Semi-OT: Toomer Blasts Ray Lewis

Submitted by Everyone Murders on

The Detroit News has a short article regarding Amani Toomer's impressions of the Ray Lewis spectacle, labeling Lewis a "caricature".  All in all I think it was good of Toomer to call Lewis out on Lewis's antics.

A theme in Toomer's comments is that in addition to Lewis's checkered past, Lewis is largely all about Ray Lewis and less so about his team.  That jibes with my impression of Lewis.

I am a big believer that people can redeem themselves, but also think that most people who do show contrition and humility.  I haven't seen much of either from Lewis, so I'm hoping he goes out with a thud rather than a bang.*  Lewis strikes me as positively unrepenetant regarding his involvement in the Atlanta murders.

On the other hand, Ed Reed seems to be on the way out of the NFL himself, and has been a model of humility.  Anyway, let's hear your thoughts on this topic since it's the off-season.

"It's definitely all about him," Toomer, a former NFL player whose Giants lost to Lewis and the Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV, told USA Today. "Once a guy goes to the center of the field, goes into the victory formation on the last play of his last home game … I just don't think the Giants or any organization I've ever been a part of, even growing up, would allow somebody to single themselves out like that.

*Insert off-color joke about Lewis's crew's victim going out with a bang. Feel bad because the victims were real and the crime horrendous. Wring hands about dilemma of including this comment. Realize the victims were stabbed rather than shot.  Hang head in shame.

DrWolverine23

February 1st, 2013 at 8:53 AM ^

People hate on Ray Lewis because they arent "pissed off for greatness"!!

But in all honesty, I think most of the Ray bashers are simply jealous of his success and the fact he can go out with a story book ending. 

Everyone Murders

February 1st, 2013 at 8:58 AM ^

The main point of the post was to get discussion going on this.  I sure don't know what's going on in Lewis's heart, but the outward evidence puts me off.  In any event I recognize that there will be varying opinions on this topic, but I was really struck by the difference in Ed Reed's humility and Ray Lewis's apparent hunger for the spotlight.

One thing's for sure.  Lewis has played spectacularly well since coming back from his injury.  You can dislike the guy, but it's hard to not admire his game.

74polSKA

February 1st, 2013 at 9:01 AM ^

I didn't take his comments as "Ray Bashing" at all.  I think they were honest observations of how Toomer sees Lewis living out his life versus most people you see or hear from that have gone through a redemptive story like his.  Usually they want to discuss their past and how they've overcome it so they can help others to not repeat their mistakes.  Lewis dodges questions or becomes agitated every time the topic is raised.  His public actions don't seem to match the conversion that he claims.

Monocle Smile

February 1st, 2013 at 9:31 AM ^

Well, maybe I AM a bit jealous of a guy who can be involved with a double homicide, use performance enhancing drugs, have children with multiple women while withholding child support, and do it all with impunity.

Seriously, screw that guy and screw all the Baltimore starfuckers who think he's some beacon of all of that is good.

clarkiefromcanada

February 1st, 2013 at 9:47 AM ^

Of all the definitions available on Urban Dictionary this was my favorite...

 

 
People who fly into space in magic bubbles and land on random planets. When they get to the planets they begin to have intimate relationships with the stars. Cussing at them, falling in love with them, having sex with them, spilling out the most intimate details of their heart to them. Soon all the stars know the secrets that most people save for their diaries and therapists. And these people, they are Starfuckers.

 

BOX House

February 1st, 2013 at 10:09 AM ^

Even more mind-boggling to me is that ESPN portrays him as such a role model. Sometimes ESPN can have that meathead, former athlete mentality (a lot of them are former football players) and completely brush character issues to the side. 

polometer

February 1st, 2013 at 9:01 AM ^

has spent 17 years in the NFL (how many do this?) and has spent all of it in Baltimore (how many do this?)

 

He led the team to their only (and Baltimore's only over the past 28 years) major sports championship.

 

He has twice been a defensive MVP of the league and a superbowl MVP. He has numerous records for linebackers in the NFL (wiki)

 

He is beloved in Baltimore.  Absolutely adored.  Him getting to go out on the field for the victory formation of his final home game is as much for the fans as for himself.

 

The Ravens do a weekly official captain assignment, but Lewis is definitely looked upon as a captain. He holds film sessions at his home and is a big influence to many on the team. (whether you like his methods or not)

 

I don't really understand this criticism.  On the field, who are his peers?

Louie C

February 1st, 2013 at 10:13 AM ^

And I have an issue with the whole " mum's the word" stance he has taken in regards to what happened that night in Atlanta. Where the hell is the white suit? Why no apology or monetary compensation to the victims' family?



Seems like he's worked really hard to cultivate this image so that people can forget about or pardon what happened.

the monarch

February 1st, 2013 at 9:22 AM ^

Agreed. I was at the game it was for the fans, not for him. The fans go crazy for him and he was giving them one last hurrah. He is always on the record saying how great the city and fans have been to him and he tries to show the appreciation.

Plus, just because the guy mugs for the camera and has a semi-annoying preachiness, doesn't mean he's not a team player. The other players on the team love him and he is always talking about how much it's all about the team and not one man. You can't just micro-dissect this one incident and proclaim the man selfish. You have to listen to what his teammates say about him to get the truth.

htownwolverine

February 1st, 2013 at 9:03 AM ^

Ray Lewis is a showman and he knows which way the wind blows in a PR sense. He has acted the part well but he does give the flashes of anger from time to time that make you pause and think if he truly is redeemed.

BlockM

February 1st, 2013 at 9:27 AM ^

Ray Lewis is one of the best football players ever. At the same time, I'm not going to venerate a sports figure or even attempt to judge him, and I don't really feel a need to. You'd think people would learn that lesson after all of the examples we've seen.

The media tries to make celebrities out to be role models, which is ridiculous. If you're choosing Ray Lewis or Tiger Woods or Manti Te'o or even a sports figure that's still widely respected as the person you're going to model your life after, you should probably try to cultivate some actual relationships in your life.

trueblue262

February 1st, 2013 at 9:31 AM ^

understanding why the media has such a "hard on" for Lewis, as in it seems that they are pulling for him especially hard. Yeah, probably so they can write a good story, but why they persecute a guy like Ndomakong Suh for playing on the field with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. And then put a guy like Lewis on a pedestal to help him clear his tainted image? Sorry for the spelling Suh

Happy Gilmore

February 1st, 2013 at 9:45 AM ^

They've already told Ray he has an open job offer when he retires - so they spin all coverage of him in a positive light and avoid anything negative. The general public already seem to love the guy (many probably are oblivious to his past transgretions) so why would they dwell on negatives when they can spit out positives/perpetuate his "self-image" of being a God-fearing, emotional leader and then use that for more profit for themselves?

Erik_in_Dayton

February 1st, 2013 at 9:38 AM ^

I feel a little sick to my stomach every time Lewis suggests that God is on his side as far as football.  If there is a God, I hope He is working on bigger things than Ravens games.

74polSKA

February 1st, 2013 at 9:48 AM ^

Don't apologize for liking him.  I am just sick of the media portraying him as a saint when he has at least a questionable past.  To me, this is like the media trying to force Lance Armstrong down our throats for years even though you know something about him and his story is fishy. I don't hate the guy, everybody makes mistakes. The thing is, you have to acknowledge your mistakes to move forward and Ray doesn't seem to want to do that, at least publicly. 

DrunkOnHiggins

February 1st, 2013 at 9:44 AM ^

For some odd reason I don't have a problem with Ray Lewis. Maybe it's because he's just so damn intense about...well everything.

That funny Under Armor commerical helps too. You hear that? Footsteps!

wresler120

February 1st, 2013 at 9:50 AM ^

The basketball team has me so excited that I feel like we are in season. I cannot wait for tomorrow's game. I'm as excited about tomorrows game as I have been for any of the football games.