CBS Sports Analyst Pete Prisco went across the line when discussing 2022 NFL Draft prospect Malik Willis and his ability as a quarterback.
Throughout much of NFL Draft History, black quarterbacks have often been subjected to insensitive criticism, the latest being Liberty’s Malik Willis.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco offered his take on the soon-to-be-former Flames quarterback and what he said is quite alarming and, an argument could be made, racially insensitive.
"He is not even a quarterback. What he did at Liberty was not even close to be playing as a quarterback in the NFL. He looks like a running back. He tucks the ball and runs. At least Josh Allen stood in there and made throws. I don’t like this pick. I don’t like the player. I think he is a second or third-round pick in my book."
Wow. A simple word. Realistically speaking, that’s all you can say. Willis responded with class, but needless to say, NFL players and fans were displeased by such blasphemous comments, notably Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
https://twitter.com/cheetah/status/1518300538307321856?s=20&t=wWjALNn4zgECxPvKLWkaag
Former NFL Pro Bowler Seth Joyner weighed in on the matter, calling back the situation of how Bill Polian made insensitive comments regarding Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. As is well documented, Jackson was taken 32nd overall in 2018, and Polian apologized.
This rhetoric needs to stop! #BillPolian stood on this same soapbox on #LamarJackson What makes one peer into anothers future & claim what he can or cannot do, be or achieve? These guys should be held accountable down the road when their prognostications are proven wrong!! SMDH https://t.co/Cr9rwbP48b
— Seth Joyner (@sethjoyner) April 25, 2022
Pete Prisco showed a high level of insensitivity with his take on Malik Willis
What makes this worse is that Prisco doubled down as opposed to apologizing, which warrants the public outcry when questioned.
So called expert speaks. You think you are so football smart, but the reality is you are Twitter smug guy who follows the group-think cult. If you think that kid is a first-round QB, you need to see the eye doctor. He is a developmental player with a big arm. 2nd round pick. https://t.co/cDGAaNRpTi
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) April 24, 2022
Additionally, when a fan highlighted how there were indeed racial undertones, Prisco spat back, calling it “crap.”
That’s crap.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) April 24, 2022
Here’s the situation. It is not “crap.” Not even close. The proof is in the pudding. In this case, it’s the video. Furthermore, it only makes the public outcry that much more credible.
The only thing that warrants a “crap” label, as Prisco put it, is the comments he made towards Willis. Saying that Willis is a second or third-rounder is acceptable even if it comes across as harsh, but questioning the intelligence and saying that Willis is a running back is well beyond the line and warrants criticism from “Twitter smug guys” and “So-called experts.”
Last season, Willis threw for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also ran for over 800 yards and 13 touchdowns. He stands 6’0″ tall, which is still a good enough size to play quarterback.
Also, he has mobility and dual-threat ability, which works in today’s environment. In short, he can play and deserves all the accolades that come with his game.
Prisco crossed the line. That is obvious. But Willis took the high road, and the best way to make a critic truly eat their words is to be drafted in the first round, become an All-Pro quarterback, and have a successful NFL career. That would be the perfect way to say, “How do you like me now?”