ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith is calling the New England Patriots racist for firing Black head coach Jerrod Mayo after just one season.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said According to Fox News, fans told Mayo after the team's final regular season game that he would not be returning as head coach next year.
However, during a discussion of the news on First Take, Smith said he believed racism was at the heart of his firing.
“This is about Mike Vrabel. That's who they wanted. There's no question about that,” Smith exclaimed. “He's a more seasoned, experienced coach. I don't like this. There's a reason they call it Black Monday. This certainly symbolizes that. Why do they call it White Monday? I don't know why. Doug Pederson was fired from Jacksonville. He deserved to be fired.”
Smith went on to say, “It's clear that Bill Belichick, from a talent standpoint, considering his record, considering his team's performance, didn't give Jerrod Mayo enough long-term opportunities.” Ta.
He also claimed that the team's front office “turned to” Mayo as the season progressed.
“He didn't help himself with some of the comments calling the team underdogs…But no matter what we can point out, at the end of the day, the people of New England are against Jerrod Mayo. Everybody knows this,” Smith explained.
“And I think it has something to do with the fact that Vrabel is available, and that's what's really going on here. They don't want to lose him to a team like the New York Jets. . They want to qualify, but they can't do it with him as their head coach,” Smith argued.
Still, it wasn't a good year for Mayo at the top. The Patriots won just four games in the regular season this year and lost 13.
Kraft said Mayo's firing was “one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, personally. I have known Jerrod for 17 years. He has earned my respect and admiration.” I did.”
But Kraft also said it was his duty to make a difference.
“Since acquiring the team, I have always viewed myself and my family as stewards of public assets. I expect a better product from us than we have delivered in recent years. We have great fans who deserve it,” Kraft said. “We apologize for that. We have given much thought and consideration to what actions we can take to expedite our return to championship contention and have determined that this action is the best option at this time.” I did.”
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