Widukinds Diary Entry #4

Oh gosh, David Eckstein is just such a competitor!

I just read Len Pasquarelli's midseason NFL All-Pro teams on ESPN. No, I'm not about to point out the inefficiencies in his selections, like the fact that he decided to include anybody from the NFC (other than Andy Lee of course! Team MVP, baby!). Instead, it's the language I would like to focus on.

Take, for example, his description of Patriots left tackle Matt Light:

...Not as nifty or quick-footed as some left tackles, but a relentless, blue-collar guy who hangs tough...

Pasquerelli's take on Giants right guard Chris Snee?

A tough, gritty player who really reflects the term "in-line" blocker and who has the traditional mind-set of a guard...

How bout Packers left end Aaron Kampman?

The consummate self-made player...

Tampa Bay's Barrett Ruud?
...Not blessed with imposing physical tools, he is nonetheless very instinctive...

If you haven't noticed a pattern yet, let me elaborate:

Asante Samuel:

...A naturally gifted ball athlete...

Tommie Harris:

...Harris has regained most of the quickness and explosiveness that were his hallmarks...

Albert Haynesworth:

...He is strong and active and more athletic than people think...

Andre Gurode:

...he is playing at an All-Pro level as an in-line blocker and demonstrating the kind of quickness that allows him to block at the second level.

If you're still scratching the pimple in your buttcrack like a retard, I'll make it obvious. The first 4 players are all white, the last 4 all black. Now, I'm the first to support the theory that stereotypes don't just appear out of thin air. While expecting all African-Americans to be athletic is wrong, it is accepted that on average, African-Americans are more athletically gifted than whites. Whether you think it's because of their ancient ancestors being forced to survive in the desert of Africa, or their more recent ancestors being forced into slavery (extremely demented version of survival of the fittest), this fact is hard to refute.

However, I can't help to notice how often sports writers use similar words like Pasquerelli chose to describe white and black athletes. Rarely ever do you hear white ballplayers described as having "pure raw talent". On the contrary, blacks on average are never championed for their "blue-collar work ethic". Are you saying that Matt Light, who plays the most important position on the best line in recent history on the best team in football, got to be so dominate simply because he works hard? And of course, guys like Vladimir Guerrero are just natural hitters, with no real self-discipline, right? C'mon.

I think this phenomenon is pretty hilarious. It may have foundations that are true, but the exclusivity with which sports columnists use such terms is pretty ridiculous. When you watch Sportscenter or any talkshow, look for stuff like this. It makes it funny.

Out like Manny Ramirez at the plate.