VS: WE CHANGE THE WORLD UNLESS WE CHANGE OURSELVES

·26 min·2 clips

The NFL conducts deep background checks on players, investigating everything from social media to family history before investing.

In this solo episode of Vitamin Sports, host Jimmy Johnson Jr. opens by stating his return from a break to address issues in sports that are often overlooked. He introduces the central theme: racial disparity in how black and white athletes are portrayed in media, particularly when they make mistakes. Johnson references a conversation with a friend that sparked his thoughts on this topic. He delves into historical stereotypes, noting that black athletes were once deemed unfit for 'thinking' positions like quarterback or middle linebacker, citing examples like Ray Lewis and Lawrence Taylor to counter this. The host lists black quarterbacks who have excelled, including Randall Cunningham, Cam Newton, and Lamar Jackson, emphasizing Lamar's unique statistical achievements. Johnson then shifts to discuss the NFL's rigorous background investigation process, explaining how teams research players' personal histories before investing. He argues that black athletes often ruin their own images by making repetitive mistakes, such as returning to dangerous neighborhoods where they risk violence. The host compares the media treatment of Deshaun Watson's massage scandal to Justin Tucker's similar issue, noting the former received more sustained attention. Johnson criticizes athletes like Javante Tank Davis for frequent negative news, especially involving domestic violence. He acknowledges that white athletes' misdeeds are less frequently highlighted unless egregious. The host defends sports commentators' right to report on black athletes, arguing that without athlete activism, social progress would stall. Johnson stresses the importance of black athletes setting examples and supporting their communities. He concludes by urging listeners to teach their children the right way to play the game, emphasizing personal responsibility and collective improvement.

As heard by us

A blunt sports talk episode about race, accountability, and football.

Jimmy Johnson centers the conversation on race, accountability, and how scandals are judged when black athletes and white athletes are involved.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get a raw sports rant about race, double standards, and quarterbacks.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Vitamin Sports