Lamar Jackson 'Not Quarterbacky Enough!'? FOX Host Owes Baltimore Ravens Apology for Dog-Whistle Opinion
It is commonly said, especially in this time of insta-communication and social-media access, that, "Hey, I'm entitled to my opinion!''
But what if the opinion is idiotic? And what if it comes from a theoretically responsible media member? And what if it is so offensive that is can easily be interpreted as a racially-driven dog whistle?
"I want my quarterbacks to be 'quarterbacky,''' radio host Monse Bolanos of Fox Sports said this week. "To me, Lamar Jackson's just a great athlete.''
Bolanos is indeed entitled to her warped opinions on the NFL MVP race, and she can express her view that Lamar is less worthy than others.
But "not 'quarterbacky' is code. We initially wondered if Bolanos is ignorant of that.
But she has followed up her initial evaluation - again, the sort of thing that football evaluators used to say decades ago, and that some even said about Jackson when he entered the NFL by suggesting that he'd need to change positions - by acknowledging the racial component here.
Her tweet in response to justifiable outrage: "I say 'quarterbacky' I’m a racist,'' she states sarcastically before offering a list of QB passing-yards leaders.
Is she truly this doltish as to believe that the MVP is for "passing yards''? Is her assertion that Lamar just now came onto the scene as an MVP candidate the result of a lack of research or a lack of intelligence?
There is nothing wrong with advocating the Niners' Christian McCaffrey as MVP, as she apparently does. But to completely dismiss Jackson as an MVP candidate seems preposterous, considering the former Heisman Trophy winner - and 2019 NFL MVP! - currently has the best odds according to most betting outlets to win the award.
"Just a great athlete" is a loaded, racially-charged phrase. A professional journalist and media member - man or woman, young or old - should know this. And once Monse Bolanos learns what a "dog whistle'' is?
We look forward to hearing the FOX host's apology to Lamar Jackson ... and to her audience.
