Quote:No.

 

First off, I wasn't talking actual team decision makers.  I don't believe anybody who posts here has any access to NFL decisionmakers, much less has the trust of those decisionmakers to divulge information to them.  I am referring to common fans, pundits, media talking heads, etc.  If you had a QB who turned his team around, took his team to the Super Bowl and numerous other playoff appearances, and multiple pro bowls, in most instances, they'd be held in some esteem.  But take a look at the visceral response whenever someone chimes in on McNabb.

 

Secondly, the fact you acknowledge the "knuckleheads" is an admission race may be a factor in some of the derision towards Bridgewater.

 

Finally, we are talking about the view of Manziel from fans, pundits, etc.  Without question, there would be a completely different dynamic on the board if we were talking about Bridgewater being the wild eyed, party animal, outspoken scrambler who has had questionable dealings that ran him afoul of the NCAA, has fought teammates and taunted opponents vs the cerebral, understated pocket passer Manziel.

 

Lest you think this isn't the case, consider the response to Shack when he did not draft Brady Quinn in 2007 (despite having Leftwich and Garrard on the roster).  There were many who argued Shack was racist for having all of these black QBs on the roster and not drafting Quinn.  Nevermind that: 

 

1.  From a talent perspective, Shack was absolutely right on Quinn; and

2.  Shack only brought in one of the three black QBs on the roster (Leftwich).

 

Conversely, after Gene Smith brought in Gabbert, who proved to be far more of a monumental failure than BL and Garrard (and Quinn, for that matter), not once did anyone suggest he had any racial motive (conscious or subconscious) in doing so.

 

The sad truth is the escapist activity of message board pontification on football isn't immune from bias-conscious or subconscious.  Does that represent the majority of criticism towards Bridgewater?  No.  But to suggest it plays zero role in the criticism is naive.  It goes in many different directions, and white players often get the wrong end of presumptions based on race in sports.

 

You may very well be right, esp when it comes to this board.

 

But I think its crazy to say if Johnny Manziel were Black he wouldn't be considered a 1st round talent. Talking trash is talking trash.....but it's not like the guy was being arrested or constantly being around illegal activity.

 

If any player accomplished what Manziel accomplished in college he would be considered a 1st talent whether white, black, latino/hispanic, native american, asian, etc...

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