Not intentionally being bias/racist but I hear TONS of people talk like that (and not just black people, though that may be a majority) and it really irks me.

With that said how articulate you are isn't necessarily a direct reflection on your intelligence level. I also wouldn't use a radio interview to decide whether someone was a sharp tool or not, but that's just me.

 

What questions were asked?

 

I remember listening to the Interviews with VD last year and thinking to myself "God I hope we don't draft this clown". He turned out ok. I guess what I'm saying is what it all boils down to is can he play. But Brother I get your point.

 

I go back to what Jeff Reinbold told Boomer. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed but at the same time, Dez Bryant wouldn't even hear Michael Crabtree if he shouted because he's in a whole different class.

Look at that answer about being the best WR in the class. What would Michael Crabtree have said? Wait, we already know that. He threw a hissy fit when Darius Heyward-Bey was drafted over him and tried to make sure he got more money than him.

 

Like Facebook, this site desperately needs a "dislike" button.

 

So because of an observation that I personally have seen it means you should dislike it? I even said I wasn't trying to be bias, it's just what I have seen personally and that it irks me when people say "axe(d)."

 

I don't get why we criticize others the way they speak. I don't mean to turn this into a pissing-match or anything, so forgive me if it does happen, but who cares how someone speaks? As long as you understand them, it should be fine, no?

 

Im not trying to be racist here but have you ever been around Black people that is how it sounds from every black person i know and a lot of my friends are black and that is how they say it and every interview i hear with a black person in it that is how they say it. its just there accent. I remember i was one of the few people here last year that want the dolphins to accually draft Vontae Davis. The same things were said about Vontae last year as they are being said about Dez this year.

 

i agree completely, i dont know if it was on this board or another but people were saying that Antrel Rolle was a thug because the way he sounds when he talked at the pro bowl and really he hasnt done anything through out his career to consider him a thug.

 

I don't have an issue with how someone talks, as long as I understand them. If I don't, then I ask them to speak up or slow down lol. A lot of my friends are African-American so I got used to it. Plus I think it's pretty funny at times.

The only NFL player that I was unable to understand in an interview was Chris Johnson. I remember when he got drafted and ESPNEWS had him in an interview like two days after the Draft. I must have replayed the interview like three or four times to try and figure out what he was saying. He had a low voice and mumbled.

 

because if you allow so much variation from traditional, systemized english, you will get to the point where you will not understand them. You have to maintain standards. Regional variations are taken into account (creole, pidgin in hawaii, etc.). There is proper English, and we would do well to maintain as tight an area around that line as possible

If two people went to the same school, and one came out speaking perfectly acceptable English, while the other did not, I think that reflects their character, I'm sorry. And if we are to draft these kids, fresh out of school, and ignore that, then we are treating them as subhumans and just pieces of meat. Are we not?

 

I'm not going to sit here and tell someone how to talk, especially when I can communicate with them with the way they are talking. It may be different but if I can understand them, I won't say anything. If it does come to the point where I can't understand them, then I will ask them to speak up or slow down, as I noted earlier.

I agree that you have to maintain standards and I think that's the goal in schools (well, some of them) but if I can understand them, why mess with it? I know they won't change so why bother, especially when we can communicate?

When you say character, what exactly do you mean? Character as in he doesn't give a damn about how he speaks or character as in, he's probably a thug?

There are GM's who probably feel that way, as awful as that sounds.

 

Will do, sorry.

 

So, this isnt helping then?

ok, my bad...sorry!:hi5:

 

I'm sorry if this offends you but saying "axed" instead of "asked" has nothing to do with an accent. It's not like this guy lived in a country that spoke in a foreign language. It has to do with how to speak the English language correctly. These guys are coming out of college and thus should be able to pronunciate the English language correctly.

If this was for any type of business job interview, I'm sure he would have not gotten the job. Only because this is a sport do people tend to gloss it over. If you ask me it does not show smarts to speak that way. At least it's not the most important aspect of his job description.

BTW I felt the same way about Vontae when I heard him speak in interviews.

 

Lets not stereotype here. As a african american male I'd say 90% of us use ask instead of axe. You gotta realize that a lot of these kids are from poor neighborhoods and deep southern small towns. Their drive to get out is why so many of them are so good. But don't stereotype us like black people don't know how to speak English. I think Myron Rolle would beg to differ that black people don't know how to speak.

 

I think you guys got really off topic here. I don't want want Dez Bryant because I'm afraid of what stunt he and his agent would pull.

 

ok so it must just be the NFL, and NBA players and all my friends that say it that way. as long as you know what is being said it really doesnt matter how they say it

 

if someone doesnt get Hired because the way they talk that is just stupid if they are qulified for the job it should matter how they say ask

 

Why are you so sure he is going to "pull a stunt." If I had to guess, he will be signed for more money the #13 pick, less than the #11.

Please dont talk about Crabtree, that was an isolated situation and player.

 

It's not an isolated incident with the agent he has hired. Eugene Parker is known for having clients hold out to get more money.

 

He could be one of the many, doesn't matter.

As long as he's got a history of doing it, it's valid right?

 

This is what I was going to say when azfinfanmang asked us not to comment further on the matter. So, out of respect for him, I didn't post. But, I just have to say I agree with you 100% FFE1984.

Fact is this young man is getting ready (already started really) to interview for the most important job he will ever have. That of a professional football player. And, how articulate he speaks should count for something. It should matter. Whether it will or not is another story, as I'm sure many a GM will simply focus on what he do on the football field.

Speaking clearly, effectively, and using correct grammar demonstrates intelligence, discipline, and respect. It also demonstrates the willingness to conform to what is socially acceptable (and socially expected). Slandering the English language does nothing but make him look illiterate. And, I would say the same thing regardless of his race.

Matter of fact, there's a whole subculture dedicated to redneck vernacular, and how they [we really, as I consider myself a redneck. Been called one on more than one occasion, and I am not at all ashamed to admit it] bastardize the English language. Anyone that has ever seen Jeff Foxworthy's stand up routine knows exactly what I'm talking about.

My point is...this not a race issue. Or, at least it shouldn't be. It's about demonstrating the fact that you are an educated individual (at the college level no less) by how well you speak and communicate with others. It's demonstrates a readiness to begin a career as a professional. In this case, we're talking about a professional athlete. But, we could just as easily be talking about a candidate for corporate America. And, if you don't think it matters (or, shouldn't matter) just try speaking that way on your next job interview and see where it gets you. No HR person in their right mind would hire anyone who substituted "ax" for "ask." Period, end of story.

Just my $.02. And, I hope you don't mind me posting it azfinfanmang.

 

Generally agreed, but a career as a football player is pretty different from a career as, say, a project manager.

The only articulation Bryant needs to demonstrate right now is fluency in football.

 

G-Man

I work with a lot of people who pronounce words differently, and are not unintelligent people. A lot of how you speak depends on where you grow up, and not your education level.

I have a friend who can't say the word peanuts...but she isn't stupid at all. It came from growing up in the household she did. People from certain areas of the country speak in certain ways, and while sometimes it does reflect upon your intelligence, it does not always.

 

Basically, a professional athlete will get more leeway because, by and large, it really doesn't matter on the field. They're not being drafted for linguistics.

However, as a wide receiver, he is in a glamor position. And if he truly has the goods, the better he can speak and articulate, the more marketable he is. From the interviews I've heard from him, Dez just sounds like a kid from the south. He's got that Texas drawl like a lot of folks. He reminds me of Ladanian Tomlinson, another popular Texan. I don't think he'll have problems in this area.
Speaking to the general topic of appearance, the way one looks and speaks isn't necessarily indicative of his character. Edgerrin James is a great example of that. But you stand to make more money, both during and after your career in football, if you are able to present yourself in a way that is appealing and marketable to the masses.

We all want to like these guys. When a physically gifted person also comes off like they've also got it going on upstairs, we're impressed. It's human nature to have an affinity towards that.

If making a good first impression wasn't important, interview prepping and presentation wouldn't be such a big part of these pre-Combine programs.

Doesn't mean you have to be a sparkling media type personality. Not everybody does well on their feet. A private, 1-on-1 interview can be difficult for just about anybody. Especially a 20 year old kid.

I think we all have to remember that these kids aren't finished products. Not as players or as human beings.

 

Nonetheless Desides, we are still talking about someone who is going to be a professional football player. With the emphasis on professional. He will be making millions of dollars, and presumably becoming a role model for a lot of kids. The least he can do IMO is pronounce (or, at least try to pronounce) words correctly so others won't try to emulate him.

Thanks az. You've definitely earned my respect. :up:

Alex, I believe what you are referring to is either an accent, or a speech impediment. Which, has nothing to do with what we are talking about IMO. Although, I could be wrong about that. It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

 

That boat sailed 40 years ago. Even in their time, the Michael Jordans and Magic Johnsons were rarities.

Besides, in the NFL, the truly marketable position is QB. Peyton Manning is a mealy-mouthed sixheaded goof, but he's still all over our TVs. In contrast, I can't remember the last time Andre Johnson shot a commercial. (Okay, fine, the NFL.com fantasy football stuff; but everyone was covered by those, even kickers. Are we now to argue that kickers should articulate their way onto a Wheaties box?)

 

i never understand why someone cares how another people talks. i know im not great in english and im not dumb. also, like many have said, it all depends on how and where you grow up. you think people from Boston are dumb because they cant pronounce the english language?

Dez is fine, pro athletes always get speach and language coaches, they dont have the luxary and money to do so in college, so a lot of times college athletes dont speak the best. but it tends to get better in time. i think every year there is someone that makes a similar claim about multiple athletes. means nothing.