It’s racism, not trust, that’s at the heart of issue
34 years after Moon first sampled it here, Watson now subjected to black QB’s plight
Warren Moon grew up hearing black quarterbacks could not be trusted to make the right decisions in the NFL, but he made enough right ones during his 17-year career to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
When Moon heard about Onalaska ISD superintendent Lynn Redden’s comment, “You can’t count on a black quarterback” posted Sunday on the chron.com Facebook page, it brought back memories of Moon’s first season with the Oilers in 1984 when he and his family experienced racism on and off the field.
Moon read Redden’s comment about Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson after he let the clock run out on the last play of Sunday’s 20-17 loss at Tennessee. Moon, who played 10 seasons with the Oilers, agreed with how Watson played down the controversy when he met with the
media.
“He’s not throwing kerosene on the fire,” Moon said. “I think he’s handling it the right way.”
Moon recalled how racial comments by fans in the Astrodome caused him to move his family from the stands into a suite early in his first season.
“I’d tell Deshaun what I told my son ( Joshua) at my locker after one game,” Moon said. “There are some ignorant, racist people out there, but the majority are good.
“Unfortunately, (racism) is part of life. The way you deal with it is to ignore it.”
Redden, who’s white, told the Chronicle on Monday he didn’t mean for the comment to be made public. He later deleted it.
Watson just shrugged off Redden’s post.
“I worry about me, so I’m not worried about what he has to say,” Watson said. “May peace be with him.”
Watson, who turned 23 last week, grew up in Georgia and played at Clemson, where he played in two national championship games against Alabama, winning one. He said he’s experienced racism.
“Of course,” Watson said. “That’s just everyday life, I guess. I’m all about love. (Racism) is part of life. I can’t control what other peoples’ beliefs are.”
Redden could get fired over his comment. The Onalaska school board is meeting Saturday to consider his situation. Asked if he wants Redden to be fired, Watson said, “That’s not my job. I don’t make that decision.”
Coach Bill O’Brien had a strong opinion about Redden.
“I don’t want to waste a lot of time responding to outdated, inaccurate, ignorant, idiotic statements,” he said. “In this day and age, it’s amazing that this BS exists, but it does.
“I’ll let Deshaun’s proven success on the field (and) his character off the field speak for itself. He’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever coached. He represents everything that’s right about football, about life. His teammates respect him. His coaching staff respects him. Our fans love him.”
Naturally, the racist post was a topic of conversation in the Texans’ locker room, where the players were getting ready for their first practice in preparation for Sunday’s home opener against the New York Giants.
Cornerback Johnathan Joseph, 34, is the team’s wise, old owl. He expressed dismay at Redden’s comment and apology.
“You’d think in 2018 you probably wouldn’t be hearing any comments like that, but for whatever reason, that’s the world we live in,” Joseph said. “I think the apology wasn’t sincere when you make a comment like you thought it was private message. I think that makes you look even sillier than the whole statement itself.”
Joseph was asked if he believes Redden should be fired.
“That’s not my call to make, (but) I think he’s a guy that’s in that situation overlooking kids and things like that,” he said. “I think something should be done because how can you be fair and unbiased if you have that in your background and DNA?”
In 1984, when stories came out about the racism Moon and his family were experiencing with fans angry over the Oilers losing, the insults turned to cheers in his next home game and for the rest of his career.
Sunday is Watson’s first home game since Oct. 15 of last season, when he helped the Texans defeat Cleveland 33-17. Expect the fans at NRG Stadium to shower Watson with a thunderous, heartfelt ovation similar to what Moon got 34 years ago.