NFLPA blasts inappropriate questions by NFL teams

The NFL Players Association weighed in on the Dez Bryant-Jeff Ireland controversy today and rightfully took a strong stance condemning actions like the ones Ireland took. Here is the statement from NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith:

 “We need to make sure the men of this league are treated as businessmen. During interviews, our players and prospective players should never be subjected to discrimination or degradation stemming from the biases or misconceptions held by team personnel. NFL teams cannot have the free reign to ask questions during the interview process which can be categorized as stereotyping or which may bring a personal insult to any player as a man. For the past year, active, former and incoming players have heard me speak about the expectations we have of them as members of this union, their teams, communities and families. It is equally true that the same kind of respect is demanded of their employers.”

 Ireland’s question of whether Bryant’s mother was a prostitute – as first reported by Yahoo Sports – was obviously out of bounds. But I think a sound reaction on the part of Ireland and the Dolphins would be to invite  Bryant to sit down in another interview with Ireland and force Ireland to answer questions. Then Bryant should be allowed to ask Ireland questions about Ireland’s mother. See how that feels.

 -- Jan Hubbard 

Comments

[Puta McHooker]

These media hysterics are skirting the bigger issue:

Was she or wasn't she?

[Randall Broussard]

Now is the perfect time for Commissioner Goddel to make an example of Ireland and suspend his totally insensitive, arrogant and unbelievably naive posterior
for at least 6 games. Dez Bryant should defend his Mother with all legal means as far and as fast as his lawyer can take it.. Here’s a clue: in the millions! If it was my mother, God rest her soul, Ireland would need a dentist, and a chiropractor at a minimum. I’m spitting fire just thinking about it. I predict that someone will try on their own to treat Mr. WASP to a lesson in manners. I hope I’m wrong but I know I’m not. By the way, I’m a Caucasian Cajun, not a black Cajun. But I fought with blacks in Viet Nam and they more American than Ireland by a long shot.