Brandon Marshall is no stranger to controversy. Whether it’s getting into arguments with local sports talk radio hosts, or picking fights with opposing fans on Twitter, he is certainly not afraid to speak his mind and mix it up a little bit. As a regular contributor on Showtime’s Inside the NFL since last year, he has a large platform to speak his mind, and he’s always been a willing participant to share his thoughts on social issues.
On Tuesday, one of the panel topics on the show focused on Tom Brady and his role in Deflategate. Marshall said he believes that race absolutely played a role in Brady’s suspension being lifted, and added that he’s not the only player in the NFL who feels that way.
“White players, specifically at the quarterback position, are treated differently,” Marshall said. “I think that the important role that I play on this show is to give the viewers [an] inside look of the locker room. I am a player right now. This is not just from our locker room; this is from the locker rooms across the states. This is how guys are feeling. This is not just my opinion. These are conversations I’m having with guys.
“It’s just not African-American players. I’ve had this conversation with Caucasian players as well. The most important part of this whole discussion is the process for the players. They just want the process to be fair and right. They just want to get it right.”
Marshall’s overall point may be something to consider. It is interesting, however, that he’s using Brady and Deflategate as his example because, as we all know, it was not the NFL who reduced Brady’s punishment, but an impartial judge. Perhaps that’s a topic for next week.
The Jets open the season on Sunday at home against Cleveland. Marshall is coming off his least-productive season since his rookie year, but projects to once-again be his team’s No. 1 option at wide receiver.
(via Pro Football Talk)
