Memo to Bill Rhoden - It's not 1969 Anymore

Today's column provides cover for Vince Young by saying his problems stem from the pressure on a black QB. One of the examples he uses - James Harris who started for The Bills in 1969.

I submit that Youngs problems have nothing to do with race. There are countless examples of QB's who have washed out when expectations are raised way too early. Add Vince Young to the long list.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/sports/football/14rhoden.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

 

Not that such a take is shocking from Rhoden, but is there a link?

 

No shit, don't expect comments if you're not gonna provide a link.

 

Sorry Phoney - did not expect coments. Just wanted to see how many members I could piss off by not posting the link.

 

I think you can sub QBs for athletes and it might work better.

 

Ah, we're waiting for a comment, Stoney... ;D

It's nice that Rhoden enjoys adding historical context to his columns, but I agree with Boom, this is 2008, not 1969. James Harris wasn't telling his shrink about committing suicide after getting booed in a game, or having his mama tell a newspaper that her baby "is hurting inside" (and not feeding him chicken).

Vince's got issues: maturity and mental-wise at this point. But, for me, a far bigger issue is the taboo issue of mental health in sports, which is another subject thread for another day.

Rhoden needs to stop using race as an excuse for the majority of the problems that most athletes have.

 

If he did that, he wouldn't have anything to write about

 

What is up with quarterbacks based or once-based in the southern plains who need chicken fed to them? Isn't this what set off that yokel Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State last year?

 

Must you always stir shit...

 

This is why I don't read the newspaper! Makes me wanna puke.

 

Exactly D3 - Rhoden needs to stop using race to explain/ excuse every questionable action by an athlete.

It's ironic that Young's replacement - Kerry Collins ran into the same pressure problems early in his career.

 

The similarities between Bobby Reid and Vince Young off the field are striking: both from Houston, both raised by (apparently) strong-willed single mothers who are willing to talk to the media. And both deal with pressure poorly; Reid reportedly considered quitting OSU's team a number of times, just like Young's been reported as wanting to quit the Titans.