From the Pressbox

Racism can be veiled in Canada in many ways. One only has to look at the way the Vancouver media drove Casey Printers out of town.

What did he get for being a star ?

A seat on the bench in the game of the year when he won the MVP, sports radio with no class rips him and the CBC itself not even mention the biggest story of that Grey Cup AT ALL during its telecast in its most shameless act as a national broadcaster.

If I was Jarious Jackson's agent, I'd make sure I have the phone numbers of every GM in the CFL, because until Dickenson retires, he could be one of 10000 Casey Printers thoat could be a back up, but they would never start here until Wally Buono is long gone.

Hey Rob Taylor of Vancouver:

I am not going to sit here and state that the world does not have racism. That would be just silly. What I don't understand, as previously stated, is how or why racism continues to be perpetrated by people analyzing underlying meanings in statements that are used during a game by a commentator or the media in general.

To tell you the truth, if I myself read into the difference between being an “Athlete” vs. a “Technician”, I would say that an ‘athlete’ is an all around superb player that has everything they need to get the job done. Whereas a ‘technician’ or a ‘strategist’ might appear to be lacking in athletic ability and must rely heavily game theory rather then raw talent.

For me I would rather be an athlete.

Matt from Waterloo,

I hear what you are saying and appreciate the sentiment - but unless you truly believe there is no racism in the world (which seems hard to believe), a "colour blind" world view only serves to cover up existing, if subtle, racism.

Allen's comments on the words used to describe quarterbacks: black quarterbacks as "athletes", white quarterbacks as "technicians" are very telling and shouldn't be overlooked just because you or I or any other particular individual don't care what colour our quarterback is.

If you really believe in a colour blind world, then work hard to make ours one - and the only way to do that is to openly and frankly discuss the reality that racism exists and needs to be combatted.

I have no doubt that some, repeat SOME, black professional athletes endure racism at some point in their careers, sometimes subtle, sometimes not. But I also don't appreciate the whining I hear on this topic--how many of these athletes (why is this a dirty word to them?) hand over a nice chunk of change to some of the groups who confront racism in all strata of society? Black quarterbacks, especially high profile, high paid ones, have high expectations on them to deliver. But, as Elliote rightfully points out, so do white quarterbacks. Mr. Allen has shown his stripes this year by not accepting his demotion with dignity and grace. He stands a good chance, like other athletes who stay around too long, of eroding some of the great legacy he has earned throughout his 20+ year career. His sulking has damaged team morale and may be one (of the many) contributing factors to the Argo's up and down season. As the old saying goes, "there's no 'I' in team, Damon". Be a cheerleader or mentor for the young, developing players on your squad or get off the sidelines. The Argos have moved on, so should you.

With regards to the commentators or the media and the labelling of black QBs or blacks in general...You guys are nuts…how do you read so much into this stuff? When I watch a football game there are only two colours that I see on the field…and they are very rarely Black and White. They are the jerseys on the backs of every player…

Who is it that listens for these hidden messages? Are they black people trying to find another saying that can be interpreted and twisted? Is it white people looking for the way to put down a black man?

I am white…I watch football for the game…I do not even see skin colour…why should I?

I read the Globe Article and didn't see anything that suggested a lack of appreciation of Canada. And, as much as I don't like to have to admit it (i.e., I wish it weren't true), Allen's comments about the adjectives used to describe black vs. white QBs still have the ring of truth to them. There's a huge difference between denying a guy a job, because of his skin colour, and giving him the job, but using different words to praise him -- so Allen's comments don't mean that we haven't come a long way; just that we aren't all the way there, yet.

In any case, actions speak louder than words and I can't think of any stronger signal than taking out Canadian citizenship and staying here after he retires.

I am gratified to read such reasoned, calm and sensible comments regarding Damon Allen and Elliotte Friedman's comments.

I am a white Canadian male, who used to be married to a black American female. I lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years; saw it all; and finally came home. Unless you have been on the "other side of the fence" and lived it, no one, least of all Elliotte, has any right to question what Damon says. He speaks the truth, whether Elliotte likes it or not.

I used to get so sick of listening to fellow Canadians holidaying in Florids or Arizona go on about how wonderful things were in Canada...compared to the U.S, blah, blah, blah.

The reality is we still don't have it all fixed up here; but we are prepared to talk about it and work on it. Damon and his family KNOW this, they have lived it, they are "licensed" to compare situations.

Let's shake Damon's hand, welcome him permanently into this country as a fellow citizen; and hope like hell lots more with ethics and stature decide to choose to live in Canada.

I am glad Elliott wrote his piece, but wish he would first think clearly...before lifting his pen. It's up to him to set the example as a "sports journalist" in the media.

Roy

I am surprised how many white commentators have disregarded Donovan's comments. I believe, the media takes a white mans view point. It is hard for the media to get a true black man's point of view. I am not black but I have observed how the OJ Simpson Trial results were received by the two different races. Racist exists even if one side doesn't think it does.

I am a disabled Veteran of World War II. Damon Allan, your special remarks of a born black American not only loving Canada but such that he and his family are making a total lifetime commitment to becoming Canadian citizens in the near future. Damon I am proud of you and your family. Not only are you a model on the field but even more importantly, off the field. Damon, we, the members of an overseas RCAF aircrew in Bomber Command, would never dream of looking at a fellow Black Canadian sitting as our rear gunner, or pilot, for example, as none other than a person more closely than my own family brother. We ate, slept, flew sorties and share the most intimate moments of our lives. We depended on each other for our very survival creating a indescribable bond. Welcome to Canada, Damon & family. I pray that Canadians continues to be regarded as compassionate and loving to their neighbours. I am not one to write letters, but you brought this forth from the depths of my heart. God bless.

There is only one other athlete I would compare Damon Allen to as being a great hero for Canadian sport and that is the late Harry Winston Jerome

I read over the Globe and Mail article, and your previous article, and I struggle to see how you could have concluded from what Damon said that he was in any way unnapreciative of the CFL or Canada.

It seems like "If you support the troops, you must support the war" logic - isn't someone speaking honestly and candidly about problems in an organization in fact the person who is most committed to making sure that organization succeeds?

I'm glad you wrote this article to clear things up a bit. Still, though, I encourage you to consider for a while what spurred you to jump that gap from Damon critiquing the league because he loves it to him critiquing it because he is ungrateful.

If I was a white QB and labelled a "strategist" rather than an "athlete" I might be insulted too. Boo-hoo, do they think I'm brainy with a weak arm? Leave the racist-sports argument in the USA (or in Eastern Europe where it is just brutal), and stop trying to scratch away at something that isn't there in the modern-CFL.

To say TV commentators are not biased or even racist view towards black QBs is denying the truth. I do not expect perfect society since it does not yet exist. I know that Canada is better than many nations in the world but still there is a lot that needs to be done. If we start denying that there is bias and problem, we will never improve and progress. We do not have to blow out of proportion but we have to give it the attention it deserves. The bottom line is words hurt. Some commentators at time may say things they may not mean but they have to put themselves in the person who is at the receiving end and analyze their action. Acknowledging mistakes and moving on without making big deal is the best way of building harmony and nurturing culture of tolerance.

Nice little article...if you want prejudice try being a CANADIAN QB...i was the starting QB for UofT in the mid 70's where we lost 5 games in 3 years including an undefeated regular season in '74. When I was drafted by Calgary they wouldn't even CONSIDER me trying as QB and when I went to the TiCats the same was true...I just wish they had of given me the chance to even fail at that...it is still not a closed book in my past.

I take Damons words at face value he is a real gentleman. I have spoken to him briefly while shopping here and he is always cheerful and I know he enjoys living here.

I respect and accept Damon's responce,, I love the CFL i don't watch the NFL as much anymore,, don't have too we have a very good league here in Canada with great players like Damon..and as a American born proud Canadian citizen,,,I can truly believe Damons love for Canada...Canada is everything good the US should be.

If Damen or Donovan say they feel they face greater scrutiny as quarterbacks than white quarterbacks, then we have to accept it as true, period. We move on and learn from their honesty. For them to be further scrutinized as to their motives or character for sharing their feelings, just proves what they are saying to be true. Only they can know for sure, and as Canadians we are better for really hearing what they know.

That was a very nice article, but I'm more interested in the "not even close" comment. I'd be curious to read an analytical comparison of Joseph and Bishop.

I'm sure Damon will be fine, but he probably shouldn't take Elliotte so seriously. I know I don't.