Messing with the messenger

I don't think Pete Carroll deserves credit for supporting Colin Kaepernick or calling out NFL owners on hiring practices, but I find it exceptionally strange that he catches so much criticism for it.

People don’t like it when Pete Carroll speaks out in support of racial equity and social justice.

That’s not surprising. I hosted a sports-radio show for 8 years, and even in a politically liberal part of the country like Seattle, any time you mentioned either of those subjects — and especially if you used those specific words — a chunk of listeners who resent the topics even being brought up. This was usually expressed in text messages that were sent to the station that often included multiple explanation points, urged me to STICK TO SPORTS!!! and referenced the consumption of soy-milk products.

So it wasn’t surprising there was grumbling after ESPN’s report that Carroll said the number of Black coaches wouldn’t grow in the NFL until the owners truly got to know, understand and appreciate candidates who did not look like them. What’s surprising is that some of that criticism came from people who agreed with his underlying point, but took exception with the fact he was the one pointing it out:

“Carroll is like a doorman who thinks someone should be allowed in a room, but won’t let the handle go so that they can get in.”

— Carron J. Phillips, Deadspin.com