WV Cowboy;1598313 said:
Long hair in football is not a new thing, but hair as long as Palamalu's is.
Even guys that were considered to have long hair in the 70's, or even afros, didn't have their hair much below the back of their helmets, .. and never down over their names and covering part of their numbers like some do now.
Looks girly to us old-timers
In some cultures it would be girly if you did not have long hair.
I have no problem with his hair. Personally I think he should have his hair long due to his heritage (troy not Marion).
Now I would not mind if he tied it or braided it or something.
But so what, he can do it. And really in the end so what if it covers his name, it is not like anyone else does not know it is him.
The reason long hair and long facial hair is not acceptable in some other "uniformed" professions was a strategic and practical matter.
Beards at one time were the norm but armies realized that the enemy could grab your beard in battle and hinder you. So some armies started making their soldiers shave their beards or at least keep them trimmed. This is also done with the hair due to the same reasons. An enemy could grab someone from the back with long hair.
There were also other concerns with long hair such as hygiene and lice.
Currently a soldier can not have long hair or a beard. Partly due to tradition of the being a hazard in combat situation, partly because of hygiene, partly because of uniformity lacking identity but another big part of no beards in the modern military is because it hinders a proper seal for a soldiers protective (gas) mask.
Ok...I am just rambling now. However I have always found you fascinating in some ways. Of course we share college football interests but the fascinating part I find is how you can be so old school in some of your takes while at the same time liking some players that kind of go directly against that old school mentality because they act like punks or selfish primadonnas. (sp?)
