Few things in the NFL are more controversial than benching a quarterback. And if the quarterback being benched happened to be black and his replacement …
Few things in the NFL are more controversial than benching a quarterback. And if the quarterback being benched happened to be black and his replacement happens to be white, you’ve got the makings of a full-blown internet backlash on your hands. Such is the situation Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Football Team finds himself in today. On Wednesday, the team formerly known as the Redskins, announced that they were benching quarterback Dwayne Haskins ( who happens to be black) for Kyle Allen (a quarterback who happens to be white). A decision was made to bench Dwayne Haskins Jr vs the Rams. Kyle Allen will get the start. Alex Smith will be the back up. #WashingtonFootball Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) October 7,2020 Not long after, the internet became flooded with outrage over the benching of a black quarterback in favor of a white player, and comparisons between Haskins and Daniel Jones (white) who was selected in the same draft. Dwayne Haskins through 4 games: 1-3 record; 939 passing yards,4 touchdowns,3 INTs Daniel Jones through 4 games: 0-4 record; 889 passing yards,2 touchdowns,5 INTs Why do Black QBs seems to get much shorter leashes? https://t.co/34Tt88pQW1 — David Wysong (@DavidWysong_) October 7,2020 Others chimed in as well. Only in DC…. Haskins 1-3,4 TD,3 INT,1 fumble,60.9% completion,80.3 QB rating. BENCHED. Daniel Jones,0-4,2 TD,5 INT 1 fumble,61% completion,68.3 QB rating.… Give him time to develop. — Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) October 7,2020 Some took the more explicit racial route: Developing or being average is not something they allow black QBs to do.
