Pat Caputo: Donovan McNabb Remains Lighting Rod For Racial Controversy. Why?
It's understandable Donovan McNabb is a lightning rod for controversy.
He is, after all, an NFL quarterback. Mixed reviews come with the territory.
What isn't as apprehensible is why the color of his skin is such an issue.
McNabb is black, which curiously and reprehensibly continually draws more attention, in his case, than the quarterback part.
Sports.CAPUTO: Donovan McNabb remains lighting rod for racial controversy. Why? WITH VIDEO
Published: Tuesday, May 17, 2011
0diggsdigg ShareThis0By PAT CAPUTO
Of The Oakland Press
Click to enlarge
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donavan McNabb listens to questions as his teammates are interviewed after arriving in St Louis, Mo. Friday, Jan. 25, 2002. McNabb will lead his team against the St Louis Rams in the NFC Championship Game Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
It's understandable Donovan McNabb is a lightning rod for controversy.
He is, after all, an NFL quarterback. Mixed reviews come with the territory.
What isn't as apprehensible is why the color of his skin is such an issue.
McNabb is black, which curiously and reprehensibly continually draws more attention, in his case, than the quarterback part.
Example: McNabb was harshly criticized recently by 46-year-old boxing champion Bernard Hopkins, also an African American. "Forget this," Hopkins said of McNabb while touching his skin. "He's got a suntan. That's all."
An Eagles fans, Hopkins explained McNabb, raised in the suburbs of Chicago, wasn't as tough as other black players like current Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick, or wide receiver Terrell Owens, who often feuded with McNabb when they played together for the Eagles.
