January 31, 2007
Saban tells story of "coonass" Cajuns
Nick Saban is backpedaling after telling a joke in which he referred to a Cajun as a "coonass".
Saban, a former LSU and Miami Dolphins coach, used an ethnic slur Jan. 3 while telling Florida reporters in Tuscaloosa an anecdote about an LSU fan's angry reaction to his hiring.When asked about the LSU fans' reaction, Saban related a phone call from a friend on the LSU board of trustees, whom he did not name. In what seemed to be an attempt at humor, Saban told of the friend's encounter with an LSU fan, who speaks in a Cajun dialect.
"He was walking down the street yesterday before the Sugar Bowl," Saban said on the taped comments. "He calls me. There was a guy working in the ditch, one of those coonass guys that talk funny.
"I can't talk like them, but he can. Most people in Louisiana can."
Continuing to tell the story, Saban then quoted the worker's vulgar comment about Saban going to Alabama.
For context sake, the audio is here if you want to listen for yourself.
Saban's comments may or may not have been intentionally offensive, but -- either way -- I wouldn't expect much love when the Tide run into LSU this year. Between the recruiting snipes and the jokes, Saban has pretty much secured a special place in the hearts of Tigers fans.
Comments:
T-Mac said:
posted on January 31, 2007 9:28 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
Kevin, why are you fueling this negative bullsh*t toward Saban? We all know that we sometimes say things that we shouldn't. That's a given. People aren't perfect. It sounds to me like he is joking around with friends. Kevin, have you ever been with friends and started talking sh*t? I know I have. That's just part of life. Saban is the head Coach at Alabama now and not the Pope. Everybody needs to lighten up on this guy. It's crazy. It's gotten like a witch hunt. Leave the guy alone.
Question to everybody.Have you ever said things in a joking way or said things that you would like to take back???
I KNOW I HAVE.
HOW ABOUT YOU???
Quit trying to burn Saban at the stake.
This has gone on long enough!!!
Bama Babe said:
posted on January 31, 2007 9:40 PM — 68.159.137.249 — link — abuse?
This post is insulting to Bamanation. At least three different people called into Finebaum's radio show today to say that they grew up in Louisiana, and that "coonass" is NOT a racial slur. It is a mild insult like redneck or dumbass.
Mr. Donahue did you make up the lie that it is a racial slur or were you just carrying water for whoever did?
T-Mac said:
posted on January 31, 2007 9:55 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
Kevin, all this amounts too anyway is an old Saban fan who is now disgruntled that he is at Alabama and not LSU. That's the fact of the matter. That's all. Anybody who says they never talk sh*t or use slang are outright liars! Ease up. Saban is a guy just like the rest of us.
How come no other head Coach at a major University isn't recorded on here for everybody to hear???
Jon Johnston said:
posted on January 31, 2007 9:56 PM — 75.72.115.203 — link — abuse?
That is pretty offensive because as most people down there know you'd never call a coonass a cajun, nor call a cajun a coonass. Don't mix the two. Either one will kill you for confusing them with the other.
Cajuns are not coonasses, and coonasses are not cajuns. If you don't know the difference, you shouldn't refer to either of them because if you get it wrong they will kill you.
You would be safe if you were in Louisiana and called them a Tigers fan. You can thank me later for saving your ignorant sorry ass.
posted on January 31, 2007 10:28 PM — 68.155.120.220 — link — abuse?TigerEducated said:
I think you'll find the last coach that went on tape and spoke about a certain ethnic group in the same manner was Fisher DeBerry, and he got fired at Air Force for it...
Say what you like, but the French Acadian culture in South Louisiana is no different than African Americans, Asians, Latino's, or any other unique ethnic group in America. Isolated, forgotten about, and as minute though they may be, the guy made a joke about people because of the way they talk...
Do you think Nick would've lasted very long if he'd make the statement that, "You know, one of those Mexicans...digging ditches...I can't talk like they do..," and then went on with his little "anecdote"?
By the way...the recording was made by a member of the Alabama media, and it was released by Alabama media for the first time last night.
LSU fans had nothing to do with its airing, but they sure had a lot to do with how offended they were from him saying it...
Bama Inmate said:
posted on January 31, 2007 11:28 PM — 68.207.132.156 — link — abuse?
TMac and Mayor you need to apologize and be quiet. LSU fans nor the people of Louisiana are responsible for this. This is Nick Saban getting caught off guard and saying something that he really feels. He is a very polished speaker and smooth operator. Very much in the same mold of Bill Clinton. His remarks make it very obvious he has no respect for the cajun culture of the people that are decendants of that culture. It is offensive and instead of just apologizing to some people that were very good to that man and moving on he has tried to blame it on the media for taking it out of context. In other words it wasn't his fault he let his true feelings slip out. He certainly was careful not to let this sort of thing slip when he was recruiting Chad Lavalais or Dominique Davis or fill in La recruits name from cajun country here. Nick is proving yet again what an ass he is. I bet dollars to donuts tomorrow he'll be refusing interviews because he is so misunderstood and mistreated. Then we'll all get a glimpse of what life will be like the first time he loses to Auburn. As Tide fans we have to be better than this. We all say we are better than this. But we should expect or coach to be better than this. Heck we fired Mike Price before he ever coached a game for getting a little liguored up and hanging out with some young dancers. Yet we are embrassing and sticking up for a guy that says stuff like this. We ought to mad about this not just the people from Louisiana.
Jon said:
posted on February 1, 2007 12:42 AM — 69.246.161.119 — link — abuse?
...As posted on the Seminole Head Story...
I really don't think anyone gives 2-flying-f.cks.
The majority of all this crap = knee-jerk reaction to the media... who creates artificial conflict.
They make up a problem, search 24/7 for someone who is "offended" and apparently 2-people = a major controversy.
Society needs to stop acknowledging this...No comment = the best way... and when the wind blows, the sheep will be distracted by the next thing that "offends" them... and completely forget about this..
T-Mac said:
posted on February 1, 2007 12:43 AM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
Mayor, post 4. Thanks for seeing things clearly.
Tigereducated, post 3. African American and this and that.
I'm not African American. I'm A Black Man.
I've never been to Africa myself.
I have culture there obviously.
I'm an American. First and Foremost!
Much Respect to Africa, but I'm an American.
Hell, I don't know if Saban would have lasted had he commented on how Mexicans speak.
Sh*t bro, were all forced to learn Spanish now anyway right?What country are we in?
Quit with this African American BULLSH*T.
I'm a successful BLACK man who is proud.
That's all.
STOP turning everything into a racial thing.
Saban was clearly joking around bro.
Lighten the fugk up!!!
Get off Saban's A$$. It's enough.
Tomcat said:
posted on February 1, 2007 12:55 AM — 69.150.50.55 — link — abuse?
Hey T-Mac I'm from south central Texas and I cant hardly understand or speak like some of the people around here.There are alot of people around here from Cech and German decent. I sure enjoy their food, music and culture.They say things like throw the cow over the fence a bail of hay, with an accent.They enjoy accordion music, real beer and smoked sausage, I'm down with that.
I agree with you T-Mac we are all americans, cut the coach some slack.Trickster said:
posted on February 1, 2007 1:42 AM — 68.17.160.88 — link — abuse?
Listen, I don't condone Saban using a term to identify a person of a certain ethnicity that might be considered offensive by a person of that ethnicity. But let's get some context here.
My understanding has been that many and probably most "French Acadian Americans" embrace the term coonass and that the term has been used commercially in a number of contexts.
Another shade of context: Nick Saban was talking to reporters off the record and one of them recorded his words and released them to the public on tape. That is a staggering breach of journalistic ethics. On those grounds I think Saban deserves a little bit of sympathy here.
Yes, perhaps as an "outsider" he doesn't get the license to use the word "coonass" that a "French Acadian American" might get. On the other hand I think using a term generally considered non-offensive in a private conversation is not really a staggering offense.
Unless my eyes am deceiving me here I am seeing some ginned-up faux outrage proceeding from the Baton Rouge direction. Regardless of where this story originated from, LSU fans have seized upon it with a level of glee it clearly does not deserve. I think at some point the Saban story is going to shift from being a narrative about Saban's personality to being a narrative about the unhealthy obsession one team's fanbase has with another team's coach.
Coonasstigerfan said:
posted on February 1, 2007 3:09 AM — 161.51.11.2 — link — abuse?
Let me begin this by saying I am a born and bred, dyed in the wool, 24-karat coonass from south Louisiana! And I bleed purple and gold! I would like to know who decided that the term coonass is a derogatory comment? It sure wasn't anyone from my part of the swamp! Hell most real Cajuns consider the term a badge of honor. Take a trip to any south Louisiana town and I gah-rahn-tee you'll find some shop selling "Registered Coonass" t-shirts and hats!
So everyone needs to just take a chill pill and take the comments from Nick Saban for what they were. A JOKE!
We Tiger fans owe Nick Saban a huge debt. He took a program which had become a joke and in 5 years turned it into a National Champion and he left the program in great shape for Les Miles to continue it's success.
And for the record, Tigereducated, Fisher DeBerry made those comments one or two seasons ago and was not fired by the Air Force Academy. He retired after a long and successful tenure there.
fsu.fan said:
posted on February 1, 2007 6:30 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
There have been a few points about how it's not a big deal and how it was just a joke.
That may be true. I'm sure as T-mac eluded too we've all probably joked around.
Here's the thing though...
Maybe we shouldnt be making a big deal over this but the fact of the matter is we ARE. Nick as been in the spot light and public to KNOW that you dont say something like that with tape recorders and microphones in your face - joking or not. Thats just STUPID of him. If he wants to joke that's fine, do it with your friends behind closed doors, not in the face of REPORTERS - what a moronic thing to do.
Joking or not, Nick made a stupid comment in the face of reporters. The "south" is already stereotyped as being a racist area, especially Bama (dont need to bring up the race issues they've had in the past) so what in the world was he thinking by saying something like that!? Joking or not he just cost himself recruits from the state of LA.
Maybe we're giving this too much attention but either way... Nick made his bed and now he'll have to sleep in it.
Tomcat said:
posted on February 1, 2007 7:00 AM — 69.150.50.55 — link — abuse?
Mr.Mayor You really have balls to travel on that highway,I've been avoiding it for years.If I'm traveling north from Austin, I take state 95 a two lane blacktop that goes through the little towns. For the Kolaches try Schulenburg on old US 90.The areas around Lavaca and Fayette countys have the best beer joints/Domino halls/Dances etc.
Look up places like Flatonia, Moulton, Shiner, Weimar,Wealder,Yoakum and Halletsville.
Peace out dudegeauxtigers0107 said:
posted on February 1, 2007 8:33 AM — 69.1.170.58 — link — abuse?
Guess it's time to add my two cents in. I live in Thibodaux Louisiana - the middle of Cajun country. And the further you go "down the bayou", or south, (for those not accustomed to the lingo) the worse the slang gets. I was born and raised here and never, EVER, have I run across a Cajun who got offended when he was called a Coonass. It's just like calling a Texan a Redneck. So where this guy gets off speaking for all Cajuns is beyond me.
As far as lightening up on Saban, you've got to understand how outrageously passionate we are about our college football. I know, I know - you're passionate about it where you live too. But down here, it's like religion. And Saban left a bad taste in the mouths of alot of us when he left for Miami. Speaking only for myself, when he left, I wished him the best in his new endeavor. I didn't want him to leave for obvious reasons but he's got to do what he thinks is best for him. The part that pissed me off is when he came back to college football because " heart was always in the college game". So where was his heart then when Miami came calling? He should have stayed where he was. And he has expressed as much allready. I don't care that he went to Alabama - SEC. I could care less what college he came back to. But to get there and start going back against everything he preached at LSU was the straw that broke the camels back with alot of us. So should we lighten up on him? Not anytime soon.
It's gonna be interesting when LSU and Alabama meet this year, to put it mildly. I know that I wouldn't want to be him coming into Tiger Stadium - the ONLY Death Valley - next year. They'll be 94,000 strong that want to have his head on a platter. His only consolation is that we travel to Tuscaloser this year and some of the hurt may have subsided by then.
Geaux TigersJ Boe said:
posted on February 1, 2007 9:02 AM — 209.192.119.136 — link — abuse?
I have lots of family in Louisiana and I hear coonass all the time. I didn't even know that it was an "ethnic slur". Maybe I'm just ignorant or maybe this is just being blown out of proportion. All you have to do is hang out with some Louisiana folks for awhile and you will hear "coonass" in every funny ass story/joke you hear. They refer to themselves as coonasses. I have cajun relatives and they use that term all the time. Maybe it's OK if they do it and not anyone else. Like I said, I am around them all the time and I didn't know that it was such a bad thing.
gatorstud said:
posted on February 1, 2007 9:06 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
hey t-mac..i have read most of your posts and like your nuetral point of view on most subjects, but not this one....what is the difference between what saban said about this citizen of louisianna...and what john rocker went off about....now i know it is not the same, in the sense that rocker really went off about several races....but is is the same in the sense that he called this guy a "coonass" just because he is a funny talker from louisianna...it may not be racism, but it was definately a derogatory comment...
now i agree with you that "we" as a society have become more sensative about the words that come out of our mouths..now i know if saban came out and used the "n" word, you and other "succesful black americans" would of came out and blasted him...but since he made a comment about a white american..you say its ok.....i am sure that while there are some people from that part of the country that probably don't mind being called a coonass, i am sure there are some people that do care.....
now as a child growing up my i used language that was not proper and have called people by names that i feel ashamed for, but i was young then...as an adult, and a parent i have tought my kids what is right and wrong....and i have to act and talk in a way that exemplifies what i teach my children.....do you think that it would be ok if your children (if you have any) went to school and call the other children coonasses....i think not.....but there are kids who are gonna hear that recording of saban and think its ok to use those words....
like i said before t-mac......i am not saying your wrong on this...i am just not agreeing w/ you...that's all...
Bleed Crimson said:
posted on February 1, 2007 9:33 AM — 207.157.17.19 — link — abuse?
T-Mac:
Youre spot-on!! Enough with this African American bullsh*t. What am I then, Irish American?? Im WHITE, youre BLACK, and we're all AMERICAN!On the Saban issue:
The guy obviously thought the thing was off, or that he wouldnt be recorded. He said before his statement - "You guys arent gonna be able to put this on the thing." He was joking around with his friends and accidentally used a "racial slur" referring to the Cajun people of Lousiana. The reason he used the racial slur is because he was quoting the story told to him by a friend in Louisiana. I know that among my friends, in jest, i have used racial slurs that were my own words. Of course, I would be incredibly embarrassed if my words were spread across the internet, just as I'm sure Nick Saban is embarassed right now. But seriously guys, he's only human, GIVE THE FREAKIN GUY A BREAK!!BTW: It's official now, beyond ALL shadow of a doubt: NICK SABAN IS LUCIFER!! (Please don't quote me on this and spread it across the media)
hahaFanoftheGame said:
posted on February 1, 2007 9:47 AM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
Excellent point T-Mac! I couldn't agree more with your comments. In today's society, we have to do little more than walk a block from our own homes to get the full picture of the ethnic diversity in this country. In my opinion, the ethnic diversity is what makes us Americans. We are totally capable of co-existing with one another without the occurance of civil wars popping up all over the country due to our different cultures, heritages, religions and ehtnic backgrounds.
I think we tend to over-react to statements that may seem offensive to an outsider, but in reality were only meant to acknowledge the existence of what America is really like without purposely attempting to degrade or ridicule a certain sect of the population.
As a whole, I think most people accept these statements as harmless words, but the media always seems to put their twist on things to make them appear to be more than they really are.And for the record, the best Kolaches are in the Caldwell, Texas. The Kolache Capital of Texas and home to the annual Kolache Festival.
TenTex said:
posted on February 1, 2007 10:13 AM — 69.245.10.78 — link — abuse?
I agree this whole thing about Saban is over blown. The people in Louisiana are not upset about it from what I can tell. However, Saban brings all this stuff on himself, just like the way he handled leaving Miami. The press will aways watch everything he does. If he doesn't like it then he should retire.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on February 1, 2007 10:23 AM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
I'll weigh in on this one. I spent some time down in Leesville, Louisiana, during my AIT, back in the very early 70's. We'd go down to Lake Charles and New Orleans quite a bit. Knew quite a few Cajun people down there - mostly the girls. Got our Whiskey and other booze from some of these people on Sunday's. The term "coonazz" as I have heard a million times if I heard it once, was referring to people of poor Cajun decent, if I am not mistaken. I do not know if there is a derogatory sentiment behind it or not. Being caucasian, I never understood that the term had anything to do with black people.
Now out here in California, a common term to express your brotherly love to your tight bro, is to call him a "punkazz". Everybody out here is a "punkazz" of one form or another. Nobody gets upset - unless you might have a guilty conscience. I would suppose that "coonazz" may be used in the same context about half the time. BTW, "punkazz" can also be used in a derogatory manner as well. The point is: in american slange - words and phrases, depending on what context they are spoken in, can have several different meanings. I have heard the tapes of Lou Saban telling the joke. I did not infere that he was making any racial remark directed toward black people.Tommie T
Louisiana Man said:
posted on February 1, 2007 10:59 AM — 209.205.178.17 — link — abuse?
I am not a big Saban fan, after leaving LSU hanging, but we are doing fine with L. Miles. I can not however be upset over the use of the term coon-ass. Many cajuns use the term as a term of endearment. Stop throwing fuel on the fire. LSU will beat BAMA because we are better, not because we are upset over a stupid word.
Andrew R said:
posted on February 1, 2007 11:17 AM — 67.78.225.28 — link — abuse?
Yeah Kevin, why are you fueling the negativity towards Saban? No need to hurry things up, give it time. Bama fans will be doing it themselves in a couple of years. For now, let it be. He still has the same record as Price did, with zero losses as a Bama coach. He should be careful about what he says though (ie John Kerry).
T-Mac, you are right he isn't the Pope, but around here (Alabama)it is almost as if the Pope answers to Saban. I don't even know why anyone even needs to play Bama next year, with Saban, what team has a chance? Bama 14-0 next year!
gatorstud said:
posted on February 1, 2007 11:40 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
just so you don't think i am just blowing smoke......
Saban, in a statement Wednesday, said the word "can be taken as derogatory by some people."
"Those comments need to be placed in the proper context, so as to understand the meaning of what was said," Saban said. "The words were used in paraphrasing a story told to me by a friend. I was simply using the same wording used by the person who told me the story.
"The term in question is not language that I use or condone, and I can understand how some would take offense. However, I think it must be noted that those comments were made 'off the record' and the words merely reflected an anecdote that was told to me using that language."
Warren Perrin, president of the Council for Development of French in Louisiana, said the term is "highly offensive."
"I routinely state that the use of that term is highly offensive to descendants of Acadians, who are commonly referred to as Cajuns," Perrin said.
Alabama spokeswoman Deborah Lane said the university had no comment beyond Saban's statement.
so for all of you that say no-one should be offended by his....all i have to say is that there are.....you can't just shrug it off....
Tampa Hurricane said:
posted on February 1, 2007 12:37 PM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
T-Mac, from reading all of your comments about Saban on the other posts, it is plainly obvious that you have a big crush on him. Why don't you quit writing your posts that defend him and realize that Saban is a racist liar?
Mooka said:
posted on February 1, 2007 12:44 PM — 138.163.0.43 — link — abuse?
Coonass is more slang than a racial slur. During recent years it has been dubbed more like a racial slur, but the only reason I think Saban used it so fluently was be/c he used the term freely when he lived in Louisiana in everyday conversation with no slack. I think given his situation he's lost favor w/ the cajuns and he should probably be more careful how he speaks about them in public. That's all.
TampaGator said:
posted on February 1, 2007 1:45 PM — 205.188.116.133 — link — abuse?
Sorry 'bama, but this isn't a matter of hypersensitivity or PC--this is a clear failure to recognize and negotiate the terrain at hand.
Let's just say, for the sake of argument, that "coonazz" in and of itself may not be particularly offensive, or even broadly offensive. Even so, if that ain't recruiter trail fodder, I don't know what the hell is.
Picture this:
Les Miles to recruit caught between going to 'bama/LSU: "...yeah, Saban used to refer to all people of color by different slurs--like "coonazz" for cajuns--do you want to play for a guy who sees you as a "coonass," or some other slur, or worse still, refers to you as such behind your back???"
How about say Tommy T'ville: "...well, maybe he was quoting a frined about "coonass"--but did you notice how easily it rolled off of his tongue? ...and that's just the one we're aware of....do you want to play for a guy obviosly prejudges people..."
Of course he's not be the Pope, or even a politician--but if he can't get that he is in a fishbowl (hello Mike Price)--he's even dumber than even I thought....I'm try'n 'bama; I'm really trying to see things as you do (i.e.--firing Shula and hiring Saban not a mistake)--but the more I hear about Saban, the more I learn of him, the more convinced I become that at least the latter part of that (hiring Saban) was a mistake....a very expensive mistake.
Mike Shula may have been a bit slack on discipline, but I certainly don't recall him handing every coach in the SEC so much rope to hang him with. You dismiss my emphasis on Shula being a class act--well, men of class don't bring disrepute to your university, your program, to themselves...they don't give your rivals egg to splat all over your face...
....they don't leave you defending the appropriateness of the use of words such as "coonass"...
...that's kind of the point. But again, what the hell do I know.
Dycacian said:
posted on February 1, 2007 1:53 PM — 65.208.22.26 — link — abuse?
I don't condone the use of the Slur, and I think Saban had a total brain fart moment when he used the term. But, you have to admit that the comment made by the guy working in the ditch was absolutely hilarious.
War Eagle!!!
OU Fan said:
posted on February 1, 2007 2:18 PM — 84.146.31.211 — link — abuse?
Tomcat post 18, those Texas joints ain't nothing compared to whats out here in Germany. I will be stationed here for another 3 years and I don't even know where to start on telling you how much the beer, bars, beer gardens, and festivals are so much better than whats offered in the states. Its crazy! Go Sooners, Big 12 Champs!!
Chris said:
posted on February 1, 2007 3:33 PM — 75.64.237.107 — link — abuse?
One day the PC society this country is creating is going to take everything enjoyable out of life. This offends me...that offends me. What about people like myself who are offended by the bulls*#t these people keep whining about? Coonasses upset? Join the LSU squad and beat Bama's ass on the field! In case you haven't forgotten we live in the USA. Freeedom of speech is pretty important, but if you say black or chineese or coonass, somebody gets their feelings hurt. GROW UP! If people make remarks about whatever, let it go. In the scheme of life it's not that bad.
Play football, Shut up, ROLL TIDE!!
gatorstud said:
posted on February 1, 2007 4:29 PM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
hey nmlsooner..that is about the stupidest thing i have ever read....i know that there are many rappers that continually refer to one another as "N" (you know what i mean)..to them that is "slang"....does that make it ok for everyone to use the word...hell no....so if your gonna get in this discussion, then come with something better than
"coonass" isn't a slang term! That's what some of the people on the bayou call themselves. Quit being so sensitive!
because your post makes you look like an idiot.....
BK Dubs said:
posted on February 1, 2007 4:40 PM — 66.179.131.104 — link — abuse?
LSU's new coach has intregrity (like Bowden at FSU). Saban has lost all creditability as a respectable leader of young men. Yes he is an excellent coach. However, my kid would never play for a man that is such an egotist. He can't help but continue doing things like this. For Saban, it's all about money and fame - not shaping the lives of young male athletes (as he says - oh by the way, he said he wasn't leaving Miami AND he said he wasn't going to Alabama). MEMO to the up and coming high school talent. Go see Les Miles, Bobby Bowden, or Coach Paterno if you want to be molded into a fine young man - in a real program with a coach you can be proud to play for.
wareagle524 said:
posted on February 1, 2007 4:56 PM — 63.162.187.207 — link — abuse?
OU Fan, post #37,
Isn't Germany nuts?!?!?!
I was stationed there with the 1st I.D. and I always got a kick out of watching when people first get there and they try to drink like they did back on the block...hilarious.
Cincinnati is a German Catholic town and has a lot of the similar characteristics (keyword "similar"). It made the transition back stateside easier. There is nothing like a big ass beer at the Hofbrauhaus! Standing on the tables, screaming in a language you dont know! Enjoy!Rick said:
posted on February 1, 2007 4:57 PM — 69.1.169.130 — link — abuse?
PEOPLE. Get a grip and worry about something that is worth worring about. I am a Proud and Loyal LSU fan, Coonass and Cajun. Born and bred, my family for generations, in southern Louisiana. I take no offense to what Nick said and I think everyone is making a mountain out of a molehill. Leave it alone and worry about something that matters like our troops at war,maybe? GET A GRIP!!!!!!
posted on February 1, 2007 5:49 PM — 68.155.120.220 — link — abuse?
Again...substitute any ethnic slur in there and have him mention it, and then mention that the person slurred was "digging a ditch," and see how long it would take before he was fried...
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on February 1, 2007 6:02 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
TigerEducated:
How bout "Blue Blooded Pencil Pusher" was "diggin' a ditch"? What would that imply? Or "Bespeckled Techie Nerd" was "diggin' a ditch"? Oh man, I would sue someone if I ever heard those words spoken.
Tommie T
TenTex said:
posted on February 1, 2007 7:00 PM — 69.245.10.78 — link — abuse?
Almost every board I've been to the past 5 weeks has a negative Saban thread. Saban keeps creating new material that keeps driving negative karma for him. If this keeps up he may find himself digging ditches with the coonass before it's all over. And that will not be good for him with how upset the coonass ditch digger is.
Trickster said:
posted on February 1, 2007 8:35 PM — 68.17.160.88 — link — abuse?
Hey BK Dubs, did you know that Saban has many close friends he has known for decades who respect him greatly? How well do you know him?
Remember this is a human being you are talking dirt about. Make sure you know something about what you're saying.
Tomcat said:
posted on February 2, 2007 5:50 AM — 69.150.50.55 — link — abuse?
#25 FanoftheGame Well put comments
Saban is gonna catch alot of heat no matter what, and the media tends to go overboard and sensationalize trivial episodes. I guess if you use slang or an adjective to describe an individual that is not deemed politicaly correct and then that may be misconscewed as an insult against a certain part of our multicultural diverse population-hogwash.
I found a website yesterday called fireapplewhite the kid hasnt even hardly started
coaching down there yet. I hope that the media and critics can give it a break and let these guys try to do their job.
Coaching at Alabama is a purty tough job even with out all the B.S.
Roll Tide good luck in 07 Hookem-HornsTommie Trojan said:
posted on February 2, 2007 8:42 AM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Mooka:
You know that implies a "white guy". Yeh, sad to say, but I'm a "white guy". Not a "blue blood" sort, like Cape Cod Tom, and not quite a "techie nerd" - although I am an engineer by trade and use the computer extensively for development. No, my flag looks very similar to the "confederate flag". My roots are from Missouri and Oklahoma. Most of my family are straight up "white trash". Oops! Did I offend anyone? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so insensitive to any of my "redneck" (actually a term meant to regard farmers) brothers.
Tommie T
GatorFan Eric said:
posted on February 2, 2007 10:54 AM — 208.114.78.241 — link — abuse?
I was born, raised, and still live in Lake Charles Lousisana,(yes a gator fan in LA) and the term coon ass at least where I am from is in no way a racial slur. I have heard the word my whole life, friends and family call each other coon asses all the time down here. I think the media is blowing this way out of proportion. Give Saban a break he is going to get beat up on enough this football season.
GO GATORS!!!!the"U" said:
posted on February 2, 2007 11:18 AM — 12.154.150.2 — link — abuse?
4.Bama Babe stated that
"coonass" is NOT a racial slur. It is a mild insult like redneck or dumbass."
Listen here ya backwoods hillbilly redneck dumbass, It would not be a racial slur if he was Cajun. Since he is not, it is a racial slur. If Your backwoods inbred brother bangin ass doesn't realize that then get back under the cover with your cousin and stay sleeping. You hear from "3 Louisiana folks" say it is not a racial slur, take their word for face value. After all according to Saban they are coonasses anyway. Thank god that pathetic man is out of Miami. You deal with him. He has been making the "Tide" look great so far. I bet you are glad you threw 32 mil. at someone the entire country cant stand. Especially the media, that is going to help your schools image a great deal.
His Emminence said:
posted on February 2, 2007 3:14 PM — 72.10.76.200 — link — abuse?
Just about Everybody on this f#*@in post are idiots except me, T-Mac and well, that's it.
You pansies are so sensitive.
We have become a nation of whiners, professional victims and the forever offended.
Get over it!
Yellow Hammer said:
posted on February 2, 2007 4:03 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
@ The "U" #55
WOW!!! You want to talk about somebody else sterotyping?? Holy Crap!!!The guy(Saban)was telling a story that someone else told him. This does not make him a racist.
As far your comment goes about the media, and nobody else in the country liking him, WE DON'T CARE!!!!!!!!
For all of you other Saban haters out there. Get a life, grow up, and worry about your own teams and coaches. Besides, Saban will be putting a muzzle on all of the haters in the media and abround as soon as he starts kicking a_s and taking names on the football field. (I'm not sure how soon that will be.... I guess we will have to wait and see)
ROLL TIDE!!! FINS SUCK!!! still
OU-Ron said:
posted on February 2, 2007 4:05 PM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse?
I have relatives all thru the south, Mississippi,Louisiana, and yes even Texass. I have heard the term "coonass" all my life. Never knew of anyone being insulted by the word. I think if anyone at LSU is insulted, It's because Saban is at Bama and not because he repeated or used the word in a story.
Nub'em horns--GO SOONER'SJ Boe said:
posted on February 2, 2007 4:40 PM — 209.192.119.136 — link — abuse?
#55 the "u",
Wow man, you really know how to make yourself look like a jackass. Your school is the ghetto of college football, noone wants to go there because they are afraid of getting shot. I don't know how a Miami fan could possibly act better than someone else. Here you are complaining about a "racial slur" by calling someone a "backwoods hillbilly redneck dumbass". If that isn't the definition of hypocrisy then I don't know what is. Do yourself a favor and shut your mouth.
posted on February 2, 2007 5:30 PM — 68.155.120.220 — link — abuse?
If you don't condone or endorse the usage of the word, then why did you use the word or slur when you retold the story?
Guys, the bottom line is he has zero respect for anyone in this life, other than himself, or whoever he feels like can help him win...
The pillars of his "belief system" are more like houses of cards upon which he's built an impressive resume.
However, when the microscope focuses and brings him into sharper view, the cracks are visible, and we see just how little this man practices what he preaches...
Yellow Hammer said:
posted on February 2, 2007 6:33 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
@ Tiger Educated
I enjoy reading your post most of the time because you write well and your post are to the point.(BTW I admire that because I can't write worth a crap). That being said, I can't take your opinion of Nick Saban seriously. It's obvious you have an axe to grind. Which is O.K.(My animosity for Dennis F. didn't go away until 2 years after he left). I totally understand your beef with him.I also wanted to say that his belief system, character, coaching ability, morals, values, and everything else you dislike about him is what brought your team back to greatness. Before him, LSU was just another SEC team.(just like Alabam is now) He is the reason you are able to boast about your team. I'm not talking about the past 2 years. That credit goes to Les Miles Les Miles.
I guess only time will time will tell if you and everybody else is right about the man.For Alabama's sake, I hope you are wrong.
Until next time.... ROLL TIDE
PopsMich said:
posted on February 2, 2007 6:39 PM — 71.77.24.80 — link — abuse?
So Saban's excuse is that he was repeating something (story) told him by another, and possibly using that person's words.
Now ask yourself a simple question: If that was a child simply repeating what he said, would you correct the child? Probably.
Problem is, he's no child and should have better judgement about his choice when repeating words. Now, using that sorry alibi (excuse), isn't acceptable in the adult world. Who on earth is he kidding?
It's not about what the word means. It's about how he handles the heat afterwards. Saying I only said what he/she said is childish BS.
Bama9902 said:
posted on February 2, 2007 7:02 PM — 74.227.225.186 — link — abuse?
OK, here is the deal!! When Saban took over the Alabama program it scared the hell out everybody not associated with that program. No one out side of the Alabama nation wants to see that program move forward but now that Alabama has finally got a coach that can win, then the media and fans freaking go crazy. It's like Saban has a spotlight on him everywhere he goes. If he had gone to a school like Miami of Ohio or Stanford ect... then no one would care what he had to say. Give him a break, I have never heard people from La. made mention it was a racial slur. lighten up people and give him a break.
posted on February 2, 2007 7:07 PM — 152.163.100.201 — link — abuse?
Come on, give Saban a break. He was quoting someone. They were the other person's words, not Saban's. Besides, I don't think Cajuns are going to give a damn if you call them that or not.
In the future, however, let's refer to them as 'CoonAss Americans'.
ranman said:
posted on February 2, 2007 8:45 PM — 12.173.78.194 — link — abuse?
If Nick Saban says racial slurs like this to the people who welcomed him and his family with open arms in Louisiana and treated him like a king,can you imagine what he says and thinks about other race of people such as blacks and latinos for example.What do you think he calls them behind there back.I will leave that to your own imagination!!!
ran said:
posted on February 2, 2007 8:55 PM — 12.173.78.194 — link — abuse?
I was born and raised in Louisiana. Speaking for myself and most other educated cajun people,Anyone that likes the name coonass has no self respect or dignity..When i hear the word coonass it hurts clear down to the bone and makes me imagine just how much a self respected black man feels when he is called the "n" word!!!
clemson1981 said:
posted on February 2, 2007 9:14 PM — 74.242.87.27 — link — abuse?
i think what The "U" said was somewhat funny, im from the south so those things just roll off mah back because you hear it so much, besides florida is yankee land anyways so of course they think that. as far as what saban said, i don tlike him to begin with, im a fins fan and when we hired him i thought of becoming a browns fan, thats how much i dont like him, but anyways, saban can run his mouth in the college game, everybody should know that, hes a solid coach, but had he said this or something like this in the pro game, MY GOD!!! imagine, he would have been pounded by the likes of dungy and smith and hell even bellichick, he basicly saban would have recived this reaction from fellow nfl coaches had he said that in the NFL: "shut your mouth and win some games then run your mouth" now with that said, how bout he does this now, heres some advice to nick saban first:
until you win a game (we all know he will) keep your mouth shut!!!goodolnuma5 said:
posted on February 2, 2007 9:17 PM — 24.208.159.2 — link — abuse?
Coon?
forget the ass, I know 'coon' means a black person........ Sooooooooooo. Is this like the rebel flag thing? Yeak I know, I know. "Its your heritage". But why is it when I see it I think slavery? I see that word coon,...........it feels degrading.
Trickster said:
posted on February 2, 2007 9:23 PM — 68.17.160.88 — link — abuse?
Popsmich, I agree with your #67. Based on that, let me boil down what I think about this whole thing:
(1) Saban made a minor error in lack of caution by using the word "coonass" in private. Even though many or most cajuns embrace the term and few are actually offended by it, as an outsider talking to another outsider, he should've spoken about the other ethnic group with respect and not taken any chances with his terminology. I do emphasize that the error was minor, though; I'm a lawyer and an ex-English teacher, and am generally pretty PC in my language, even in private, but I could easily have been caught making this particular faux pas. And it's just my guess that the same is true of the great majority of the Cotton Mathers of the press who are conducting Saban's witch trial.
(2) The "journalist" who sent an audiotape of Saban's off-the-record remarks to a rabidly anti-Bama talk show host should be shot, poisoned, boiled in oil, drawn and quartered, and the pieces of his body fed to starving dogs, and that's only because I'm in a good mood.
(3) Saban's "apology" was ham-handed and you're exactly right, it's no excuse whatsoever for a grown man repeating something questionable to say he heard it from somewhere else. As much as anything, Coach Saban needs to hire a media consultant and pay attention to him.
(4) The uproar following the publication of Saban's remark is about 1% genuine and 99% hypocrisy and ignorance.
clemson1981 said:
posted on February 2, 2007 9:42 PM — 74.242.87.27 — link — abuse?
just want to tell ya gooolnuma5:
the rebel flag makes you think slaves because thats what the south had in the civil war, let us all remember the civil war was mainly about industrialization, now that was our daily history break, back to football.T-Mac said:
posted on February 2, 2007 10:09 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
goodolnuma5, stop seeing the rebel flag as slavery. That's part of the entire problem bro. I see the rebel flag as a " Southern Flag " and not as anything to do with racism or slavery. As a black man the rebel flag is fine with me. I couldn't care less. It doesn't bother me at all. You see goodolnuma5, we can't blame people these days for the things that were done to my or your ancestors back in slave times. I'm assuming you are black. I don't know. Both my roommates are white and are from different areas of the south. We love each other like true brothers. We got each others back NO MATTER WHAT. We have proved this to each other on numerous occasions as well. You see, racism isn't born. It's taught. That's all. Rise above. Rise above man. It's 2007. Much respect T-Mac
Trickster said:
posted on February 2, 2007 10:10 PM — 68.17.160.88 — link — abuse?
goodolnuma5, words mean what they mean, not what you think they sound like. Coonass specifically means Cajun. Cajuns are descendants of white European settlers of Louisiana. Since Cajuns have been in Louisiana for centuries and Louisiana is a racially mixed area, some Cajuns are black but the great majority of them are white.
Saban did after all live in Louisiana for 4 years and knows what the word means, as did the journalists he was speaking to in Mobile, which is right down the road from what is usually considered Cajun country and in fact has a few of its Cajun residents.
Togo Forever said:
posted on February 2, 2007 10:21 PM — 24.168.253.79 — link — abuse?
I don't know why you think slavery when you see the rebel flag. Maybe because you've been conditioned to think that way. I doubt it was your personal experiences with slavery that remind you of the rebel flag. Of course it could be the backwards thinking folks who believe that things should have never changed that have somehow miscued you to believe that. Who knows though? I could be wrong. However, you should think slavery when you see the flags of the integrity laden royalty of the West African nations, who did in fact start the whole thing. Of course, maybe it's the same reason that I think vomit and fairies when I see le drapeau Tricoleur (the French flag). Also, my experience with the term "coonass" is that it's a slang term that refers to the people of that particular geographic region, regardless of their skin color or anything else. If memory serves correctly, they are also quite proud of that term down there. I always thought that "coon" refers to a raccoon, but I guess you learn something new every day.
Anyway, glad to see Saban at 'Bama. It's about time to make the real meaning of Auburn (Alabama Usually Beats Us 'Round November) true again. Don't get pissed Auburn backers, it's just a little joke and I'm sure you've all heard it before.Tommie Trojan said:
posted on February 2, 2007 10:22 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
T-Mac:
I appreciate your outlook - and you are 100% correct. The rich landowners have always had to have slaves. It was goin' on way before the 1700's in the United States. And, very many of histories slaves have been of caucasion decent. Truth be told: we're all slaves now. Powerful governments always find a way to perfect the technique. The name of the game has always been to get somebody to work for nothin'. That is how the rich get rich. It has nothin' to do with the color of anybody's skin. You know, they had slaves in the north in those coal mines and building railroads, for a long time. Then, they finally brought the Chinese in to become the "new slaves". Now, I'm not gonna get into what is really happening in America today, but I can guarantee you that "slavery" has reached a new epidemic. The trick is to make the "slave" think he's got it good. Well, we're all slaves in one form or another. I don't care how you slice it up. Nick Saban has now become a slave to Alabama football. Right now, I'll bet he thinks he's got it good. Pretty soon, he'll realize, that he has become a slave to a monster that can not be fed enough. That is the history of this world.
Tommie T
Yellow Hammer said:
posted on February 2, 2007 10:26 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
Clemson 1981
Lets just say Saban left Miami and landed in Clemson. Now, if he would have said that while coaching at Clemson, nobody would have given 2 sh*ts about it.
The guy was having an off the record conversation with 3 reporters from South Florida and he told them a story that someone from Louisiana told him. That is FACT POPS MICHIGAN.
The reporter was secretely taping the conversation without Saban knowing. The reporter has since apologized. That is also fact.
Which brings me to this... Nick Saban will forever be hated by the media. No matter what he does, he will always be ridiculed.
We, as BAMA fans will always have to deal with this crap. Oh well
By the way Clemson 1981, look on the bright side. You don't have to pull for the Brown's now.
Rooooooooooooooooll Tide Roll
Trickster said:
posted on February 2, 2007 10:56 PM — 68.17.160.88 — link — abuse?
One more try to set the right context:
Some cajuns, or "French Acadian Americans," apparently not very many, but some, find the term "coonass" offensive. Therefore the polite thing for an outsider to do is not use the term.
Therefore using the term is a breach of etiquette. It is probably best compared to eating your main course with a salad fork. It is NOT hate speech, and it is NOT a firing offense, as the ignorant blowhard Skip Bayless suggested yesterday and ESPN actually had the gall to run a poll on last night. As when one uses the wrong fork at a proper dinner party, the worst that one should expect is a hidden snicker, or at worst a sarcastic remark.
clesmon1981 said:
posted on February 3, 2007 10:48 AM — 74.242.87.27 — link — abuse?
Yellow Hammer:
i never said that what saban said was racist nor did i say i agree with it no wdid i? didnt think so. as far as saban coming to clemson, ive been a tiger all my life and had he come here, i wouldnt support him, but id pull for my tigers, im a loyal fan, but miami is to good of a franchise to have hired that prick. now i wanted butch davis the past two years but everybody said hed go back to miami, well they were wrong, and i thought saban would stay in miami, well i was wrong and so were my fellow fins fans, this guy left miami not just because of family, but because he couldnt win in the NFL, and he knew it, if was winning he would have stayed, but now hes at bama, and i dont thik any coach should be runnin there mouth on a team that he has not even coached a single game with yet. so once again saban keep it shut.So Cal Clippers said:
posted on February 3, 2007 2:28 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
TigerEducated,
Just wondering, are you Cajun?
Concerning the example you gave in Post 8, that if it had been a Mexican guy insted of a Cajun guy digging the ditch... Are you saying that "coonass" is Not a Derogatory term ??? Cause saying "Mexican" woulda been like saying "Cajun"", er, not derogatory.Is it like describing a guy as "Mexican"... OR... is it like decribing the guy as "beaner" or "wetback"?
Another way to clarify; Is there is difference between...
Saban saying, "There was a guy working in the ditch, one of those CAJUN guys that talk funny"?
... and...
Saban saying, "There was a guy working in the ditch, one of those COONASS guys that talk funny"So Cal Clippers said:
posted on February 3, 2007 2:48 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
TigerEd,
BTW, I dont know if its 'splitting hairs' but...
Fisher DeBerry didnt "get fired" - he was an old man, he retired.
Also, he infered/said that "Afro-American" athletes had more speed than other ethnic groups. He didnt say any racial slurs.So Cal Clippers said:
posted on February 3, 2007 3:00 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
T-Mac (and everyone else),
You say youre not "African American", that youre "Black"... So what if Saban said he saw a "coon" digging a ditch, refering to a Black guy ???
Its not about that the guy "talked funny" its the description he used!
T-Mac said:
posted on February 3, 2007 6:50 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
So Cal, post 84. The reason YOU have probably never heard "that" term before is because you are from Las Vegas. You have stated that you are from Vegas over and over on here before. I think that might have a little something to do with it.
T-Mac said:
posted on February 3, 2007 6:55 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
So Cal, Have YOU ever said anything joking ( in this case ) or not joking that YOU would like to take back??? I know I have. You see So Cal, people aren't perfect.
EXAMPLE-Your post #88. That ignorance is a huge part of what fuels racism!
I got 4 words for ya bro.
Lighten the fugk up!!!
goodolnuma5 said:
posted on February 3, 2007 8:51 PM — 24.208.159.2 — link — abuse?
TMac,
My family IS from the south(Mobile, Ala.)
I am black.
I understand that that flag is for some about family, pride, history, etc.
Yes, there are plenty of southern white folk who 'get it'.
But,
I hate it when people use the N-word. It keeps that term alive, in the lexicon. It should be uttered only by streetfolk and the incarcerated. The same should be said for this one. Maybe Im wrong, but the last time I saw the word 'coon', it was in the south, and it was denigrating blacks. There are some Cajuns here who dont like it either.Like you T-Mac, I think folk ARE too sensitive today, and most folk see me as an AMERICAN. That word[coon] however, is one I havent heard in a long time, and in the hands of the wrong guy, can be very insulting. Then again, I havent been down south in awhile.
Sabans mistake was not knowing his audience, and being a jerk. But truthfully, Ive heard much worse.
Still dont get the flag tho. They lost.
Tomcat said:
posted on February 4, 2007 12:01 AM — 66.142.89.150 — link — abuse?
Hey T-Mac youre right dude.Yet ye that has not sinned cast the first stone.We are all in this world together and the coaches comments were appearntly recorded without his knowlege. Have we all not made comments that we might later regret?
How bout them Bears look for ex-Horns Vasher and Benson to do some exciting things tommorow.
Hookem-Horns
Roll Tide OU-Sux
T-Mac said:
posted on February 4, 2007 1:38 AM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
goodolnuma5, Saban never used the N-word. Let's not get caught up in all this racial bullsh*t bro. You and I have definitely heard a whole lot worse than this. Listen, I think Saban made a mistake. Look, we as men sometimes make mistakes. It's part of life. Let's not Crucify him for it. I don't know Nick Saban personally. Do you? I can't judge someone until I know them myself bro. I really think it was just a joke or " play on words " and that's all. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. We as Black Men need to try and rise above this elementary schoolyard bullsh*t. That's all it is. Rise Above it. T-Mac 2007
posted on February 4, 2007 1:48 AM — 70.180.38.96 — link — abuse?
Don't come to Louisiana to recruit players and talk about Domanick Davis, Chad Lavalais, Ricky Jean Francois, Joe Domingeaux, or hire GA's like Gary Pegues, and then turn around and use, recount using similar language, or basically try to get those same people to open up their homes to you after you say something like that...
It just goes to show you how little respect he has for our state, its culture, its indigenous inhabitants, and the richest tradition from our earliest periods of settlement as a region...
The man does not respect anyone that can not help him win a football game or land him a recruit or cash a check for him.
Period, point blank.
So Cal Clippers said:
posted on February 4, 2007 3:12 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
TMac, I'm A-s-k-i-n-g. I dont know how 'bad' that term really is, Ive never heard it before... I dont even really know what Cajun is.
What Saban said doesnt sound too good. And from some of the reaction, it is an 'ethnic slur'. Really, whats up with the dude ?! He's a little warped, it seems.
BTW, I moved to Las Vegas a few years ago, but Im from So Cal.
BTW again, this Super Bowl Hype is freak'n mind-numbing. The artificial build-up to it all is embarrassing - the most contrived Sporting Event there is.
So Cal Clippers said:
posted on February 4, 2007 3:46 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
TMac, youre getting a bit deeper here. Im questioning the guy's Judgement in a general sense -- I dont know where this guy's heart lies, if he's a racist or whathaveyou.
TMac, lemme ask you, WHAT Fuels Racism IF NOT people allowing it to go ignored that a HEAD COACH like Nick Saban (whom we already know is a Tool, for other reasons) says sh!t like "Coonass" when DESCRIBING a Cajun guy ?!???!
The word wasnt in the story/joke he told, he used it as a Description of the guy he was telling the story about! That is a subtle but important little fact in this whole thing.
... and we're talking about the former Head Coach of LSU -- its not just you or me shooting the sh!t, talking trash, doing some razzing. EVEN THEN, if it wasnt part of the joke, I wouldnt Describe the guy that way.
TampaGator said:
posted on February 5, 2007 10:30 AM — 152.163.100.201 — link — abuse?
Tommie Trojaon/#79:
"...Truth be told: we're all slaves now...The name of the game has always been to get somebody to work for nothin'...The trick is to make the "slave" think he's got it good...we're all slaves in one form or another..."
That is a serious bunch of CRAP! What we have today doesn't even reach indentured servititude, let alone slavery. Slaves can not quit their jobs; slaves can not move to the next town, state, or country; slaves can not vote; slaves don't get free education; slaves have no rights; slaves can do NOTHING without their master's approval, without serious consequences--they are PROPERTY! To suggest that America has slavery today (other than under the table, as in illegal immigrants--but that's not at all what you suggested)--particularly that "...we are all slaves" when WE are all using OUR COMPUTERS, expressing OUR OWN IDEAS, without consequence...that does nothing more than cheapen the concept of slavery, and make the plight of slaves trite.
You further went on to say: "...I don't care how you slice it up. Nick Saban has now become a slave to Alabama football..."
Really? So if he decides not to coach even game one under his contract, are they (UA) going to whip his back until it bleeds? Are they going to sell his family to make up for the money they invested in his contract? Are they able to prevent him from getting a new job? Can they put him in "debtor's prison" until the contract is paid off???
Please, let's keep it somewhat real, shall we?
This entire issue isn't about offending anyone (please see my post #34); this is about perception, a coach's failure to recognize that he is in a fishbowl, and its potential ramifications on UA's recriting--nothing more, nothing less.
(that's not to say other takes aren't fiar game, but some takes are just silly--as yours was, in #79).
Yellow Hammer said:
posted on February 5, 2007 1:26 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
Clemson 1981
" I never said that what Saban said was racist nor did I say that I agree with it, now did I"?What are you talking about? I never accused you of saying any of that You need to go back and read my post, dude. Nothing in your statement comes close to what I posted.
Also, I don't understand what you mean about Saban keeping his mouth shut. The guy is not running his mouth.
I will state this again: Saban was having an off the record conversation with 3 reporters from South Florida. One of the jerknob reporters recorded that private conversation.
I think it's funny that nobody is questioning the ethics of these reporters. Where is the outcry.
This is why Saban will dig himself into a bunker and will not talk to the media. I know if I were his publicist I would tell him not to talk to anyone because; Anyhing he says will forever be twisted or ridiculed by everyone.
This will only get worse, especially when he starts winning.(which I'm praying will be very soon)
Tommie Trojan... It must suck always having the man hold you down. If I were you I would just commit suicide and be done with it.
Mooka said:
posted on February 5, 2007 2:24 PM — 138.163.0.41 — link — abuse?
Tampa,
I think your missing Tommie's point about what exactly slavery is today. Well, it's always been about wage labor. Why don't you ask kids in China making your Nike sneakers for only $0.20 an hour, and at the same time, your fellow Americans who lost their job working with an American company be/c their job decided to move overseas where they can have kids do it! Pretty savy hunh? Cha-ching keep the doe rollin. If that ain't modern day slavery, I don't know what is.
SOCAL,
Cajun History 101...Cajuns come from Nova Scotia, Canada, of course originally from mainland France. England gave the French the boot after the French and Indian war and many of them were forced to move to South Louisiana, where the Cajun culture flourished and some of the finest dishes you will ever taste were made. Cajuns were born and raised on the bayous and swamps living in house boats, or shacks. A name they would call themselves is C_____s, much like how many black people call themselves N___a. As far as I could remember the word has never really been offensive until recent years. I guess, some Cajuns just see themselves better than that, and alot are, so I could see why they would get offended; but then you have others that really are rooted in the struggles, and embrace the name. I don't know, I guess you can't satisfy everybody, so what do you do as a public speaker? In Nick Saban's case I think you just keep your mouth shut when it comes to Louisiana. He's in a lose-lose situation with the media. My only question is if he was still the coach of LSU would this negative publicity come out, or would he be embraced by the Cajuns?TampaGator said:
posted on February 5, 2007 4:32 PM — 152.163.100.201 — link — abuse?
Mooka:
With all due respect, you're confusing poverty with slavery. Slavery is the complete opposite of, or absence of, freedom. Poverty is a lack of financial resources and/or property rights. One can be dirt poor, and still be free.
Liberty (freedom) isn't a guarantee of economic prosperity; it is a guarantee of individual sovereignty and rights, that one may pursue economic prosperity i.e.-to pursue happiness (or be content with their lot in life, as they see fit).
That one's circumstances may compromise one's ability to pursue economic properity/happiness, should not be confused with a complete absence of such ability (i.e.--a complete absense of freedom). That's just plain old insulting to everything this country stands for.
So why don't YOU ask those chineese folks making those sneakers, what they think about freedom in the US, and what they'd give (or have given) to taste of it? You can probably find a couple thousand to choose from in SanFran, New York, Chicago...
Bleed Crimson said:
posted on February 5, 2007 5:38 PM — 72.146.16.229 — link — abuse?
READ THIS
READ THIS
READ THIS
READ THISokay i know this is the wrong blog, but more people are on this one.
http://capstonereport.com/?p=30
NICK SABAN WAS VICTIM TO A HOAX.
HE NEVER TOOK CREDIT FOR LSU'S SUCCESS.Kevin, i would appreciate it if you took a look at that link i provided and corrected the blog about Nick Saban taking credit for LSU's recent success.
Mooka said:
posted on February 5, 2007 5:42 PM — 138.163.0.42 — link — abuse?
Tampa,
When you compare a homeless person who is 'free' in America, I think I'd rather be a slave working in exchange for room and board in China. Either way you look at it they are both in captivity. Only one doesn't have to dig through the dumpster to eat.
So Cal Clippers said:
posted on February 5, 2007 6:44 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
Mooks, so Cajuns are simply transplanted French-Canadians in the Delta area ??? Isnt there something more to it ? Dont black folk and/or Native Americans fit in there some where ? Whats Creole?
... after doing my own quick research...
Being "Cajun" itself could be looked down upon by other Frenchies in a snooty way (esp French nationals; born in France), but for those people of Acadian decent, its merely the description of their quasi-ancestry. So "Cajun" has no real negative conotation other than in a nationalisticly contrived sense (its not negative in-it of itself). As for "coonass", er "conasse", er "stupid bitch hooker", its definitely a derogatory term & ethnic slur. The dopes that wanna take it as non-offensive slang for "Cajun" are just that, dopes.
** Comparison example **
Puerto Ricans use the word Boricua as a self-identification term (its the native language name of the island or Puerto Rico).- "Cajun" is to Acadian (French-Canadian) Exilees as : "Boricua" is to Puerto Ricans
- "coonass" is to Cajuns as : "spic" is to BoricuasYellow Hammer said:
posted on February 5, 2007 7:33 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
So Cal Clippers
Who was the one that put you in charge of telling people when to be offended.
I know alot of people from LA that call each other coonasses. I interact with one on a daily basis. In my opinion, he is not a dope. I mean, I have trouble understanding him when he speaks, but as far as I can tell, he's no dope.
clemson1981 said:
posted on February 5, 2007 8:39 PM — 74.226.220.30 — link — abuse?
Yellow hammer:
regardless, i dont care if a reporter "recorded his conversation with out him knowing" if saban is such a good coach he should knwo the media, he should know a reporter would do something like that, and he should use his words more carefully, so get over it regardless of how it was said, NICK SABAN SAID IT!!! so get over that little hissy fit right there. second, hes runnin his mouth now and he ran when he got there in tuscaexcusa, and then ol don shula shut him up, so how bout saban just stays out of the national media until he coaches his first game? good idea eh? third, WTF is up with you telling people to commit suicide? thats f**kup.T-Mac said:
posted on February 6, 2007 12:33 AM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
I agree with post 109 completely. Time has come to shut this 1 down. It never should have started to begin with!!! Shut it down. It has taken a crazy racial laden turn. Although, that might be what the people would like. WRONG direction. Pull the plug on this one.
Mooka said:
posted on February 6, 2007 3:00 AM — 68.107.96.38 — link — abuse?
Socal,
Nobody said Cajun has a negative conotation. Cajun is what Acadians are. Creole is something different all together. Creole is Spanish, black, and Cajun mix. For the record, French look down upon all, or most French ancestry who are not of mainland France.
T-Mac,
Good post #76. That's my point view. Although post #114, someone shoulda told you this has always been a racial thread.
Tampa,
There are many debates and abouta million angles you could take on each view, so this could all be debated for days. I'll save it for another blog so I don't go to far off from the simple fact that Saban is a victim of
fsu.fan said:
posted on January 31, 2007 9:07 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?Clearly Nick Saban is A LOT smarter when he doesnt talk. Saban should just shut up about everything, potential job offers, the LSU program, and anything relating to someone's ethnic back ground.
On one hand I am kind of happy. FSU and Bama are in a heated recruiting battle over one of the top RBs in the nation (noel devine). Currently FSU is his top choice, maybe Nick's big mouth just sealed the deal for us.
Plus, Bama can now forget about ever getting a good recruit from the state of Louisiana.
WHAT AN IDIOT!!!