The Fritz Pollard Alliance whose mission is to promote candidate talent development for coaching, front office executives and scouting staff throughout the National Football League (“NFL”) through strategic efforts, wrote an open letter to NFL players urging them to stop using the work n*gger:
“While we understand and respect that different generations have different means of communicating, we cannot condone on any level the use of the “N” word. We understand the history of the game and especially the significance of the re-integration of the National Football League in 1946 when many who opposed blacks playing in the league used the same racial epithets from the stands. Men like Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Bill Willis, and Marion Motley bravely withstood the indignity of the “N” word during a time when black men were beaten and even hung simply because of the color of their skin. Indeed, the “N” word was the last word that countless blacks across the country – in large cities and small towns – heard before being killed in racist attacks. To use it so loosely now is a disgrace.
“We are not asking players to point fingers or to report who said what when. We are simply asking that you respect the dignity of your teammates, fellow players, officials, coaches, fans, and yourselves. Most importantly, we ask that you respect every man who has worn the uniform but especially those men who helped make the National Football League what it is today and have made it possible for you to follow in their footsteps. Refusing to use the “N” word will show that respect.
“Simply put, from this day forward please choose to not use the “N” word. Period! Do not take the position that you are not bothered by the word. If you tolerate the language being used casually now, at some point in the future, either as a current or former player, you may hear it directed at you. How do you think you will respond? As we approach Thanksgiving, please have the respect and dignity to stand and represent the many thousands of people who fought and died so that you could have the opportunity you have today.
“We must eliminate the use of this this horrible word in our wonderful game. Please join us to help make the NFL a great place to work and play.”
I have a suggestion. Why don’t we all just stop using the word. Let’s think about this logically, what purpose does it really serve?