Troy Smith Debate Continues....But Why?

As the mere mention of Troy Smith's name continues to stir opinion on both sides I can't help but wonder if this is deeper that just your plain "backup Quarterback being the most popular guy in town" type of situation. To be completely honest, I feel this to be a race issue as the lines are always clearly drawn out in the sand and whether it be Team Flacco or Team Smith the support is always unwavering. What makes the NFL great is the competition, and none is more scrutinized in camp than the competition between the guys wearing the red jerseys. In other words, a good Quarterback battle is always encouraged as the competitive nature of the players brings out the best in each of them. When a player clearly shows his superiority over the other and has shown he is capable of leading his team, as he was drafted to do, you begin to question the motives of those who maintain the opinion that Troy Smith is better equipped to lead this team to victory. As is the case with every race inspired situation, not every person of that race being discussed is supportive of the idea. I am simply saying that when separating the supporters of Troy from his critics, you will tend to see a trend. To support a player simply because of his color or race is completely ridiculous and takes away from the spirit of competition. In the NFL, the players wear helmets and although their names appear on their jerseys, they identify most with their numbers. Numbers are colorless and cannot be divided up into any categories or groups, and the helmets those numbers wear represent one team. Through a healthy competition you'll find the best men to fill those jerseys and when a player loses out on an opportunity it will be because he simply wasn't good enough and not because of anything else. In camps there aren't any name plates on those jerseys, a reminder that at the end of practice you're still just a number on that football field. I have and always will be of the opinion that the best players suit up on Sunday, whether they be Black, White, Simpson yellow, Blue, or green. Though I may be a little more interested in the game including the Blue or Green guys.

And Hey, maybe it's just human instinct, as my strong support of WBA Super Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto, shows even I'm guilty of this in some way.