Rose Cottage Ltd

Apparently, I am not supposed to be interested in football from now on.

Yesterday, I re-posted an article elsewhere stating that the Oakland Raiders (my favorite NFL team,) had re-signed one of my favorite players, Michael Crabtree. After that, things get a bit stupid.

I am told in a comment – by someone I hardly know – that I am “so easily distracted” by unimportant things like football when I should be focused on the disastrous state of America. If you’ve read even one or two other articles on this blog I hope you will agree that I am anything but “distracted” or “unfocused” on the status of my country.

If you want to be “distracted” – try being a Raiders’ fan. I thought “we” were going somewhere in the league this year – apparently, not. But I can still be hopeful for next season and the re-signing of Michael Crabtree is great news.

But now I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say that because…Michael Crabtree is a African American.

Oh no – is this just my “white privilege” talking? Not in my mind. I know a good player when I see one and when I see one, I just want him to be a Raider. The color of his skin or what his religion happens to be is not a factor. I just want a good Raider and hopefully, that Raider is also a good person. Further than that, I have no control of the situation.

Do these whiners about race – sitting in their classrooms and “protesting” things that happened 50 or 100 years ago ever think that Michael Crabtree is SUCCESSFUL because he focuses and works hard? Does he have things to complain about? Probably. But he’s more focused on having a great career at what he does best and he worked hard to get there.

Does Michael Crabtree worry about the color of the quarterback’s skin? I doubt it. But he is probably focused on that quarterback’s arm! As a wide receiver, he’s worried more about catching the ball and staying healthy so he can do his job and collect his paycheck – a concept that escapes a lot of the whiners.

And yes, I will get “distracted” by the NFL. I call it a “time out” from all the “penalties” I feel are being inflicted on US citizens these days. You can be irate at the mess of America at the moment but you can’t be in fight mode all the time. I have plenty I am not happy about, but I also have a life to live and manage and Lord knows we all need some down time now and then.

Maybe some of these whiners could improve their overall state of mental health if they watched more football. Watch how a team, made up of players of different skin color, personality, and religion, put aside any differences on Sunday to become a team with the team purpose of winning the game. I used to think this country worked like that – particularly in times of crisis. Not so much these days.

Think I’ll stick with my Raiders and wait for next season…