OT- Larry Foote criticized Marshawn Lynch for resisting authority

Submitted by EGD on

Larry Foote has apparently criticized Marshawn Lynch for supposedly sending the wrong message to children by displaying a lack of respect for authority:

"The biggest message he's giving these kids, he might not want to admit it, is 'The hell with authority. I don't care, fine me. I'm gonna grab my crotch. I'm gonna do it my way.'"

Foote's point is kids will believe they can act the same as Lynch does.

"In the real world, it doesn't work that way," Foote said. "It just doesn't. How can you keep a job? I mean, you got these inner-city kids. They don't listen to teachers. They don't listen to police officers, principals. And these guys can't even keep a job because they say 'F' authority."

LINK to full article.

Have to say I disagree with Foote on this one.  He makes a fair point, but to paraphrase MLK, an unjust law is no law at all.

MGrether

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:27 PM ^

I understand why my economically underprivileged students feel that way, but I am not ok with it nor do I accept it. In a society with a social contract, a person must learn to obey rules, authority, and boundaries. If everyone is a free agent, there will be chaos. While there may be a couple unfair rules, that does not excuse the blatant defiance of most of them.

I have worked in both suburb, inner city and cross section of both. There is a night and day difference. I do for my students what they allow me to do (build relationships, tutor, supplement/scaffold, cajole, coach). The students who need the most help will not accept it



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Chitown Kev

February 4th, 2015 at 12:10 PM ^

go back and read what I said.

I don't think that "inner city" (read: black) and surburban kids (read: white) act all that differently at all; THAT'S not a race thing.

 

I think that there are (some) differences in how they rebel and the consequences for that rebellion, yes. But not that they rebel; that's pretty much the teenager thing to do across the board.

 

 

blackstarwolverine

February 3rd, 2015 at 7:58 PM ^

Not doubting your experience as a teacher, but isn't highschool/adolescence typically when most kids shirk and challenge authority? I went to a predominantly upper-middle class, caucasian high school, and witnessed plenty of disregard for authority. I don't see how Marshawn Lynch refusing to talk to the media and grabbing his crotch influences whether kids behave in high school, regardless of the setting.

MGrether

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:03 PM ^

Oh where to begin. I teach at a school that cuts across cultural/economic areas. I get a cross section of snobby rich, red neck, and poor ghetto. When enforcing basic rules, I get cussed out and disregarded 10x more by poor minority students then any of their counter parts. One of the only ways I get any respect from those students is when they find out I coach and can make them better athletes. Otherwise, they try to keep their headphones in, listen to their hate-spilling music, try to do what they want when they want, and are ready to curse out or swing at anyone who doesn't let them.

My other students are not Angels, but they can function in a social situation with rules/boundaries. They are more likely to be subversive and underhanded.



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ChicagoGangViolins

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:42 PM ^

 
For edification, where did "the Glove" introduce a racial demographic in the discussion? Tens of trillions and generations later, I am a bit perplexed candidly. I had thought Americans from most all demographics watch the NFL and look favorably upon the coaches and players.
 
Chitown Kev, you refer to "kids in suburban (read: white) schools." blackstarwolverine you reference "caucasian high school," so I gather that you have an Armenian or comparable regional surname like me given our genetic line hails from the Caucasus.
 
So ladies and gentlemen, please share the reasons why you injected race here. What is to be understood in particular, are there demographic differences, what are these, and why are they relevant to this discussion concerning boorish behavior?
 
Curious.

Chitown Kev

February 4th, 2015 at 12:18 PM ^

Larry Foote injected race into this when he made his comment

"He always mentions his foundation and what he likes to do for the city of Oakland," Foote said in an interview with 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. "I'm from the same type of urban environment that he's from.

 

"In the real world, it doesn't work that way," Foote said. "It just doesn't. How can you keep a job? I mean, you got these inner-city kids. They don't listen to teachers. They don't listen to police officers, principals. And these guys can't even keep a job because they say 'F' authority."

The divide(s) in environments there are class and race. 

 

They didn't have to be, though. After all, doesn't Johnny Manziel seem to have had some of the same problems that these "inner-city" kids have?

 

kgh10

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:25 PM ^

I really have little against Lynch as a person and I don't think he's the "thug" or villian some try to make him out to be, however, I agree with Foote on this topic. I just think what does the NFL do if players or coaches are not required to be accessible to the media? What if Russel Wilson after the Super Bowl is emotional and doesn't want to give any statements after a tough loss? Worse, what if Tom Brady doesn't feel like talking to the media after a SB win? This is the entertainment industry which thrives off of media promotion. If you want to go play for a less popular league and less publicised league, go play Canadian or Arena football.

Sorry but Lynch is not above the law here and if all these stars have to face the lights after a loss or a scandal, this guy should answer a couple of dang questions. Nobody tells him what to say so he could just do what Bill Belichick does and give the most boring responses ever. If not, he should have to pay a price or restructure his contract. 

Michigan4Harbaugh

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:44 PM ^

You simply do not disagree with Larry Foote and get away with it (Godfather music plays in the background)

AmayzNblue

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:58 PM ^

Spot on. Certain responsibilities come with public roles. Lynch doesn't care, though, so it won't matter.