Gado vs. JJ

[theogt]

Actually, the reader drew the inference

Yes, I recognized this after i re-read my post. I'm just too lazy to hit the edit button.

 

[fortdick]

Yes, I recognized this after i re-read my post. I'm just too lazy to hit the edit button.

LOL!!!!! I know the feeling! I was just being a butthead.

 

[JohnsKey19]

As the Fonz would say, "Exactamundo." I can't help that he came from Nigeria, nor will I be cowed from pointing out that he did. His origins and inexperience (compared to JJ's) are relevant. Politically correct race hustling has no place on this board.

C'mon man. Race hustling??? You've got it all wrong. The guy could've been from (insert country here) for all I care. The only reason I raised the question was because I thought Gado had played several years of college ball in the US and at this point should be sufficiently schooled on the game of football to at least function in the NFL IF physically talented enough, particularly for a RB. That's why I questioned the inclusion of his origins. Where he was born and lived for 17-18 years seemed insignificant IMO given he has effectively played college ball and I'm sure watched the NFL some while in the US. Now obviously it's not an ideal situation but it is feasible. It's not like he's playing a position on the field where vast exposure to the game may be viewed as being essential. He's big with decent speed, has good feet and hits the hole hard. I haven't watched him too much, but I'm assuming he's in primarily on running downs where his task is simple - run the ball.

 

[jem88]

I know what you were implying, and I don't like it. If he was from France, that would have been noted too.

Well maybe you just shouldn't mention it and all would be fine, no?

 

[jem88]

Just find this bio on the guy
http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/sam_gado/

it's not like he just arrived in the country. 39 games at Liberty and high school football as well. I wonder if basketball fans felt the same incredulity when Hakeem Olajuwon was tearing it up and a good old American player like Sam Bowie wasn't.

 

[conner01]

mr political correctness. being as he is from a country that does'nt play football i see the relavance of using his country of origin.how many nigerians have ever played in the nfl? one is all i can think of. as for why he is doing well. who knows but before i pencil him as great i would like to see him do something against some good teams, it also helps to have brett in the backfield and keeping the safties back

 

[jem88]

One more thing, I just read that he moved here when he was 8 years old. Any thoughts on that bbgun? Maybe you should think before you post next time.

 

[superpunk]

I believe every single NFL broadcast that I have seen of the Packers has pointed out in some way that he's Nigerian. I fail to see the big deal.

 

[Doomsday101]

I believe every single NFL broadcast that I have seen of the Packers has pointed out in some way that he's Nigerian. I fail to see the big deal.

I guess because football is not a big sports in Africa so not many guys from there play professional football.

 

[jem88]

I believe every single NFL broadcast that I have seen of the Packers has pointed out in some way that he's Nigerian. I fail to see the big deal.

It's one thing to point out where someone is from, it's quite another to use that information as a factor in comparing his performance to that of another player. I don't think the original poster had any racist intent but he surely shouldn't go off the handle when another poster asks for some clarification of the original statement.

 

[superpunk]

I guess because football is not a big sports in Africa so not many guys from there play professional football.

I know why the NFL broadcasters do it. I just don't see why anyone would jump on the guy who started this thread for mentioning the same thing.

 

[JohnsKey19]

I believe every single NFL broadcast that I have seen of the Packers has pointed out in some way that he's Nigerian. I fail to see the big deal.

It's not a big deal. Doesn't mean questions can't be asked. I think people were irritated when there was a perception of implied racism, when it never was on my part.

 

[superpunk]

It's one thing to point out where someone is from, it's quite another to use that information as a factor in comparing his performance to that of another player. I don't think the original poster had any racist intent but he surely shouldn't go off the handle when another poster asks for some clarification of the original statement.

I don't see why any clarification was necessary. If someone thought it was, the ONLY reason they could possibly want clarification is becasue or some percieved nationalism or racism. I just don't get that, when every NFL broadcast makes mention of the same fact. It's pretty cool that a guy from Nigeria is performing so well. It would be just as cool if some giant white guy from Lithuania became a good WR. I think it's interesting that some guy from Nigeria (again, not known for it's football prowess) is outperforming our ND RB. No reason to even question why he mentioned it.

 

[superpunk]

It's not a big deal. Doesn't mean questions can't be asked. I think people were irritated when the perception was racism was implied, when it never was on my part.

Even if you weren't, it seems others are.

 

[wileedog]

The phantom ankle injury/excuse is getting tiresome.

What other excuse would you like?

 

[Doomsday101]

I know why the NFL broadcasters do it. I just don't see why anyone would jump on the guy who started this thread for mentioning the same thing.

I agree there is no reason why anyone should be upset for mentioning that this guy came from Nigeria. It is a great story that a person who did not grow up playing the sport is now playing the game at its highest level. Same intrigue took place here in Houston with Hakeem Olajuwon a guy who grew up playing soccer in Nigeria and turns into one of the all time best Centers in the NBA

 

[jem88]

mr political correctness. being as he is from a country that does'nt play football i see the relavance of using his country of origin.how many nigerians have ever played in the nfl? one is all i can think of.

Who cares? How many basketball players can you think of who spent a majority of their childhood Italy and then went on to become NBA superstars? I can only think of one. The point is, living in a place until you are eight years is not likely to have a big impact on your future sport endeavours.

 

[bbgun]

What other excuse would you like?

Because it's clear he wasn't the same player before the injury and before Flo's departure.

 

[jem88]

I don't see why any clarification was necessary. If someone thought it was, the ONLY reason they could possibly want clarification is becasue or some percieved nationalism or racism. I just don't get that, when every NFL broadcast makes mention of the same fact. It's pretty cool that a guy from Nigeria is performing so well. It would be just as cool if some giant white guy from Lithuania became a good WR. I think it's interesting that some guy from Nigeria (again, not known for it's football prowess) is outperforming our ND RB. No reason to even question why he mentioned it.

Again if the commentators are using that fact as a source of amazement/bemusement/amusement or whatever, then they are bringing up irrelevant information.

 

[wileedog]

Because it's clear he wasn't the same player before the injury and before Flo's departure.

Again, what answer are you looking for?

Are you shooting for the whole nonsensical "Parcell's coached it out of him" angle?

Or will you settle for the rational explanation that perhaps he bulked up a little too much in the offseason, lost some confidence and is/was trying to do too much?