Double Standard ?????

[Big Pimpin]

7. Michael Irvin Pulls A Michael Richards.

Okay, folks. We're officially confused about this whole racism thing.

We get the part that calls for white guys to be severely punished and/or fired if they make bigoted, ignorant statements. Al Campanis, Rush Limbaugh, Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder.

And the latest chapter in this history of racial prejudice comes courtesy of Michael Richards, whom most people know not as "Michael Richards" but as Cosmo Kramer, the hilarious hipster doofis who lived across the hall from Jerry Seinfeld.

Each made unfortunate statements, and each paid the price.

The best example for present purposes is Snyder, who once quipped (while possibly half in the bag) that blacks are better at sports than whites due to the selective breeding practices of slave owners.

In each case, we agree with the outcry that ensued, although we still think Limbaugh's punishment resulted more from his right-wing beliefs than from the actual content of his comments.

But what of the African-American public figure who makes comments just as idiotic, and arguably as blatantly racist? Why is a pass granted in this regard?

The most recent incident? ESPN's Michael Irvin. Appearing Monday on ESPN Radio's The Dan Patrick Show, Irvin pulled a Jimmy "The Greek" when suggesting that one possible explanation for Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's strong performance is that one of his ancestors got it on with one of those big man slaves to which Snyder referred nearly 20 years ago.

Said Irvin of Romo: "He doesn't look like he's that type of an athlete. But he is. He is, man. I don't know . . . some brother down in that line somewhere. . . . I don't know who saw what or where, his great-great-great-great-grandma ran over in the 'hood or something went down."

Recognizing the idiocy of Irvin's comments, Dan Patrick said, "Oh, that's the only way he can be a great athlete?"

"That's not the only way, but it's certainly one way," Irvin said. "If great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandma pulled one of them studs up out of the barn [and said], 'Come on in here for a second,' you know, and they go out and work in the yard. You know, back in the day."

Irvin likely would claim that he was joking, if the standard that has been applied to white men who have made similar comments were also applied to the Playmaker. He was, after all, laughing through some of his comments.

But does that make the comments any less ignorant, or any less racist? Irvin basically is saying that, when a white man is a great athlete, there must be something out of the ordinary occurring, because the average white man simply can't do the same things that the average black man can.

Can someone please explain to us why Irvin hasn't been fired or suspended or even called out for his comments?



Wonder what would have happened if Marino or Bradshaw,etccc....would have said this. Not surprising coming from a crackhead

[guzzi]

can u feel da ewektrwiscity...

[Luckyluciano]

Cant stand Michael Irvin. Hated him as a player (was at the game that ended his career in the Vet ) and think he is always high when I see him on ESPN or listen to him on the radio... F'N Idiot in my opinion!!!

[jonnyblaze]

Im kinda down with Mike Irvin. He's entertaining.

[Big Pimpin]

Originally Posted by jonnyblaze

Im kinda down with Mike Irvin. He's entertaining.

shocker

[Steel]

[Will]

mike irvin is such a dip shit, i wish espn would fire him his sense of reasoning amounts to a 12 y/o w/ down syndrom

[TCD619]

they're scared to get sued if they fire him. remember harold reynolds getting fired from espn? he's suing. i always liked him. he supposedly had a bogus sexual harrasment charge.

i used to like irvin, but if he's saying the only way to be successful is to be black, he better get himself checked out!

[BigFratDaddy]

i really like michael irvin for obvious reasons me beign such a big cowboy fan, but this comment is ridiculous. if a white person made a comment like that his career would be over. black people get a free pass card when it comes to racism and discrimination against other races. I mean one example its BET. If there was a channel called WET ( white entertianment television) i guarentee itd be shut down within a year.

[eek4ever]

Originally Posted by BigFratDaddy

If there was a channel called WET ( white entertianment television) i guarentee itd be shut down within a year.

Yea cuz it would have every other channel aside from BET and UPN to contend with....

[eek4ever]

harold reynolds thing was ridiculous...i hope he wins his lawsuit. i wouldnt dismiss that one bein a case of racism. irvin's a bone fide idiot tho. hes a sassy loudmouth...hes like a black skip bayless.

[Seanie Mac]

Originally Posted by BigFratDaddy

i really like michael irvin for obvious reasons me beign such a big cowboy fan, but this comment is ridiculous. if a white person made a comment like that his career would be over. black people get a free pass card when it comes to racism and discrimination against other races. I mean one example its BET. If there was a channel called WET ( white entertianment television) i guarentee itd be shut down within a year.

so very true