Vic Fangio claims NFL doesn’t have a problem
Since the brutal murder of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis at the hands of a police officer, the entire planet has been discussing racism and discrimination with protests and riots breaking out across the United States. The sports world has been no exception – even if play has largely been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio was asked by reporters to discuss his experiences in the NFL and whether he thought there was any discrimination in the league.
“I think our problems in the NFL along those lines are minimal. We’re a league of meritocracy, you earn what you get, you get what you earn. I don’t see racism at all in the NFL, I don’t see discrimination in the NFL,” Fangio told reporters Tuesday. “We all live together, joined as one, for one common goal, and we all intermingle and mix tremendously. If society reflected an NFL team, we’d all be great.”
His answer is already proving to be an unpopular one with players, fans and the media alike. Both Chris Carson and Quandre Diggs of the Seattle Seahawks took to social media immediately to comment on Fangio’s remarks. Carson referred to Fangio’s words as “a joke” on Twitter, while Diggs questioned “Is he blind??”
The obvious example that many have been quick to point out is the story of Colin Kaepernick who chose to kneel during the American national anthem in protest of police brutality throughout the 2016 NFL season. Prior to the 2017 season starting, Kaepernick was told he was going to be released and decided to opt-out of his contract instead, hoping to land with another team. That never happened.
The man who led his team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2012 was out of the league with no team to play for at the tender age of 29 with just five seasons under his belt. Most believed he had been blackballed for his political views and statements, unable to find a team despite his obvious talent.
While Fangio seemed confident of his views regarding the NFL, he did make sure to denounce the events surrounding George Floyd’s death.
“I was shocked, sad and angry when I saw what the policeman do to a handcuffed George Floyd on his stomach that led to his death,” Fangio said. “He should be punished to the full extent of the law of the crimes he was charged with in addition to being charged with treason for failing to uphold the badge and uniform he was entrusted with … It’s a societal issue that we all have to join in to correct.”
Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with Fangio’s remarks regarding discrimination within the NFL, it is important that the discussion is being had and raised to the forefront. Following a virtual meeting with players and coaches on Tuesday led by Broncos CEO Joe Ellis regarding social justice initiatives, Fangio said he would also be speaking to the players about the same issues.
Fangio has worked in the NFL since 1986, when he was hired as a linebackers coach in 1986 by the New Orleans Saints. Last year was his first season working as a head coach though, leading the Broncos to a 7-9 record.
