Since Thursday is Halloween, it’s a fun time around the NFL for players, coaches, and fans. We know the fans will be geared up tonight for Thursday night’s contest between the New York Jets and Houston Texans, but the day kicked off with a few funny Halloween surprises.
One was when former NFL star Ryan Clark dressed up like former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the set of Inside the NFL.
The reaction from some fans was shock and anger at Clark for wearing a white mask. Some believe if the roles were reversed, Clark would be fired.
Fire him! If a white man dressed as Stephan A he would be labeled a racist and cancelled for black face.
— WildBigSkies (@Wildbigskies) October 31, 2024
Boy if the roles were reversed there would be riots and “peace movements”
— Guru Drew 352 ???? (ROL2D) (@GatorDrew352) October 31, 2024
While some thought the Belichick mask was a bit too much, others thought that some fans were overreacting.
He is wearing a mask, not paint, so I don't think it counts.
— BetUS Sportsbook & Casino (@BetUS_Official) October 31, 2024
White face and black face do not have the same demeaning value in history. White face literally means nothing.
— Keenan Mumma (@hoosiermumma) October 31, 2024
There was more reaction from conservative commentator Nick Adams who was outraged by Clark’s appearance.
“Ryan Clark went on national television wearing WHITEFACE. This is racist and disgusting. Ryan Clark should be FIRED! My culture is not your Halloween costume!” Adams posted on X according to Fox News.
As for Belichick, the normally tense NFL icon didn’t seem to mind Clark’s costume and in fact, embraced him on the set. So, why the reaction by some fans?
Some see it as reverse racism on Clark’s part who often speaks out on racial issues on his podcast and other media outlets.
But if Belichick isn’t bothered by it, why should anyone else?
