Count Warren Moon is among those who took seriously the controversial “homework clause” that was removed from Kyler Murray’s five-year, $230.5 million extension with the Cardinals last Thursday.
in conversation with TMZ Sports In the days after the clause was removed, the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback criticized Arizona for the initial addition of the clause to the contract, calling it an “unfortunate” and “embarrassing” situation for both the franchisor and the 24-year-old’s cornerstone.
Moon, who poorly spent the first six of his 23 years as a professional in the CFL after going out without drafting in 1978 after a notable college career, then called the suspect addition “a slap in the face to all African-American quarterbacks.”
“It’s something we always accused of the day they wouldn’t let us play,” said Moon, the only Black QB inducted into the Hall of Fame. “That we were lazy, that we didn’t study, that we couldn’t be leaders, that we weren’t smart. So all those sort of different things came to the surface after we put all that stuff to bed over the years and because of this deal that was made between Arizona and Kayler.”“Yeah, very embarrassing.”
The “independent study” mandate, which Arizona rescinded a week after the contract was announced amid a flurry of public criticism, required Murray to dedicate four hours of film review each week during the season. It also stipulated that star QB must spend extra time studying in preparation for matches outside of team meetings, and would only take credit if he was actively involved in non-distracting material.
The strong public reaction to the clause, which was reported four days after the extension, eventually led to its removal on July 28, a move the 65-year-old Moon believes will ultimately mean little in the grand scheme of things.
He said, “The damage has been done.” “He’ll have that ride on him every time he makes a mistake in a football game. They’ll say, ‘Look, that’s why he didn’t study enough movie last week,'” or whatever that might be.
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“So, yeah, it’s a very unfortunate situation for him and very embarrassing for both sides.”
Moon’s take on the homework requirement echoed common sentiments in responses from experts and fans alike to the news last week. With the tide of criticism and question marks surrounding the situation continuing to rise, Murray publicly defied the naysayers during a surprise press conference held hours before Arizona changed the deal.
“I think I can accomplish everything I’ve accomplished in my career and not be a student of the game and not have that passion and not take this seriously, that’s disrespectful and almost a joke,” Murray said in part. According to Bob McManaman from Arizona Republic.
On Friday, Patrick Mahomes came to Murray’s defense after posting a post-workout question that asked him if he felt he was evaluated differently because he’s black. The Chiefs star pointed out the ordeal he, Murray, and other Black QBs like Lamar Jackson are facing as they look to make their way in the league.
“Obviously the black midfielder had to struggle to be in this position where we should have so many players in the league,” Mahomes said.
“Every day, we prove that we should have played all the time. We have guys who can think as much as they can use their sport. It’s always weird when you see guys like me, Lamar, and Kyler doing it when others don’t. But at the same time we’re out there. To prove ourselves every day to show that we can be some of the best midfielders in the league.”
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