Retired NFL legend Charles Haley is facing backlash after making an inspirational speech to rookies that went terribly wrong.
According to San Jose Mercury News, Haley was speaking to rookies who play for the San Francisco 49ers when it occurred. Haley told the Black players to act like “white guys.” He said, “Why don’t you all act like the white guys? You never see them in the paper getting high or hitting people. Why don’t you act like that?”
Haley was eventually condemned for his statement, but he has yet to back down. He followed by stating that he got his point across. But what he failed to take into account is the multitude of white players who have had issues off the field, such as Bruce Miller and Daniel Kilgore of the 49ers.
Haley was also blasted on social media for his controversial comments.
Overall, it was a bad message for the players, who actually have Black athletes they can look up to as role models. Larry Fitzgerald won the NFL’s Sportsmanship Award in 2015 and Black players such as Thomas Davis and Calvin Johnson were also nominated.
