In joining the Rams, Washington also became the NFL's first Black player after 12 seasons of unofficial but intractable racial segregation. That's the NFL's prerogative, since the Super Bowl is the biggest event on its calendar. But if you think the passive march of time cures racism, remember that activism helped get Washington signed, and that racism persisted after he arrived. Byron Leftwich is offensive co-ordinator for the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Either way, it's more unsettling evidence of the extent to which race, and racism still shape the modern NFL.

Source: CBC News February 09, 2021 23:25 UTC