Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

[hawaiiansteel]

Mendenhall backs Peterson's 'slave' comment

By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, March 17, 2011


Running back Rashard Mendenhall is drawing attention to himself — and not because of his costly fumble in Super Bowl XLV.

Mendenhall on Wednesday supported Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's analogy between the NFL and the slave trade.

"It is a lot deep than most people understand," Mendenhall posted on the social networking site Twitter. "Anyone with knowledge of the slave trade and the NFL could say that these two parallel each other."

Peterson, a perennial All-Pro, fired the most controversial salvo between players and owners following the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.

Players decertified as a union Friday after they could not reach a deal with the owners on a new collective bargaining agreement. The owners responded by locking out the players Saturday.

"It's modern-day slavery, you know?" Peterson told Yahoo! Sports on Tuesday. "People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working at regular jobs who get treated the same way, too. With all the money ... the owners are trying to get a different percentage, and bring in more money. I understand that; these are business-minded people. Of course this is what they are going to want to do. I understand that; it's how they got to where they are now. But as players, we have to stand our ground and say, 'Hey — without us, there's no football.'

"I don't really see this going to where we'll be without football for a long time; there's too much money lost for the owners. Eventually, I feel that we'll get something done."

Peterson's comments generated heavy criticism, including from some NFL players.

Mendenhall, however, stood behind Peterson in a series of tweets posted late Tuesday and yesterday.

Mendenhall declined an interview requested from the Tribune-Review through his agent, Mike McCartney. McCartney confirmed that Mendenhall authored the tweets that appeared on his official Twitter site.

The Steelers also declined comment.

Mendenhall, who was coming off a second straight 1,000-yard season, is an unlikely player in the firestorm Peterson started. He is generally reserved around the media.

But he did not back off his Twitter comments, firing back at those who were critical of him.

"If you look back and dissect what I said, I didn't say that the NFL was slavery, I said that they parallel each other. Look up the word parallel," he wrote. "I could break down how but that would take an amount of ideology and big words that a lot of you wouldn't understand."

Another Mendenhall tweet said: "Learn to LISTEN before you pass judgement. Because speaking without knowledge of subject is truly ignorant."

Twitter has become popular among professional athletes.

Among the Steelers who have active accounts on Twitter or Facebook, another social media website, include receiver Hines Ward, strong safety Troy Polamalu and outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.

Professional athletes' use of Twitter became a hot topic in November after Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson dropped what would have been a game-winning touchdown pass against the Steelers. After the Steelers 19-16 overtime win, Johnson sent a tweet blaming God for his miscue.

That drew attention to the drawbacks the immediacy of social media.

Mendenhall is coming off one of the best seasons by a Steelers running back. He rushed for 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns.

However, he lost a fumble at a critical juncture of last month's Super Bowl.

It came when the Steelers, who had scored 14 unanswered points, were driving in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers, who were trailing 21-17 when Mendenhall fumbled, lost, 31-25.

[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_727833.html#ixzz1GpCb4HDo"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... z1GpCb4HDo[/url]

[Chadman]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

Oh geez...someone take the freakin' microphones away from the ATHLETE'S before they make themselves look like right knobhead's...

The NFL 'parallel's slaverty' Mendy?

Really?

Because, as Chadman sees it, these 'slaves' are better paid than the common man, allowed to do as they like beyond their contractual agreement with their employer & are free to leave the NFL as they desire.

That, as far as Chadman can figure, is nothing at all like slavery.

"If you look back and dissect what I said, I didn't say that the NFL was slavery, I said that they parallel each other. Look up the word parallel," he wrote. "I could break down how but that would take an amount of ideology and big words that a lot of you wouldn't understand."

Please, oh pretty please...Mr Mendy...can you use'm those big words of yours to explain yourself to us?

The only possible link to 'slavery' is the draft- where players don't dictate their destiny. And as far as Chadman has understood, there is no complaints regarding the draft process from the players.

Of course, free agency basically wipes out or at the least negates this link to slavery, because let's face it- slaves don't really get to choose their destiny now, do they?

Chadman suspects that Mr Mendy is mistaking 'contractual obligation' with 'slavery' & completely bypassing that whole 'free choice' thing he has available to him in order to make a point, so blatantly stupid, that Chadman can only wish that this is badly reported.

[steelblood]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

Slaves were never allowed free speech (twitter), the right to assembly (union), and the ability to take their "owners" to court for better working conditions. As Americans, we are spoiled by our liberties and freedoms. So spoiled, that many of us chose to claim that we are victims even when we are not because it is easier (and more financially rewarding) to blame someone else and paint them as a bad guy than it is to honestly and plainly deal with the reality of the situation. The truth here is that this is ALL about MONEY.

End the "slavery" rhetoric. Your "owners" have taken advantage of you on some level. But, you have never been subjugated and made submissive by them. And, in Mendenhall's case, your ownership family, does have your interests in mind. They don't want a eighteen game season. They care about you personally. They will bring you back here to be honored time and time again if you perform well. But, this is a business in America, you fools! Money is the issue at hand (and frankly it is about the only issue). Realize that and stop trying to compare yourselves to humans who were abused, stripped of their dignity, and FORCED into labor completely AGAINST THEIR WILL.

[flippy]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

Maybe we can send Mendy to the Jets for a 5th round pick....

In all seriousness, while these guys may be emotional right now, there are parallels if you really study the real slavery trade.

Some things you might find interesting if you dig into the history of slavery - many slaves owned their own houses and they were sent to the best schools in europe to become tradesmen, engineers, doctors, artisans, etc.

If you travel to Charleston or Savanah or any other antebellum town, you'll find much of these cities were in fact built by the slaves. Some of the best crafts of the time were created and stand today because of the slaves.

You can learn loads about the history of slavery in Charleston where they had the NASDAQ of slave trading markets. And while many slaves were treated horribly, many were treated great. Less than 3% of people in the south owned slaves. They were the billionaires of their day. And many understood, to get the most out of their investment, they needed to treat their slaves well. Slavery was a business. And the average slave traded for $30K. That was a huge amount of money back then. Just like NFLers get paid huge amounts of money by today's standards.

Many slaves were able to buy their own freedom. But slaves didn't have rights, so many felt it was good to be owned by a benevolent owner who allowed them many personal freedoms.

When you peel back the layers of slavery, it was simply business. And it parallels modern business today. Some owners are good. Some owners are bad. Some employees are good. Others, not so much.

Now calling Smith, Abraham Lincoln may take it a step too far. Clearly Smith isn't trying to emancipate anyone.

But the parallels Peterson and Mendy mention really are there. And it's quite interesting to learn the real history of slavery. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

The thing that really hits me as amazing in all of this is that the average man in the south owned no slaves. Just the mega rich. Yet it was that same average man that fought for the rights of the rich man to own slaves.

I guess it's no different than today. We send babies barely out of high school into war to protect the rich in this country and sell them on the fact that they're protecting everyone's freedom.

In 100 years I wonder how people will look back on us?

[steelblood]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

Maybe we can send Mendy to the Jets for a 5th round pick....

In all seriousness, while these guys may be emotional right now, there are parallels if you really study the real slavery trade.

Some things you might find interesting if you dig into the history of slavery - many slaves owned their own houses and they were sent to the best schools in europe to become tradesmen, engineers, doctors, artisans, etc.

If you travel to Charleston or Savanah or any other antebellum town, you'll find much of these cities were in fact built by the slaves. Some of the best crafts of the time were created and stand today because of the slaves.

You can learn loads about the history of slavery in Charleston where they had the NASDAQ of slave trading markets. And while many slaves were treated horribly, many were treated great. Less than 3% of people in the south owned slaves. They were the billionaires of their day. And many understood, to get the most out of their investment, they needed to treat their slaves well. Slavery was a business. And the average slave traded for $30K. That was a huge amount of money back then. Just like NFLers get paid huge amounts of money by today's standards.

Many slaves were able to buy their own freedom. But slaves didn't have rights, so many felt it was good to be owned by a benevolent owner who allowed them many personal freedoms.

When you peel back the layers of slavery, it was simply business. And it parallels modern business today. Some owners are good. Some owners are bad. Some employees are good. Others, not so much.

Now calling Smith, Abraham Lincoln may take it a step too far. Clearly Smith isn't trying to emancipate anyone.

But the parallels Peterson and Mendy mention really are there. And it's quite interesting to learn the real history of slavery. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

The thing that really hits me as amazing in all of this is that the average man in the south owned no slaves. Just the mega rich. Yet it was that same average man that fought for the rights of the rich man to own slaves.

I guess it's no different than today. We send babies barely out of high school into war to protect the rich in this country and sell them on the fact that they're protecting everyone's freedom.

In 100 years I wonder how people will look back on us?

I could also parallel either Hitler or Ghandi to the Rooneys if I wanted to spin the situation. It is all rhetoric. This is about money, not humanity.

[proudpittsburgher]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

In all seriousness, while these guys may be emotional right now, there are parallels if you really study the real slavery trade.

Maybe so, but I am sure . . . if you dig real deep . . . you can find a parallel with the holocost, Hiroshima, etc. It just takes a little common sense to NOT bring attention to those parallels given the situation (financial, mostly) most of these players find themselves in.

Look up the word parallel," he wrote. "I could break down how but that would take an amount of ideology and big words that a lot of you wouldn't understand."

Way to endear yourself to the people who you want to have your back, idiot.

[flippy]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

The point is, it's always about the money and the power. Slavery, Hitler, the American Revolution, the NFL, whatever.

But people try to make it about something other than money and power.

But we turn history and wars into causes like humanity and freedom to enlist the common man to protect the money and the power of the rich.

Then and now.

I do agree, Mendy is not endearing himself to anyone with his comments.

[Notleadpoisoned]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

Sadly, we now live in a victim-driven society where just about everyone, regardless of class, race, etc. thinks that they're getting screwed over by the man. Our culture sucks.

[flippy]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

I just read some facts about St Patrick and learned he was the first person to speak out against slavery - 14 centuries before the Catholic church decided it was wrong.

I guess the pope needs a disclaimer - I speak for God, subject to change.

Sorry for going way off topic, but reading this about Mendy/slavery and seeing slavery come up in a list of facts about St Patrick seemed so odd, I had to share.

[The Sodfather]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

I had no idea Mendenhall was an Irish name.

[feltdizz]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

I think a lot of athletes read the book "Million Dollar Slaves"

I understand what they are trying to say but the millions of dollars make it hard for the average man to see the analogy.

I know it's hard to swallow because people hear the word slavery and automatically think of whips, chains, boats and hardship.

However when you look at the combine and the weigh in these guys are doing the same things they did at slave auctions. They are bought by "owners" if they have the weight, strength and pedigree the team covets. If injured they are replaced, if rowdy they are cut or traded... etc.

I know they make a ton of money so it's not slavery... it's an analogy.

[feltdizz]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

Sadly, we now live in a victim-driven society where just about everyone, regardless of class, race, etc. thinks that they're getting screwed over by the man. Our culture sucks.

That's true... but the owners are also crying victim in this battle and want another BILLION of the top.

[birtikidis]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

I wish I were a modern day slave

[steelblood]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

I think a lot of athletes read the book "Million Dollar Slaves"

I understand what they are trying to say but the millions of dollars make it hard for the average man to see the analogy.

I know it's hard to swallow because people hear the word slavery and automatically think of whips, chains, boats and hardship.

However when you look at the combine and the weigh in these guys are doing the same things they did at slave auctions. They are bought by "owners" if they have the weight, strength and pedigree the team covets. If injured they are replaced, if rowdy they are cut or traded... etc.

I know they make a ton of money so it's not slavery... it's an analogy.

And nightclubs stamp your hands and usher you into a dark, overcrowded room. You COULD make a concentration camp analogy. But, that would be stupid. The slavery analogy is weak and unfounded. If you want to consider yourself a victim, you can always find an angle.

[eniparadoxgma]

Re: Mendenhall backs Adrian Peterson's 'slave' comment

Slaves were never allowed free speech (twitter), the right to assembly (union), and the ability to take their "owners" to court for better working conditions. As Americans, we are spoiled by our liberties and freedoms. So spoiled, that many of us chose to claim that we are victims even when we are not because it is easier (and more financially rewarding) to blame someone else and paint them as a bad guy than it is to honestly and plainly deal with the reality of the situation. The truth here is that this is ALL about MONEY.

End the "slavery" rhetoric. Your "owners" have taken advantage of you on some level. But, you have never been subjugated and made submissive by them. And, in Mendenhall's case, your ownership family, does have your interests in mind. They don't want a sixteen game season. They care about you personally. They will bring you back here to be honored time and time again if you perform well. But, this is a business in America, you fools! Money is the issue at hand (and frankly it is about the only issue). Realize that and stop trying to compare yourselves to humans who were abused, stripped of their dignity, and FORCED into labor completely AGAINST THEIR WILL.

Great post!