Racism in the NFL

In an interview with James Brown that aired September 18th on HBO's "Real Sport's with Bryant Gumbel" Donovan Mcnabb starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles talked about his career and life, but in a surprising statement he said, "There are not many African-American quarterbacks so we have to do a little bit extra." Then later in an press interview Wednesday at the Eagles practice field Donovan explain "We have to do a little extra no matter the style of play you're displaying theirs always going to be criticism." Which leads to discuss, are African-American quarterbacks treated differently in the NFL? Am I to believe that their is a thin racial undertone among NFL analysts and critics? Of coarse not considering more than half of the leagues players are black! Then does that mean that the Quarterback position (according to NFL experts) is only reserved for white men? Granted, Mcnabb did say at the same interview Wednesday at the Eagles practice facility that many "blew it way out of proportion," It still is a good catalyst to consider the possibility and discuss this racial indifference among the NFL, if their is one.

When coaches look at an African-American draftee, do they consider him as a scrambler? Not because of his combine 40 yard dash times, but rather, the color of his skin. Wednesday night Mcnabb wrote in his blog "I bet Fran Tarkenton, Steve Young, Jake Plummer, and Doug Flutie have never been told by a member of any racial consciousness organization that they don't play the quarterback position white enough." Consider this, in that statement could Mcnabb be using a stereotype that if your a quarterback and you scramble, you're playing your position more "black" than others? Me personally, I consider Steve Young the grandfather of scrambling quarterbacks we know today, and later Michael Vick heightened that ideal with his incredible speed and field vision. So is it fair to rate how good an African-American quarterback is by his legs and not his arm? According to Donovan's interesting portrayal, yes it is.

Donovan McNabb is a curious soldier of the field. A Philadelphia Eagle for nine long seasons, been to the pro bowl five times, suffered atleast three season ending injuries, and came back strong from each. He's even lead his team to the super bowl after the 2004-05 season. But still the fans of Philadelphia shun him and boo him. Not once has he asked to be traded and not once has he lashed out in the media about this. He truly is an impressive example of a player! But in my assessment I cannot see black quarterbacks treated to differently, maybe a little bit, but not in a bad way. They aren't chased down the streets by dogs, or sprayed down with giant water hoses. He isn't sent away from a philly stand or made to order than leave. That battle has been fought and won. Even if African-Americans are faster and better scramblers, it is a good thing. All races are different and we can learn to appreciate each others strengths and help conquer our weaknesses as well. In his blog he wrote of how he received criticism from the president of the Philadelphia branch of the NAACP in December 2005 for scrambling less as his career progression. At first glance it may seem to be a slight racial comment, but maybe instead it was a complement. Maybe Donovan he was saying that your incredible at running and instead of taking a sack or throwing a bad pass you should take to your feet and help your team win. Is that racial profiling? I consider it a fact that Donovan McNabb is fast and good at scrambling and has nothing to do with race. Do people tell Byron Leftwich he should scramble more? No, because he's never really proven himself as a speedy quarterback.

Maybe theirs something that I cannot understand or see, being white and not a NFL quarterback (I wish). But underestimating people's compassion and understanding towards sensitive subjects like race is what McNabb (I think) is doing. The world is indeed a hate filled place, where you can be greatly effected by your skin color, but that dosent mean you'll find that everywhere. McNabb shows a lot of grace dealing with his overcritical fans, and I feel in time he will understand how to handle his other issues as well. But as for racism in the NFL, just something of a paranoia to me, only real way to tell is to dig deep through the hierarchy of the NFL execs and find the truth. I'll get to work on that as soon as possible.