Dak Prescott Enjoys Privilege but Ignores the Legacy that Gave Him That Privilege
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By Jason J.G. Gamble
The Dallas Cowboys have always boasted that they are America’s team. This week they have officially become the proffered team of racist’s and people who want to ignore injustice in America. Many of the people that have argued against the national anthem protest made comments such as, “shut up and dribble” towards Lebron James, or “athletes are not paid for their opinions”. However, this does not apply when an athlete gives and opinion that allows injustice and racism to continue. A clear example of the hypocrisy is support of Dak Prescott.
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback offered his opinion about the protest stating that he would not kneel and no one else should either. Ironically, he was not told to shut up and pass the ball. Instead Dak has been presented as a model player and a role model. This is a huge part of the problem. In a truly free country the opinions of all people should matter. Players of color like Dak need to understand that without protest he would have never been a starting quarterback in the NFL, especially in Texas. Many black players endured punishment and racist rants just to have the ability to step foot on the field. Even champion quarterbacks like Doug Williams the first black quarterback to play in and win a Super Bowl.
The countless comments about Doug Williams’ intelligence, leadership and drive were a dog whistle to racist that believed a black quarterback was not smart enough, driven enough or lacked the leadership skills to be a champion. Super Bowl XXII was not 50 years ago. This was 1988 only 30 years ago. Dak is 25 years old and even though he was born in 1993, he cannot be blind to history. The Dallas Cowboys didn’t have a non white quarterback start a game until 1986, when Reggie Collier was given a start on the last game of a losing (7-9) season. Dallas has had a long record of unfair treatment of black quarterbacks even drafting many skilled quarterbacks like the former Clemson star Woody Dantzler, who was forced to be a punt return man.
Dak is young and only getting started in his career but he needs to take time out to learn the history of the franchise he is supposed to lead on the field. When Cowboys franchise owner Jerry Jones says “that players must stand” it is only a surprise to those that have not paid attention. Texas is a state that has a long history of football but the state has a much longer history of racism. People like Dak Prescott are a problem because they enjoy privilege but ignore the history that allows them to have their privileges. Let me be clear. I recognize that Dak gave a lot of blood, sweat and tears to earn his position, but he would be remiss to ignore the fact that many people before him had to fight for him.
Dak must understand that black athletes have had a hard road to travel in America and when you reach your destination, you are also carried on the backs of giants who would not yield to racism. Dak must understand that people that do not speak up about your oppression should never be given the right to dictate how you protest. Dak should also realize that when racists are using your actions as an example of what “good black athletes” should do then maybe you should not have spoken.
We are all entitled to our opinions but we all should try to be responsible and understand the type of impact we have with our words. The Dallas Cowboys are the first team in the NFL to outwardly admit that any player that protests will be cut from the team. When a black quarterback supports these actions it only helps silence the voices men that are bold enough to take a stand because they realize they stand on the backs of giants. I challenge everyone to think how many people suffered for you to be where you are today. How many people had to protest for you to have the freedoms you enjoy today? Think about it.
Remember our collective rise is the demise of injustice.
1struggle, 1community, 1LUV
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