(former Bengal) Wilkinson apologizes to Cincinnati for 'racist' comment

[Bill McBlueState]

I guess I shouldn't expect any more than this from espn.com, but there's no discussion anywhere in this article of whether Cincinnati *is* a racist city. I can't say much from personal experience, but Wilkinson certainly isn't the only person to have ever said that. The city doesn't have a great history of race relations. I guess we're all just supposed to be aghast at the notion that anyone would make an accusation of racism here in the 21st century. Also: What's with the headline? Single quotes are all that keep its meaning from being completely reversed.

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Wilkinson apologizes to Cincinnati for 'racist' comment

CINCINNATI -- Dan Wilkinson apologized Wednesday for calling Cincinnati a racist city, a comment that led the Bengals to trade their former No. 1 draft pick to the Washington Redskins after the 1997 season.

...

Wilkinson blasted the city in December 1997, saying residents were "prejudiced and uptight and stiff." When the Bengals used their franchise designation on him, he grew more unhappy. Finally, he went on a radio show and called Cincinnati a "racist" city, a remark that prompted owner Mike Brown to trade him to the Redskins.

"It's a factor in our way of thinking," Brown said at the time. "It's a burden for him and a burden for us. He's still a young man, and I think one day he'll wonder why he said these things."

Brown was right. Wilkinson, in his third season in Detroit, said he has matured over the years and wishes he hadn't said those things.

full story

[LisaM]

1. After the 2005 elections, I think we all know it IS a racist city

We should write Mike Brown and ESPN and tell them. And I completely agree with you, Bill McBlueState. The article SHOULD discuss whether the city is racist or not.

Sounds like a job for Super KO.

[FredScuttle]

2. If I was stuck on the Detroit Lions

I'd hope I was back in Cincy too.

[rurallib]

3. FWIW - I used to travel to Cincy on business

usually it took me downtown. I was amazed at something I saw there that I never saw anywhere else to the degree I saw in Cincy.
At 5PM the Mercedes, Lexi and Beemers would be tearing out of the downtown. 99% driven by white folks. At the same time the busses would be rolling in carrying the black folks, much more poorly dressed. Obviously coming in to do the janitorial work etc. I talked to some of these folks coming in and it was a real downer, but these were pretty much the only jobs they could get.
I was always just amazed at how blatant it was there. I hope it changes.