Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Higher Standards

Donovan McNabb thinks that black quarterbacks face greater scrutiny than white QBs, partly because there are relatively few of them, also because he thinks there are many who didn't want to see them playing the position. (Quick demographic note: according to Wikipedia, the US population is 12.12% African American. There are 32 NFL starting QBs, 12.12% would be 3.8784. There are currently 6 black starting QBs, which is 18.75% of the total. So, in comparison with the rest of the population, black QBs are actually overrepresented.)

Is this true? The most direct comparison I can think of is Charlie Batch vs. Joey Harrington. My perception would be that Batch actually had it easier than Harrington, but maybe I'm wrong. Vick had taken significant criticism before his recent troubles, but he also had a completely unique style that played a large part in the controversy. McNabb was also known for his ability to move, at least at the beginning of his career. Could it be that the amount of criticism of some black QBs has to do with how heavily they are marketed (cough, Vick, cough) BEFORE they've become true stars? What do you think?

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