stephenrjking

March 5th, 2018 at 2:37 PM ^

The arguments regarding Pistorius are not ridiculous at all; see here for example. There is solid scientific evidence suggesting that he was not running on a "level playing field" with everyone else.

The Griffin issue is different. It's possible (I have no idea how likely it is) that having an artificial grip is helpful in the bench, but the bench press is just a measuring tool anyway. Nobody is winning anything or getting paid anything for what they bench. If teams believe he's not quite as strong as his bench, fine, they don't have to draft him as high (though why anyone would turn down a LB who ran a 4.38 is beyond me--again, he will be evaluated on merit). When Griffin plays professional football, he will be playing on a level playing field. 

Joined: 03/15/2012

MGoPoints: 20143780

FauxMo

March 5th, 2018 at 12:00 PM ^

I admit, while marvelling at his story, I was also considering all the jokes that could be made. I intended to refrain, but then the very first comment went there, so... 

Joined: 06/17/2010

MGoPoints: 137563

HL2VCTRS

March 5th, 2018 at 11:57 AM ^

Can't be an easy position to play one-handed.  I know tackling is more about wrapping up, but I'd think grip strength would play a huge part in that. 

Joined: 06/24/2012

MGoPoints: 5575

Perkis-Size Me

March 5th, 2018 at 12:27 PM ^

There's a difference between having 9 fingers and two functioning hands vs. five fingers and only one hand at all, you know. JPP had also had the luxury of already playing in the NFL for an extended period of time prior to his injury, so he was at least already accustomed to the speed of the game and physicality of an NFL OL. This kid is not. 

I hope he succeeds. I really do. But you're comparing apples to oranges. 

Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 105718

ThatTCGuy

March 5th, 2018 at 12:18 PM ^

Considering that he's going to probably be forced to move to safety by the NFL, how would his one-handedness really affect his play? Like, I get that it's going to be hard for him to get picks, but there are a lot of players that don't get picks at that position. Tackling is more about wrapping up (which doesn't require the hands) than anything. I think he's going to be a really good player in spite of his hand.

Joined: 01/20/2015

MGoPoints: 3544

Perkis-Size Me

March 5th, 2018 at 12:28 PM ^

Hope he succeeds in the league. He'll definitely get drafted, but I'm not convinced he'll go before Day 3.

I'll never question his desire or athleticism. He definitely proved that he belongs at the combine, and if he had both hands we'd be talking about the first round for him. But let's call a spade a spade: he has no left hand. And that's a huge concern for whoever drafts him. Can he shed blocks from NFL level offensive linemen with only one hand? Is he going to be able to wrap up on tackles on some of the better RBs/WRs in the league just as easily as another player at his position who has two hands? I don't know that he'll be able to. Playing in the AAC vs. the NFL is really night and day. He could be a star, but he could also potentially be a liability on the field. 

I'm rooting for him. But again, playing in college and playing in the NFL are two vastly different things. Just ask Trent Richardson. 

Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 105718

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

March 5th, 2018 at 12:36 PM ^

Saw this guy in his bowl game and was majorly impressed.  He just looked like an NFL-level player.  He was everywhere.  Then I noticed he had no damn hand.  This is why I think guys who "really improve their stock" at the combine are bullshit.  Can you play?  Amazingly, the best measurement of whether you can play football continues to be how you play football.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 41586