I'm starting to like Chris Kluwe

[Patler]

Background: Kluwe called Mankins, Jackson, etc. "douchebags" for requesting special treatment. Nate Jackson responded with with an article belittling punters:

Jackson; article:

http://deadspin.com/5823549/dear-chris-kluwe-when-we-want-the-punters-opinion-well-ask-for-it-we-wont

Kluwe responded with this:

http://deadspin.com/5823788/chris-kluwe-responds-can-i-kick-it-yes-i-can

Jackson's article is meaningless. Kluwe makes points that are relevant to the CBA situation. Whether you agree or disagree with his points, at least he makes some, in a clever and sarcastic way. He recognizes how truly lucky they are to do what they do for the money they get.

[MJZiggy]

@chriskluwe

(when I read the thread title, I was going to make some crack about Marcus Bachmann curing you, but now I can't.)

[Scott Campbell]

Score one for the punters.

[pbmax]

He comes off the winner in that episode. Though I don't agree with his initial position, he makes his case (and defends himself) far better than Jackson, who clearly failed to be either intimidating or funny.

[MadtownPacker]

Damn, we need these aholes to start posting on here!

[jmbarnes101]

I'm glad Kluwe verbally beat him. Nate Jackson's comments, likely shared by a large number of current and former players, regarding how they shouldn't settle for less than 100% of everything shows how badly they're out of touch with reality. Exploited and enslaved? Really? Here's a thought for all you idiotic players who think you're slaves... get a real f'n job and shut up.

[pbmax]

I'm glad Kluwe verbally beat him. Nate Jackson's comments, likely shared by a large number of current and former players, regarding how they shouldn't settle for less than 100% of everything shows how badly they're out of touch with reality. Exploited and enslaved? Really? Here's a thought for all you idiotic players who think you're slaves... get a real f'n job and shut up.

What would you say to Reggie White and Deion Sanders, who (among other named defendants) got lifetime exemptions from the franchise tag in the 1992 suit?

In fact, can anyone think of a good reason that isn't being offered as part of the lawsuit settlement (hint, there are likely two reasons)?

And none of the players are asking for 100% of everything. They are driving the hardest bargain they can. Just as the owners are. To assert one side is greedier than the other is nonsense.

As for exploited, there is an ongoing lawsuit against the NFLPA (and tangentially the NFL) by former players for compensation over their likeness rights in video games and other merchandise. In the last year, they were awarded a very large settlement (I don't think the appeals are over). Couldn't they rightly claim to having been exploited, even if they aren't destitute?

Jackson has a legitimate angle to criticize Kluwe's position. He just doesn't bother with it while he insults Kluwe.

[jmbarnes101]

Max, first off I think both sides are greedy and you're right about some things but for him to say that players are exploited and oppressed by the NFL is, in my opinion, absolutely absurd. He himself said it's us vs them and we need to take them for everything they're worth. It's about power and money and everything else is a smokescreen.

[bobblehead]

Jackson has a legitimate angle to criticize Kluwe's position. He just doesn't bother with it while he insults Kluwe.

What made it so bad is that he didn't limit himself to insulting Kluwe, he insulted every punter to ever play the game.

I'll take it a step further. Everything Jackson said could be applied to most QB's. Punters have a gift of kicking the ball, QB's have a gift of throwing the ball. Neither are generally great athletes. Does that mean the QB's should shut the fuck up as well?

[Smidgeon]

Kluwe's article was a very compelling read. I think I like him too.

[Partial]

Rome's interview with him was hilarious over his "Delta Bravo" blast. Awesome stuff!

[Tarlam!]

Everything Jackson said could be applied to most QB's. Punters have a gift of kicking the ball, QB's have a gift of throwing the ball. Neither are generally great athletes. Does that mean the QB's should shut the fuck up as well?

I can't agree with this Bobble. QB is widely regarded as the single most important position on the team.

[Jimx29]

This is from Kluwe a couple months ago

[Smidgeon]

I can't agree with this Bobble. QB is widely regarded as the single most important position on the team.

"Important" doesn't mean "athletic".

[pbmax]

"Important" doesn't mean "athletic".

Craig Morton and Drew Bledsoe would like to disagree, but they can't get up from their couch.