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You know I respect most of what you have to say around here. I just think it was lame for you to make that comment in this thread, especially when there weren't any racial references in this thread. You really should have addressed those comments in the threads where they were made.
It's a touchy issue since most racism is unspoken. I don't know if it's racism that makes people dislike Ricky, I think a lot of people dislike him because he quit on his team, or because he was so hyped that Ditka gave up his draft and a first for him. I think a lot of people are down on him because he's strange, and a lot of people are down on him because he does drugs. Those are all valid reasons not to be a fan of Ricky. On the other hand, as unique as he is, his appearance and behavior have reinforced a lot of negative racial stereotypes. And there's a sizable contingent out there that feed off those stereotypes, and use them to justify their opinions.
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It's a touchy issue since most racism is unspoken. I don't know if it's racism that makes people dislike Ricky, I think a lot of people dislike him because he quit on his team, or because he was so hyped that Ditka gave up his draft and a first for him. I think a lot of people are down on him because he's strange, and a lot of people are down on him because he does drugs. Those are all valid reasons not to be a fan of Ricky.
On the other hand, as unique as he is, his appearance and behavior have reinforced a lot of negative racial stereotypes. And there's a sizable contingent out there that feed off those stereotypes, and use them to justify their opinions.
I don't like it when people "play the racism card" - it even has its own catchy term that allows people to ignore it - because the bigger issues fall victim to the boy crying wolf. But I do think people should be introspective about their own feelings once in a while, and if LHUCKS' post was a good reality check for some people, then
I agree very well "said"It's a touchy issue since most racism is unspoken. I don't know if it's racism that makes people dislike Ricky, I think a lot of people dislike him because he quit on his team, or because he was so hyped that Ditka gave up his draft and a first for him. I think a lot of people are down on him because he's strange, and a lot of people are down on him because he does drugs. Those are all valid reasons not to be a fan of Ricky.
On the other hand, as unique as he is, his appearance and behavior have reinforced a lot of negative racial stereotypes. And there's a sizable contingent out there that feed off those stereotypes, and use them to justify their opinions.
I don't like it when people "play the racism card" - it even has its own catchy term that allows people to ignore it - because the bigger issues fall victim to the boy crying wolf. But I do think people should be introspective about their own feelings once in a while, and if LHUCKS' post was a good reality check for some people, then
BassnBrew, I agree with the others here. You are drawing your own line where you want it to be, but are not comfortable where someone else is drawing theirs. Not reasonable IMO. Whether you are accusing someone of being racist or discussing race, the line can be blurred very easily. For example, when someone uses sarcasm to prove their point, it can still be hurtful and bring about emotion.
I agree somewhat with the last part of the post that it makes no sense to make a non-performance-enhancing drug a violation of league policy, when it makes no difference on his maximum level of performance, but I guess it could be in there because it would be detrimental for the league to have a bunch of guys that are high, or clearly under the influence of something, to be telecast as an example of all of the other players. Should the NFLPA allow the NFL to drug test players "at will" and also allow them to turn this evidence over to the proper legal authorities should they find something that breaks laws, then I can see them removing this as a finable/suspendable infraction of league rules.Basically, the NFL and all other sports that test for marijuana have found a way to better maintain the image of their highly valued organizations. Even McDonalds drug tests their employees.AND IF you think that marijuana is not a problem....you should realize that users of hard core drugs like ice are near 100% marijuana users. Don't get confused about my last statement....I'm not saying that 100% of marijuana users are ice users, but if you don't get that, you should have stayed in school or paid better attention in class. To put this in simpler terms, the more marijuana users you eliminate, the more ice users you eliminate. Another fact is that many thefts are drug related. Again, you solve one problem by attacking a drug issue. And don't bother telling me that drugs are fun or enhance anything. I have NEVER used marijuana, and you can't tell me that I don't have fun, and I highly doubt that you can show that you have any more fun that I have had in my life (though some people are pretty impressive). If your life needs to be enhanced that much, then you probably are just too far down that path of addiction, and you are in denial about how much you need it. I'm not saying you need it all the time, but if you NEED IT at any time, then you are addicted.Yes, you are in denial. The first step is to admit it.
That is the request of the Dolphins as well so that they know going in to the draft.
I have to think that Ricky has a chance of winning this appeal - if it was a cut and dry positive the "no" would have been rubber stamped already. What does he fetch the Fins in a deal (I'm thinking 3rd rder) and if he goes to a team like Denver are we looking RBBC again???
Hey BB, just a question for you? Your avatar is a glass of brew, right? I suppose you never get behind the wheel of a car after a couple of drinks. Its just as illegal as smoking pot. I personally don't do it, but If you do or ever done anything illegal, isn't your take on this a little self righteous? It isn't performance enhancing, so I don't know what the big deal is here. As far as the pilots and bus drivers go, as long as they aren't stoned on the job, who cares! I like to tip back some cold ones as much as the next guy, but I don't show up to work drunk and I would expect that out of anyone who holds a job of any kind. Basically, I believe people can do what they want (within reason) on their own time.
I shouldn't have made that tongue and cheek remark in a football thread.It's been a looooong time since I've been behind the wheel at or above .08. I honesty couldn't tell you (or remember
) when that was. That's really not pertinent anyway. Actually I don't care if people smoke, however I do believe that an employer has the right to test for controlled substances. I used to be a bigger proponent of legalizing dope, but the job the gov't has done with alcohol makes me wonder about that. As I stated earlier, my last employer had a zero tolerence for alcohol and if you tested at .01, you were gone. They did that for safety reasons. Bottom line is that Ricky knew the rules and chose not to follow them. Of course weed isn't even in play this go around.
Ricky 
