Broncos coach in need of training

“Sports heroes can no longer stick to sports,” June 3 commentary and “Fangio clarifies remark about racism in the NFL,” June 4 news story.

The Broncos aren’t ready for the season, and training camp won’t help.

The problem is they have a blind spot, and it’s not an issue at left tackle.

The blindspot is a head coach who can’t see, and it’s not because he’s in need of new glasses.

Vic Fangio believes the NFL has “no racism at all.” Yet, it’s shocking to believe Colin Kaepernick doesn’t have a job because his athletic skills don’t merit one. It’s equally shocking to imply few black men have worked hard enough to merit a coaching position.

Fangio quickly issued an apology after social media erupted in criticism over the remarks. Yet an apology doesn’t change his mindset. And

Re:

the words he used simply reiterated his ignorance: Fangio said there is “no color in the locker rooms.” But his locker room is filled with color. A leader who refuses to see his players’ racial identity also refuses to acknowledge the challenges black men face every day.

Athletes know strength and change come through hard work and training. A team meeting won’t fix a coach’s ignorance. Pledging to listen to players won’t change his mindset when he refuses to see their racial identity. Diversity and equity training is now every bit as important for the Broncos as sprints and out routes.

Fangio may be a veteran in the NFL, but he still has much to learn about the league. His players and the Broncos will benefit from his education.

Michael P. Mazenko,