Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/f ... pology.ap/

I can't believe we all missed this one. He called Ohio State a bunch of Mandingos , and apparently he has used this term in the past to desribe other teams, but still doesn't realize some people will think it is offensive.

Um.

Wow.

They raise bright ones down there in Huntington, don't they?

I don't even want to go to ncaabbs and see how they're defending him.

It was a word used poorly but not hatefully.

He has since apologized.

'Nuff said.

I believe this has been blown a tad out of proportion.

Rightupinthere wrote:It was a word used poorly but not hatefully.

He has since apologized.

'Nuff said.

I believe this has been blown a tad out of proportion.

Hmmm... granted its not one of the "queen mothers" of racial slurs, but I don't see how a coach at a major university, and a supposed leader of a community can use a term like that and have a "geez, I guess I didn't think of it that way" apology smooth it over.

"blown out of proportion" would be calling for his firing. accepting an "oops, sorry guys" and moving on is far from out of proportion, IMO. His comments, as phrased (regardless of intent), make him no better than Jimmy The Greek or Al Campanis, and those two had careers ended by their "mis-speakings"

In today's day and age, no question it was a stupid thing to say. But, makes you wonder if this would this be an issue with Rainbow/PUSH if Willingham made a comment like that?

so you wouldn't have to worry about that. But if Willingham were to say something that could be taken in the wrong way and considered an attack on any one group of people, he too would be apologizing for his comments. What was OK 20 years ago will not be tolerated in todays world. Those that are in certain positions that are exposed to media coverage need to learn the rules and use a little common sense before speaking. Asking for an apology is the only way to prevent future incidents. Ignoring the issue will only promote future use of those type of phrases.

Ignorance is not always bliss.

This reference maybe a little old for some. But, maybe Bob Pruett is a big fan of the movie "Mandingo" starring Ken Norton.

Bob Pruett thinks Toledo is a nice place to raise a family...... Hold on, wrong coach. Couple more months Bobby

I hate to say this, as I've said my share of offensive things, but what does this word refer to? Sorry for the ignorance, but I've NEVER heard this term used at all. Thanks a lot, Jeff

bgmaggot00 wrote:I hate to say this, as I've said my share of offensive things, but what does this word refer to? Sorry for the ignorance, but I've NEVER heard this term used at all. Thanks a lot, Jeff

like I said before, its not one of the "big ones", but it is somewhat explained in the link at the top of this thread. I've heard it before, and am shocked that anyone, especially in a coaching/leadership role, would use it and think that its okay.

bgmaggot00 wrote:I hate to say this, as I've said my share of offensive things, but what does this word refer to? Sorry for the ignorance, but I've NEVER heard this term used at all. Thanks a lot, Jeff

Mandingo is a west Africa tribe known for being rather large individuals - specifically their warriors.

Unfortunately, they were also highly regarded and sought after in the slave trade of the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. So, when "shopping" a slave merchant would use "Mandingo" as a selling point. That is where the controversy comes in.

I still think this is more "interpretation" than it is "intent." But that is today's day and age. I can be more blamed for what people hear than what I say.

Some day I'll explain to all of you the recent "flap" I had to endure simply because I was referring to Hurricane Ivan as a "she" - as is nautical tradition.

You called Ivan a "she"? Hate crime! hate crime! hate crime!

I understand that Pruett will be doing his pressers in a Jolsonesque black face to show unity with peoples of races.

Flipper wrote:You called Ivan a "she"? Hate crime! hate crime! hate crime!

I understand that Pruett will be doing his pressers in a Jolsonesque black face to show unity with peoples of races.