National Football League

[nayr497]

I haven't watched an NFL game in years. One, they're so long and boring with the commercials that I'd rather be riding my bike or walking my dogs. Two, the drama, overanalysis, and interest stories are boring for me. Three, I think the games are rigged. Four, I don't like how many violent criminals are in the league. How many guys in the pro peloton have been caught with guns? Beaten their wives? Been caught drunk driving? Four...the CTE scandal that the league won't address. I played one year of football in high school and it was worse for my body than all other sporting combined, including DI college lacrosse.

I've given up on American football.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Re:

I haven't watched an NFL game in years. One...

I've given up on American football.

Other than that, what brings you to the thread?

 

[nayr497]

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

 

[Nomad]

Re:

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

Wow...you must be one of those Green Party dudes? I'd sure hate to hear your thoughts on NASCAR. Lol.

 

[Merckx index]

Re:

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

Nice list, but you forgot a few:

All the former NFL players addicted to pain killers and other pills.

Blackballing a capable backup QB for expressing his political opinion.

Whitewashing the Manning HGH investigation.

Games played on three days rest.

Fans beaten up by fans of the other team.

The effect of crowd noise on hearing.

Expecting local taxpayers to fund huge stadiums, and if they don't, moving.

Charging fans for games that don't even count.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Re: Re:

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

Wow...you must be one of those Green Party dudes? I'd sure hate to hear your thoughts on NASCAR. Lol.

Nah. According to his post in the NBA thread he was a D-I athletic-scholorshipped hoopster who flew commercial airlines to away games so fat americans could drive their gas guzzling cars to watch him play while they consumed low quality animal products, created trash, got drunk, and then drive home under the influence. A Green Party dude wouldn't be part of the problem. Lol.

 

[Nomad]

Re: Re:

Do you recall Philly's 2012 season with Reid at the helm?

Good detective work.

What exactly are we basing Mahomes ability on? Right now? Being drafted high? Practice? Scrimmage? A passer rating of 126.4 against the 49ers in a preseason game? That number is such an absurdly small sample size, and absurd way to gauge his future ability. He was 7/9 for 49 yards.

There have been two knocks on Smith his entire career. The first that he doesn't win games for you. Well, he doesn't lose them either. And he has won plenty of games actually. He's also put up some excellent numbers as one of the most accurate arms in the last decade, plus he's mobile, and more physical than given credit for. The other knock has been, for whatever the reason, while his arm strength is okay, for being such an extremely accurate passer short, he isn't that accurate long, or won't pull the trigger sometimes on long passes. Last year Andy Reid started calling for more long throws, and in the 49er game we saw Smith (also Brey and Mahomes) attempt to throw long. Will that continue? How will Smith respond? Unknown right now.

I think to call for the end of Smith's career, and push to get Mahomes in there to lead the Chiefs to the promised land based on this is crazy.

Having said that, teams, GM's, even solid coaches have done far crazier things.

But let's say Smith does get hurt. Let's say he has an injury he can't quite get 100%, but can get on the field, and during that time he is struggling. But when Mahomes gets in there when Alex is hurt, he is throwing very well, deep, (he appears to have a very strong arm, stronger than Smith), and comfortable in there. Then what? I agree Reid could decide to keep Mahomes playing, if on a short leash. I view Reid as an intellectual coach, a practical coach. So anything is possible. I just don't see him thinking because Alex hasn't won enough big games, and Mahomes was drafted high, naming Mahomes the starter this year, unless Smith gets hurt, or really falters.

Maybe the best news for KC and everyone involved is that they seem pretty supportive of each other. Smith may see the long term writing on the wall, but seemed to really encourage Mahomes, and Mahomes seemed to appreciate his opportunity, and to learn as much as anything...for now.

The bigger knock on Smith would be his inability to take a team deep into the playoffs and onto the SB. His postseason record is 2-4 (1-3 with the Chiefs) with no SB appearances. Remember he's a #1 overall pick. At KC, he's had stellar defenses and some good weapons to work with on offense, and as a consequence they've won a lot of games during the regular season. However, in postseason things change dramatically and KC has failed to advance time & time again. Last year exemplifies this debacle: 12-4 record, division champs, 1st rd bye, hosts Pittsburgh in the 2nd rd and gets beat 18-16 by a badly broken down Big Ben who could barely play (he was basically playing on one leg with that knee injury). Smith plays average at best, but after scoring late in the game, KC needs a 2 pt conversion to tie and on a second attempt Smith throws an incompletion. Game over and a 12-4 season & division title down the toilet. Same old story with Smith...nothing new there.

So, this is not good with the Hunt family and it must have been time to move on (who would have thought). In fact, I would characterize it as desperation the way they moved in on Mahomes. Recall Buffalo had the 10th pick & KC the 27th. Buffalo was not interested in a QB, as they seem committed to Taylor. Trubisky is going to be taken by Chicago with the 2nd pick and that leaves Mahomes & Watson as the next two best on the board (teams with picks 3 through 9 didn't have a need at QB). Houston with the 12th & Arizona with the 13th are very interested in Mahomes, more so than Watson (first clue that this kid is special). KC makes the move by trading their 1st & 3rd rd pick and next year's 1st rounder for Mahomes...basically out bid the other two clubs. Mahomes is then given a sweet 4 yr/16.4 mil deal with a 10 mil signing bonus! With the desperation draft move and the big $$$, it doesn't sound like this was done for the purposes of sitting Mahomes for the next 2 to 3 seasons under the tutelage of Smith.

Come season opener, no doubt Smith will be starter. However, I'm not convinced that if by the 2nd half of season the Chiefs are subpar, and particularly if Smith is struggling, that the Texas gunslinger wouldn’t supplant Smith as the starter. As I mentioned, Ried did it before at Philly. And in this interview, Smith sees the writing on the wall and believes KC is only committed to him for this season:

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19405595/qb-alex-smith-thinks-kansas-city-chiefs-committed-only-season

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I don't doubt that KC is only committed to Smith for one season, but much of that has to do with money, and perception.

If you look at history, what percentage of NFL QB's take teams to six playoff games? Or even win any at all? Heck, Dan Marino was 8-10 in playoff games. Matt Ryan is 3-5. Trent Dilfer was 5-1. I'd even argue Smith would have a better record had the 49ers not benched him for Kaepernick. Though I would concur I am not so confident that Smith would have beaten the Ravens that SB. So the question becomes, what do you suppose the odds are that Mahomes can lead the team to a positive playoff record? Based on...what exactly?

Or are you implying, as I have noted in this thread many times, that teams fall in love with rookies, because they have a strong bias that sees them never having struggled or failed in the NFL before?

 

[nayr497]

Re: Re:

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

Wow...you must be one of those Green Party dudes? I'd sure hate to hear your thoughts on NASCAR. Lol.

Nah. According to his post in the NBA thread he was a D-I athletic-scholorshipped hoopster who flew commercial airlines to away games so fat americans could drive their gas guzzling cars to watch him play while they consumed low quality animal products, created trash, got drunk, and then drive home under the influence. A Green Party dude wouldn't be part of the problem. Lol.

Nobody watched me play. I played for the pleasure of the sport and competition. I played an honorable game, didn't dope, and I wasn't a criminal. Nice evaluation though.

 

[nayr497]

Re: Re:

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

Wow...you must be one of those Green Party dudes? I'd sure hate to hear your thoughts on NASCAR. Lol.

Frustrating how Giving a S*it means I must be a "Green Party" dude. Nah, I just actually care about the planet and other living creatures.

 

[nayr497]

Re: Re:

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

Nice list, but you forgot a few:

All the former NFL players addicted to pain killers and other pills.

Blackballing a capable backup QB for expressing his political opinion.

Whitewashing the Manning HGH investigation.

Games played on three days rest.

Fans beaten up by fans of the other team.

The effect of crowd noise on hearing.

Expecting local taxpayers to fund huge stadiums, and if they don't, moving.

Charging fans for games that don't even count.

Right! What happened to Manning and the HGH scandal? That really did disappear. Must be nice to be popular. And white.

And yes, how bizarre that public funds go towards stadiums. Backwards situation.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Show me a major sport where this isn't the issue?

Basketball has 82 games per season. MLB 162, that's 10 times the amount of travel, fans, junk food, trash, etc.

Does anyone think the majority of people who eat crap food and sit on their rear watching football, would otherwise be getting exercise and eating super healthy during that same time?

It's all like trying to honestly name a sport where no one dopes.

 

[Nomad]

Re: Re:

Right! What happened to Manning and the HGH scandal? That really did disappear. Must be nice to be popular. And white.

The "popular" Richard Sherman tested positive for a stimulant back in 2012, appealed the test and threatened to sue, and consequently was NOT suspended for a PED positive. And he's black.

https://www.si.com/si-wire/2012/12/27/richard-sherman-suspension-drug-test-sue-seahawks-nfl

 

[movingtarget]

Re: Re:

Right! What happened to Manning and the HGH scandal? That really did disappear. Must be nice to be popular. And white.

The "popular" Richard Sherman tested positive for a stimulant back in 2012, appealed the test and threatened to sue, and consequently was NOT suspended for a PED positive. And he's black.

https://www.si.com/si-wire/2012/12/27/richard-sherman-suspension-drug-test-sue-seahawks-nfl

I think drug testing in sport is barely hitting the surface. To be effective they would have to be doing much more research costing much more money. They have given up basically. It's like the war on drugs so called, that was lost years ago. Ask Mexican journalists and policemen. The Jamaican track team don't even get tested in their own country. What has been found in Russia re corruption has probably been going on since the 60s. So you get the ridiculous situation now when Russians are competing at the World titles as neutral athletes, not representing their country. As long as cycling avoids the Landis/Armstrong situations they are reasonably happy but if Quintana and Froome were caught doping considering what has happened in the past I think the entire sport would be under threat. It would be too damaging for long time sponsors. And that's what the authorities want to avoid. How much corruption is going on or low level doping is being overlooked is hard to say but it's not in their interest or the sport's to be too strict. And like computer hackers with computer security it seems that doctors are usually ahead of the authorities in how to manipulate testing and performances.

 

[movingtarget]

NFL versus the Players Union re Elliott case

http://p.nytimes.com/email/re?location=pMJKdIFVI6pghfX2HXfSzxRpdoyDWYNW3fjiFYfs57u3ewG6/DXbwRnm+xhYZ01er9Sw1/Kjd0fZzEzsOoTT1WApKscod/2DJ9dNw5qPRAo0e3+k2/iSNdnr6DHwvnH1zgqwDJEhs+2Jr1wVte201W7VxZCEEHeWsJxnUtkxWA0=&campaign_id=129&instance_id=101700&segment_id=111936&user_id=12d98412e3bcc0522f6cfbf4c21c54e6&regi_id=42685115

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

NFLPA on the losing end of that one, if nothing else in the court of public opinion. Having been burned so badly with the Ray Rice instance, there's no way Goodell is backing down one single inch. Even if an arbitrator changes the suspension.

Meanwhile, after a sloppy loss to the Bucs, the Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said the QB job is up for grabs between Blake Bortles, and Chad Henne, and maybe third string second year backup Brandon Allen, who has yet to play a regular season down, but outplayed both so far in the pre season. This has to be huge disappointment to Bortles, and his mediocre play, 2 preseason games in a row, and apparently in practice, a letdown for fans in Jax as well.

On the flip side, I continue to think the Bucs, and Jameis Winston are going to not just contend for a wild card this year, but for the division title. They seem solid, prepared, and balanced on both sides of the ball.

Jay Cutler looked okay for Miami, and across the field, Ryan Mallet looked iffy for Baltimore, replacing the hurt Flacco, making more than a few people wonder how well Kaepernick would have done in his place.

Bad news for Buffalo is that after the Bills put stock in Tyrod Taylor for this season, and traded away Cardale Jones - raw, but talented, and dumping Sammy Watkins...Taylor has stunk so far. After a mediocre start against Minnesota, he looked terrible against Philly. A 12.0 passer rating. TJ Yates (remember him?) is their backup.

Not that the Eagles looked that good. They seem to have real OL issues, and are going to, I think, put too much weight on Wentz shoulders.

CB Sean Smith has been charged with a felony, and will be arraigned in late September. One thing the Raiders don't need. They've always been a team with an edge, but between this, Lynch sitting for the anthem, they run the risk of having internal distractions, if only caused by external noise.

Numerous preseason games this sunday. If you're going to catch up a little, this will be a good day to do it.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

NFLPA on the losing end of that one, if nothing else in the court of public opinion. Having been burned so badly with the Ray Rice instance, there's no way Goodell is backing down one single inch. Even if an arbitrator changes the suspension.

Meanwhile, after a sloppy loss to the Bucs, the Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said the QB job is up for grabs between Blake Bortles, and Chad Henne, and maybe third string second year backup Brandon Allen, who has yet to play a regular season down, but outplayed both so far in the pre season. This has to be huge disappointment to Bortles, and his mediocre play, 2 preseason games in a row, and apparently in practice, a letdown for fans in Jax as well.

On the flip side, I continue to think the Bucs, and Jameis Winston are going to not just contend for a wild card this year, but for the division title. They seem solid, prepared, and balanced on both sides of the ball.

Jay Cutler looked okay for Miami, and across the field, Ryan Mallet looked iffy for Baltimore, replacing the hurt Flacco, making more than a few people wonder how well Kaepernick would have done in his place.

Bad news for Buffalo is that after the Bills put stock in Tyrod Taylor for this season, and traded away Cardale Jones - raw, but talented, and dumping Sammy Watkins...Taylor has stunk so far. After a mediocre start against Minnesota, he looked terrible against Philly. A 12.0 passer rating. TJ Yates (remember him?) is their backup.

Not that the Eagles looked that good. They seem to have real OL issues, and are going to, I think, put too much weight on Wentz shoulders.

CB Sean Smith has been charged with a felony, and will be arraigned in late September. One thing the Raiders don't need. They've always been a team with an edge, but between this, Lynch sitting for the anthem, they run the risk of having internal distractions, if only caused by external noise.

Numerous preseason games this sunday. If you're going to catch up a little, this will be a good day to do it.

Tyrod Taylor seemed to be on the outer last year but maybe he was saved by Rex Ryan's disappearance. Silly move to get rid of the backup while retaining the injury prone starter. No way Buffalo would have signed Kaep after the behavior of fans last year but I am still scratching my head about the Ravens not signing him to a one year contract. The only reason the Jets wouldn't sign him is because they expect to crash and burn and sack the coach so it's a tank year for them and a rebuild on the way.

 

[Nomad]

Re: Re:

Right! What happened to Manning and the HGH scandal? That really did disappear. Must be nice to be popular. And white.

The "popular" Richard Sherman tested positive for a stimulant back in 2012, appealed the test and threatened to sue, and consequently was NOT suspended for a PED positive. And he's black.

https://www.si.com/si-wire/2012/12/27/richard-sherman-suspension-drug-test-sue-seahawks-nfl

I think drug testing in sport is barely hitting the surface. To be effective they would have to be doing much more research costing much more money. They have given up basically. It's like the war on drugs so called, that was lost years ago. Ask Mexican journalists and policemen. The Jamaican track team don't even get tested in their own country. What has been found in Russia re corruption has probably been going on since the 60s. So you get the ridiculous situation now when Russians are competing at the World titles as neutral athletes, not representing their country. As long as cycling avoids the Landis/Armstrong situations they are reasonably happy but if Quintana and Froome were caught doping considering what has happened in the past I think the entire sport would be under threat. It would be too damaging for long time sponsors. And that's what the authorities want to avoid. How much corruption is going on or low level doping is being overlooked is hard to say but it's not in their interest or the sport's to be too strict. And like computer hackers with computer security it seems that doctors are usually ahead of the authorities in how to manipulate testing and performances.

When a player from the NFL is busted for PED use or substance abuse it doesn't seem to be too nefarious, as opposed to the more sensitive issue of domestic violence and firearm violations with players (e.g., DV cases involving Rice, Manziel, Elliott). In fact, none of the fans even seem to care much with players suspended for PED use/substance abuse, especially if their team is winning (ever hear of the fans or media refer to the player as a "doper," or a "cheat?").

Sometimes a player suspended generally goes unnoticed unless you follow that particular team. Other than Steelers fans, how many were aware that Megatron receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended all of last year for multiple substance abuse violations? Then at this year's combine two players (Foster & Peppers) tested positive for allegedly diluting their samples. Lol. And now the Cowboys have another defensive player suspended for a PED violation (David Irving/4 games), to go along with Randy Gregory's one year suspension for multiple violations:

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/5/23/15680874/cowboys-defense-suspension-david-irving

There's probably more that I missed, and certainly there's more to come. But I think in the grand scheme of things, most NFL fans have accepted PED use & substance abuse as part of the game.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Yeah PED/substance abuse vs DV is like the lesser of two evils b/c in the former the victim and abuser are the same person, whereas in DV an abuser hurts someone else who is typically physically weaker. But I have long been against PED etc use in the NFL, and have said so in this thread probably over a year ago for the simple fact that what is permissible in the NFL filters down to high schools. That and substances that are obtainable by HSers may not be safe because product source control related to quality is not likely to be very good. You may have heard about the drug bust in CA several years ago where steroid products were being manufactured in some guys garage and sold on the streets or to gym rat trainers. This guy was importing the raw material from a foreign country to pass customs, then personally manufacturing the product. I don't know of many HS users, but one I do know of did not help the individual perform better on the field b/c he did not have adequate skills or talent to begin with. It just made him irritable.

 

[jmdirt]

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20393639/oakland-raiders-duo-derek-carr-places-hand-khalil-mack-shoulder-national-anthem

 

[blutto]

Re: Re:

To express my dismay that a sport that ruins the brains and bodies of the players is now the national religion. And it's run by rich white men and played by almost all black guys. And the league is denying brain trauma. And that we have a national obesity epidemic but the NFL lures people in to sit around for 4+ hours at a time. And that there is still a fear of letting black guys coach or play QB. And that a prestigious university allowed a a sexual predator to operate on campus for years and they still have a team. And people still wear their gear around town.

So...just that. And a few other things.
Call me a conscientious objector of American football.

And I didn't even mention the amount of pollution and environmental damage caused by:
1) flying those enormous teams around the globe for 10 months a year
2) feeding hundreds of thousands of fans horrible food at the stadium
3) all those people driving private cars to games
4) the number of animals raised in horrible conditions to keep 330 pound men 330 pounds
5) the trash produced by all those fat humans eating factory foods for 4+ hours in the stands

AND the number of drunk drivers put on our roads every Saturday and Sunday by football, with people tailgaiting for 2+ hours, then drinking for a 4+ hour game.

Hope I've expressed myself clearly enough for you.

Wow...you must be one of those Green Party dudes? I'd sure hate to hear your thoughts on NASCAR. Lol.

....or as my friends call it Red Neck Round-D-Round....yeah just oodles of fun....and btw agree with both the initial critique and MI's added comments....and I even played....in retrospect even dumber than criteriums....though I gotta say the athleticism shown in the high-lite reels is pretty mind boggling....and then there is the ugly end when the player's career comes crashing down....what did the recent examination of the brains of 112 former players show ?....brain damage in 111 cases.....which is hardly a draw....and the way the game is presented is also not a draw....it is getting so choreographed it is really acquiring the feel and charm of a sausage making machine....

....all that being said I still follow it....just inertia thru the ages ?....because it is such a huge part of North American culture ?....and for some reason the college game has more appeal.....

Cheers

 

[leftover pie]

I'm itching for the season to start, our local football is winding down for the year and my team, after breaking through last year for it's first win in 63 years (and i was there to see it!) is looking like it will miss the finals (talk about coming back to earth with a thud).

So needless to say the start of the NFL season can't come quick enough - so many teams seem to be on the verge of turmoil with questions over QB.. so i'd love to hear people's predictions:

-Who will win the NFC, AFC and then the superbowl?
-First coach to be fired?
-Biggest fall from grace? (could be a team or a player that goes from contender to pretender)
-Which starting QB will be benched first* (no need to answer that til Week 1)


And please add to this list...

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Red neck round D round. Snicker. That's funny.

After the Browns marginally beat the Giants in tonight's NFL pre-season game, several thoughts come to mind:
- of the 7 QBs only one, Eli Manning, played worth a spit.
- Browns Osweiller was unimpressive but didn't do anything to lose the job. Nor do much to win it. Pressure will still be on him.
- Browns' Kiser, while many say looks the part, still looks like the would-have-been Notre Dame junior shoulda stayed at ND for his junior year by missing a wide open target for what shoulda been a TD. Overshot him with no touch on the ball. Not an uncommon rookie mistake, but one that casts some doubt on his readiness as starter.
- I thought the Browns let, or Kiser chose, to run recklessly, and he paid by getting tagged pretty hard on one play. Not smart!
- the Browns defense looks the part too and should be fun to watch this year as new DC "bountygate" Williams installs his brand of defense.
- near the goal line, Browns defense made Giants retread QB Geno Smith look rattled and nervous as the Browns MLB called off a blitz and picked off a short pass by Smith.

I love Jon Gruden & his commentary. Typically! But have to take issue with his plea (probably forced by the NFL & ESPN) for all kids to come try football and give it a shot. It's known that football participation in some areas is down due to worries over safety and head trauma. Sorry, but football is not for everybody and there's nothing wrong with kids not playing. You'd be surprised how many kids come out for high school freshman football not knowing how to tackle properly! All because of unqualified, poor coaching at younger ages. If the NFL seriously wants to increase youth participation, instead of saying "give football a shot", more needs to be done to improve youth safety by requiring youth coaches to be trained on proper safety techniques (tackling & collisions by running into), and that coaches be required to not just teach the correct technique, but also to refuse to put a player in a game until players demonstrate in practice that they have mastered it. Woa to the pitiful parent who asks their kid's coach "Why didn't you play our son?" And props to the coach who replies "I won't play Johnny until he learns to tackle safely". Better a live and healthy kid than a dead one, one with a broken neck, or a concussed kid. But the NFL is negligent to say "give it a shot" but do nothing else. Sometimes I think the NFL is a meat factory.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Re:

I'm itching for the season to start, our local football is winding down for the year and my team, after breaking through last year for it's first win in 63 years (and i was there to see it!) is looking like it will miss the finals (talk about coming back to earth with a thud).

So needless to say the start of the NFL season can't come quick enough - so many teams seem to be on the verge of turmoil with questions over QB.. so i'd love to hear people's predictions:

-Who will win the NFC, AFC and then the superbowl?
-First coach to be fired?
-Biggest fall from grace? (could be a team or a player that goes from contender to pretender)
-Which starting QB will be benched first* (no need to answer that til Week 1)


And please add to this list...

Winding down? Ours winding up. Where the H you from?

1st QB benched: Houston's starter. No matter who gets to start day-1. But my guess is Savage or Weeden will be replaced by Deshaun Watson. Or Osweiller for Deshone Kiser. Not Paxton Lynch or Pat Mahomes yet.

1st HC fired: can't say Rex Ryan. He's in the booth with ESPN. Wild A guess, Jets or Bengals HC.

Fall from grace: Zeke Elliot. Wait! He's already falling. So, Dak Prescott. Sophomore slump. Team fall: Dallas.

SB: Raiders vs Seattle.

 

[leftover pie]

Re: Re:

Winding down? Ours winding up. Where the H you from?.

Australia (aussie rules football), we have one more regular season week of AFL and then the finals.

Interesting nomination of coaches - if the Bengals even look like missing the playoffs I'd have to agree with you.