Pittsburgh Steelers

Hall-of-Fame Players Weigh in on Myles Garrett, We Should All Take a Listen

November 20, 2019

by The LCR Editor with 2 Comments Featured Sports

Perspectives are important. Last week, shortly after the unfortunate incident occurred at the end of the Browns – Steelers game, 4 NFL Hall of Famer’s weighed in on who Myles Garrett is, and what should happen to him as a result of his actions. While everyone seems to have an opinion on this fight and what should happen to Myles Garrett, very few of us can say we know him personally, and very few can say, “I’ve played in the NFL and have either experienced or seen similar situations play out.”

Well, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Jimmy Johnson, have a slightly different – less brash reaction than most TV pundits… because they’ve lived it and seen it before.

While we don’t have to agree with them, and maybe they are biased considering their strong affiliations with the NFL as former players or coaches, their experiences and perspectives are unique and important because they’ve been there before, and that credibility can’t be discounted or brushed aside.

Bigotry Killed the Football Star (The NFL is Running Out of Chances)

November 17, 2019

by Independent Texan Male with No Comment Featured Sports

In a previous article, I wrote about how successful the National Football League continues to be despite the past several seasons. The National Football League has experienced its fair share of controversial incidents.

And trust the NFL will be fine, but… being as popular and as important as it is in 2019, will come to an end.

Gonna use the classic one-hit-wonder song, Video Killed the Radio Star (1979) by the English new wave band The Buggles, to illustrate my point.

This song has historical significance because it was the first music video aired on MTV, forever changing the landscape of music.

From that point, music was no longer just about making an album, getting radio play, and then going on tour.

Music videos allowed pre-MTV artists to present themselves to a younger population, and for those apart of the “MTV” revolution, it allowed them to not only build a fanbase through their music, but videos as well (such as MJ’s Thriller).

Radio, of course, continued, but DJ’s controlling what you heard was now over. That power and control had forever shifted to multiple players.

The NFL seems to be the radio of late whereas the National Basketball Association is MTV, Spotify, SoundCloud, basically anything but the boring radio.

NBA owners and commissioner Adam Silver seem to have the formula for a winning culture, which includes both the players and fan base alike. A formula or culture the NFL simply doesn’t have.

Like radio stations and their bosses caring less about anything not directly linked to increasing their profits, the NFL wants no parts of.

MTV caved to pressuring from noble English artists like David Bowie to play videos by Black artists like Michael Jackson. Think about that… in 1981, MTV didn’t want to play MJ. Yes, that Michael Jackson… and before you could blink, they came out with Yo! MTV Raps a few years later.

The NBA got rid of racist LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling. The NBA listened to players about playing back-to-back games, and now the NBA is listening to fans to curb players sitting games.

The NFL on the other hand, we still don’t know what a catch is! And the newly implemented rules to protect the quarterback seem to be the latest change, which isn’t sitting well with their players or fans.

Disclaimer – I’ve never played organized football. I fully support the NFL’s effort to curb concussions, head injuries, and increase the overall safety in football. However, new rules seem to protect one position the most… the quarterback.

Why?

It’s two-fold… the QB is the single most important player in any team sport, BUT (and you know it’s coming)… many believe that because the position of QB is still resoundingly White, more protection must be made to avoid injuries and further their careers.

This new rule began in 2018. (Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9(b)) calls for a “roughing the passer” penalty when a defensive player lands on a passer “with all or most of the defender’s weight.” In other words, falling on a quarterback is illegal, even when it’s the result of an otherwise legal hit.

Defensive players and surprisingly even former quarterbacks like Steve Young question these new “can’t touch the quarterback” rules.

These rules have changed the course of NFL history, literally. Case and point… last years AFC title game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, New England QB Tom Brady was gifted a roughing the passer call, which of course led to a touchdown and ultimately a win in overtime.

Then there’s the incident between Cleveland Browns Lineman Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Mason Rudolph. The helmet swung that has been seen around the world.

The optics – A big muscle-bound Black man swinging his helmet against a clean-cut White man.

The facts – both Garrett AND Rudolph contributed to the brawl. Yes, Garrett deserves a heavier punishment for swinging his helmet, but that’s about it.

The outcome – Out of all players involved only the Black players received suspensions. Rudolph, the White quarterback only received a fine.

The NFL should be careful… I can see and hear that Buggles music video playing now.

Similar Read: Corporate Social Justice, By Jay-Z

Rudolph Kicks, Garrett Swings, But Only One Suspended… Why?

November 15, 2019

by The LCR Editor with No Comment Featured Sports

Last week an ugly altercation played out at the end of the Cleveland Pittsburgh game. Most people woke up to clips of Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett swinging his helmet and striking Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph in the head, but very few, including the media, took time to watch the entire play.

Instead, the media, pundits, and millions of fans jumped to conclusions suggesting that Garrett should be suspended for the rest of the season if not longer. Some suggested he should be banned from the NFL, and former player and MNF anchor Booger McFarland even suggested that he should charged with assault. It’s even rumored that the Cleveland Police entered the locker room after the game.

But when you look at the entire play, Mason Rudolph kicks Myles Garrett in the private area, he is clearly seen trying to yank his helmet off, and he’s going after Garrett despite his teammate separating them from their initial tussle on the ground. All this happened BEFORE Myles swung his helmet. That’s the definition of provoking someone. Did Myles overreact, absolutely. Should he be penalized, fined, suspended, absolutely. I think he would be the first person to admit that, but to suggest that he wasn’t provoked or triggered to react at all is reckless. It’s bad journalism in the least, and racist at the very worst.

Within hours, the NFL indefinitely suspended Myles Garrett (for at least the rest of the season – 6 games), Pittsburgh’s Maurice Pouncey who threw several punches and kicks at Garrett was suspended for 3 games, and Larry Ogunjobi who shoved Rudolph to the ground was suspended for 1 game.

But what about Mason Rudolph, who’s now been seen in multiple still shots kicking, attempting to yank Garrett helmet off, and even reaching to grab Garrett’s private parts, what punishment will he face for his part in all this? As of now, nothing. The man who literally started all this… gets nothing? Is that fair?

To make things worse, Myles Garrett and the other two players who were suspended are Black, and Rudolph is White.

Why were the they suspended, and not him? Race is inevitable in sports but did that play a role in the decision? Despite Rudolph’s actions, does he not deserve any punishment, a suspension, fine, etc? Whether the punishments or lack there of are warranted, it looks bad. No pun intended, but the NFL continues to drop the ball… and this is just another example.

All Eyes on AB

September 8, 2019

by The LCR Editor with One Comment Featured Sports

The AB Raiders saga is over. AB arrived in Oakland with a contract guaranteeing him $30 million, and he’s leaving with $0, not even his “signing bonus.”

You might ask how does this happen, it’s worth another article, but this is reason #1,249 why the NFLPA is the worst union in all of professional sports… (a lack of actual guaranteed monies and contractual language that highly favors the team)

A short AB in Oakland timeline might be helpful…

In July, he was placed on the non-football injury list for a foot injury.

In August, he missed several practices in training camp due to his helmet grievances.

On Wednesday, September 4th, he was fined for missing practices and had a heated confrontation with General Manager Mike Mayock where he allegedly called him a “cracker.” (Ummm, yeah)

Cue Adam Schefter…

AB let sources know that he refused to play in Oakland since his once guaranteed money was no longer guaranteed, and asked for a release the next day…. via Instagram, of course. He also secretly recorded a conversation he had with Head Coach John Gruden, and then released a mini video with audio clips of the coach essentially trying to have a heart-to-heart talk with him where he basically asked him to stop doing this, whatever this is.

So upon his request the Raiders released him, and within hours the New England Patriots signed him to a 1-year deal worth $15 million with $9 million guaranteed. Yeah… despite his tumultuous exit from Pittsburgh, his short and rocky time in Oakland, he’s now a New England Patriot, who were already picked to return to the Super Bowl. With the addition of AB, it’s hard to think they won’t return with all the talent Brady now has on the outside.

Is that fair? Probably not. But what does that say about AB and the NFL?

AB has a lot of issues, clearly… whether he’s selfish, conceited, the money has gone to his head, mental health issues, or maybe he just doesn’t want to play football anymore and loves the attention, who knows, but something is going on. Whatever it is, we know the NFL is still willing to deal with it because at any moment this 5’9-185 lbs wide receiver can change the game in the blink of an eye. Based on his numbers alone, you can make the argument that he’s arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. And maybe that’s why the NFL is the only employer in the world, with the exception of other professional sports leagues, who will put up with such behavior and conduct detrimental to their organization and reputation, just because he gives them a greater chance to win, and win it all.

Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was trending on Twitter over the weekend… people were praising him for essentially controlling AB for all those years and somehow managing a locker room of 53 guys and still finding a way to contend for a championship every year. If that’s true, including many of AB’s former teammate Ryan Clark’s recent comments in which he’s criticized AB’s selfish behavior, then Tomlin probably does deserve some slack and an award or two for holding it together for as long as he did.

Will his antics stop in New England? Probably long enough for him to collect a few big checks. If that’s before or after they hoist the Lombardi trophy for winning Super Bowl LIV (54) in Miami Gardens on February 2, 2020… only AB knows.

Similar Read: Segregated Rosters

Segregated Rosters

March 17, 2019

by Independent Texan Male with 4 Comments Featured Sports

This current NFL offseason has been arguably the most eventful in NFL history. The antics of Antonio “big chest” Brown have been the most entertaining. Brown, arguably the best all-around wide receiver in the NFL, showcased his desire to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rarely seen in the NFL are players who publicly demand transactions on their behalf. Unlike in the NBA or Major League Baseball even, players in the NFL have found out all too well that the NFL is NOT a players league and only the very elite players have any leverage.

Some have tried to increase that leverage at their own personal expense.

Look no further than Antonio Brown’s former teammate, Le’Veon Bell. Bell, who sacrificed an entire season of play and salary, did so in an attempt to get running backs, in particular, bigger salaries and more guaranteed money.

His new contract with the Jets doesn’t really reflect any true success on that venture; however; the new collective bargaining between the NFL players association and the 32 owners is near, and I hope his sacrifice doesn’t go in total vain.

That was a good part of the offseason. The bad part is two-fold…

The past few days the NFL has been filled with player transactions. Either via trade or free agent signings, teams have been seen as either wanting to win or not knowing what they’re doing (cough the New York Giants).

It has to be mentioned this offseason saw the firing of five Black head coaches. All were replaced by a White head coach, shocker, except for Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins.

In conjunction with the firing of Black coaches has been a frenzy of free agent signings and trades.

Specifically, take a look at the Jets and Browns who both have made major moves this off-season. Each netting a top player at key positions. It’s important to note: those same moves and transactions were not made when they had Black head coaches. In other words, Black head coaches were given terrible rosters, yet expected to win. However, their White coaching replacements have been given day one rosters with Pro Bowl talent, which puts them in a much better position to win and be successful immediately.

Sounds like segregated payrolls to me and possibly a more sinister motive in the making.

The NY Jets General Manager of the past four years, Mike Maccagnan, kept his job. Despite voiding the Jets roster of a true pass rusher, running back, wide receiver, and of course a quarterback.

The Browns started to give Hue Jackson players this past season, and success soon followed while under his watch. However, nothing compared in what the Browns have recently done this offseason, including getting Odell Beckham Jr.

So what gives?

Why are Black coaches given little to no effort under their respective watch with proper rosters, yet as soon as they’re fired, the front office magically begins constructing a team capable of something.

I’m just waiting for the Dolphins to be as advertised, terrible, and fire Brian Flores sometime January 2020. And then sign Patrick Maholmes, Zeke Elliot, and Julio Jones March 2020, of course beforehand hire some random young White college coach who had coffee with Sean McVay and liked a picture of Baker Mayfield on Instagram. Because you know, that’s the growing credentials these days for NFL head coaches. ?

What the Giants Trade Says About the Black Athlete

March 12, 2019

by The LCR Editor with 4 Comments Featured Sports

In a blockbuster deal, the New York Giants traded star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr (OBJ) to the Cleveland Browns for 1st and 3rd round picks, and starting Safety Jabrill Peppers. Analysts argue whether or not OBJ was as explosive this season as he was prior to the injury. Nonetheless, the fact still remains, despite Saquon Barkley in the backfield, OBJ still demanded the attention of every Defensive Coordinator and their top Cornerback. Not to mention, just last year the Giants resigned him to a 5-year $90 million contract with $65 million guaranteed. And let’s just say their starting quarterback, Eli Manning, is on the decline… not necessarily playing at 2007 or 2011 peak playoff levels, which is somewhat expected… he just finished his 15th season with a depleted offensive line. In fact, most mock drafts have them drafting a quarterback in the first round.

So why trade arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, when you just drafted a great every-down running back in Saquon Barkley, and your 15-year quarterback is playing like he should’ve stopped playing at year 13?

Make it make sense. You can’t, because it doesn’t.

You decide to ship OBJ out of town… your dancing-loud-playmaker, yet arguably the best wide receiver in the league. And you decide to keep your over-the-hill quiet quarterback who, let’s face it, isn’t going to win you any games in his 16th season, and now he just lost his best weapon on the outside? You’d think this was the Cleveland Browns or the Detroit Lions making such personnel decisions, and not a storied franchise like the New York Giants.

Sure, you can make the argument that the Giants need to free up cap space to fill holes on the defense and other key positions… aka rebuild. But there’s not enough rebuilding in the world worth trading the best wide receiver in the league.

We’ve seen the NFL jeopardize winning over and over in order to make a point. The entire NFL did it with Colin Kaepernick. The Steelers did it with Le’Veon Bell, despite him statistically being the best running back over the past few seasons. You can make the argument that James Connor had a great season as his starting replacement, but ultimately they didn’t make the playoffs, and it’s hard to imagine them missing the playoffs with Bell on the field. And OBJ, vocal during the season about Eli’s play and not getting the ball, and other comments throughout his career as a Giant, sent him packing. Black athletes make plays, but whenever they question the front office and make legitimate demands regarding social justice (Kap), their salary (Bell), or who’s throwing them the ball (OBJ), both good and bad teams, are willing to lose in order to make a point. The Giants are willing to change their entire roster, literally, and likely have several losing seasons in a row to prove a point.

So we look ahead, and from a distance, the pastures appear to be pretty green for OBJ as a Cleveland Brown. He reunites with one of his best friends and former LSU teammate Jarvis Landry. He also reconnects with his former LSU and Giants wide receiver coach Adam Henry. If Baker Mayfield can continue to progress with now the best 1-2 punch on the outside in OBJ and Landry, not forgetting the Kareem Hunt pick up, it’ll be hard for Cleveland not to win the division and be a force in the playoffs.