Using the word is still freedom of speech and should be left up to the person using it. If they ban this one word, will it be okay to use other racial slurs? I see it as opening up a big can of worms and there are many, many words that are just as bad. I have trouble seeing freedom of speech as a right that only applies in certain situations.
There has never been an ultimate right to free speech. The classic example used by the Supreme Court is that you cannot scream "fire" in a crowded theater. Using the N word in certain circumstances may create that inflammatory situation. And that behavior should not be allowed - ever. But as described here, the word may also be used as an endearment rather than a negative remark to someone. Guess that is something that is new to our young culture - me I don't get it. As they say, never put yourself down, there are too many people around to do it for you. Guess that makes me an old fart.
I kind of look at it this way, can't someone control themselves during a football game?? A message is being sent. And in particular if it is being said to refs as stated in one post. Don't like that one bit. What upsets me more is the increase in cheap shots and taking players out. And the fans openly saying on message boards to take a player out so they can win. That to me is something far more important that needs to be addressed. And says something about our society. It is called integrity. Making a good clean hit that results in an injury is part of the game, but going out to take a player out is another.
As the old statement goes, I know justice when I see it. Most of us do. Except for the ignorants of the world - we certainly have enough of those folks. All this rule does is eliminate the need for refs to try to figure out how the word is being used. The refs have better things to do, like trying to make the right calls more often. I think though that this new "rule" could be included in the un-sportsman like behavior, and let it be known that it will be included. But I think as a separate rule it is a little over the top, but really do not have a problem if it is implemented.
I would like to think that racism is a thing of the past, and for the most part that has happened. The way I was brought up, there was never a negative comment, ever, in my home about any group of people. It is just ridiculous to think that a different "group" makes for a better person. Better to judge a person on their own merits. And a jerk is a jerk is a jerk. And jerks come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and gender. Unfortunately, that is just the way it is. All good people in the world - never going to happen. A look at a history book will tell you that.
Guess as I am writing this I have changed my mind. Implement the rule. Just eliminates another negative from the game we all enjoy.
