The Nigh Seen Creeder

Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young lost his job earlier this year because (a) he got a little bit hurt, and (b) he had a well-publicized temper tantrum on the Titans' sideline during their first game. Young was replaced by veteran Kerry Collins, and now the Titans are the only undefeated team in the NFL.

So, how is Vince Young taking his second-string status? Well, here's how he was quoted in today's Tennessean:

"'It's a learning process for me, but I'm over that,' Young said Wednesday. 'It has made me a stronger black man.'"

What does Young's skin color have to do with his benching? Nothing. Furthermore, what did Young's skin color have to do with his being chosen as the third pick in the 2006 NFL draft, or his promotion to starting QB during his rookie season? Again, nothing.

What Young needs to remember is that he's not the first black guy to line up under center for the Titans/Oilers. Steve McNair was successfully running and slinging passes when Young was a skinny teen; and Warren Moon -- who torched the Canadian Football League before torching the NFL, thus earning my undying admiration -- was passing his way into the Hall of Fame before Young was even weaned. Young should pray, and keep his fingers crossed, that he even comes close to the records set, and reputations earned, by those two class-act quarterbacks.

So, why did Vince Young say that his current hardship(s) are making him a stronger "black man" instead of a stronger "man," period? And why didn't the Tennessean reporter who interviewed Vince Young ask him that very question?

You know and I know, and I know that you know, the answer to those questions. Answer 'em honestly and you'll no doubt be branded a latter-day Hester Primm with a big "R" on your chest.

That said, consider this: Mr. Kerry Collins has been traded some half-dozen times; he's suffered through bouts of alcoholism and depression; and he was the QB of record on Super Bowl-losing team. He's now guided the Tennessee Titans to five straight victories. If he were to tell the Tennessean tomorrow that he's now a "stronger white man," do you think anyone would have anything to say about it?

I know you know what some folks would say about it. And I know that you know what Al and Jesse would ... aw, forget about it.