One of the biggest storylines of the NFL offseason has been Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL and multiple teams for his claim of racial discrimination in hiring. But at least one NFL quarterback thinks a racial bias against Black signal callers still exists.
During an appearance on LeBron James’ HBO show “The Shop,” Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said “it’s still there” during a discussion about racial bias and Black quarterbacks.
Here is what LaMar Jackson said regarding racial bias towards black quarterbacks in the NFL.
— Shukri Wrights (@ShukriWrights) March 5, 2022
Pretty Candid conversation pic.twitter.com/pEOrxIWvAG
The conversation started when other guests on the show brought up the discussion leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft regarding whether Jackson would be a quarterback in the NFL or a wide receiver. At least one team asked the Heisman Trophy-winner to work out at wide receiver at the combine, while some in the media — including former Colts general manager Bill Polian — suggested Jackson didn’t have the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. Two years later, Jackson unanimously won the NFL MVP award as a quarterback.
“I have no idea,” Jackson responded when asked why there was talk about him switching positions.
“You do know why,” said show creator Paul Rivera, insinuating the reason was his race.
After co-host Maverick Carter gave his thoughts regarding the history of discrimination against Black quarterbacks,” James said: “It’s dying off, but it’s still there.”
“It’s still there,” Jackson responded. “That’s why I need that championship.”
Lamar Jackson put up historic numbers in college as a quarterback at Louisville and still had to stand at a podium and defend himself at the 2018 Scouting Combine, as he answered a continuous onslaught of questions about whether he could play QB in the NFL pic.twitter.com/O3ct6fvUFv
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 31, 2021
However, Jackson may not think that’s what he was saying. After ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted out the quarterback’s comments, Jackson responded: “That was not my response to that specific question. Don’t start that ADAM.”
Jackson, 25, has a 37-12 career regular season record with the Ravens. Another discussion about Jackson this offseason is his contract situation. He’s entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract with the Ravens. Jackson, who isn’t believed to have an agent representing him, would likely be in line for a large pay day whenever a contract is signed.
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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