In Jason Whitlock’s latest column for FOX Sports.com, he discussed Donovan McNabb’s comments that black quarterbacks are more criticized than their white counterparts. To summarize the article, Whitlock supported McNabb’s comments, although he also felt that they were, “incomplete and therefore, out of context.” Whitlock went on to defend his opinion by stating McNabb has received less help on the field than Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady, as well as off the field, citing several instances which I’ve gathered below.
Donovan McNabb has been attacked from every racial angle. A leader of the Philadelphia NAACP ripped McNabb for becoming more of a pocket passer. He’s criticized by some for being too close to his parents. His leadership ability has been questioned because he didn’t respond forcefully enough to TO’s stupidity.
Wow. This dude is as good as it gets. He comes from a great home, wonderful, dignified parents. He’s carried himself with class through a ton of adversity. He’s a winner. He’s exactly what we claim we want pro athletes to be.
But somehow that’s not good enough. And you think there’s not more criticism heaped on black quarterbacks?
I was with Whitlock up until the last sentence. It’s hard to argue that McNabb has seen more trials and tribulations than some of the more renowned white quarterbacks. But McNabb is only one person, making him one black quarterback. Whitlock is referring to McNabb’s troubles, not all black quarterbacks in the league. So it’s hard to insinuate that all black quarterbacks are criticized based only on what has happened to McNabb. If Whitlock made a specific case for all black quarterbacks, then his argument might be stronger. But in my opinion, that still leaves McNabb’s comments shortsighted.
