The Odell Beckham Jr Double Standard (Long)

I am sorry this is so long, and sorry to be starting another OBJ discussion. But my thoughts were too long to include in the existing posts.

I’d be the first to say I am an unapologetic OBJ defender. That said. I think the criticism of some of his actions are warranted (the Panthers game from last year and some cheap shots observed this year. However due to the legitimate criticism he has received, the level of criticism of OBJ has reached an unreasonable level. I cite the following:

- The emotional meltdown during the Redskins game and hitting the net with his helmet. I understand that everyone wants to see the young man exercise complete composure at all times, but let’s be fair. Plenty of players, including hall of fame players, got emotional on the sidelines in similar fashion. It’s one thing to say he should stay composed, it’s another to label him as a distraction or a selfish player because of this particular behavior.

- His “taunting” penalty during the Vikings game. In addition to being a poor call by the official, OBJ had been hit late out of bounds, which was not called, and he was reacting to that hit. Also, I fail to see how that was taunting. OBJ was trying to get the official’s attention, not going after the defensive player. He did try to exact a little revenge on the next play, which in my opinion should have been flagged.

- And yesterday. I know people are tired of the thing with the net, and I could do without it. But I think we have to accept that this is OBJ’s way of getting back at the critics for what he sees as some unfair scrutiny when you consider that plenty of players do the same things he does and don’t receive the same treatment from the national sports media. I mean, he isn’t the first or the last player to have an outburst on the sideline and use his equipment to express that frustration. As far as removing the helmet penalty, I would argue he had stepped out of the endzone and therefore was no longer in the field of play, but the rules are the rules. Not going to make excuses for him there. As far as the post TD sideline antics go, he just scored the game winning TD on 4th and 1, and took his chest thumping strutting celebration to the sideline (where it belongs) and kept it out of the endzone.

National media is acting like OBJ is the first skill player to celebrate loudly after big plays. Anyone notice this kind of thing has been going on for 30 years? Why is OBJ proposing to the net on the sideline somehow worse than Antonio Brown’s twerking in the endzone? My basic point is there are things we can and should be critical of OBJ for, and then there are other instances where we (fans and media) are far too critical. As much as you don’t like the net stuff, doesn’t it seem like the sports media is more outraged about it than OBJ teammates are?

Last night Rodney Harrison said OBJ had “potential”, ok Mr. Harrison, I think we are beyond potential at this point. And Tony Dungy, a man I respect, said OBJ has to stop hurting his team with penalties like removing his helmet after the TD. While I concede the act was a penalty, let’s be fair. Did anyone catch Rob Gronkowski’s actions yesterday? Now, to be honest, I love me some Gronk. He is a monster, plays like a bull in a china shop, seems to never take a play off, and is near impossible to stop. I would love to see him in NYG Blue. But, Gronk is a bit off…mentally, and we all know this. We have accepted it. In fact, most of us love it, even when he is in the wrong.

Anyone remember his off the field antics and partying early in his career, when he explained to the New Patriot organization that his partying and blowing off steam helped him play better. And they said ok, just don’t do anything to hurt the team. Anyone read “It’s Good to be Gronk.” A book that details Gronk’s exploits in all facets of his life, some of which are not fit for young ears. Gronk’s antics are almost treated as humorous and loveable, his book was greated as fun and enjoyable. I have no problem with that. Gronk is a great player, he is who is, and is good for the game.

Yesterday during the Pats-Bengals game, Gronk repeatedly taunted the Bengals defense, including a player who got injured attempting to tackle the massive TE. For a while it looked like Gronk and Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict were going to fight. Gronk drew a 15 yard penalty, and later said he needed to avoid those types of penalties. I think we all understand things get heated and emotional on the football field, and players like Gronk and OBJ care about winning. Even when they are drawing attention to themselves they care about winning. What I don’t understand, is why OBJ’s actions yesterday are a bigger media story than Gronk’s actions? Is it because Gronk is a Patriot and has a ring? Is it because half the reason people love Gronk is because he has developed a caveman like persona and lives up to it? Is it because the Patriots win more than the Giants? Do we have more respect for the 6’6” 260lb TE who plays physical, than the 5’11” 195lb WR who plays a finesse game.

Why is it nearly overlooked by national media when one taunts an injured player and almost gets in a fight, and we can’t get enough of what are at worst silly sideline antics with a net and a foolish (but not malicious) removal of the helmet penalty after a game winning TD.

I’m a Giants fan, so I am biased, but I really am curious why OBJ draws far more media attention than Cam Newton’s pouty press conference, Brown’s lewd dancing in the endzone, or Gronk taunting an injured player and almost starting a brawl. Do I think OBJ is under an unfair spotlight? Yes I do. Do I think he helped put it there? Yes I do. Do I think other players are getting away with even worse behavior? Absolutely I do.

Gronkowski, Blount Get Physical With Bengals And Burfict Late In Pats’ Win - ( New Window )