From the Florida Times-Union via the excellence that is Ben Maller, comes this story that Jaguars OL Khalif Barnes blasted the police and city of Jacksonville following his drunken driving arrest in November (he apparently had a blood-alcohol level of .12). Here’s some of what he said in his tirade:
“This is unbelievable, man, unbelievable being a pro athlete in Jacksonville. I can’t wait to get out of here. Can’t wait,” Barnes said while handcuffed in the back of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office patrol car. “Especially if you’re black.”
About 20 minutes later, still in the patrol car, he said, “Of all the places in the — world that I came to this — hick town. They — hate us here.
“Why you even want to have a pro team here? What’s the use? They don’t even — respect you.”
And this might take the cake:
Though he never threatened the officer, he repeatedly blamed his arrest on racism and called Cullen a “KKK devil that hates all colored people.” He accused Cullen of arresting him “just because I’m a Jaguar.”
Like Mel Gibson, alcohol leaks the true feelings of a person (yeah, you know you’ve drunk-dialed your ex and then regretted it the next day). But on another point…
I would say I would be shocked if this didn’t reflect the thoughts of many other players. Regardless, his BAC was over the state’s limit, and unless someone forced a beerbong down his throat, he’s responsible for his levels of alcohol consumption.
Therefore, shut your effin’ trap Khalif Barnes. Do you know how many people die each year because of drunken driving? Do you have any idea about the severity of this issue? You should’ve realized you were completely in the wrong, acting illegally, and endangering EVERYONE on the road at the same time as you.
I will conclude on this point: drunken driving has no race.
Thank goodness the cops pulled you over and stopped a collision before it occurred.
