This is the argument being advanced by the mainstream media in the wake of the NFL draft, which began last Thursday. The number one pick in the draft was University of Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, who was also the Heisman Trophy winner. His selection by the Arizona Cardinals, which had the first pick, surprised no one.
Neither did the selection of Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa by the San Francisco 49ers, which had the second pick.
So where does the racism come in? It is in the fact that Murray is black, while Bosa is white.
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Time magazine struck first with an article on Saturday titled “Kyler Murray, a Black Man, Was the Number One NFL Draft Pick. Trump Congratulated the Number Two Pick Instead.” The addition of instead was an interesting editorial choice, since it makes it seem as though Trump was able to congratulate only one draftee.
The Washington Post followed suit on Sunday, titling its hit job “Trump praises NFL No. 2 pick Nick Bosa, doesn’t mention top pick Kyler Murray.” CNN took a slightly different approach, headlining its critique “Trump tweets support for NFL pick who called Kaepernick a ‘clown.'”
What’s really behind this non-scandal? It is borne of the fact that Nick Bosa has been a vocal supporter of the president, tweeting on one occasion that Reagan and Trump were “Goats,” meaning the “greatest of all time.” There are also allegations that Bosa — at age 17! — “liked” Instagram posts featuring racist and homophobic hashtags. In addition, the Post notes that he disliked the movie “Black Panther.” Oh, the humanity!
As for the specious claim that Donald Trump snubbed Kyler Murray by not reaching out to him, his critics are conveniently ignoring the fact the same may be said for the other 252 players drafted, a number of whom were white.
