Not a big fan of the Combine or Draft: Really rubs me the wrong way.

[BringBackFergy]

While all y'all are salivating over who we'll "get" or who Beane will "select", all you're really doing is perpetuating the idea that we can judge, bargain shop and compare young men based on physical traits like hips, arms, chest, jumping ability, speed and agility.

 

It's a meat market mentality and now we all sit in front of the screen and watch a Hollywood atmosphere (cameras, red carpets, interviews, fancy clothes) as young men (black, white, Fiji islands and latinos) get "selected" by "the man". I don't put Beane or Pegula in this category...they get a pass. But guys like Dorsey, Bellichick, Gettleman, Jerry Jones and coaches like Pete Carroll, Andy Reid and Mike Tomlin are choosing men who will be forced into service for a team or city for whom they may not wish to work.

 

Next thing you know, they'll be checking the players teeth, or making them carry loads of bricks on their backs with some goofy reason like "we need to check the teeth because it helps us understand their hygiene practices" or "carrying bricks on their back is a sign of their ability to carry a team when they are down in the 4th quarter".

 

I feel bad for these young men. They don't understand the symbolic nature of what they have gone through. The first thing that happens when they get "selected" is they put on a team hat....talk about branding. It's ridiculous. I probably won't even watch and I would suggest if you have even a rudimentary understanding of "human rights" you would do the same.

 

Peace out!

[CommonCents]

Does this have anything to do with Gronk the horse not running in the Derby? I think it does.

[H2o]

Channeling your inner Crayonz I see. 

[nucci]

6 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

While all y'all are salivating over who we'll "get" or who Beane will "select", all you're really doing is perpetuating the idea that we can judge, bargain shop and compare young men based on physical traits like hips, arms, chest, jumping ability, speed and agility.

 

It's a meat market mentality and now we all sit in front of the screen and watch a Hollywood atmosphere (cameras, red carpets, interviews, fancy clothes) as young men (black, white, Fiji islands and latinos) get "selected" by "the man". I don't put Beane or Pegula in this category...they get a pass. But guys like Dorsey, Bellichick, Gettleman, Jerry Jones and coaches like Pete Carroll, Andy Reid and Mike Tomlin are choosing men who will be forced into service for a team or city for whom they may not wish to work.

 

Next thing you know, they'll be checking the players teeth, or making them carry loads of bricks on their backs with some goofy reason like "we need to check the teeth because it helps us understand their hygiene practices" or "carrying bricks on their back is a sign of their ability to carry a team when they are down in the 4th quarter".

 

I feel bad for these young men. They don't understand the symbolic nature of what they have gone through. The first thing that happens when they get "selected" is they put on a team hat....talk about branding. It's ridiculous. I probably won't even watch and I would suggest if you have even a rudimentary understanding of "human rights" you would do the same.

 

Peace out!

and sign a multi million dollar contract to play....it's awful

[LeGOATski]

And then they're out on the field all day, getting beaten, yelled at, sweating and bleeding.

 

I hear the northern teams treat them much better than the southern teams, though.

[ddaryl]

necessary evils with a Billion dollar industry

[TheFunPolice]

Every player drafted tomorrow SIGNED UP FOR IT willingly. Nobody is being "forced into service."

 

Most players don't care where they are drafted, because the NFL is one big elite club.

 

 

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

I'm feeling a bit more virtuous for having read all that.

 

Counselor, has a judge ever told you to employ more brevity?

 

[Bray Wyatt]

you forgot that they most likely have to uproot their families to go work in a place they probably dont want to

[aristocrat]

what?  then they get a check for more money than a lot of people will ever see.  you forgot that part. Millionaires. Many of their children will never have to work or at least will work in a different industry than they would have if grown up poor. 

[BringBackFergy]

5 minutes ago, TheFunPolice said:

Every player drafted tomorrow SIGNED UP FOR IT willingly. Nobody is being "forced into service."

 

Most players don't care where they are drafted, because the NFL is one big elite club.

 

 

Signed up for what? These young men are treated like chattel from Little Loop all the way through the combine. Fathers of players sit in a smokey room at a tavern and pick kids from the district. They have them over to their houses to "play football" but what they're really doing is scoping out speed, strength and agility under the guise of "fun and games". Little kids are "selected" based on their athleticism and are then carted from town to town so the coach can showcase what fine athletes he has found in his own district. You telling me little John or Saquon have even the slightest notion they are being put through a mini combine at the age of 9? They have no clue. Meanwhile, Coach Peterson (with his tight Bike shorts and whistle) starts making calls basically saying "I HAVE this kid that I FOUND and he'd be perfect for your needs". Then the kid gets the same treatment through high school, college and on to the gold standard of "property transfer"...the NFL. It's sickening when you think about it.

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

1 minute ago, BringBackFergy said:

Signed up for what? These young men are treated like chattel from Little Loop all the way through the combine. Fathers of players sit in a smokey room at a tavern and pick kids from the district. They have them over to their houses to "play football" but what they're really doing is scoping out speed, strength and agility under the guise of "fun and games". Little kids are "selected" based on their athleticism and are then carted from town to town so the coach can showcase what fine athletes he has found in his own district. You telling me little John or Saquon have even the slightest notion they are being put through a mini combine at the age of 9? They have no clue. Meanwhile, Coach Peterson (with his tight Bike shorts and whistle) starts making calls basically saying "I HAVE this kid that I FOUND and he'd be perfect for your needs". Then the kid gets the same treatment through high school, college and on to the gold standard of "property transfer"...the NFL. It's sickening when you think about it.

 

Has anyone forced them to play football? Like, say, roman gladiators were?

 

[aristocrat]

1 minute ago, BringBackFergy said:

Signed up for what? These young men are treated like chattel from Little Loop all the way through the combine. Fathers of players sit in a smokey room at a tavern and pick kids from the district. They have them over to their houses to "play football" but what they're really doing is scoping out speed, strength and agility under the guise of "fun and games". Little kids are "selected" based on their athleticism and are then carted from town to town so the coach can showcase what fine athletes he has found in his own district. You telling me little John or Saquon have even the slightest notion they are being put through a mini combine at the age of 9? They have no clue. Meanwhile, Coach Peterson (with his tight Bike shorts and whistle) starts making calls basically saying "I HAVE this kid that I FOUND and he'd be perfect for your needs". Then the kid gets the same treatment through high school, college and on to the gold standard of "property transfer"...the NFL. It's sickening when you think about it.

 

people in board rooms judge kids on grades, sports, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, etc. all to get into college.  then you go get a job based on the college, degree, grades etc.  everyone is doing this man

[LeGOATski]

9 minutes ago, Bray Wyatt said:

you forgot that they most likely have to uproot their families to go work in a place they probably dont want to

Roots?

[BadLandsMeanie]

2 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

Signed up for what? These young men are treated like chattel from Little Loop all the way through the combine. Fathers of players sit in a smokey room at a tavern and pick kids from the district. They have them over to their houses to "play football" but what they're really doing is scoping out speed, strength and agility under the guise of "fun and games". Little kids are "selected" based on their athleticism and are then carted from town to town so the coach can showcase what fine athletes he has found in his own district. You telling me little John or Saquon have even the slightest notion they are being put through a mini combine at the age of 9? They have no clue. Meanwhile, Coach Peterson (with his tight Bike shorts and whistle) starts making calls basically saying "I HAVE this kid that I FOUND and he'd be perfect for your needs". Then the kid gets the same treatment through high school, college and on to the gold standard of "property transfer"...the NFL. It's sickening when you think about it.

You forgot to mention the forced breeding.

[BringBackFergy]

4 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

what?  then they get a check for more money than a lot of people will ever see.  you forgot that part. Millionaires. Many of their children will never have to work or at least will work in a different industry than they would have if grown up poor. 

So just because they get a check, we are excused as a society from judging these young men for their muscle tone and ability to jump, rather than their minds?

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

Just now, BringBackFergy said:

So just because they get a check, we are excused as a society from judging these young men for their muscle tone and ability to jump, rather than their minds?

 

Good God.

 

[Roundybout]

45 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

While all y'all are salivating over who we'll "get" or who Beane will "select", all you're really doing is perpetuating the idea that we can judge, bargain shop and compare young men based on physical traits like hips, arms, chest, jumping ability, speed and agility.

 

It's a meat market mentality and now we all sit in front of the screen and watch a Hollywood atmosphere (cameras, red carpets, interviews, fancy clothes) as young men (black, white, Fiji islands and latinos) get "selected" by "the man". I don't put Beane or Pegula in this category...they get a pass. But guys like Dorsey, Bellichick, Gettleman, Jerry Jones and coaches like Pete Carroll, Andy Reid and Mike Tomlin are choosing men who will be forced into service for a team or city for whom they may not wish to work.

 

Next thing you know, they'll be checking the players teeth, or making them carry loads of bricks on their backs with some goofy reason like "we need to check the teeth because it helps us understand their hygiene practices" or "carrying bricks on their back is a sign of their ability to carry a team when they are down in the 4th quarter".

 

I feel bad for these young men. They don't understand the symbolic nature of what they have gone through. The first thing that happens when they get "selected" is they put on a team hat....talk about branding. It's ridiculous. I probably won't even watch and I would suggest if you have even a rudimentary understanding of "human rights" you would do the same.

 

Peace out!

 

[BringBackFergy]

Just now, BadLandsMeanie said:

You forgot to mention the forced breeding.

I'm glad you brought this up. All we ever hear about is bloodlines and genetics. How many times have we heard an announcer say "Now here's a guy that plays a lot like Luke Kuechly"....that, in an of itself, is a slap in the face of each player's own individualized style as a player. If these men want to play the game for bragging rights, I'm ok with it, but to pay even one lousy nickel, you are perpetuating the idea of in dentured servitude which we have worked tirelessly to eradicate for well over 45 years.

[aristocrat]

3 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

So just because they get a check, we are excused as a society from judging these young men for their muscle tone and ability to jump, rather than their minds?

 

well that's their profession. to attack a guy with the ball or run from guys attacking them cause they have a ball.  

[Augie]

5 minutes ago, BadLandsMeanie said:

You forgot to mention the forced breeding.

 

Travis Henry did that all on his own! 

[BringBackFergy]

5 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

 

people in board rooms judge kids on grades, sports, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, etc. all to get into college.  then you go get a job based on the college, degree, grades etc.  everyone is doing this man

Your comparison is faulty. We don't look at potential employees teeth or ask them to run a 40 down the hallway toward the break room. We judge them based on their minds. The NFL combine and draft is a glorified cattle stockyard which minimizes what these men (and hopefully women in a few years) bring to the table as individuals. I'd wager $100 to say that 95% of the current NFL players would play for free if the owners likewise took a huge paycut. They inherently love the game, the money only perpetuates the idea that these men are treated as chattel to trade, sell, buy and throw on the fire pit when done.

[Seanbillsfan2206]

What an awful, awful take. These young men are about to get PAID. To play a game. Even a 7th rd pick is gonna get six figures. Meanwhile there are people the same age who are struggling to put food on the table. But yeah, feel bad for these athletes. These athletes who’ve had a lot of things handed to them throughout their lives for being talented

[Doc]

Tough ****.

[Shaw66]

8 minutes ago, BadLandsMeanie said:

You forgot to mention the forced breeding.

I think I missed the signups for that. 

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

1 minute ago, BringBackFergy said:

Your comparison is faulty. We don't look at potential employees teeth or ask them to run a 40 down the hallway toward the break room. We judge them based on their minds. The NFL combine and draft is a glorified cattle stockyard which minimizes what these men (and hopefully women in a few years) bring to the table as individuals. I'd wager $100 to say that 95% of the current NFL players would play for free if the owners likewise took a huge paycut. They inherently love the game, the money only perpetuates the idea that these men are treated as chattel to trade, sell, buy and throw on the fire pit when done.

 

https://moneyish.com/ish/only-15-of-hiring-managers-would-consider-hiring-an-overweight-woman/

Edited April 25, 2018 by joesixpack

[schoolhouserock]

Each and every one of these players has the right to not play the game.

 

They aren’t being forced into any of this. Quite the contrary, they have each - to a man - chosen this... and we love them for it.

[BringBackFergy]

2 minutes ago, Seanbillsfan2206 said:

What an awful, awful take. These young men are about to get PAID. To play a game. Even a 7th rd pick is gonna get six figures. Meanwhile there are people the same age who are struggling to put food on the table. But yeah, feel bad for these athletes. These athletes who’ve had a lot of things handed to them throughout their lives for being talented

What's the price tag for a human brain? What's the price tag for walking around with a walker at the age of 55? I think I made my point. While GM's and coaches huddle in a nice clean room trying to project which guy will last the longest, the rest of us try to argue why one player (say Tyrod) isn't worth a 2nd round pick but is definitely worth a 3rd round pick. When's the last time someone judged you based on your value as an abstract pick? I feel sorry for a guy like Tyrod. Used and sent on his way. Another reason why the combine is nothing more than a disgraceful exhibition of Choice, Prime or bottom shelf meat.

[Shaw66]

Fergy -

 

That's an interesting way to look at it, and of course there's some truth in it.   

 

Of course, it's not just pro football.   It's all of pro sports and the entertainment world in general.   Future entertainers are put through a similar meat market, and if you're a women in that field, it's not just your mouth that has things stuck in it.  

 

But we're living in a modern world where to reach the top of the heap there are occasional indignities we must endure.   People WANT to get to the top of the heap, and they choose to endure the indignities.   

 

It's all driven by money.   If I'm going to pay you $3 million a year for the next five years, I want to know if your teeth are straight.   Do you want the money or don't you?

Edited April 25, 2018 by Shaw66

[ProcessTheTrust]

OP, you sound like you want to stand up for justice. That's great. Maybe take that energy and find a better place. This argument, on a Bills football board, probably isn't going to change anyone's mind. I heard there's a former QB who likes to take up causes in the wrong way. Maybe you can team up with him and try to take down the NFL altogether?

[Shaw66]

1 minute ago, BringBackFergy said:

 When's the last time someone judged you based on your value as an abstract pick? 

When's the last time you or your child applied to college?   It's the same meat market.   What are your scores?  What are your grades?  What are your extra-curriculars?    Are you the right race, the right culture, the right religion?

 

Applied for a job lately?   Is there anything more impersonal than modern human resources procedures?

[Bruce_Stools]

13 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

I'm glad you brought this up. All we ever hear about is bloodlines and genetics. How many times have we heard an announcer say "Now here's a guy that plays a lot like Luke Kuechly"....that, in an of itself, is a slap in the face of each player's own individualized style as a player. If these men want to play the game for bragging rights, I'm ok with it, but to pay even one lousy nickel, you are perpetuating the idea of in dentured servitude which we have worked tirelessly to eradicate for well over 45 years.

How on Earth have you been a football fan with all of these issues going on for so long?.....it's almost like you support it or something

[FearLess Price]

51 minutes ago, LeGOATski said:

And then they're out on the field all day, getting beaten, yelled at, sweating and bleeding.

 

I hear the northern teams treat them much better than the southern teams, though.

 

Lol. I know your joking but damn....

 

The parrallels to slave auctions are undeniable even to the most naive eye.

[Doc]

1 minute ago, FearLess Price said:

Lol. I know your joking but damn....

 

The parrallels to slave auctions are undeniable even to the most naive eye.

 

GTFOH with that ****.

[Bruce_Stools]

5 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

What's the price tag for a human brain? What's the price tag for walking around with a walker at the age of 55? I think I made my point. While GM's and coaches huddle in a nice clean room trying to project which guy will last the longest, the rest of us try to argue why one player (say Tyrod) isn't worth a 2nd round pick but is definitely worth a 3rd round pick. When's the last time someone judged you based on your value as an abstract pick? I feel sorry for a guy like Tyrod. Used and sent on his way. Another reason why the combine is nothing more than a disgraceful exhibition of Choice, Prime or bottom shelf meat.

Maybe a few million a year and retiring at 35-40?

[Beast]

Then why in the hell are you here in the first place?

 

Sounds like golf may be right up your alley. Or, speaking of alley’s, take up watching professional bowling.

 

I think those teo “sports” may jive a little bit better with your sense of integrity.

Edited April 25, 2018 by Binghamton Beast

[BringBackFergy]

2 minutes ago, ProcessTheTrust said:

OP, you sound like you want to stand up for justice. That's great. Maybe take that energy and find a better place. This argument, on a Bills football board, probably isn't going to change anyone's mind. I heard there's a former QB who likes to take up causes in the wrong way. Maybe you can team up with him and try to take down the NFL altogether?

I respect you as an individual human being with an individual thought process, intelligence, dedication. But while you sit back, drink bottled water, snack on unsalted pecans shouting at the tv screen "We don't want him because he's too short!!" or "Pick that guy, his arm is really strong"...I'll read a book about how our ancestors did the same thing over 100 years ago and question whether we truly have advanced in our treatment of individuals. Do we judge them by looks/physical attributes or what they contribute to our society?

[CountDorkula]

55 minutes ago, LeGOATski said:

And then they're out on the field all day, getting beaten, yelled at, sweating and bleeding.

 

I hear the northern teams treat them much better than the southern teams, though.

We need a "Yikes" Emoji. 

 

[Gavin in Va Beach]

35 minutes ago, joesixpack said:

I'm feeling a bit more virtuous for having read all that.

 

Counselor, has a judge ever told you to employ more brevity?

 

 

I wonder where ole dik smub is this days?  

[RoyBatty is alive]

1 hour ago, Commonsense said:

Does this have anything to do with Gronk the horse not running in the Derby? I think it does.

Damn shame, could you imagine the betting action placed on that horse solely on the name.

 

This is the only value added here to these otherwise totally waste of a teme thread.

Edited April 25, 2018 by RoyBatty is alive