Texans Owner Bob McNair Referenced Indians Not Being Able to Hold Their Whiskey

The New York Times has an in-depth piece on Roger Goodell with Mark Leibovich (“Why Haven’t Concussions Hurt the N.F.L.”), with excerpts about various other owners in and around the Los Angeles relocation meetings.

It has several interesting exchanges and observations about the various owners. Among them is this blurb on Houston Texans owner Bob McNair.

"I asked McNair if he was as sensitive to other offensive language, specifically the N.F.L. team in the nation’s capital’s being named the Redskins. McNair told me that he grew up in western North Carolina, around many Cherokee Indians. ‘‘Everybody respected their courage,’’ McNair told me of the Indians. ‘‘They might not have respected the way they held their whiskey, but. . . .’’ He laughed. ‘‘We respected their courage. They’re very brave people.’’ Put McNair down as not offended by ‘‘Redskins.’’"

Alcoholism and inability to “hold their whiskey” is of course a common stereotype of Native Americans. But at least McNair acknowledged respect for courage and bravery.

That’s just one of the wow moments in the piece. McNair provided the following colorful quote in discussing criticism of Goodell: “It’s like the old saying, ‘the higher up the palm tree the monkey climbs, the more of his ass is exposed.’’’ McNair also–as part of the piece dealing with the Raiders not being selected to move to Los Angeles–made reference to Mark Davis’ late father, Al Davis, frequently suing the league.

Then there was this one from Stephen Ross, which seems perfect.

"‘Everybody wins in this deal,’’ the Miami Dolphins’ owner, Stephen M. Ross, declared to a bank of reporters as he trailed Johnson out the door. ‘‘What about the fans of St. Louis?’’ someone in the gallery cracked. Ross shrugged. ‘‘Well, somebody has to lose,’’ he said."

Definitely recommend digging into this one if you have the time.