ESPN Anchor Asks Why There's No Outrage Over White Player's Dance

[Cali_Democrat]

This anchor nails it.

I think the double standard is pretty damn obvious.

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ESPN anchor Robert Flores openly wondered why it is that the media tends to get so riled up about some NFL touchdown dances and not others during a Monday episode of "SportsCenter" -- not so subtly implying that the answer boils down to race.

He spoke his truth after showing a clip of Kansas City Chiefs' tight end "hitting the quan" following a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

"I'm wondering why there's no letters to the editor, or why 'First Take''s not doing, 'Should Travis Kelce be dancing in the end zone?'" Flores rhetorically asked. "Oh, because he's not black."

The ESPN anchor is undoubtedly referring to the the hullabaloo over Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton recent dancing, enjoying the fact that opponents can't stop him from reaching the end zone. You might remember it.

Newton's celebration led to anger, most noticeably in the form of a letter from a Tennessee mom to the editors of The Charlotte Observer, in which she said she would rather have her 9-year-old daughter watch half-naked cheerleaders than *gasp* watch Cam Newton dance. ESPN's Skip Bayless also jumped in too, saying he "thought the dancing was a little much for a franchise quarterback" -- hence Flores' "First Take" shout out.

By comparison, there has been near-silence recently when white players or middle-aged coaches have danced to express pleasure recently. But hey, it's only harmless fun when a white guy does it, right?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/robert-flores-cam-newton-travis-kelce_565ca681e4b072e9d1c2b46e

[Warren DeMontague]

1. People are "outraged" over a football player's 15 second end zone dance?

Jesus, some people apparently wake up in the moring looking for a reason to get "outraged".

They must be deeply unahppy individuals.

[Recursion]

2. Don't they, though?

Yeah. I mean, back in the 80s when you had like absurdly long choreographed stuff from running backs after a TD, I get that; it was actually delaying the game. But now honestly it seems like people just don't like black players in the backfield.

[Warren DeMontague]

3. Yeah, i watched the supposedly "offensive" dance-- simply unbelievable.

What you said- if it's interfering with the game, etc or egregiously disruptive and long, okay.

But this was nothing. i guess the "kentucky mom" was upset about the "pelvic thrusting"

...apparently it's 2015 and some puritannical people still haven't got over Elvis!

[Recursion]

4. Yeah, compare that to Ickey Woods 25 years ago:

And that's the shorter version after he got fined...

[svpadgham]

28. Gonna' get some cold cuts today!

[Recursion]

31. Ha!

Those were the days.

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Worse Yet, Warren, It Ain't 15 Seconds

Those guys do their little dance for about 3 seconds. They get the stuffing knocked out of them for 60 minutes, and people are outraged when they celebrate for 3 seconds.

No Fun League, indeed. Even the fans have been Borgified.

[yardwork]

26. Deeply racist individuals.

[Warren DeMontague]

34. Seems she was upset about the "pelvic thrusting"

so honestly I'm not sure what manner of bees are all up in her overly concerned and horrified bonnet.

[mnhtnbb]

5. Clearly racist comment from the TN mom...I heard practically the same thing

many years ago when living in St. Joseph, MO. A woman friend commented
that she wouldn't want her 9 year old daughter to see "half naked" sweaty, black male
dancers when we were talking about the Alvin Ailey Dance troupe.

[nolabels]

7. Cam Newton is a bad man, a very bad man!

And it takes a one to win the big dance, more power to him

[Buzz Clik]

8. Is Johnny Manziel black? No.

He has be skewered endlessly for his onfield "money" routine that lasts less than one second. Did anyone attack Tebow for his "Tebowing"? Endlessly.

The race baiting by Flores is ridiculous and unfounded.

[ProfessorGAC]

9. I See A Bit Of It Buzz

But, the "shot" at Bayless is probably unwarranted. If he was showing a racial bias on his criticism, Steven A would have been unafraid to call him out on it. Steve A defended it based upon youth and exuberance more than anything else. He didn't tell Skip that "if it were a white guy. . .", and if he thought that was the case, he would have said so.

But, i do think some folks have an issue with this particular dancing QB because he's darker than Tom Brady.

Forgot Something: Also Buzz, how much criticism was leveled at Tebow or Manziel because, in truth, they can't play quarterback. There were a million Tebow apologists, so he got hammered by those who didn't understand why so many people were ignoring that he was terrible. Same with JM. Can't play none, then you get dumped on.

Cam is pretty darned good.

[Buzz Clik]

10. The greatest amount of criticism was leveled at Newton in his rookie year.

He was doing he Superman routine after running for first downs, and his dance moves were getting longer as the season wore on... despite an atrocious season. Newton was getting pounded for this from all directions, including the likes of ESPN's Michael Wilbon who called Newton a "dope" for his antics.

The criticism in his rookie year came for two reasons: his team stunk, and we expect less of this from a quarterback.

This year, obviously, Carolina is far better, and Newton's dance has returned in full force. Some are letting it go without mention because of the team's success, but others (including Wilbon) continue to snarl at him because the qb needs more focus.

And, yes, there are racially charged remarks all the time from ignorant morons, but they don't play favorites, either.

[ProfessorGAC]

11. Yeah, I Can See That

I still think if Manziel was worth a darn and was doing his deal, there would be less objection.

[Buzz Clik]

12. Agreed. Ditto Tebow.

And, I think that is why the grousing about Newton is subsiding.

I don't watch First Take. What was Bayless's upshot, do you know?

[ProfessorGAC]

14. Yeah, I Happened To DVR That Episode

His take was that it's ok for a receiver, or a RB or a DB to do that, but the QB needs to be the "keep your head when the house is on fire" type of guy. (Quotes for descriptor, not a quote of Skip.)

He wasn't objecting to celebrating as much as he didn't think a franchise quarterback should do it, because it doesn't display the calm leadership that a QB needs. He mentioned the whole "act like you've been there" thing as well.

Remember this was a guy who was a big Vick fan until the dog stuff come out. And Vick wasn't a dance guy. And he was an over the top Tebow guy, but Tebow didn't do celebratory dances. (Well, the genuflecting was at least that bad for me.)

So, while you or i might not agree with Skip on this perspective, i'm quite certain this was not racially driven by him.

Now, how many other people have decided to be as dispassionate and objective as Bayless and still came away with the same conclusions, i seriously question? Mostly it is because Cam is black.

[dsc]

17. Manziel's team is 2 and 9 while Newton's is 11 and 0

that is a fairly substantial difference. Manziel shouldn't be dancing anywhere anytime.

[Buzz Clik]

18. continue reading the thread....

[erpowers]

24. Different Stories

First, did anyone write an open letter to either Johnny Manziel or Tim Tebow criticizing their actions. Did the people of First Take criticize them for their actions. As far as I know Manziel and Tebow were mainly criticized by the fans. Second, I think Manziel was criticized due to his off the field problems. Yes, people said something about the "money" sign, but I think the criticism came as a result of his bad behavior off the field and questions about whether a team should take a chance on him. In Tebow's case, I think some of the criticism came as a result of some people feeling he was a bit whiny. In addition, how many people actually criticized him for kneeling to pray after a touchdown. I think some people may have been angry that his action became know as "Tebowing" when he was not the first guy to do that.

[Buzz Clik]

33. Let's make this clear: if Flores is accusing Bayless of racism, Flores should be fired immediately.

Racism is a huge charge not to be taken lightly. If Flores is making this accusation with no proof -- hard proof that Bayless is a shameless bigoted jackass -- then Flores has got to go.

Racism is not just some deal where some guy says something that makes you wonder why he said it and maybe it's because the person the guy was talking about happens to be of a different race. Racism is antagonism toward someone of a different race because you think your race is superior. Bayless simply asked a question and -- oh, noses!! -- the guy he was talking about is black.

Charges of racism get tossed about far too easily.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

54. Bayless is a racist, or plays one on TV

Same goes for his buddy Smith. You're apparently unaware that "First Take" is just one big race baiting show....between Skip saying white Redskins fans want Cousins over Griffin and Smith saying Chip Kelly is racist. Both should have been fired ages ago, but the powers to be at ESPN love it, despite their claims of wanting journalistic integrity.

I saw Flores shot as little more than a snappy pop culture reference tinged with political commentary. The type Keith Olbermann may have made back in the day. Didn't know Skip was in on the Newton controversy, but not surprised. Those two assholes in the morning never miss a chance to drag out the burning cross routine. If I ran ESPN, Skip and Stephen A would be the first two fucking idiots fired, with a giant hole opening up and dropping both off television forever. Disgusting individuals making race for profit.

[Buzz Clik]

56. Yours is the first logical explanation I've seen.

I agree that Bayless and Smith are Yin and Yang but two peas in the same pod/sphincter.

[yardwork]

27. The letters of outrage re Cam are racism.

Black guy shaking his butt in the end zone = think of the children1111!! letters to the editor.

Pure old fashioned racism.

[7962]

49. Heck, tebow STILL gets criticized and he's not even in the league!

[Nye Bevan]

13. Also, some white people vociferously defended Tom Brady over Deflategate.

I'm not so sure that they would have done so had he been black.

[KamaAina]

22. You don't hang around a whole lot of New England sports fans, do you?

The only colors that matter to them during football season are blue and white.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

55. Patriots fans would defend OJ Simpson if he ever suited up for them

Of course, they all started watching football in 2002, so they wouldn't know who he is.

[Mr Dixon]

15. Really?

Madness, this has to be so low and the urgency meter, let the man dance and let’s move. This is manufactured nonsense, DU is above the low hanging fruit…..stop it.

[heaven05]

16. excellent point

yet the reason is centuries old, in this culture/society. No doubt about the reason for the different responses to the NFL "dancers" though.

[roody]

19. When I was a kid, Baptists were

not allowed to dance. It's a sin you know.

[randr]

20. Sports anchors are merely rhythmically challenged

and are displaying jealousy.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

21. The dancing is pretty stupid, but harmless

and it's way more tolerable than the drop-to-one-knee, eyes-up-to-dog, cross-yourself, pretend-to-pray bullshit.

Tebow couldn't dance.

[jmowreader]

37. Tebow couldn't play quarterback either, but that's a whole 'nother debate

[cstanleytech]

43. Oh I believe Tebow meant every prayer though his prayers were more along the lines of

"Dear God, give me a break. I know I have the lowest passing completion rate but havent I suffered enough for my sins? I really dont need to get cut from this team so please let me complete this play, amen!!!"

[Beowulf42]

23. Old Fashioned

I'm old and liberal, but there are some things that really bother me about football. If a player does that dance in front of an embarrassed player he gets hit with a penalty, but if he does it in back of a smashed quarterback or after a touchdown there is no penalty. Maybe these demonstration put butts in the seats, or are considered entertainment, but I don't see the difference. Whether the player is black or white they should be penalized. There is no need either to make a first down and then jump up and make a first down signal. Get your ass back in the huddle and find out what the next play is going to be. The same with throwing down the football when you score a TD. The Arizona QB almost crippled himself with that move after he waddled into the end zone for 6 points. Throw the flag on everyone of them.

[840high]

25. Oh good God - get a life.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

29. And now for more important questions of the day.

[trumad]

30. Bayless is the Ann Coulter of sports commentary.

He's a troll with bad hair coloring.

[hifiguy]

42. He's still on?

I used to watch First Take every now and then but had to give it up. He and Stephen A. Smith are the two most pompous, overbearing and sanctimonious jackasses who ever talked sports on teevee. And they are both ALWAYS wrong about EVERYTHING. The Bill Kristols of sports.

[benld74]

32. I cant stand it no matter WHO performs, act like you made it into the end zone before guys!!!!

[jonno99]

40. Agree. I think the classiest guys are those who just nonchalantly flip the ball to the ref...nt

[hifiguy]

41. Yep. That's what former Vikings Robert Smith and Chuck Foreman used to do.

As Bud Grant - who discouraged celebrating - once said: "Act like you've been in the end zone before and will be coming back again."

IIRC, that's what the greatest wide receiver in history - Jerry Rice - also used to do.

[7962]

50. And thats the best way to get your point across

Although I think big defensive linemen should be allowed to celebrate if they score since it rarely happens!

[hifiguy]

57. Yep. Let the fat guys dance.

It's a once-in-a-career thing for them.

[panader0]

35. At 65 I have been the the end zone before

But I still celebrate every touchdown.

[Dont call me Shirley]

36. Cam Newton rocks it! The bigots are pissed because he is so super fun and an awesome QB!

[HelenWheels]

53. But he's a bad dancer nt

[Dont call me Shirley]

58. Good dancing is in the eye of the beholder, and the dancer. I'm a good dancer when I'm alone.

[hughee99]

38. Maybe because the same Tennessee mom

Wasn't watching the Chiefs and Bills

[Township75]

39. For 99.99% of the US population, there is no outrage over any player's dancing because we don't

watch it nor give a fuck about it.


Now, some dip shits planned wardrobe malfunction during a Super Bowl half time show...that is a different story!

[cherokeeprogressive]

45. .01 percent of the population are the ONLY people watching football? Hmmm.

[Elwood P Dowd]

47. Tens of millions watch college and NFL football. (nm)

[cherokeeprogressive]

44. A Tennessee mom, and an ESPN anchor...

Whoa. The pulse of America right there.

[jalan48]

46. Bread and circuses.

[Elwood P Dowd]

48. Racist white lady has her panties in a wad over a little dance.

Like this guy says, from reading her letter it appears she is full of shit concerning her daughter's questions. Anyway, thanks to all this publicity that dance is now going viral around the country. Athletes are now doing the Cam dabbing routine after a big play, so thanks to you Tennessee mom better turn off the TV to protect your little girl during the football season.

[Ace Rothstein]

51. Why does anyone get upset when a football player dances to celebrate a play?

I've always found it to be an entertaining part of the game.

Also, this whole thing is ESPN induced "news". Nobody would have cared about Cam's dance if one of their commentators didn't make a big deal over it. I bet Bayless doesn't believe half the shit that comes out of his own mouth, he's just taking cues from his producers.

[packman]

52. I always have been told white men can't dance

so the whole thing is a mute argument.