11/05/24
January 01, 2006
Ex-Ohio State Star Runner Wanted for Armed Robbery: Maurice Clarrett is wanted by Police on Sunday after being accused of using a gun to rob 2 people behind an alley in Columbus, Ohio.
posted by skydivedad to football at 01:43 PM - 107 comments
I have never liked Clarrett, part of that being that I am a die-hard Michigan fan. What I have always wondered however, is why Ohio State didn't recieve sanctions after it was found Clarrett was inelligible the season they won the title. I have always wondered why Ohio State didn't recieve the treatment other teams may of had, such as bowl privilages revoked or the championship taken away. Can anyone tell me why it ended up as such?
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 02:30 PM on January 01, 2006
Because the NCAA, much like the rest of the country, hates the Wolverines.
posted by mick at 02:56 PM on January 01, 2006
I am sure hundreds of other players wish they had the opportunities that Clarrett was given. What a waste of talent. To Dan H., you can't the ghetto out of the boy, just like you can't take the redneck out of the trailer park.
posted by TYLAW#1FAN at 04:02 PM on January 01, 2006
sadly im not suprised after so many things gone wrong that was probally his entertaiment
posted by Barry-from-H-town at 04:18 PM on January 01, 2006
You can take the boy out of the ghetto but you can't take the ghetto out of the BOY!!! posted by Dan H. at 2:28 PM CST on January 1 To Dan H., you can't the ghetto out of the boy, just like you can't take the redneck out of the trailer park. posted by TYLAW#1FAN at 4:02 PM CST on January 1 I didn't see anywhere in the article where it says this guy was from the ghetto. Stop making assumptions, maybe mommy and daddy cut him off after they bought him the white SUV and he didn't have enough money to renew the minutes on his cell phone.
posted by skydivemom at 04:18 PM on January 01, 2006
Let this be a lesson to all of you "STAY IN SCHOOL" did he not have a scholarship to go to school, just another case of "I think I'm good enough to play in the NFL now look at me" syndrome Good luck Maurice, now go away!
posted by Bolts4me at 04:24 PM on January 01, 2006
With that blazing 4.8 in the combine, I'm surprised he got away!
posted by JALVES at 05:05 PM on January 01, 2006
We can all learn something from everyone. Thank you Maurice Clarrett for showing our youngsters what NOT to do. God bless you and we pray that you will be able to turn your life around and somewhere down the line, hopefully in the near future, you will be able to make positive contributions to society.
posted by babooze808 at 06:04 PM on January 01, 2006
By the way, that ghetto remark was way outta line.
posted by babooze808 at 06:05 PM on January 01, 2006
mhm. Not to mention calling him "BOY!!!"
posted by chicobangs at 06:23 PM on January 01, 2006
Well, at least he is trying to earn his own way and is not on public assistance. he 22-year-old Clarett fled when the bar owner or manager, who knew both Clarett and the victims, came into the alley and identified him shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday, detectives said. Who is the reporter? Maybe I am just picky but to write a report and state that the main witness was either the " owner or manager " seems odd. Is that how he identified himself?... " Hi, I am Joe Brown and I either own or manage the bar." The Columbus police detectives could not put out an APB for the apprehension of Clarett based upon an ID made by either the "owner or manager" of the bar. It is standard procedure to seek a suspect for questioning. Yet, Clarett is already wanted for aggravated robbery, based upon a third party ID. Did they ID his vehicle?... or was he wearing a game jersey? The "owner or manager" came into the alley, when during the crime? Then wouldn't there be a third count of assault or robbery? It just seems a little under reported that's all. Guilty until proven innocent, right? No, that doesn't sound right.
He sure the hell isn't a man
posted by mick at 06:30 PM on January 01, 2006
Well, if he ends up in jail, he'll be getting public assistance because all of us tax payers will be paying the bill to keep him there. This is just the beginning of more and more trouble he'll be getting into.
posted by dbt302 at 07:24 PM on January 01, 2006
At least if he is in jail we can keep an eye on him, otherwise our tax money will be taking care of him in the form of welfare and he will be on the loose terrorizing innocent people who are trying to make an honest living.
posted by Dan H. at 08:06 PM on January 01, 2006
To the Dan H character, the welfare comment, I'm sorry but that had nothing to do with the subject of Maurice Clarrett...Sounds to me like your a little prejudice, and him terrorizing innocent people, I think not, leave the ignorant comments to yourself..And he is making an honest living, he's a pro football player...He should be punished for his actions and that's that...And if I were you, I would never call a black man a BOY, not in 2006!!!!!
posted by mzcoop at 09:22 PM on January 01, 2006
TO: Dan H Can we please act as adults and have a civilized conversation. Keep the racists comments to yourself. Why do you assume he is on welfare, because he is black? Despite what Clarett is accused of he is innocent until proven guilty. Rather he is guilty or innocent I hope he can get his life back on track.
posted by TYLAW#1FAN at 09:31 PM on January 01, 2006
clarrett was cut by denver in august. He was not picked up by any other team. He is then, Not a pro football player. Never was and never will be. You have to make a team to be a pro. Also he's only 22. In my mind, that makes him a BOY still.
posted by azdano at 09:41 PM on January 01, 2006
From the streets of Youngstown...to Ohio State....to the streets of Columbus! You da man...loser! Hey Maurice, you gonna call Jim "the Racist" Brown to try and bail you out of this one? Just like Mike Tyson, once a thug, always a thug. He has a juvenile record, now he can have a criminal record as an adult too.
posted by CountDracula58 at 09:55 PM on January 01, 2006
I don't know what's more sad, maurice clarrett being such a failure or knowing people like Dan H still exist in this world!
posted by Grrrlacher at 10:09 PM on January 01, 2006
Any you "good ole boys" from the South?...cause it sounds like somebody's fixin' on gettin' a rope...You should ask yourself before you go off and do sumptin' you might regret later, WWRPD? What Would Richard Petty do? " Ohio, Where free thoughts go to die."- Homer Simpson -
The person I blame for this sad show is Maurice's mother. SHE was the one who told him not to go back to school. SHE is the one who told him to go to the pros early. SHE was the one who told him it wasn't fair for the school to not give him the things he deserved as well as the combine fiasco. His father told him to go back to school & wait for the pros. His ego & his mother. This is why he is where he is today...
posted by juniumic at 10:22 PM on January 01, 2006
Hey TYLAW#1FAN, now you want to have everyone act as adults and have a civilized conversation? What about your earlier Redneck/trailer park reference? I haven't lived in a trailer park or a ghetto but you are both out of line.
posted by Reno at 10:28 PM on January 01, 2006
Reno and everyone else, please address the topic. If you have something personal to say to someone, take it to email. Personally, I'm surprised at how much hatred Clarett has engendered. Sure, he crossed the league and made some PR blunders, but people blow off college and show up unprepared (or unable to run a fast enough 40) for the NFL combine all the time. And yet people act like he shot their parents or destroyed the fabric of society or something. Are people really that offended by the fact that he took legal action against the NFL? Is it really that big a deal to anyone? Seriously. This wave of hate is way out of proportion to what's happened. So he played himself out of the NFL and now he's got some hard growing up to do. I don't know if I'd do a whole lot better in his shoes.
posted by chicobangs at 10:45 PM on January 01, 2006
...was accused of robbing two people at gunpoint in an alley behind a bar early Sunday, Chico, if he is guilty, I think you would have done better. I believe in you man! The rest of the hatred on this thread? I think RZA may actually have a platform here...sad, but possibly true.
posted by tselson at 11:08 PM on January 01, 2006
I don't hate the man. Hopefully, he will grow up & be able to get back into the NFL before it is too late. He is ruining his opportunity that some of us wish for. You are right though - he is only accused of it.
posted by juniumic at 11:52 PM on January 01, 2006
I think RZA may actually have a platform here I thought i saw the bat signal. No sooner said then done. Yet another disgraceful thread for people like the racists above to spout off about a black man. Hatred breeds hatred. There is no convincing spofi to address threads like this. I mean, we have to have regular members like chico constantly request that the personal (racist) shit be taken to email. If clarret isnt an NFL player, why is this thread here? Isnt this a sports forum? No threads about the NBA stay in school program. No threads about the white owners jacking up the prices of the fucking tickets and robbing us blind. We need more threads about a black man that tried to play pro sports is "wanted" for questioning in regard to a robbery that he may or may not have committed. Now he's from the ghetto and on welfare. At least if he is in jail we can keep an eye on him, otherwise our tax money will be taking care of him in the form of welfare and he will be on the loose terrorizing innocent people who are trying to make an honest living What innocent person is strolling behind a bar at 2:00 am. If anything its a drug deal gone bad, and 1 of the people high was the owner/manager of the bar who bought the gold medal flower and thought it was coke. But, spin it as you wish cracker. What else can you do? You certainly cant defend yourself, so just lie and make yourself look like a pitiful victim. The actual guy guilty was probably seen "asking" clarret for an autograph before the bar closed and this is the spin they put on it. You know all black folk are related and hang together. Pretty soon thread headlines will just read "fuck you nigger" please post accordingly. Now the sad thing is, they will probably remove my post. Hows that for censorship.
posted by RZA at 12:15 AM on January 02, 2006
well put. the other thing is the bullshit about the lawsuit and him "quitting school." The thing is, he was over 18, an adult by any legal definition (why anyone would ever call a 22 year old a "boy" or "kid" is beyond me)- he wanted a job he was qualified to do and could have made a lot of money at, and the NFL denied him the job on the basis of age and tried to say it was for his own good- and look where he is now. Why anyone would endorse this moronic age discrimination is beyond me.
posted by drjimmy11 at 12:30 AM on January 02, 2006
Yet another disgraceful thread for people like the racists above to spout off about a black man. Again, RZA, the vast majority of the comments that you cherry-pick from the rascists are one offs by new members. They are not representative of SpoFi or its members. No threads about the NBA stay in school program. No threads about the white owners jacking up the prices of the fucking tickets and robbing us blind. Why not do it yourself? I think they'd both be great threads. But, spin it as you wish cracker. ... Hatred breeds hatred. Indeed. I'm not trying to pick on you, RZA. In fact, I'd do this via e-mail if you had one listed in your profile*. That said, I tend to only address members that have a lasting presence here, like yourself. I understand a lot of your points, but you seem to take the easy route and stereotype this site based on some whack-job (probably) drunk one-off comments. I just think you'd be better off addressing the issue at hand instead of the trolls. *feel free to e-mail me, though, should you wish.
posted by Ufez Jones at 01:00 AM on January 02, 2006
Just about how I figured this dumbshit would wind up, except that the crime would be drug-related somehow. Clarett is just another prime example of inflated ego and wasted talent. Oh well, so long as Reggie Bush stays "focused" and keeps himself grounded, who gives a damn what happens to Clarett.
posted by DICK_O_DEATH at 03:11 AM on January 02, 2006
Wow. What a way to kick off the new year for SportsFilter. Almost as good a start as Maurice. I was a little weirded out by the fact the bar owner ID'd Clarett by walking out into the alley while he had two people at gunpoint, saying "Maurice" and having Clarett carry her, like a bride over a threshold, to his car. What innocent person is strolling behind a bar at 2:00 am. If anything its a drug deal gone bad No. You always have to take things too far and it winds up hurting the solid points you make. What they were doing is irrelevant, plus it's a damn college town; the back alleys are probably full of pukers and pissers at 2am.
posted by yerfatma at 04:11 AM on January 02, 2006
Hey Ufez, i have no problem with addressing the points in my post. But just to make it look like you dont follow me around waiting to see what i write, why not, after you verbally "lash" my every comment, add something about the thread. You make it seem as if me addressing the issue is worse than the issue itself. Notice how you were sure to highlight my racial slur, but make no mention of the "boy" comment i was referring to. Its almost like you're saying, "I'M not a racist, but i dont appreciate you standing up for your race the way you do". Any thoughts on this thread? On the racist comments posted here? And if so, why do i have to milk you to get them? I just feel like maybe you should be offended by the thread first instead of 1 persons comments. Unless of course, this sort of thing doesnt offend you at all. And if my email address doesnt permit itself, just bite your tongue. If indeed you are not "one of the racists above" (which was my statement) why are you so offended as to address me directly and add nothing about the topic?
posted by RZA at 04:23 AM on January 02, 2006
The fucking statue of liberty could fall over and it wouldnt hurt any solid point i have made here. No matter how angry i come across, dont ever think my emotions outweigh the fucking disgust of racism. Just another one of those people that think "yea maybe you should be offended, but only be as offended as I think you should be"! Yet again, address the respondant, never the aggressor. What the hell, white power......right?
posted by RZA at 04:31 AM on January 02, 2006
THE FACT OF THE MATTER STILL REMAINS THE NFL IS FOR MEN NOT ARMED ROBBERS posted by thatch at 12:54 AM CST on January 2 But murderers and rapists are OK... "men" like Ray Lewis. The whole thing is quite sad highlighting the fact that all of pro and college sports are filled with young men with a great deal of talent who sometimes make terribly bad decisions, listen to bad advice and are influenced by the wrong people who,perhaps, have an undisclosed agenda (greed). That just sounds like life and it makes the news because we've heard Maurice Clarett's name before.
posted by Esteban at 07:38 AM on January 02, 2006
This is a refreshing way to start the year! Technically, it's not illegal to be a racist. Any written expression along those lines would be protected by your First Amendment rights. Any specific hatred of a racist, as opposed to the racism itself, is still hatred. Hatred is hatred. This story seems a little short of facts and may indeed be more of an example of "Clarettism" then racism. Robbery is of course still a crime regardless of the race of the people involved. I am curious as to why the report has him identified as an alleged "burglar" which is parlance for having already been found guilty of a crime. The normal report will usually say supect or wanted for questioning in relation to a specific crime. I also wonder why he has not been apprehended yet, or released any statements to the contrary.
(why anyone would ever call a 22 year old a "boy" or "kid" is beyond me)- Have you ever heard a college football coach talk about his team. He doesn't say these men played great today. He says our boys gave it all they had or our kids tried their hardest.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 07:48 AM on January 02, 2006
(why anyone would ever call a 22 year old a "boy" or "kid" is beyond me)- Have you ever heard a college football coach talk about his team. He doesn't say these men played great today. He says our boys gave it all they had or our kids tried their hardest. You can call anybody anything you want, thats "freedom of speech", now you always should consider the physical consequenses of any name calling (ie getting your ass kicked) Calling somebody a "boy" is a matter of choice. Calling somebody a "criminal" could be slander. Specifically if that person has a public image to the contrary. A coach can call a player a boy because in our culture we have no "Rite of Passage" that anoints a male child with the" man" distinction. It is completely up to the individual to take it upon himself that he is now a "man" and should be addressed as such.
why anyone would ever call a 22 year old a "boy" or "kid" is beyond me This is because if you are over 30 years of age, anyone who is only 22 is a boy. Regardless of race. Being 22 and technically an adult, does not make you a man. he wanted a job he was qualified to do Wrong. If you do not have a BA/BS and the job description requires one, then you are not qualified. (I am not saying that you have to have a BA/BS to play in the NFL, this is only an example.) He did not meet the minimum requirements for the job description. Hence, he was not qualified. I am not defending the NFL's age requirement, I am just saying that he did not meet them.
posted by grabofsky74 at 09:26 AM on January 02, 2006
Clarrett has been a trouble maker ever since his freshman year. This is just par for the course for him. I hope he enjoys his new running job...running from Bubba his cellmate. Maurice, enjoy prison.
posted by mcstan13 at 10:07 AM on January 02, 2006
I hope he enjoys his new running job...running from Bubba his cellmate. Maurice is probably praying Bubba doesn't run a sub 4.8 40.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 10:28 AM on January 02, 2006
But just to make it look like you dont follow me around waiting to see what i write Get over yourself. You say that to anyone who dares to suggest you could tone things down a bit. I read 90% of the threads on this site. I'm guessing most of the regulars do the same. No one is stalking you. I don't think anyone cares enough. It's not all about you. Much as you try to make it so. /goes back to hiding in bushes outside RZA's house
posted by yerfatma at 11:19 AM on January 02, 2006
I read all the posts to this thread and then read the article. Looks to me that many comments are off base. IF Maurice was the alleged armed robber, so sad. Poor choices made, poor advice taken. Why did Maurice need to get out of the SUV and the other 2 stayed behind. Why could the female victim identify him and not the male? Answers we may never know. Am I pissed off at this latest episode of the Maurice Clarett chronicles. NO! I won't lose sleep over it either. Does it affect my life NO! What bothers me is the immediate transition to RACE. Shame on all the cowards that don't have the stones or character to better themselves by avoiding the race card. Maurice Clarett is a MAN by any standards, especially age, and he's black. SO WHAT! Crime has no color, unfortunately neither does ignorance.
posted by dawgnasty39 at 11:30 AM on January 02, 2006
I thought i saw the bat signal. Ok that was pretty funny.
posted by tron7 at 12:36 PM on January 02, 2006
Crime has no color, unfortunately neither does ignorance. Race has no color either. It is a distinction of ancestory. Crime has no color, but criminals do have a skin and that skin has a color. The classification of skin color, or race or any other singular point of analysis for purposes of negative judgement is a form of ignorance. judgement is a skill essential for human survival. It is our greatest defense mechanism. You have to recognize threats and take the appropriate action to protect yourself. Criminals are threats to society. People who make judgement with out all the facts are likely to make the wrong judgements. People who make the wrong judgements and learn from their mistakes are likely to be productive to society. People who are afraid to make judgements at all. are useless to society. People who make judgements based solely on one category or fact( race, skin color ) are less likley to be accurate with their judgement than a person who examines all the facts available. These people are ingnorant. There is a cure for ignorance. It is called learning and understanding. Don't believe me. Than judge for yourself! Maurice Clarett is no more guilty or innocent because he is a black man, than he is guilty or innocent because he is an ex-football player. I will always remember him for his come from behind ball stripping of a defender returning an interception in the Championship game. It was one of the most "heads-up" plays I had ever scene in such a big game. That play changed the whole momentum of the game. I also remember how he challenged the authority of the mighty NFL. He was a pioneer in this respect. That is how I will remember him.
Clarett has a real future in the Raider Nation. Can you imagine a backfield of Jordan and Clarett?
posted by sonomajoe at 01:15 PM on January 02, 2006
I will always remember him for his come from behind ball stripping of a defender returning an interception in the Championship game. It was one of the most "heads-up" plays I had ever scene in such a big game. That play changed the whole momentum of the game. I also remember how he challenged the authority of the mighty NFL. He was a pioneer in this respect. That is how I will remember him. Did he die?
posted by tron7 at 01:16 PM on January 02, 2006
This is getting out of hand people. There is so much other non-sense in our country/world than to get so damn emotional over a HUMAN BEING posssibly being arrested for an act of burglary. You want something to trip about, how about a President of the USA wiretapping American citizens? As is the case in any financial/daily life issue, THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBLE!
posted by luvdaddi at 01:26 PM on January 02, 2006
Did he die? No. But he may be spending some hard time in prison shortly and that is how he will be remebered by the majority. Hey, maybe he can set up a game inside the jail. Inmates versus the guards. I think I heard of that happing before. (Maybe once in the 70s and again just recently.)
posted by grabofsky74 at 01:33 PM on January 02, 2006
THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBLE! There you go. Pass the blame off to someone else. It wasn't me, it was the one armed man!
posted by grabofsky74 at 01:34 PM on January 02, 2006
A pioneer? Yeah, what I'll always remember him for is almost screwing up the NFL by destroying an age requirement that makes college and pro football soooo much better than the NBA and NCAAB. And why? So he wouldn't have to go to class (not that he did anyway) and he could start getting rich and spending tons of money ONE YEAR earlier. Or perhaps it was after he figured out he wasn't going to be able to play at any 1-A school? That's why I hate him, and I am realy enjoying watching karma come back to bite his sorry ass. And as for the racism stuff...people like RZA don't realize that as soon as they step on their soapbox all they do is bring more attention to the racist comments. It's like mentioning your major competitor in advertising...you do it and people say "so what is this other product that they keep mentioning?" You keep mentioning racism and you do it in such polarizing terms and all you're gonna do is get each side more pissed off and firmly entrenched in the belief that the other side is stupid/backwards/hippies/whatever and cannot see your argument. You sound holier-than-thou because you are.
posted by Masked at 01:41 PM on January 02, 2006
It wasn't me, it was the one armed man! Ummm....but, if this is a reference to he "Fugitive". It was the one-armed man!
I like all of the comments because they are either genuine or full of @@#$.They also allow me to see the truth behind their thoughts! hey jim' why is it so fitting to see a man getting @#$%$# in his @@#? Is that some childhood fantasy of yours?
posted by AASR-AF&AM at 02:15 PM on January 02, 2006
Nice work Jim W. Here we go again.
posted by grabofsky74 at 02:16 PM on January 02, 2006
And why? So he wouldn't have to go to class (not that he did anyway) and he could start getting rich and spending tons of money. Wow Dude, you and I are such different people!!! I could spend the rest of my life trying and never come up with a better reason! I wouldn't hesitate to challenge the authority of " Paul Tagliabue or anyother " godlike diety ", if it meant I " wouldn't have to go to class ", oh and that " getting rich " thing where he gets to into the " spending tons of money " Yeah, that's me too.
I read 90% of the threads on this site. Do the other 10% happen to be in ALL CAPS by any chance?
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 03:32 PM on January 02, 2006
"I wouldn't hesitate to challenge the authority of " Paul Tagliabue or anyother " godlike diety ", if it meant I " wouldn't have to go to class ", oh and that " getting rich " thing where he gets to into the " spending tons of money " Yeah, that's me too." Ya SportingRhino, i'd like the money too. But u wouldn't rob someone at gunpoint would u. Maurice Claurett really screwed in many aspects of his life.
posted by garnet&blackattack at 03:48 PM on January 02, 2006
You want something to trip about, how about a President of the USA wiretapping American citizens? Any terrorist attacks in your neighborhood lately? The President has the authority and more importantly, the obligation to do what he sees as necessary in the war on terror. Disarming him arms the terrorists.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 04:08 PM on January 02, 2006
But u wouldn't rob someone at gunpoint would u. Not if they just handed it over. Now, what if somebody owed me money. I could not use legal methods to retrieve it, because the reason they owe me money was the result of an illegal activity. Then I may have to flash some metal... I'd say something like" excuse me sir, but your account is in arrears. I am requesting your immediate remittance in this matter or I shall be forced to take further action, up to and including reporting your failure to make remittance to the other drug dealer in town.... or maybe..." sup holm boy...I step out for you and you dis me like a bitch. u don't come correct wit my bub an I'll bust a cap in your punk ass! Now, please if you value your credit rating you'll place your payment in my extended hand. Thank you for your cooperation "
Football threads in this place are so fucking bad it's embarassing. And I am getting awful tired of the racist pricks running around. Jim and Dan - go eat a bullet. I'm sure y'all own a gun. And a sheep.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 04:37 PM on January 02, 2006
Clarett has a real future in the Raider Nation. See, this kind of thing is exactly why nobody takes the Raiders seriously anymore. Well, this kind of thing...and a 4-12 record...
posted by alumshubby at 07:09 PM on January 02, 2006
You want something to trip about, how about a President of the USA wiretapping American citizens? Any terrorist attacks in your neighborhood lately? The President has the authority and more importantly, the obligation to do what he sees as necessary in the war on terror. Disarming him arms the terrorists. Actually the next door neighbor's house blew up last week... So the president can do whatever he wants, just to stop terror. Hell, lets abolish the damn constitution and nuke the entire Middle East. That should solve the problem.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 07:44 PM on January 02, 2006
Let's give the politics a rest and get back to what we do best: Snap judgments on athletes in trouble. I'm bummed that Clarett seems to be following the Lawrence Phillips trajectory. I was hoping he'd turn things around.
posted by rcade at 08:13 PM on January 02, 2006
All that talent going to waste sad!
posted by MICHIGANDER at 08:14 PM on January 02, 2006
http://www.boingboing.net/2005/12/16/dna_mutation_account.html Friday, December 16, 2005 DNA mutation accounts for white skin Penn State University scientists claim to have discovered a genetic mutation responsible for the emergence of white skin between 20,000 and 50,000 years ago. From the Washington Post: The work suggests that the skin-whitening mutation occurred by chance in a single individual after the first human exodus from Africa, WHEN ALL PEOPLE WERE BROWN-SKINNED. That person's offspring apparently thrived as humans moved northward into what is now Europe, helping to give rise to the lightest of the world's races. Oh the weakness and stupidity of an unlearned man. To actually hate something they use to be. This discovery didnt come from Georgetown or Virginia Union either. It was made by majority white scientists at a majority white school. My question is, why is it about twice a month, there is some negative thread about a black athlete on sportsfilter? Is there nothing else in the world of sports to talk about? I think its due to this type of forum being one of the weakest forms of self expression. People say things here that they would never say face to face. Its becoming more of a venting place for some weak minded individuals who hate the fact that they have to hold their tongue in public for fear of being dealt with accordingly. Or it could be mere jealousy. There are so many successful young black men making a life for themselves in the world of sports, that a weak nonblack man has to point out every single negative thing certain black men do to make himself feel better. If Claret is guilty and goes to jail for life, it wont change the fact that he won a national championship as a freshman. I bet 80% of the men here couldnt even make their high school baton twirling team. So this seems like a good place to talk shit and feel like you're getting revenge. Majority of champions in all weight classes of boxing-black or hispanic/mexican. NFL-majority black. MLB-majority non-white (black/hispanic) NBA-nuff said. Golf-Tiger (black/asian). NHL(had to cancel a entire season/lack of interest/no money) Majority white. Majority of soldiers fighting in the war in Iraq non-white. Majority of senators and state reps. white. Maurice claret may or may not have pointed a gun at someone and stole their cell phone- black. Majority of the people involved in the enron scandal-white. Majority of people involved in the California energy scandal-white. Young black men will continue to dominate the world of sports, and young (and old) "NON" black men will continue to join sports forums to complain about it. Keep on hating, its making us stronger. After a few more Jerome Iginlas, we'll have the NHL too. Then all that will be left is driving cars in a circle real fast, that takes alot of athletic ability huh?
posted by RZA at 03:20 AM on January 03, 2006
Not to derail from the racism-fest, but...why steal a friggin' cell phone? I mean, what's the point?
posted by alumshubby at 04:03 AM on January 03, 2006
People say things here that they would never say face to face I'd go further. Internet anonymity. The 21st century equivalent of a Klansman's hood.
posted by owlhouse at 04:08 AM on January 03, 2006
My question is, why is it about twice a month, there is some negative thread about a black athlete on sportsfilter? Maurice Clarett is a wreck. Some people are making this about his race, and that's deeply offensive, but Todd Marinovich, Art Schlister, Mike Danton, Pete Rose and other white athletes have been through the same mill when their lives ran the rails and went crashing into the ravine.
posted by rcade at 05:04 AM on January 03, 2006
My question is, why is it about twice a month, there is some negative thread about a black athlete on sportsfilter? As you so eloquently stated, "Young black men will continue to dominate the world of sports...".
posted by grabofsky74 at 08:50 AM on January 03, 2006
Majority of soldiers fighting in the war in Iraq non-white. I'm pretty sure that this is incorrect. Every link I can find is two or three years old, but they all peg whites at over 60%.
posted by trharlan at 12:18 PM on January 03, 2006
My question is, why is it about twice a month, there is some negative thread about a black athlete on sportsfilter? Is there nothing else in the world of sports to talk about? I think its due to this type of forum being one of the weakest forms of self expression. People say things here that they would never say face to face. Its becoming more of a venting place for some weak minded individuals who hate the fact that they have to hold their tongue in public for fear of being dealt with accordingly. Look through the archives. Seriously, look through them. There are negative threads about blacks, whites, men, women, jews, christians, whatever. It's not a discussion about their race, or sex, or creed; it's a discussion about their actions. If you're simply searching for racism, sure, you'll find some (this is still a world where views arent perfect); but if you're actually searching for the root issue being discussed and where the majority (and not the few you might remember) are about, you'll find that's not at all the way things are here. Young black men will continue to dominate the world of sports, and young (and old) "NON" black men will continue to join sports forums to complain about it. Keep on hating, its making us stronger. After a few more Jerome Iginlas, we'll have the NHL too. Then all that will be left is driving cars in a circle real fast, that takes alot of athletic ability huh? Nice antagonism; seriously, if you're looking to make friends with us here (everyone, that is) and you're looking to improve things, perhaps slapping us in the face isn't the best way to do that? You'll find that perhaps there's a much better way to make your point than coming in and say "the white man is jealous of the black man". I mean, has that ever worked in the reverse for a white man trying to talk to a black man? Of course not. If you're looking to be inflammatory, or to stir things up, sorry, this isn't the place for that. The people who have made changes here have generally done so in a much more civil manner. Take heed of that.
posted by dfleming at 04:55 PM on January 03, 2006
Poor Maurice, you could have helped beat ND, and recieved a nice signing bonus as a first round pick now you need 50 grand for bail, sad, very sad.
posted by jbou at 05:27 PM on January 03, 2006
You know something dfleming, im not actually looking to find "buddies" at a sports forum on the internet. We can agree or disagree. Its no big deal. But alot of times i say the things i do to draw the type of reaction i have gotten from you. Heres why. Scroll up and look at how my response to the racists was treated, and yet none of the so called spofi veterans responded to the initial racism that was expressed (the ghetto boy comment/welfare). Now you'll make a point to tell me a good way to "make friends" here, but the actual racism on this thread was kinda swept under the rug. I drew a 4 paragraph reaction to my post from you. And yet you made no comment at all about some of the racist things said about claret. You took what i said more personally because it was directed towards your race. Its the samething with me. You see, in a way, your doing the samething i am doing. You are responding to something you found somewhat offensive. Maybe your response isnt as aggressive as mine is, but how often to you find racist threads here towards whites? I make a few comments on 1 thread about whites, 5 people respond. 40% of the posts here have some sort of racial overtone to them towards blacks, 1 1/2 blackman responds and its borderline unacceptable. Which is worse? Me being offended and lashing out, or the racially biased comments like mentioning welfare or the word "boy" when referring to a black man? You responding to me makes me believe that you find me being offended more offensive than the racism that was displayed here towards african americans. Its almost like you're saying "we'll never be able to control racism by the whiteman towards blacks, but we'll damn sure try to control how a blackman displays his being offended". Whats your opinion on this comment? At least if he is in jail we can keep an eye on him, otherwise our tax money will be taking care of him in the form of welfare and he will be on the loose terrorizing innocent people who are trying to make an honest living Theres one more thing absent here. There is no other african american present on this thread offering you different options on "how to get along with us" or saying maybe you shouldnt have responded the way you did towards me. Or demanding that you "take heed". Do you see where im going with this at all?
posted by RZA at 03:40 AM on January 04, 2006
yet none of the so called spofi veterans responded to the initial racism that was expressed Do we need to? The group consensus is once it's been called out once, that's more than enough attention. I think each of the racist comments got called out. You seem to want everything both ways.
posted by yerfatma at 05:53 AM on January 04, 2006
There is no other african american present on this thread A more accurate statement: "There is nobody else in this thread announcing their ethnicity as loudly or confrontationally as I am." Just because you scream your ethnic makeup from the tallest hill, doesn't mean the rest of us do, too. You have no idea what the racial background of any of us is, you just assume you do. You've done nothing here for the cause of the black man in America. All you've done is troll around playing the race card at every opportunity.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 10:49 AM on January 04, 2006
RZA -- the Sam Kinison of debating.
posted by wfrazerjr at 11:03 AM on January 04, 2006
I am black and a product of the same Ghetto that Clarett was from. Born and raised on the Southside of Youngstown, OH., even attended school in Columbus, OH. Clarett never left the ghetto he just moved into a bigger version of Youngstown. If you have never been there; DON'T TAKE IT THERE! You will never understand what it takes to survive. I don't excuse the actions that were expelled but they are understood. Society placed sport contenders, entertainers of music and show on pedestals. When they succeed in providing you with entertainment and a since of pleasure, all hail to the great one. When they become disappointments you're ready to burn them at the stake. Yeah, yeah, I know-if they choose to live the life of fame and fortune they choose to be some kind of role model for society and the youth that surrounds them. Whatever, on that dumb notion, I blame every parent, guardian and/or caretaker of today's youth for allowing them to embrace these individuals as role models. Show them that GOD is the SUPREME role model. If you don't believe in my GOD, show them a single mother with two kids, going to school and working full time, graduate with honors and move from the ghetto, later to be married, successful and a homeowner. Or a man who played the dope game for years only to realize that his next play will land him in jail or the grave, later to be married, very successful and a homeowner. When you leave the ghetto you should leave your ghetto fabulous lifestyle behind. To reiterate Clarett never left the ghetto or the lifestyle. Assumptions that success and money will change someone are made by those who lack integrity, it's a temporary covering that unveils the moment you lose yourself to the vultures that call themselves your fan-friend. My fan-friends motivate my drive to succeed in a life that is best for my family and me. Not for them to gain any worldly pleasure. I'm disappointed in Clarett because he let himself down and those that just wanted the world to see one success come from the GHETTOS of Y-Town. Don't get it twisted, there are a lot of us doing well outside the walls of Y-Town but our statue in society it not recognized by all to see; Only the most important ONE knows our trials and tribulations. Welfare or the lack of possiblities do not make someone lose their way and start robbing people. Clarett lossed himself and missed out on showing us all his full potential. He is still young I pray that he will grow from this and turn his life around.
posted by stolenangel at 01:41 PM on January 04, 2006
As for the boy comments, just because you have met the required age in which society deems you an adult. It does not however justify your level of manhood. There are many black, white, hispanic, asian, and all the other ethnic backgrounds of the male population that I may consider a BOY. Any male that feels that they can play the role of and man and jump ship when they feel the lack of freedom and choice is a boy in my book. Taking the responsibility of arming yourself and others with wisdom, knowledge and respect, THAT'S A MAN. Clarett had chosen to be irresponsible. Choosing to leave boyhood and entering manhood is not respected by age but by development.
posted by stolenangel at 02:24 PM on January 04, 2006
stolenangel: Excellent commentary!
posted by STLCardinalfan at 03:34 PM on January 04, 2006
Seconded.
posted by yerfatma at 04:40 PM on January 04, 2006
Is thirded a word? If it is, then thirded.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:51 PM on January 04, 2006
StolenAgnel, well put Sister and God bless. "HE" indeed is real. Your testimony is proof of the Truth of the following; Mark (6:31)-(6:34) "Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof". yerfatma, why would you post? Its hardly offensive to you. The_Black_Hand, you change my statement and then based your comments on what you changed it to, rather than what i actually posted. Since you felt the need to point out my inadequacies in regards to helping my race, why not share the things you have added that help the cause of the blackman in america? There is nobody else in this thread announcing their ethnicity as loudly or confrontationally as I am You see, there in lays the difference between the person that StolenAngel may represent vs. the person i represent (in some of your opinions). As long as someone from the ghetto rises above the tribulations of it, they may be acceptable to you. But someone like claret is unacceptable to you in the condition he may be in now. I got news for you, whether he is doing right or wrong, he is still the same person that needs the same God that we all need, and even more so than some of us who have become more successful. 1 mistake doesnt erase your chance at salvation on any level or what you yourselves deem as success or salvation. He may first of all not be guilty, secondly he may repent ( or have already repented) for what he has done. God may very well put him on top of the NFL. But all some of you will choose to see is the black man from the "ghetto" who stole someones cell phone. My point (no matter how confrontationally i come across) remains the same. Stop looking at what people are and start realizing what they can become. By doing so you may just help them become it. Or maybe thats not what some of you want.
posted by RZA at 07:57 PM on January 04, 2006
My point (no matter how confrontationally i come across) remains the same. Sure doesn't look that way to me. It's about the black man, then it's about the ghetto, then it's about G O D. So what is your point, in 30 words or less?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:11 PM on January 04, 2006
LBB, im not trying to be sarcastic or anything. But if you've never been placed in a jail cell by 2 white policeman for something you didnt do, got your ass beat unconscious, sat there for 2 days not knowing what was going to happen to you. No phone call, no food, no water, clogged toilet, roaches and ants, no where to sit or laydown. Then police find out you're not black/spanish, you're italian , 10 minutes after they discover this, you get your phone call, medical attention, you get a warm meal and something to drink and you get released on your own recognizances only to have the charges dropped after you're proved innocent. You will never ever ever understand what my point is. And believe me when i say this, lucky you. If you've never had your own father, the man you respect and love and honor the most tell you to "de-nigger" before you come into my house from the time you were 8 yrs old until he passed away when you were 20, you will never understand or know my point. lucky you If you've never loved a woman/man so much that you would give your life just to spend 1 more day with them and for that you get called nigger lover over and over and over by the people who are suppose to be your family, you will never know or understand my point. Lucky you I dont fault you for not knowing or understanding my point but i do ask that you just maybe try alittle to understand why some people in this world may be a little angry. I'm not asking you to like it or accept it. Im just asking that you try to understand.
posted by RZA at 11:49 PM on January 04, 2006
As you can see by this thread, you are not the only black person in SpoFi. There has been a huge growth in membership recently. As a result, tons of new people have dropped in to spout stupidity and foolishness on many threads. But, some of us don't bother responding to every new person who drops in to say something stupid. I hope you realize that the people who have been here awhile are not the ones spouting the racist rhetoric. As for Clarett, I get your point, we are all God's children and we shouldn't be judging others. However, this is a news story. And, anyone who has had to overcome any obstacles must realize that Clarett had the world at his feet with all his talent. Instead, he squandered it all away and is now charged with a felony. How many people who grew up with a similar background would do anything to have the opportunities that he has wasted? It is not racism to criticize him or any other athlete that does not appreciate the unique opportunity that they have.
posted by bperk at 07:46 AM on January 05, 2006
Could you whine about how tough your life's been a little more? I can almost hear the violins playing in the background. Trace it, face it, erase it.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 08:54 AM on January 05, 2006
I dont fault you for not knowing or understanding my point but i do ask that you just maybe try alittle to understand why some people in this world may be a little angry. I'm not asking you to like it or accept it. Im just asking that you try to understand. I understand you just fine. What you don't seem to understand is that, as well as your personal experiences illustrate the pervasiveness of racism in our society (and also say a few things about rolling snake-eyes when it comes to picking your family, but you're not the only one who did that, so don't start), not everything that happens that involves black people is all about the racism, and not every white person (you presume; they're talking from behind a screen, remember?) who says a racist thing is speaking for other white people. What you also don't seem to understand is that racism isn't the only form of nasty and vicious discrimination out there. You have, in the past, replied to what you judged to be racism -- and which, in my opinion, was simply a disagreement with your POV -- with sexist and homophobic attacks, and now you call it "standing up for [your] race." If that's the kind of defense you feel that your race needs, I guess you're never gonna see why the rest of us are not joining in.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 10:39 AM on January 05, 2006
Its almost like you're saying "we'll never be able to control racism by the whiteman towards blacks, but we'll damn sure try to control how a blackman displays his being offended" No, what I'm saying is it's entirely fine to call a spade a spade if that's what it is, but it's entirely a different story coming in here and blatantly ignoring the fact that we point out the negative things that all popular athletes do, not just the black athletes. You only mentioned the 1-2 posts per month about blacks, you left out the dozen others about whites, or hispanics, or women (who could make the same argument); you're arguing on the basis that it's because they're black that we point it out, not because they did anything. That's not the case. You've had a hard life, you've seen a lot of racism; none of that is our fault, though, it's the fault of the individuals. Whites are not a group; I don't take orders to hate blacks because a few people do. SpoFi is not a group; I don't take orders from rcade to post negatively towards black athletes. Personal responsibility is the name of the game, each persons actions and comments are their own. Address them personally, but don't sit here and tell me that this site is targetting black athletes and expect me to agree with you. It's not. A few posters are, and are dealt with accordingly. I dont fault you for not knowing or understanding my point but i do ask that you just maybe try alittle to understand why some people in this world may be a little angry. I'm not asking you to like it or accept it. Im just asking that you try to understand. How, exactly, is you coming in here angry going to solve anything? It's a lot easier to understand if you act in a way that's understandable.
posted by dfleming at 11:53 AM on January 05, 2006
Could you whine about how tough your life's been a little more? I can almost hear the violins playing in the background A more accurate statement: Who gives a shit nigger, screw you and whatever you've been through. People like you are not important to the make-up here. And no-1 cares. The _black_hand, i certainly wasnt looking for compassion from the likes of you. Something offends you and it should be addressed with all manner of seriousness. You have no idea who i am or what i've seen or been through, and yet you basically say "screw you, get over it". Thats cool, i wasnt really looking for a pat on the back. I merely felt maybe an explanation was in order. The sad thing about people like you is, one day you will try to get someone to understand why you are the way you are, or why you express yourself the way you do. Unfortunately, when that time comes, you will receive the same lack of acceptance and or understanding as you have chosen to display here to me. Then you will sit and wonder, in that small mind of yours, why someone like you never ends up happy. When you sew the wind, you WILL reap the whirlwind. Its just a matter of time. Reap it. you're arguing on the basis that it's because they're black that we point it out dfleming, i dont expect the majority of your little group of "WE" to understand anything. Again i was responding to 1 person asking what my point was. All i offered to that one person was the thought of atleast trying to understand why i make my points the way i do. It's a lot easier to understand if you act in a way that's understandable. A more accurate statement: Its alot easier to accept if you act in a way thats acceptable to "US". Lets not fool anyone, you understand exactly how i act, and you dont like it at all. What you dont understand is why. You dont want to understand, and you never will. Will your refusal of understanding why force me to "act" in a way thats acceptable to you. Never. How is you coming in here being narrow-minded and self righteous with this "act how we think you should act" going to solve anything? http://www.boingboing.net/2005/12/16/dna_mutation_account.html
posted by RZA at 04:46 PM on January 05, 2006
A more accurate statement: Who gives a shit nigger, screw you and whatever you've been through. People like you are not important to the make-up here. And no-1 cares. Well if that is what you want, then who gives a shit nigger, screw you and whatever you've been through. People like you are not important to the make-up here. And no-1 cares. Your always talking about what you've been through so tell us, what has happened in your life plagued by the idocy of white people. And just for the record, my dad used to be very poor and got shot in medical school. Now he is an orthopedic surgeon. So RZA, there are other people who have been thorugh some rough shit too, so give us a break.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:35 PM on January 05, 2006
You're sissy ass is somewhat excused because you're a perfect example of a 15 yr old kid whos had or going to have everything handed to him and you've been taught nothing more than to disrespect adults. Your father should have whipped your ass for the mouth you have on you. You have no idea what context that was written in because your reading only bits and pieces of whats being written. But you being a little punk is not going to be a good enough excuse for long. And you are one of the white kids im talking about, i mean "ying yang mafia"? Please. This time you've stuck your nose in a little to far punk. Dont type things you wouldnt say face to face. I think its best for you to stay in a childs place. I have never talked about what i've been through until now in a context to which you do not understand. But you were looking to share your true feelings anyway. I'd love to teach you the things your father has failed to, starting with slapping you right in your mouth. Stop looking for a "way to go kid", or a "you told him dude" when it comes to things that are above your understanding. This is no time for you to try to get "some love from the homies" because your father is failing to show you any. I should slap your father for letting you think your ass is grown, ya damn wannabe yingyang fake eminem. But he's only to blame for letting you be raised by cable TV. Thats why your sideways hat wearing punk ass thinks hes down. Continue watching cribs, while you run up daddys credit card bill loading your ipod with eminem and offspring music. You're pretty fly for a white guy, right? Now lets watch and see which dumbass positively reinforces your ignorantly learned behavior.
posted by RZA at 02:08 AM on January 06, 2006
Not it.
posted by yerfatma at 06:12 AM on January 06, 2006
Two points: 1) RZA, I feel badly for what happened in your past, but you've heard the saying, "We've all got a cross to bear," right? Could you take the flashing neon sign and police sirens off yours? 2) Pantheon, I think we've reached a point where the Banhammer should be considered. Serious or not, talking about physically assaulting another member means it's time for someone to be given their ball and told to go home.
posted by wfrazerjr at 10:30 AM on January 06, 2006
Oh come on. I don't think there was a whole lot of intent in that comment.
posted by yerfatma at 10:49 AM on January 06, 2006
I disagree too frazer, I even had to go back and look to see what the heck you were talking about. Me thinks RZA is gonna have a field day with that post.
posted by tron7 at 11:10 AM on January 06, 2006
You seem to have a lot of built up aggression RZA. Now I want you to do this one little thing for me. Breath in deep through your nose and back out slowly through your mouth. Now don't you feel better? I have worked for every single thing that I have. No one ever gave me one single thing except for love. I grew up dirt poor, not in a city but in the country. Does that make me better off than you? No. I don't think so. I was raised on Government cheese and powdered milk and felt the embarrassment of watching my mom buy groceries with food stamps. If you've never had your own father, the man you respect and love and honor the most tell you to "de-nigger" before you come into my house from the time you were 8 yrs old until he passed away when you were 20, you will never understand or know my point. lucky you Do you ever think just once, that your father might have been trying to teach you to have some respect for yourself and for others? I am not criticizing you or anything that you have said here. I am just saying that you seem very angry. Life sucks. You appeard to be upset that people do not know where you come from. Well I believe that every single person is guilty of that. Just look at what you said to Ying Yang Mafia. You don't know him from Adam, yet you decide to spout off about his upbringing and you don't know a thing about him. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Just because someone says something that rubs you the wrong way, be the bigger man and don't give them what they are looking for, don't give them a reaction. Learn from Martin Luther King Jr.
posted by grabofsky74 at 11:46 AM on January 06, 2006
Where does it stop? Is it okay if I say we should get a few guys together for a tire-iron party and beat some sense into RZA? How do you know whether I mean it or not? And if the level of discourse from someone falls to the level of physical threats, why allow it to go on?
posted by wfrazerjr at 01:49 PM on January 06, 2006
I thought this thread was about Maurice Clarett and the trouble he caused.
posted by Dan H. at 02:46 PM on January 06, 2006
"I thought this thread was about Maurice Clarett and the trouble he caused. It " was "
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 03:10 PM on January 06, 2006
Is it okay if I say we should get a few guys together for a tire-iron party and beat some sense into RZA? Yes. Everything is fine as long as it doesn't affect the interior of my bunker.
posted by yerfatma at 03:36 PM on January 06, 2006
You're in there? 
posted by wfrazerjr at 05:31 PM on January 06, 2006
Me thinks RZA is gonna have a field day with that post. Did you by any chance read what he posted after me? And damit RZA I would say some of this to your face. Wonder how you knew I'm 15... Actually I like Linkin Park, am not an Eminem wannabe, am not in a gang, and am not the person who just because someone disagrees with them, thinks they are racist or one of the white kids your talking about. And although I'm not sure beating your ass with a tire-iron will help anything, its about time you used you brain to think before you speak.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:10 PM on January 06, 2006
Grabofsky74, you would actually be surprised how angry im not. I've been reading spofi for about 6 months now. I've actually liked alot of the threads here. Then i began to notice a little discrepancy in the threads. I wanted to see what kind of flack i would catch if i joined and started addressing it. If you want to see real anger to the point of hatred. Go read the thread about M. Vick. Or take another stroll through this one. Or the Vikings players and the boat party. Or any T.O. thread. Some of the folks here at spofi have such a "how dare they" attitude is ridiculous. Now thats real anger. So angry it becomes hatred. I dont hate anyone here, we disagree on things. What kind of place would this be if we all had the same opinion. I dont think anyone should lose their membership. Some things may be offensive to me, but that doesnt mean a person should lose their right to say it. What if someone wanted to stop me from saying what i wanted to say?? Where would it start or stop? Wfrazerjr makes an interesting point. And if the level of discourse from someone falls to the level of physical threats, why allow it to go on? You have come to ask the question that i have asked in the past wfrazerjr. Why should we hold the members here at a higher level above the people we comment about? Is it ok to say, "i would like to whip the shit out of T.O. or to insinuate that a man should be sodomized in jail by his cellmate bubba for stealing a phone because they are not members of spofi? But if you say a member here should be dealt with the same way you have crossed the line? Just another example of the "some of us here are above these lowly men we comment about" mentality. People are people. This isnt the Klan here wfrazerjr. You dont simply get rid of one of the members because they may be collaborators with what you obviously deem to be the enemy. Thats the good thing about the 1st amendment. People like you dont get to choose who should shut up, "take their ball and go home". Thats actually kind of funny. "We'll never convince him to hold our opinions, so just cancel his membership". But in all honesty, you know i would take that tire iron, turn that sumbitch sideways,..and stick it straight up your candy ass. If ya smell... what the ro.... "RZA" ...is cookin. Dont hate me cause ya aint me. Now sit there and think of some dumb shit to say and get to typin. http://www.boingboing.net/2005/12/16/dna_mutation_account.html
posted by RZA at 03:34 AM on January 07, 2006
I dont hate anyone here, we disagree on things. What kind of place would this be if we all had the same opinion. I dont think anyone should lose their membership. Some things may be offensive to me, but that doesnt mean a person should lose their right to say it. What if someone wanted to stop me from saying what i wanted to say?? Where would it start or stop? RZA, I'll have to admit, that was very well put and I totally agree.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:45 AM on January 07, 2006
Wonder how you knew I'm 15... Because you mention it every 5 posts. Wouldn't it seem strange if I mentioned my age on a regular basis? Anyone's welcome here (not that I have a say in it), but don't expect to get rhythym just because you're younger. If Thoreau is right and "grey hair does not confer wisdom," I imagine the reverse must be true as well. Precocious comes across as pretentious if you aren't careful.
posted by yerfatma at 09:17 AM on January 07, 2006
Yes, we all have a right to speak our opinion under the first amendment, but isn't it our responsibility not to abuse it? Too many people hide behind the first amendment as a reason to say whatever they want. Now, back to the original thread: Many people are upset by athletes, who are given a gift and then waste it away. Clarett, if he stayed in school, would have not only become a better player, but might have graduated from Ohio State. If he was serious about going to the NFL, why didn't he stay conditioned. I was surprised when Denver took him so early in the draft last year.
posted by lil'red at 11:31 AM on January 07, 2006
Yerfatma you are entirely right. Though I think the ratio is actually every six posts.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 02:27 PM on January 07, 2006
Just once, RZA, could you produce an argument without falling back on the race card? Removing you wouldn't have anything to do with being "like the Klan" or racism, it would have to do with you being an idiot and making threatening comments. Try to imagine the semantic difference between having a beer with your friends and saying, "I'd like to beat Rush Limbaugh's ass," and pointing directly at Limbaugh while you were in his presence and saying the same thing. Do you grasp that they don't carry the same weight, either in the eyes of the law or in any rational sense? And while, yes, you're not standing physically in the face of any SpoFi members, this is as close as you're going to get. Why would the Pantheon allow that sort of idiocy to go on? l could care less about your opinions, RZA -- hell, I even agree with you sometimes, when you're not using macho horseshit to try and bluster your way through. And I wouldn't worry about trying to sway you to my side, or anyone's side -- why would I want you there? But I don't agree with the people making the statements about violence or sodomization of people they don't know, and I certainly don't agree with allowing someone to try to cover his intellectual shortcomings with threats. Removing you would have nothing to do with whether I think you're a racist or just a nitwit. It would have everything to do with upholding the quality of discussion on SportsFilter, something I think you generally fail to do. If the Pantheon doesn't agree, it's their site and they can rule it as they see fit, and I suspect they'll allow you to stay. I just think it's a damned shame.
posted by wfrazerjr at 11:48 AM on January 08, 2006
It's sad that a guy with such potential has totally blown his chance for a career in the NFL. He could have stayed clean at OSU and then gone on to a career in the NFL. It's also sad that the lure of fame and fortune was abused and wasted by Clarrett instead of being channelled into something useful not only for himself but others as well.