When U.S. Judge Richard Berman vacated New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game Deflategate suspension earlier this month, he indicated in his argument that he nullified Brady's ban due to a host of investigative and procedural mistakes on the part of the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell. It's, seemingly, an entirely plausible and acceptable argument for relieving Brady of the weight of his suspension. Only New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall isn't satisfied with that reasoning. Not by a long shot. Marshall, a part-time analyst on Showtime's "Inside the NFL," professed his belief that Brady's suspension was overturned for another very different reason.
"The race card," Marshall said, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. "There are a lot of players out there that believe that white players-specifically, at the quarterback position-are treated differently."
While there's no denying that quarterbacks are treated differently than most other NFL players - who, at this point, doesn't hold their breath when a defensive end or linebacker rushes into the backfield for a sack, their hand grazing the quarterback's helmet, hoping the play won't be followed by a quick flash of yellow? - but it's seemingly not racially motived. Quality quarterbacks are few and far between. It's a passing league and the NFL and Goodell know what draws crowds - big plays and long touchdowns. You don't get many of those with Ryan Fitzpatrick or Robert Griffin under center.
Still, Marshall, cited his own experience playing in numerous NFL locker rooms - he's been a member of the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and New York Jets thus far in his career - for the reason behind this belief, and when asked by host Adam Schein if he believed that black players were held to a different standard than white players, Marshall was succinct and firm.
"Absolutely," Marshall said, via Dom Cosentino of NJ.com. "At times, at times, at times, yes."
But, in a seeming attempt at fairness (or at walking back his own incendiary commentary) Marshall also indicated that all NFL players are unhappy with the current manner in which the NFL office and Goodell mete out punishments.
"It's just not African-American players," Marshall said, per Cosentino. "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."
While Marshall's initial comments seem altogether ill-conceived and unnecessarily inflammatory, there's no knowing whether or not there's truth to his assertion that he's not the only black NFL player to feel that there's a clear line of demarcation in how punishments are determined for white players and players of color. Just this week Broncos safety TJ Ward, suspended for one game due to an off-the-field incident that did not result in his facing any charges, said that the only reason he was suspended was because, "my name's not Brady."
What this all means for the league is difficult to discern - it could signal deeper issues and perhaps mark a precursor of sorts to further problems. Or it could be the singular words of a notoriously enigmatic and ill-tempered player.
What is certain at this point is that after the conclusion of Deflategate (though Goodell has vowed to appeal Brady's appeal so it's not over yet, sports fans) questions are already beginning to swirl around the commissioner's disciplinary power and the manner in which the league determines punishment. Whether there are elements beyond Goodell's own perceived inability to perform the job, elements possibly including race, that exist as a factor in those questions in the minds of the league's black players, is anyone's guess.
