The latter made a courageous stand against racism … the former presumably didn't see anything courageous about his act of proclaiming racial unity.

And if he had succeeded, what do you think the reaction would have been had his team lost due to his actions?

Of course losing a goddamn football game is a trivial matter … but that wouldn't have stopped the dead-certain mountains of racist bile engendered by his act from crashing down on him, would it?

And regardless of the Broncos' or the NFL's antipathy toward political speech (Contrary to Zirin's remark, they adore self-absorbed celebrations … why do you think they're replayed over and over?), I don't see any reason to harm your team's chances of winning when you can make your statement in another way.

How about donning the glove and raising your hand to the heavens during the national anthem, as Smith and Carlos did?

I think if the league fined Marshall for that, even the dipshits at ESPN might look askance at such an action.

Or not. But a lot of other folks would, who would be much less inclined to look favorably at his end zone tribute.

Now, in a vacuum, if that was the only way for him to make his statement, and it would have had a positive impact … the hell with it, go 'head on.

I just don't think that was the case.