http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/articl...0130/1058/PKR01

Interesting read, discussing the basic lack of civility in the criticism you see directed towards players.

I always sort of assumed that people who get written about and their loved ones just wouldn't read the comments at the bottom of the articles. I sure wouldn't if I were them.

That aside, Megan Colledge's article strikes me as profoundly restrained, given that the average comment at the bottom of an article at a newspaper site is generally so impressively bottom-of-the-barrel that it makes you realize just how depressing the human race can be.

At least here you have some semblance of civility and the sort of continuity you need to understand who, frankly, the morons are. Newspaper sites, man, not even that -- you get both barrels from the 'ol stupidity 12-gauge.

I feel the same way as her. Reading this site and any sort of comments section from a Packers article is depressing.

Excuse me,


but boo f'ing hoo.

See, here's the difference. Most of us go to work everyday, bust our butts for whatever salary and still deal with the same crap her hubby does. However, she has the option of not reading the criticism her million-dollar baby receives. Most of us don't have that luxury.

Seriously, this chick needs some perspective.

So if Colledge were bringing in $60k a year people should retain at least basic civility in their criticism of him, but since he's making more it's cool to be as insulting as possible.

Out of curiosity, what's the cutoff? Are we talking net or gross income?

Whatever the number, I feel compelled to point out that while full-throated participation in the coarsening 'o the culture may or may not cause issues with the targets (be it a football player, President, whoever), you're probably not doing yourself any favors along the way.

NFl players choose to play in a very public game and are paid very well and thus are fairly enough open to praise and criticism that goes with the job. If you nor your family can handle that criticism I suggest that the player retire and go find work in another job in which the player's work is not open for the public to see thus preventing them from commenting on him. But if they choose to play then the player and his family should shut the hell up.

I think it's quite a compliment to Megan and others that they DO give a hoot about what's written about them and their husbands. If they only cared about money, they could be aloof and strut around with their noses as perches for peregrin falcons migrating from S. America to the Arctic. Nice to know that, even amongst millionaires that DON'T have to care, that humanity trumps size of checkbook.

Megan accurately points out that anonymous bloggers and commenters can just 'shoot from the hip' without having to provide verification or backing for their remarks. Hmmm...what WILL our world be like if major newspapers fold...giving way to independent internet 'news' sources...and trained/educated journalist reporters, requred to substantiate information by discerning editors, give way to independent blogging gunslingers? Truth will be defined by what the majority choose to follow, what sells and is sexy to talk about, regardless of accuracy.

If you read the article, she's not objecting to criticism -- she's talking about a lack of civility.

I'd add that nobody is saying you have to be civil, just suggesting it.

Amen.

Also, at some every day Joe Schmoes regular day job, you wont find some of the over the top harsh criticism you see on the bottom of some of these articles. It's very rare for someone not hiding behind a screen name to get away with constant rudeness in a face to face situation.

I'm wondering if this salary cutoff point where one has to develop a thick skin to endless verbal abuse would be any amount made over the person making the verbal assault.

In any case, Mrs. College is not saying criticism is unwarranted, and said as much in the article. I believe she is calling for more civilized constructive types of criticism instead of mindless, angry, keyboard hammering. We've all read the article comments on the Packers news sites and know what kind of drivel she's referring too. People in the spotlight have families too, and some with children who may be of an age to read. Sheltering them from the freedom of the press and internet may prove impossible, so are they emotionally penalized as well for their parents making a lot more money than others?

I guess my real question is, just because of the freedom of internet anonymity, or the fact someone makes more money than you, should this mean we allow ourselves to lose all sense of respect, decency, and civility?

Athletes that spend all their time in high school and college training...so they MIGHT be good enough to play in the NFL, probably don't attend non-existent seminars preparing them for being 'public figures' to be scrutinized by less knowledgable masses. It has to be a big adjustment to suddenly be exposed to the press in this way... Additionally, as anyone who's been one of these public figures knows, it's impossible to accurately tell YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY either because of company/team rules (against speaking out) or just sheer numbers (1000 bloggers v. 1 player busy practicing). And good lord, we all know that when a player DOES speak out, it's never taken out of context or blown up to fit some other agenda . Think that may cause a player to be hesitant to defend himself against criticism? And when he does, is it met sympathetically? No, said player is called a 'millionaire whiner', 'baby', 'malcontent', etc. etc.

Predictable responses from some of our predictable posters...classic....

These types of articles almost instantly promote a backlash. I am not sure what she really hopes to accomplish with this?

There are many players that are heavily critized and mot likely to their friends and family complain about it which is fine but they are smart enough not to do it themselves or have friends and familys do it to the media which just gives a greater chance for it to blow back at them even more.

I guess you have to put things into perspective here. I could care less how much money you’re making that is irrelevant in how you are as a human being. I know many poor people that are so head strong that they pigeon hole themselves into being whom they are and don’t help the team (organization) out. Athletes many times are asked to suck up there pride and take it for the team. Colledge is a great example of this. He knows he is best at left guard but does every thing in his ability to suck it up a play left tackle. In doing this he understands in a CONTRACT year he could screw up his pay if he fails. He does it anyways. So some rip on him as a player that sucks and can’t play in the NFL.
There are countless examples of players that sacrifice there strong suit and suck it up for the team. Some succeed and are hero’s some fail and are unfairly ripped apart for doing something that was asked of them for the betterment of the team.
This was a great article of a true wake up call to fans that think they know it all. Take the f’n money and shove up your collective pie holes. These atheletes give a crap and many sacrifice there reputation and failures to help the team. A hell of a lot more than some think.

I thought she did a good job of not involving her husband, defending him or calling out specifics. That's one of the reasons I posted the article, I thought it was a decent reminder that you can be critical and civil at the same time. I'll admit I wasn't really expecting anyone here to disagree with that idea, which was naive on my part.

Either way, I wouldn't expect it to make a difference -- John Gabriel's Greater Internet Dickwad Theory is, in my experience, immutable.

Good stuff as always, stay classy guy I feel myself getting the urge to cuss out some "old bag nuns"...

It's important to know this wasn't some one-time, letter to the editor outcry. She's taken part in a weekly feature where she writes an article for GBPG every week, and has done so prior to Darren struggling in Minnesota. It's not like she went clear out of her way to defend her husband. She decided to "have at it" on an Internet blog appropriate subject that happens to be quite timely.

Sure, she probably wouldn't have wrote it if the O-line hadn't went to hell and got the reatctions it has, but so what? It's more interesting to hear than getting the scoop on bake sales and charity events. Good for her.

But, she should "shut the hell up" because her husband's a pro athlete? When did athletes and their families become banned from speaking their minds, and why do you have the golden ticket? So, so easy and predictable...

First off, those people who post in response to news articles need to get a life. Next, Megan needs to understand the source of those comments.

I read a local newspaper online (daily). Sometimes I'm interested in what the posters have to say regarding certain local stories. Most times (after about the 5th or 6th post) I can't believe I'm still reading. I have to stop reading because I feel like I seeing stupidity reproducing right in front of my eyes.

Her husband is in the entertainment business, and thus opens himself to a certain amount of criticism. While I agree with her concerning the civility factor, I wonder if she realizes who/what she is confronting. Let this be a lesson to us when we think some posters here get out of hand.

PS, no matter who writes it, or how it is stated, you will never be able to drag those people up to the next level.

whatever ever if you dont like what I post dont read. But if you would care to think for a second I said she should shut up because she should not be crying to the media how people say stuff about her husband. Plain and simple he is part of a very public game. People are going to post things good and bad nice or not about players if they like it or not. It comes with the job Since internet borads have been around people have posted things about players that have been good and bad. It will not stop ever. She may not like it but that is to bad for her because as I said it comes with playing professial sports you open yourself up to people when you display your trade to the world. The media is like a dog on a bone you mess up they will report it and they peoople reading and hearing that will jump on it even more and attack in blogs. There will always be the people who go over the top in attacking players. At most those players can hope it just the attacks are at them but there will be the people who go overboard and attack players familys. It might be mean and might be unfair but it is a price all professinal sports players open themselves up to. Thats why many players try to lead as much of a private life as possible to try to keep their personal life and sports life sperate. Player do desrve that but there are people who will try to mix the two together.

I'm not saying that at all. People get criticized everyday at their jobs and they don't have the option of closing the newspaper. Megan Colledge on the other hand does -- and I can only speculate here, but I think it's a little easier to take sitting in a 6,000 sq. ft house knowing you're pretty much set for life.

When someone asks for civility, telling them to shut up because of how much they make only betrays a sense of jealousy.

It's true that it's going to happen. What Megan is saying is, it shouldn't. I agree with her. It only makes reading this site and those comments sections predictable and depressing.

Hmmm........................ I thought we all agreed cursing out Nuns on family night and wives of players who can squish you like a bug was bad form.

yes. Just think what the players back in the 50's and 60's had to take. They did not live in the big gated communties they where living next to the average joe. They had to go sell cars and insurance and etc in the off-season to help pay bills. If they had a bad season you think many people who followed that team where thinking about that when he was trying to sell them something? Players today are under a bigger microscope but they are paid much better to help sheild themselves and families from it then past players where. Heck look back in the 70s when some nut killed Dan Divine's dog.

When did I curse out nuns? hmm and nice you go off topic but then again you rarley post anything worth while. Do not even wonder why I clicked on your post since I have you on ignore should have know better guess that was my mistake.

I've never actually had anyone come into my office and be outright uncivil with me, which (again) is what we're talking about.

What are you talking about, there were no computers back than. So you couldn't hide behind a key board. If you wanted to curse out a player you did it in person and hoped you best bud was a dentist.

Dan Devines dog was shot for taking dumps on someones grass not about how crappy the Packer were playing.

But then again you don't do your job in front of 70K plus and millions on TV at home every week. If you where and making millions of dollars there would probably be people writing on boards some bad things about you if you where not doing a good job. Professinal sports players live in a fish bowl for the who world to see.

Again remember that we're talking about civility, not criticism. There's a rather significant difference, although there seems to be some confusion in this thread.

Here are a couple of examples that I hope will clarify what we're talking about:



Income measured in the millions of dollars or not, playing a game on a national stage or not, there's still really no excuse for the extreme lack of civility that many people apparently feel the need to display when they don't have to sign their name to or stand behind the things they're saying.

And that's really beside the point: Really, the best reason to be civil even in circumstances devoid of possible consequence is that not doing so reveals one as being, at heart, a classless loudmouth.

Exactly. Complete internet anonymity allows one to do and say whatever one wants with absolutely no repercussions. I don't imagine very many would have the courage to speak with someone like they do on those article comments in a face to face situation.

Will it happen? Yes. Should it happen? No.

I do get the feeling however, that a lot of the trolls on those other boards might disappear if they were completely ignored.

Heat and GBP, I'm ashamed. Being a human being isn't about how much u make or how many people watch u work. Not being a jerk is common decency, you should practice it.

As for Mrs. Colledge, well written article. I don't blame her for standing up for someone she loves and cares about. Who among you wouldn't do the same if strangers started hurling insult at your family? Congrats to her for being so civil while others are not.

Very honorable, but standing up to these ignorant posters, she might as well go downtown and confront a Bloods or Crips gang. She ain't gonna change em.

I might even question her intelligence for picking such a battle. That is the kind of stuff one should just ignore. Remember, these comments are coming from social bottom feeders. If a credible respected source made uncivil remarks about her husband, then that is a battle worth pursuing.


As some have expressed (maybe not too civilly) Daryn's position in life makes him a target for these types of attacks. Not saying that is wrong or right, just saying it is part of our society now-a-days.

Ok, first off, you don't know me from Megan Colledge, so don't tell me what kind of social ettiquette I need to practice.

Second, my point isn't completely about money alone. It's about dealing with the realities of your job and life. Half the people I know are out of a job right now. My dad has medical bills up the ass because he's in the hospital every other week. People are losing their jobs, homes and livlihood and I'm supposed to somehow have sympathy for someone in Mrs. Colledge's situation?

I'm not a jerk, but if I fail to see the tragedy in her situation, then by all means, call me cold hearted...whatever.

Look, Daryn Colledge plays in the NFL. He's a 2nd round pick and a starter. Part of his job entails receiving public criticism. Am I saying the stupid comments are right because Colledge is a millionaire? Of course not. But there are a LOT worse problems to have.

Look, a fact of life is that there are far more stupid people out there than not. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the ability to shield ourselves from them. Both Daryn and Megan for the most part, do.

It's her option to read the comments. And seriously, it's the INTERNET. What is she expecting?

I just fail accept that anyone is this naive. That somehow she was thinking that she would log on to a Web site and see nothing but sunshine and rose-related comments directed at her husband.

Again, all it takes is an easy little click on the, "X" in the upper right hand corner and all those, "bad, bad potty mouths" go away, Mrs. Colledge.

I more or less agree with this. Fans are idiots, it will never change. Players and their families should be well aware of this. Complaining about bad fan behavior is about as useful as complaining about bad weather.

One thing Heat, I believe you're seriously misunderstanding her article. She's not appalled at the presence of the criticism, but the content.

Are there worse problems? Of course, don't be naive to think that any mature adult doesn't know that. But is it a problem still? Yes.

In this case, perhaps some people should practice the adage: if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

But then again that's what makes this country great while there are some that go overboard in saying things about people it is their right of free speech to say it. They maybe should not say it but they do have the right to say it.

Who can ever forget the immortal word of Thomas Payne in his opus "Common Sense":

Seriously though, major points from trying to twist this into a First Amendment thread instead of just going with the idea that it would be nice if people didn't feel the need to be suck jerks online.

I'm not understanding the continuing confusion of her accepting criticism while calling for civility.

Criticism can be conveyed civilly.

Again, she is not saying criticism is unwarranted.

Ok, so it's uncivil criticism. I get that.

It's certainly worse than civil criticism.


But to me, it still is in line with, "Mommy, the kids at school are calling me names!!"


Police officers sign up for the academy knowing one day their lives could be at stake. Same with firefighters. It comes with the job. As does dumb comments on the internet when you're a football player. It happens. There's nothing anyone can do about it. So I just don't get the point of spending time and/or money on a cause of that to me, is an unbelievably trivial one.

I'm really confused here. What is the income threshold where people are forced to read the newspaper? That requirement is indeed a boon to the dying newspaper industry.

Daryn makes a lot of money. More than most on this site, certainly more than me. People need to get over it. It was asked earlier - is there an income or square footage threshold (high or low) where it suddenly becomes okay to treat someone with little respect or civility? I'm curious to know the cutoff as I'm anxious to get out there and start insulting some people...maybe step it up and secretly take some naked pictures with my cellphone through their peephole. "They make a lot of money, they'll get over it" I'll say. I know this is not what you are suggesting, but it's the same argument people use for acts like what is being discussed - comfortably (yet anonymously) insulting people online - to committing larger crimes against others because...well...they're wealthier.

I also like the argument - everyone is going to do it anyway so it is a waste of time to even discuss it. An awful lot of amazing changes have taken place in this country because people had the exact opposite thought. But hey - enough about movements like civil rights. This site is a small example. People can discuss, disagree and largely be civil - which in turn promotes further discussion. For a very different feel go to ESPN message boards which I long ago stopped visiting...

"Police officers sign up for the academy knowing one day their lives could be at stake. Same with firefighters. It comes with the job. As does dumb comments on the internet when you're a football player. It happens. There's nothing anyone can do about it. So I just don't get the point of spending time and/or money on a cause of that to me, is an unbelievably trivial one."

I imagine there are many that feel like the daily perusing and posting of thousands of comments on websites devoted to football is unbelievably trivial - at least compared to police officers and firefighters losing their lives - yet here we are all. How much more trivial is a discussion about civil interaction than say the new weightlifting regimen implemented by the strength and conditioning coach? I think there's time for both.



...Then again if we were talking about PacMan Jones vs Daryn Colledge I might be more inclined to agree with the "there are more important things to discuss than being civil" argument