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Lions Nate Burleson: Innocent or insensitive comment about Detroit area?
Lions' wide receiver Nate Burleson's comments about Detroit are not appreciated at face value. He said of the Lions' lockout workouts to a Seattle television station: "Seeing about 35 guys there working out — this time of year, in Detroit is not the most desirable place, so you got guys flying in, paying for their own hotel, paying for rental cars — so that just kind of shows the dedication and really the direction of our team right now.”
So this area is fine to sponge off for a living, but not a "desirable" place to visit or live? Were these just innocent comments or biting the hand that feeds him? You be the judge. Here's the video. Notice his facial expression when he mentions Detroit:
So this area is fine to sponge off for a living, but not a "desirable" place to visit or live? Were these just innocent comments or biting the hand that feeds him? You be the judge. Here's the video. Notice his facial expression when he mentions Detroit:
Labels: Detroit Lions Nate Burleson
posted by Pat Caputo at
9:08 AM
15 Comments:
I lived in Michigan for 25 years and have been gone for 10. Can't hate on the guy for being honest. It seems like the only people that rave about the Detroit area are the people that live there. IMO, the national perspective falls closer to Burleson's comments.
Seriously though, how many professional athletes that come there stay there?? 10% maybe? Especially as short as these NFL guys are here - tough to set-up roots in 2-3 years. Too many places in this country I'd rather be than spend my "Retired" years in "The D".
Gp
Tell me Pat what does Detroit have to offer in comparison to other cities? Don't tell me Belle Isle or the DIA or something along those lines. Nate didn't knock the fans of the Lions but stated a fact that Detroit is not on an athletes' list of top free agent destinations.
Detroit sucks - no question about it. But I do take exception to his comment about "this time of the year..." Normally this time of the year is flat out gorgeous in Michigan. Besides, Nate, how far south did you ever drive when you played for the Lions... down to 12 Mile I'm guessing. Hey dude, that's not Detroit.
Ahhh, hello Pat. Do you see the roads, the construction in summer, the cold winters, the crazies driving, etc.? All the corruption in Detoit?
Have to agree though, that the golf courses up north are the best.
But come on, don't be so defensive.
He meant no disrespect to the city. His point was, many of these players vacation-travel at this time of year...but they instead chose to invest personal time to come practice, here - NOT hang out in Vegas, Mexico, A Cruise, or other "more desirable" choices. But as usual, you can't tell Pat Caputo nothing - he knows everything. Pat, that's why so many people can't stand you. Dale Ransom, Detroit~
Pat. I lost some respect for you as a journbalist when you posted this crap. Nate is always positive about the city and the lions. For you to reach like this to drum up something out of nothing is a joke. Makes it hard to take you seriously in the future.
GP,
The national perspective of "Detroit," which to me is this entire Metro area,is often skewed nationally. Bashing of this area is, to me, not a good thing and hinders us. And I defend this area, which I think is as fine a place as anywhere in the country.
Capuot
John,
I think Oakland County is something Detroit has to offer. It's a great place.
Caputo
Anonymous,
Look, Nate Burleson said he was talking about the weather. I believe him. But what I have issue is saying the comments should have been just swept under the rug. That would wrong.
Caputo
Anonymous,
Not being defensive. Just stating what I believe. Not afraid to do it, either.
Caputo
Anonymous,
When a prominent athlete making millions of dollars playing in this area say it's "not the most desirable place" it is definitely an issue. I raised it for people to decide what they thought and posted the video. He did clarify what he thought. I believe him. Cool.
Caputo
Dale,
If you like homers who sweep things under the rug and am are afraid to have a contrarian opinion, I'm definitely not your cup of tea.
Caputo
If I was quoted in an article saying "...at this time of year Pat Caputo is REALLLY stretching for something to write about..." would I be taking a shot at Pat or telling it like it is?
That said, Pat..I understand defending your city...but you lost me at "..this area is fine to sponge off for a living..." and "note his facial expression. (I saw absolutely nothing "incriminating" in Nate's expressions)
So, the question is: The Lions are fine for Pat "to sponge off for a living," but were these just innocent comments by Pat or was he biting the hand that feeds him?
You be the judge.
Jay,
I don't have any problem with Nate Burleson's comments after he explained it. I believe him. But I don't believe in the mentality of "because Jay is Lions' fan we can't bring up an issue here." My job is analyze issues, not avoid them. Lions and otherwise.
Caputo
Pat, there was no analysis nor issue here.
It was simply a true and not harmful comment about football. In fact, it was a compliment about the dedication of some Lions.
Only you were the one that took offense at a insignificant implication on the area.
This place is not the greatest place to be in spring.
You're on your heels, book, just turn around and walk away.
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