburn offense.
The difference is, is that many people (leap of faith here) doubted his overall intelligence to grasp an NFL offense based off the simple fact he was black.
The article makes (clumsily) an allusion to the leap of faith given to white spread QBs’ ability to transition to the pro game based on nothing.
Look at Tebow. Dude ran an identical offense to Cam. He scored awfully in the wonderlic, his general vocabulary is rather limited etc. There was not one criticism of him outside of mechanics. People said he’s a ‘gamer’ and could grasp an NFL offense IN TIME. They said that he was a ‘leader of men’ and that his work ethic is unparalleled. Do you honestly believe that these same attributes would have been applied to Tebow if he was black? Do you really, honestly, believe that if Tebow was black he would be the media darling since high school that he has been?
It was an article that raised legitimate issues with regards to race and the perception of Black NFL QBs.
I did not agree that his avoiding of calling out racists was necessarily a bad thing. I did not think the comparison to Sam Bradford was apt (in terms of offensive system) etc. etc.
Despite this, you do not see me making stupid comments for the sake of it on here.
Why couldn’t you have engaged in an actual discussion like you did with me instead of make such a dipshit comment such as:
You’ve demonstrated your ability to actually form a cogent argument, so why resort to childlike stupidity such as that?
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There is no evidence of it. I’d believe that some did, but people can only conjecture that someone did this, not prove or come close to proving it.
I agree that it’s clumsy, but I contend that the clumsy allusion is false. It’s as false as saying a college QB is a college QB is a college QB. College QB is a vastly generalized term that is thrown out too often. Andrew Luck =/= Cam Newton =/= Graham Harrel =/= Tim Tebow. All four QBs had success in college, all four are very distinctly different in that comparing them with such a generalized term as “college QB” is fallacious. There’s a reason that certain QBs even in the NFL stick to certain systems. They are much better off with their skill sets to run one manner of offense rather than another. To compare Bradford and Newton as “spread” QBs is a fallacy in the same manner.
1) He was never in trouble with the law (laptop)
2) He very clearly demonstrated leadership at Flordia (his famous speech among other items)
3) He received more calls to convert to TE/FB in the pre-draft post-college career timeframe than Newton.
4) His father didn’t try to sell his services
5) He stayed with the same program (that Newton left because of racism just sounds absurd for this point)
6) He may have had “one” critique but it was critiqued to no end, and people may have said Newton wasn’t 1st overall worthy but people were saying that Tebow wasn’t even 2nd round worthy and should go in the 3rd.
It was this, followed up with many fallacious arguments. It was a point that could legitimately warrant conversation but this article presents nothing merit worthy beyond the OP – Black QBs in the NFL. If the article was meant to do any good at all using fear tactics a la Fox News style is a grave mistake and does more harm than good. As i said before, all it does is create the-boy-who-cried-wolf situation. Had it presented reasonable arguments, it could have prevented such a situation.
One does not simply disregard a chance to quote a Steve Martin film. To deny the smart aleck in me (after previously presenting a well thought out retort to the OP earlier in the thread) is to deny my identity. I saw an opportunity to be as absurd as this article so I took it (once again, after presenting something that actually contributes to this discussion unlike the OP’s arguments).
Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)
1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 30, 2011 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
don't get it twisted...
i had questions about how quickly cam could pick up an offense, too. but i never said he lacked football iq. my question was whether he could start this season, and i was clearly wrong. but that didn’t have shit to do with jamarcus russell or vince young.
by Bomani Jones on Dec 30, 2011 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
This sort of breakdown of a post is frustrating, because it immediately makes my response look entirely defensive because I'm explaining isolated elements of my argument.
1. There is no evidence, but there was also no evidence strong enough to have Troy Davis executed.
I also said ‘many people’ which is unspecific and holds true due to the amount of discussion had on the topic. It was evidenced by peoples comments on forums such as SB nation, facebook fan pages etc. that they did not feel Cam was smart enough, full stop, to grasp an NFL offense.
2. I did not say ‘college QB’ and it’s incredibly pedantic to make that argument here when you see the posts I am making. I also disagreed entirely with Bomani’s choice of Sam Bradford as a point of reference, the systems were so entirely different that it was not applicable. The same can be said of the comparisons made twixt Cam and VY and Jamarcus Russell.
My actual point in that quote was that there is a leap of faith made by media and fans that white spread QBs are better suited to transition to the NFL systems than black ones. based purely on physical talent and college production, why did Jerod Johnson go undrafted and Blaine Gabbert get selected 10th overall? (this is a weak example as Jerod Johnson tanked the senior bowl or some pre draft analysis aswell as losing his starters job for A&M if I remember correctly) Thing is, is Gabbert was only hyped because of the shroud of uncertainty placed over Cam’s ability to transition. His college tape was poor. It was his high wonderlic and lord knows what else that propelled him from the 2nd round talent he is to being discussed as a 1st Ovr pick talent (laughably compared to Bradford).
3.
i) and if he was, I’m pretty sure it’d have been ignored. Dude was as close to royalty in Florida as you could ever get. The laptop issue was blown out of proportion and I also get the impression a like situation for a white QB would be less of a hot button talking point. A mistake made by an 18 year old college student is often overlooked in the face of position revolutionising talent, Carolina did so, so why can’t the media and fans?
ii) Did Cam not also demonstrate it in a less media friendly, attention seeking manner? Did he not lead his team in the ultimate way and carry them to a championship? I’d beg to argue that Percy Harvin and the collective brilliance of the FLorida defence had more to do with Tebow’s championship than Tebow. Like Cam, Tebow underperformed in the National Championship game too. What is also interesting is how there is not a single video on youtube of Tebow’s 2 interceptions in that game. Not one. If you can find one I will applaud you.
iii) That is because people wanted to find a way to transfer his marketability into the NFL, not because he’d be suited to it in any way. It would be idiotic to convert someone such as Tebow or Cam to a position they have no experience in. The only motivation for these suggestions was the desire to see him in the NFL for fanboy or financial reasons. There are many more talented athletes than Tebow that do not get the same open support as he did, be it as a FB/TE/LB or QB.
iv) his parents have sold him to the media since high school. This talk of Tebow as a miracle baby has it’s genesis from Tebow’s own mother’s mouth. Did you ever watch the pre Heisman ball sucking of Tebow on ESPN in which Tebow and his family were presented as this saintlike divine gift to humanity as well as sports? The way both sets of parents attempted to sell their children were entirely different, but the overriding notion is the same.
v) Cam left because he wanted to play when it became apparent Tebow would remain in Florida his senior year. I don’t see where it’s been stated as a racially motivated transfer?
vi) and everyone who critiqued Tebow were entirely correct. Can Tebow play QB in the NFL? the answer is simply no. He does not have any of the skills required of an NFL QB and thus quite rightly should have been a late round pick. I gave him a 6th round grade. The fact McDaniels grossly overdrafted him remains an issue for the Broncos with regards to the hype and financial commitment it entails. Look at how the fans practically forced the Broncos to play Tebow. It worked well due to ingenious coaching and ‘divine intervention’ aswell as miraculous special teams and defense.
4. To dismiss an article purely because of it’s style is narrow. To dismiss it’s overriding message because of it’s style is stupid. Do you really believe that the main argument is anything but a reminder that racism is still all too prevalent in the NFL? One can most certainly say the manner it attempted to utilise Cam’s interview as a means of bringing up the agenda was clumsy, but you cannot dismiss it of any merit because of it’s clumsiness.
I also struggle to see the boy who cried wolf situation being created by anyone but the overwhelming (and disappointing) number of stupid and ignorant posters on this thread.
5. One would question the choice of Steve Martin, but whatever floats your boat bro.
I wouldn’t want to deny your identity, much like you obviously would not like to deny Bomani his (sarcasm) however, one could also question, as you have Bomani, the style and tone with which you expressed the aforementioned identity.
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by Infemous on Dec 30, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
movie reference!!!
This reminds me of how in that movie “A Time to Kill” and Matthew ‘Mcknaidontknowhisname’ said “now imagine if the little girl was white”… only then could people relate too Samual Jackson’s charater. Good movie you guys should check it out
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
C'mon man
i don’t know about you but that Sports weekly scouting report gave me pause. Fake smile man C’mon man?
It was the Tone of it that gave me pause. Help me out here do you mean you can’t honestly feel that was normal evaluating?
by Shankdiddy on Dec 30, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
Lol
You are dismissive and condescending. And you say you did’nt want Cam Newton. Do you want the Bills to win?
by Ravens One on Dec 30, 2011 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
I see your point, but
I don’t see how Vince and Jamarcus are being blamed. Let’s be real here, it’s ok for a black quarterback to get asked about the most recent high profile black quarterbacks drafted a few years in front of him. It means a whole hell of a lot to be a black quarterback in the NFL. It just does. It means being able to overcome stereotypes (that should not exist but do) and I don’t think Cam is absolving anyone here, nor do I think he’s blaming them explicitly because of race.
I mean, I get the article, but it seems to not give Cam Newton the respect he’s do for how well he’s handled everything. Read’s to me like you want him to be a pseudo activist or compelled to take a stance on race. He doesn’t have to. Doesn’t make what you’re saying wrong either, because it isn’t.
by I-Right Fullback Dive on Dec 30, 2011 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
typo
*due
by I-Right Fullback Dive on Dec 30, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
But,
It’s not that they did so badly, it’s how they handled their situations right? Isn’t that the point that Cam is trying to make? That’s what I observed. They had a chance to ascend above all the nonsense and prove everyone wrong to a degree – but instead Russell pretty much gives up and Young was crying about everything not going his way. The vicissitudes of life should be handled differently when you have the responsibility of being a role model to those that came before you. it doesn’t by no means take away from the racism at hand, but individuals like that allow stereo types to linger on.
GANG GREEN ALL DAY!
I put God first! Anything else comes a distant second, next to a cross-country third.
Being that I'm Nigerian, being a Jets' Fan only comes natural... it's all about that old Green and White.
You see, it's not about how you won the game, it's about how you played the game.... there's a difference. If you don't understand this, then you're losing big time.
by King A! on Dec 31, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
I hate Cam
because I’m a Duck, not a racist. The rest of you need to take a deep breath.
"All noble things are as difficult as they are rare."
- Baruch Spinoza
The most classless fan in college football since 1984.
by Avap on Dec 31, 2011 1:17 AM EST reply actions
Did Jemele Hill Ghost Write this?
Usual race-baiting garbage from another MSNBC-like personality. Did Rob Parker help out as well? His garbage is never short of race-baiting.
How soon before we’re allowed to tell blacks that when they criticize whites, for whatever reason, that they’re racist?
To maintain your credibility, will we see any black analyst who writes something “bad” about Andrew Luck being labeled a racist or favoriting RG3? Will White GMs, owners and white coaches who do take Luck over RG3 be labeled racist as well? How about if a team is “left” to take RG3 getting the racist label because they would have taken Andrew Luck before then? Unless the publication was funded by Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, you would most likely be fired.
by fanfare2 on Dec 31, 2011 11:02 AM EST reply actions
I just despise that because I was wrong about Cam being able to transition to the NFL I am racist.
I thought he wouldnt play well in the NFL. I didnt think he would run past or through people the way he has and I really didnt think he would be able to carve up pro defenses the way he has. There are plenty of players that do amazing in college and nothing in the pros, I thought he would be another one. Ty Detmer and Colt Brennan are two that played great in college but were horrible in the NFL. It happens all the time every year, some players are busts and some are not. We guess which will happen but it seems like if we guessed against Cam than we were racist.
I also had character concerns because of his documented mistakes, which I also have about Ryan Mallet. Just because he proved them wrong does not mean at the time they were not valid.
The other part that really made me mad about this article is deflecting all the blame from Jamarcus Russell! I am so sick of hearing how the Raiders ruined him. The guy was consistently overweight and made horrible reads constantly. He held out his entire first training camp and got his money and then seemed like he absolutely never cared. He got caught with drugs and never improved his play. That was not from the Raiders, that was from himself not doing what he needed to do to succeed.
To say that it was the wrong system is ridiculous because he had opportunities to change and sign with other teams and never even came close to doing so. If it was just the system then somebody would have given him another chance, but his decisions and game play made nobody give him that. He did it to himself, it had nothing to do with race or system. It was a complete lack of respect and work ethic, and even his own teammates say they were embarrassed to have him as their quarterback.
I wanted the Raiders to draft Russell. I was wrong about that and I was wrong about Cam Newton. They were both cases of incorrect player evaluation on my part, but they were not related to race. Just because I had a negative impression of a player who made more public mistakes than just about any QB in college that I can remember does not make me a racist. It simply makes me wrong, and it seems like if he was white it would be fine that I was wrong but since he is black my opinion is automatically tainted with racist undertones.
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here."--Al Davis
"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."--Vince Lombardi
by Marcus Allen Krause on Dec 31, 2011 8:22 PM EST reply actions
clam
BLOM BLOM,WHY is it that you or the black community can not quit talking either about themself or there race all the time you are 13.2 % of the pop.but you alway’s say ( I ) everytime you speak. Everything you write is about the black community why do you thing anyone gives a shit what you think if the only thing you think about is you. Clam did not go to the playoff’s Tim did,Clam had the best personal # while Dalton took his team to the playoff’s that’s black & white!
by Carl M on Jan 2, 2012 12:32 PM EST reply actions
Pretty dumb comment
“Never mind that the massive, athletic Andrew Luck seems more similar to Newton than the spindly Griffin, in spite of the unwritten rule that such comparisons aren’t allowed”
Seriously?! You really think Andrew Luck is more comparable to Newton that RG3?!
Your comment above will prove to be, between now and the draft, the most stupid comment regarding any player in the draft. That comment proved that ANYBODY can get yoiur job. Idiot! Also, Griffin is 6’2 225, far from spindly.
by Oaktownsoul on Jan 2, 2012 2:09 PM EST reply actions
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