Rich GelderJanuary 29, 2008 22:51 EST

For a guy who seemingly knows nothing about football, he sure takes alot of the enjoyment out of it.

Suppression of black expression? Give me a break!

And he's dead wrong about the whole speed thing. The reality is that speed, for the most part, is neither a gift from the Gods, nor from working one's ass off either on stairs, but rather a bequeath from genetics. Sorry to offend the politically correct types who are nodding in agreement with every word Mr. Meyer has to say.

Like Howard Cosell before him, he seems to have never played the game either.

Geoff WozniakFebruary 03, 2008 12:00 EST

This reads like conspiracy theory nonsense. I'm not sure what the thesis is. Individualism is punished? Of course it is in a team sport. Like Rich suggested, perhaps experience playing a team sport would change that opinion.

Byron LeClairFebruary 07, 2008 15:35 EST

Nonsense. I suggest that racism is not hidden by the league, because it does not exist. How many black/white tandems do you need to see before you question the basic supposition of this essay.

I think individual expression (black or white), including attitudes of racism are lost to tribalism, and that the need to belong to "the team" squelches even the most repugnant examples of individual expression (racism).

As for violence. This is a matter of perception. One man's violence is another man's glory.

Rob HarvieFebruary 08, 2008 18:33 EST

While interesting metaphores abound, and the article is very well written, it falls apart in terms of it's underlying premise - that professional football has eroded it's essential "honesty" by removing from public view it's most central appeal - violence and individualism - larglely at the expense of black athletes.

In point of fact, to begin with, the least popular of the three major sports is basketball - which most cleally continues to exemplify selfish individualism, and, coincidentally, most clearly allows for free expression of black cultural experience. The game has evolved into a never-ending dunk-fest, which, to many, has become tedious.

Clearly the poster children of the NBA have been the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James.. however, even the NBA seems to see the beauty and appreciation more sophisticated fans are developing for those who put team before self, witnessing Steve Nash and his success of late.

The NFL has changed, because society is changing.. and contrary to implication, it is not a reaction against the black athlete, it's a reaction against the concept of self ahead of team.. Like no other sport, football relies upon the cohesion of many parts. LeBron can carry the Cavaliers, however, as we clearly saw, Tom Brady can do nothing without a functional offensive line.

If we can ignore color for a moment.. who would you rather have as your leader on a team, or as a mentor to your impressionable child - Tom Brady, or Michael Vick?

ScooterApril 02, 2008 10:38 EST

In reading the author's paragraph on bodybuilding's futility etc., I was reminded of reading old Doors' lyrics by Jim Morrison: They sound very high brow and hard to analyze making you think that maybe they have some deep meaning, until you realize that they are simply nonsense.