Dez Bryant on 1090 the Ticket

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.

"PhinishLine wrote:

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.

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

"FinFan_Est.1984 wrote:

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.

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

"Xeticus wrote:

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.

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.

"texanphinatic wrote:

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.

"KB21 wrote:

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.

And this is unique to Eugene Parker how?

"azfinfanmang wrote:

And this is unique to Eugene Parker how?

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?

"FinFan_Est.1984 wrote:

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.

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.

"The G Man wrote:

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.

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.

No offense taken G-man, and thanks for the respect :hi5:
You have, in a much more eloquent way, expressed what I felt when I heard it...I just didn't want this thread to be dedicated to that one aspect of the interview as there was much more to it than just that :up:

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.

"Desides wrote:

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.

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.

"azfinfanmang wrote:

No offense taken G-man, and thanks for the respect :hi5:
You have, in a much more eloquent way, expressed what I felt when I heard it...I just didn't want this thread to be dedicated to that one aspect of the interview as there was much more to it than just that :up:

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

"Alex44 wrote:

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.

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.

"The G Man wrote:

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.

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.

"#1dolphinsfan wrote:

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

How you present yourself is always important!!! If you talk, and act like a fool...job interviewers' aren't going to take you very seriously or care what college you attended, and are probably going to ask if you even went to class, or how you got into that college in the first place...something I always wonder...

But as for the thread topic...I am definitely for drafting Dez Bryant at 12. Have been, and still am. The guy can play football.

"ASUFinFan wrote:

How you present yourself is always important!!! If you talk, and act like a fool...job interviewers' aren't going to take you very seriously or care what college you attended, and are probably going to ask if you even went to class, or how you got into that college in the first place...something I always wonder...

But as for the thread topic...I am definitely for drafting Dez Bryant at 12. Have been, and still am. The guy can play football.

I really don't think he gets by Denver.....Hope I'm wrong though!

"The G Man wrote:

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.

If you're saying people say "axed" instead of asked because they think that is the word...you're wrong. If they did it would be ignorance, obviously. However I'm sure he can spell the word asked, knows its meaning, and simply cant say it.

Which would constitute an accent...or speech impediment. Thats what I was saying.

"azfinfanmang wrote:

He is talking to Norm Hitchkiss right now.
Will let you know if anything substantial comes from it.
He did just say he expects to be the first WR taken.
I am guessing he was NOT a great student.
Replay should be on later at:
www.theticket.com

Dude was on ESPN this morning with Kiper and Rasillo, all I can say is he probably wasn't a great student...sheesh..:sad:

"padre31 wrote:

Dude was on ESPN this morning with Kiper and Rasillo, all I can say is he probably wasn't a great student...sheesh..:sad:

And, thats really all I was trying to say with my opening.

It was pretty painfull to listen to him.....

"Desides wrote:

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?)

"Alex44 wrote:

If you're saying people say "axed" instead of asked because they think that is the word...you're wrong. If they did it would be ignorance, obviously. However I'm sure he can spell the word asked, knows its meaning, and simply cant say it.

Which would constitute an accent...or speech impediment. Thats what I was saying.

Looks like we're just gonna have to agree to disagree here fellas, because I disagree...with both of you. But, I thanked both your posts because I respect your opinion on the matter.

I said my peace on the matter, so I really don't feel the need to comment on it further. It is what it is.

Peace...

Im sure a guy named Chris Johnson RB for the Titans didnt "wow" anyone with his ettiquette in any interviews. So its very moot when your talking about a guy with dynamic talent.

Ofcourse we would all love to have an Andre Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald who are gentleman off the field but monsters on it.

I could care less about how he speaks. But with Eugene Parker and Deion Sanders whispering in his ear I don't want him on this team.

doubt he impreesses our front office when we interview him. dont think he has the right attitude for our team. not that i think we want him but we'll probably interview him just to do our homework

So......apart from the way people speak, can we please get back to Dez Bruant the FOOTBALL player. :wink2: