Air Force Academy Looking Into Comments by DeBerry - The Orange Mane

NaptownChief · 10-26-2005, 02:05 PM

I too have done some looking into these comments and can conclude after a very lengthy and thorough investigation that Mr. DeBerry is correct. It turns out that many african americans can run very, very well. Next week I will be investigating the speculation that water might be wet.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9004069

Air Force looking into comments by longtime coach
Oct. 26, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy is looking into comments made by longtime football coach Fisher DeBerry, who said black athletes "run very, very well" and that the program lacks minority athletes.

The 67-year-old DeBerry, in his 22nd year at Air Force, first mentioned the academy's lack of minority players compared to other schools on Monday.

"We were looking at things, like you don't see many minority athletes in our program," DeBerry was quoted as saying in the Gazette of Colorado Springs.

DeBerry elaborated on his comments during his weekly luncheon Tuesday.

"It just seems to be that way, that Afro-American kids can run very, very well. That doesn't mean that Caucasian kids and other descents can't run, but it's very obvious to me they run extremely well," DeBerry said in remarks broadcast Tuesday night by Denver television station KWGN.

Academy officials released a statement Tuesday, saying they were aware of the remarks.

"We cannot comment further until we have a chance to review all the reports, the coach's actual statements and to speak with the coach personally," academy spokesman Lt. Col Laurent Fox said.

DeBerry is the winningest coach in service academy history with a record of 161-94-1. He has had 17 winning seasons and won 12 bowl games.

This season, the Falcons are struggling. The team lost 48-10 to No. 20 TCU on Saturday, dropping to 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the Mountain West Conference.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2004-2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

BMF Bronco · 10-26-2005, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaptownChief

I too have done some looking into these comments and can conclude after a very lengthy and thorough investigation that Mr. DeBerry is correct. It turns out that many african americans can run very, very well. Next week I will be investigating the speculation that water might be wet.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9004069

Air Force looking into comments by longtime coach
Oct. 26, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy is looking into comments made by longtime football coach Fisher DeBerry, who said black athletes "run very, very well" and that the program lacks minority athletes.

The 67-year-old DeBerry, in his 22nd year at Air Force, first mentioned the academy's lack of minority players compared to other schools on Monday.

"We were looking at things, like you don't see many minority athletes in our program," DeBerry was quoted as saying in the Gazette of Colorado Springs.

DeBerry elaborated on his comments during his weekly luncheon Tuesday.

"It just seems to be that way, that Afro-American kids can run very, very well. That doesn't mean that Caucasian kids and other descents can't run, but it's very obvious to me they run extremely well," DeBerry said in remarks broadcast Tuesday night by Denver television station KWGN.

Academy officials released a statement Tuesday, saying they were aware of the remarks.

"We cannot comment further until we have a chance to review all the reports, the coach's actual statements and to speak with the coach personally," academy spokesman Lt. Col Laurent Fox said.

DeBerry is the winningest coach in service academy history with a record of 161-94-1. He has had 17 winning seasons and won 12 bowl games.

This season, the Falcons are struggling. The team lost 48-10 to No. 20 TCU on Saturday, dropping to 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the Mountain West Conference.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2004-2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

Damn, between this and the swoopes thread, I don't know if I can take too many more surprises!!!!

Pezman · 10-26-2005, 02:31 PM

I'm hurting from this one a bit, I wont lie. DeBerry is and has been one of the most respected coaches of all-time. He's always been pure class and one hell of a great motivator. To see how his name is going to get dragged through the mud is going to be extremely disappointing however, I wonder what he was thinking with that statement? Hopefully the media wont blow this up even bigger though.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 10-26-2005, 02:31 PM

Much ado about nothing

NaptownChief · 10-26-2005, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMF Bronco

Damn, between this and the swoopes thread, I don't know if I can take too many more surprises!!!!

WNBA full of lesbians and fast guys tend to be black. About like waking up at 50 years old and finding out your dad really isn't your father.

NaptownChief · 10-26-2005, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pezman

I'm hurting from this one a bit, I wont lie. DeBerry is and has been one of the most respected coaches of all-time. He's always been pure class and one hell of a great motivator. To see how his name is going to get dragged through the mud is going to be extremely disappointing however, I wonder what he was thinking with that statement? Hopefully the media wont blow this up even bigger though.

DeBerry is a heck of a coach and by all accounts a good guy. If they drag him through the mud over this that would be pitiful. No matter if someone tries to take it out of context there still isn't anything wrong with what he said. It is very factual and in no way is it insensitive to anybody other than the slow white boys that currently play for him and I have a hunch none of them are going to shed a tear over it while they are training to protect this country. And I am quite sure the media isn't worried about protecting the feelings of the college educated Caucasian male.

Garcia Bronco · 10-26-2005, 03:25 PM

It's not like he lied about something under oath.

elsid13 · 10-26-2005, 06:10 PM

They're having a lot of problems up at the zoo. I wouldn't be surprised that they continue to clean house. Deberry might be good guy, but what has happen in the last couple of years he might be asked to resign. This is service Academy and standards are higher then 99.1% of the college out there,

watermock · 10-27-2005, 12:43 AM

At the risk of being stung up yet again...the old coot has made some mistakes...

So did Jimmy the Greek, so did Howard Cosell, Woody Hayes...do DOES John Madden...

Yes, he should of said the team needed more speed...and left it at that...everything has to be so incredibly PC now....

He's old school and apoligized....the guy has devoted his life to the Air Force Football team and I'm happy they didn't lop his head off...hanging the banner Jesus Saves or whatever wasn't too smart, because it's a state institution...doesn't make him a bad person, just bad judgement...

I don't think he meant it maliciously at all...in fact, it could be considered insulting to caucasians just as much...It's just white men can't jump syndrome...he's frustrated because he has no team speed...(now I'm really going to catch hell)....but the Air Force isn't NFL U. at Miami South Beach Thong Patrol...

He apologized and that's that...he's a good man and a good leader and a good lead by example guy...he's just old school and doesn't quite get 21'st century PC.

We have to cut the old coots some slack...hell, KKK Robert Byrd still roams the Capital...as far as I'm concerned, the matter is closed...others might feel differently, but I think the quote came out of frustration that he doesn't have crap for team speed than any racial motive...academic requirements are not going to be lowered just to make Air Force Football stronger....(oh boy now I'm going to get it), but that's just the fact. The fact is you can't just stumble into the AF Acadamy and take PE Management for Coeds like Miami...

If he's frustrated, it might be time for him to hang up the hat...he's been a great coach with marginal talent for decades...

Joe Pa is having a nice swan song at Penn State this year...I think they lost, but they might make a major bowl still...

loborugger · 10-27-2005, 03:52 AM

Whats kinda funny about this comment is that he made a positive stereotype about blacks and is still in doo doo. Its not like the man said, "the black boys are killing my chances to win here." He said to compete he needed more blacks on his team. And the facts back up what he is saying. Look at RBs and WRs in both the NFL and Div 1 football programs. They are overwhelmingly black.

What, I think, should be more concerning is what was mentioned on Sports Center - less than 6 percent of the AF Academy is black. That means that basically 1 in 20 cadets is black. That is a bit surprising.

El Guapo · 10-27-2005, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loborugger

Whats kinda funny about this comment is that he made a positive stereotype about blacks and is still in doo doo. Its not like the man said, "the black boys are killing my chances to win here." He said to compete he needed more blacks on his team. And the facts back up what he is saying. Look at RBs and WRs in both the NFL and Div 1 football programs. They are overwhelmingly black.

What, I think, should be more concerning is what was mentioned on Sports Center - less than 6 percent of the AF Academy is black. That means that basically 1 in 20 cadets is black. That is a bit surprising.

Im not being racist one bit, but correct me if im wrong: Isnt it very difficult to get into the Academy? Dont you have to be fairly intelligent?? Im not saying black people are dumb, or dont have the capacity. Anyways, finish up that thought on your own..

Billy Clyde Puckett · 10-27-2005, 06:24 AM

Yes AFA has very high standards for admission. Recruiting football players is not their top priority like some schools

NaptownChief · 10-27-2005, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loborugger

Whats kinda funny about this comment is that he made a positive stereotype about blacks and is still in doo doo. Its not like the man said, "the black boys are killing my chances to win here."

It is amazing how the media can make virtually anything a vicious attack on the black regardless of what is said. The reality of what he said was a compliment to the black athlete and incredibly derogatory to the white athletes on his team yet some how this is a black issue and not a white issue. Turn the situation around and assume some coach of a primarily black school said "we got to find a way to get smarter, I don't mean black players can't be smart but the white athlete think really, really well..."

That would be pretty much the same thing except for going 180 degrees the other way. It would be slandering all blacks and would be a cheap shot at them. But the way the media is handling this actual situation would be like taking that opposite situation and saying it was a slanderous attack on white players.

anthonypacino · 10-27-2005, 08:17 AM

I have lived in or around the Springs for a while and DeBerry is a great guy, I don't agree with his strong religious beliefs but I respect them. He is not a racist. He is a 70+ year old man who doesn't know how or what P.C. is. Most people that age can't even function a remote for a digital TV much less keep up with popular culture and know that even if you are not using derogatory words that it is still a taboo subject, most coaches talk about the same thing but instead of saying what kind of recruits he needs they say "We need to bring in some speed". everybody knows what they mean they just went a different way of saying it.

anthonypacino · 10-27-2005, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick_7

Im not being racist one bit, but correct me if im wrong: Isnt it very difficult to get into the Academy? Dont you have to be fairly intelligent?? Im not saying black people are dumb, or dont have the capacity. Anyways, finish up that thought on your own..

It is very difficult getting into the AFA, but I think the standards are a little lower for the atheletic dept. They have a prep school as well i believe. I do not think they don't recruit minority blue chippers but minorities and white blue chippers don't choose the AFA as their top school. Option teams don't get big talent anymore, that is why teams like Nebraska, Oklahoma have made the switch to a more pro style offense, option players don't get drafted to the NFL so players quit going to those schools. Policies and conduct, you have to wear uniforms at the AFA, you are only allowed to walk certain paths on campus as a freshman and salute, curfews etc.. it is the military, lots of kids that have NFL dreams do not want to commit themselves to the armed forces or reserves if they are hoping for a shot at playing on Sundays, and lots of kids away from home for the first time don't want to be hasseled by the extreme disiplines of a military school.

Garcia Bronco · 10-27-2005, 10:00 AM

The only folks I saw making a big deal about this are the white guilt media folk.

Master___Pain · 10-27-2005, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

The only folks I saw making a big deal about this are the white guilt media folk.

Bingo. Coach DeBerry is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I grew up around Falcon Football and have met DeBerry numerous times and even played golf with him. I may see him once a year at most and he still remembers my name and asks how things are. I hate to see him being thrown under the bus for this. The media seems to hate all things USAFA right now, so this appears to be a big juicy story to them. It's a non-story, especially after he came out and said he was sorry if his comments offended anyone.

BTw, Anthony, he's 67 not 70 plus.

anthonypacino · 10-27-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Master___Pain

Bingo. Coach DeBerry is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I grew up around Falcon Football and have met DeBerry numerous times and even played golf with him. I may see him once a year at most and he still remembers my name and asks how things are. I hate to see him being thrown under the bus for this. The media seems to hate all things USAFA right now, so this appears to be a big juicy story to them. It's a non-story, especially after he came out and said he was sorry if his comments offended anyone.

BTw, Anthony, he's 67 not 70 plus.

my bad, I knew he was up there, isn't Paterno, Bowden and DeBerry some of the oldest still coaching? It pisses me off seeing the media rip on him, the Jesus banner last year was a mistake but really are people getting so offended these days they are going to start sueing because the cross in the chruch parking lot is visable from their car or house? DeBerry is a good man and a good coach he does more with his limited talent pool as any coach I have ever seen

missingnumber7 · 10-27-2005, 10:25 PM

I think the AFA has a little more important issues to deal with other than a coach who was talking to someone and had his comments recorded. The whole female accuasations plus a new commander I think you might see a little discipline, but nice PR coverage by the AD.

10-26-2005, 02:05 PM	#1
NaptownChief Donkeys Nightmare Football Pimp Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 7,490	Air Force Academy Looking Into Comments by DeBerry I too have done some looking into these comments and can conclude after a very lengthy and thorough investigation that Mr. DeBerry is correct. It turns out that many african americans can run very, very well. Next week I will be investigating the speculation that water might be wet. http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9004069 Air Force looking into comments by longtime coach Oct. 26, 2005 CBS SportsLine.com wire reports COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy is looking into comments made by longtime football coach Fisher DeBerry, who said black athletes "run very, very well" and that the program lacks minority athletes. The 67-year-old DeBerry, in his 22nd year at Air Force, first mentioned the academy's lack of minority players compared to other schools on Monday. "We were looking at things, like you don't see many minority athletes in our program," DeBerry was quoted as saying in the Gazette of Colorado Springs. DeBerry elaborated on his comments during his weekly luncheon Tuesday. "It just seems to be that way, that Afro-American kids can run very, very well. That doesn't mean that Caucasian kids and other descents can't run, but it's very obvious to me they run extremely well," DeBerry said in remarks broadcast Tuesday night by Denver television station KWGN. Academy officials released a statement Tuesday, saying they were aware of the remarks. "We cannot comment further until we have a chance to review all the reports, the coach's actual statements and to speak with the coach personally," academy spokesman Lt. Col Laurent Fox said. DeBerry is the winningest coach in service academy history with a record of 161-94-1. He has had 17 winning seasons and won 12 bowl games. This season, the Falcons are struggling. The team lost 48-10 to No. 20 TCU on Saturday, dropping to 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the Mountain West Conference. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service Copyright 2004-2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

10-26-2005, 02:31 PM	#3
Pezman Livin the dream Andy did you hear about this one? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Smoggy SoCal Posts: 9,833 Adopt-a-Bronco: DJ Williams	I'm hurting from this one a bit, I wont lie. DeBerry is and has been one of the most respected coaches of all-time. He's always been pure class and one hell of a great motivator. To see how his name is going to get dragged through the mud is going to be extremely disappointing however, I wonder what he was thinking with that statement? Hopefully the media wont blow this up even bigger though. __________________ Sitting on a beach, earning 20%

10-27-2005, 12:43 AM	#9
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Fischer DeBarry At the risk of being stung up yet again...the old coot has made some mistakes... So did Jimmy the Greek, so did Howard Cosell, Woody Hayes...do DOES John Madden... Yes, he should of said the team needed more speed...and left it at that...everything has to be so incredibly PC now.... He's old school and apoligized....the guy has devoted his life to the Air Force Football team and I'm happy they didn't lop his head off...hanging the banner Jesus Saves or whatever wasn't too smart, because it's a state institution...doesn't make him a bad person, just bad judgement... I don't think he meant it maliciously at all...in fact, it could be considered insulting to caucasians just as much...It's just white men can't jump syndrome...he's frustrated because he has no team speed...(now I'm really going to catch hell)....but the Air Force isn't NFL U. at Miami South Beach Thong Patrol... He apologized and that's that...he's a good man and a good leader and a good lead by example guy...he's just old school and doesn't quite get 21'st century PC. We have to cut the old coots some slack...hell, KKK Robert Byrd still roams the Capital...as far as I'm concerned, the matter is closed...others might feel differently, but I think the quote came out of frustration that he doesn't have crap for team speed than any racial motive...academic requirements are not going to be lowered just to make Air Force Football stronger....(oh boy now I'm going to get it), but that's just the fact. The fact is you can't just stumble into the AF Acadamy and take PE Management for Coeds like Miami... If he's frustrated, it might be time for him to hang up the hat...he's been a great coach with marginal talent for decades... Joe Pa is having a nice swan song at Penn State this year...I think they lost, but they might make a major bowl still... Last edited by watermock; 10-27-2005 at 12:47 AM..

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10-26-2005, 02:31 PM	#4
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	Much ado about nothing

10-26-2005, 03:25 PM	#7
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 46,001 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	It's not like he lied about something under oath.

10-26-2005, 06:10 PM	#8
elsid13 Lost In Space Bóg, Honor, Ojczyzna Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: DC Posts: 19,139	They're having a lot of problems up at the zoo. I wouldn't be surprised that they continue to clean house. Deberry might be good guy, but what has happen in the last couple of years he might be asked to resign. This is service Academy and standards are higher then 99.1% of the college out there,

10-27-2005, 03:52 AM	#10
loborugger lost in the ether Did we finally get a FB??? Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The 'cuse Posts: 5,793 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Hillis	Whats kinda funny about this comment is that he made a positive stereotype about blacks and is still in doo doo. Its not like the man said, "the black boys are killing my chances to win here." He said to compete he needed more blacks on his team. And the facts back up what he is saying. Look at RBs and WRs in both the NFL and Div 1 football programs. They are overwhelmingly black. What, I think, should be more concerning is what was mentioned on Sports Center - less than 6 percent of the AF Academy is black. That means that basically 1 in 20 cadets is black. That is a bit surprising.

10-27-2005, 06:24 AM	#12
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	Yes AFA has very high standards for admission. Recruiting football players is not their top priority like some schools

10-27-2005, 08:17 AM	#14
anthonypacino off season mode Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 2,283	I have lived in or around the Springs for a while and DeBerry is a great guy, I don't agree with his strong religious beliefs but I respect them. He is not a racist. He is a 70+ year old man who doesn't know how or what P.C. is. Most people that age can't even function a remote for a digital TV much less keep up with popular culture and know that even if you are not using derogatory words that it is still a taboo subject, most coaches talk about the same thing but instead of saying what kind of recruits he needs they say "We need to bring in some speed". everybody knows what they mean they just went a different way of saying it.

10-27-2005, 10:00 AM	#16
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 46,001 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	The only folks I saw making a big deal about this are the white guilt media folk.

10-27-2005, 10:25 PM	#19
missingnumber7 Vote Joe Mays to Pro Bowl Joe 4 Pro Bowl ST's Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bismarck Posts: 4,760 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	I think the AFA has a little more important issues to deal with other than a coach who was talking to someone and had his comments recorded. The whole female accuasations plus a new commander I think you might see a little discipline, but nice PR coverage by the AD.