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ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky is catching heat for what he reported during his appearance on the Pat McAfee show on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Orlovsky, Ohio State QB Justin Fields may fall in the draft because several teams are questioning his “work ethic” and his overall desire to play football.
Dan Orlovsky on the @PatMcAfeeShow show today had some interesting quotes that he’s getting from guys in the know.
“Last guy in, first guy out.”
“I’ve heard there are some questions with Justin Fields’ work ethic.”
“Where is his desire to be a great quarterback?”
— Steere (@SethSteere) March 31, 2021
“One, I have heard that he is a last-guy-in, first-guy-out type of quarterback. Like, not the maniacal work ethic. I’ve even heard it compared to Justin Herbert, where it was like, dude, when Justin Herbert showed up, he was like a psychopath when it came to working and get ready for the draft. Or even at school, like, “Give me more, I want to work non-stop.” And I’ve heard that there are issues with Justin Fields’ work ethic.
The second thing is … Where is his desire to go be a great quarterback? I think that there’s a desire to be a big-time athlete, from what is expressed to me, but where is his desire to be a great quarterback? And to be great, you gotta be willing to find the things that you are not good at and just freaking grind on them.”
Fans and media alike were not happy with Orlovsky regurgitating what they felt was racially biased commentary from anonymous NFL scouts.
The narrative never fails to lean racial https://t.co/M9q2uXxyVe
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 31, 2021
It always appears that certain QBs are labeled as lazy or lacking a great work ethic while others are lauded for their IQ & mental capacities. It would be nice if we wouldn’t routinely affix stereotypes to ONLY Black QBs. Non-Black QBs NEVER get these labels on TV. Weird, right? https://t.co/CZ7exbvjAc
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) March 31, 2021
These media narratives created from anonymous sources impact the perception of Black QBs. Fair or not, these labels stick & impact how fan bases view QB prospects beyond the pre-draft process. It’s all good to offer critiques but it would be nice to see non-stereotypical analysis
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) March 31, 2021
Right on cue. Anonymous quotes slandering the Black QB using the same playbook. How predictable https://t.co/KvLbFDjuyT
— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) March 31, 2021
Not Dan Orlovsky being the one laundering the same tired, anti-Black QB quotes, who would’ve thought https://t.co/ubcU3SdqMp
— Jack McLoone (@jfmclooney) March 31, 2021
Looks like it’s Code Season in the NFL again ⏰📆 https://t.co/LUa7pPGF4Q
— David Steele (@David_C_Steele) March 31, 2021
https://twitter.com/draftbrokers/status/1377349822156468225
Everything going on with Justin fields is racist. Y’all can’t tell me otherwise.
Dude has a great pro day and now it’s “work ethic” issues.
Zach Wilson had these same people ready to bust in their pants over his pro day. The whole shit is wack.
— Fan of basketball. Not one team in particular. (@KipseyHussle) March 31, 2021
Orlovsky tried to defend himself from the criticism he received from social media.
1) Check my timeline on what I HAVE SAID ABOUT FIELDS
2) it’s not my opinion on him it’s others and I said those others were people that are tied to decision making
3) I said back in Feb the Big 10 doesn’t have football without JF-says plenty.— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 31, 2021
Dan, genuine question: Why do you decide to shares these stereotypical thoughts that decision makers have about Black QBs?
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) March 31, 2021