One of the big conversations around the sports world in recent days is what should happen to ESPN’s Cris Carter for his ‘fall guy’ remarks at last year’s NFL Rookie Symposium?
Carter is one of ESPN’s go-to analysts in its coverage of the NFL. His opinion is asked on a myriad of topics ranging from issues on the field, to issues off the field.
Some feel that Carter’s advice to rookies that “you gotta have a fall guy” when you do get in trouble as outrageous. And, clearly it is, as the video posted at the end of this piece will show.
Carter, was joined on stage by fellow hall of famer Warren Sapp, who apparently needed to be heeding advice instead of issuing advice, considering his hotel escapade that cost him his job with NFL Network.
Monday Night Carter went on ESPN and issued an apology. “I can’t make an excuse for what my mindset was,” he said. “My heart was in the right place. I didn’t use words that I was very proud of. It’s not the kind of advice I would offer young people.
“I would never tell young people to break the law to avoid prosecution. It was bad advice. I really regret my words.”
Carter’s apology, which I believe is heartfelt, is actually the way rookies in the NFL, and every day people like you and me, should handle a mistake. Admit it, and take responsibility for it.
Should Carter be fired? No. If we fired people saying stupid things none of us would have jobs, and that is especially the case at ESPN.
However, I would definitely look at possibly reassigning Carter. His credibility is going to take a hit. With mediums like social media one mistake never goes away. I am just waiting for the memes and video parodies to hit. Because of that, and because some people were just so turned off about what Carter said, they are never going to see him as the Hall of Fame receiver, or the ESPN NFL analyst. They are going to see him as the fall guy. ESPN will ultimately decide if dealing with Carter being looked at like that is worth going forward with.
