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This isn't an either/or issue, though it's tempting to take the other extreme opposite the media's proactive, "agenda first, facts later" platform. It's foolish to say that the racism isn't there--I need look no further than my own family to support that argument. Of course, in many cases the racism needs to be taken in its generational context. Also, ignorant racism is much different than overt racism - sort of like modern liberalism. The quiet moderates are larger in number, but the ones actually making all the noise are few and far between.

That being said, players are also prone to coming up with excuses, and racism has certainly been a favorite. Even when Moon was in Minnesota, he was going to bat for Charlie Ward, agreeing with Ward's view that the Heisman Trophy winner would not be made a first round pick as a matter of race rather than playing ability. (Where were the Italians when Gino Torretta slipped to Round 7?)

I think Moon was a great player, but he's always been a bit out in left field on this issue. Rush addressed the issue appropriately a couple years ago, and I think the media did tone down its racially-charged rhetoric for a bit in the wake of Limbaugh's multi-network crucifixion.