Something I found that you might find interesting (Re: Otah)

[frash.exe]

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Blitz-3332.html

*Cornerback Prince Amukamara fell to the Giants at the 19th pick, but he probably should have been a top 10 pick based on talent. What was behind Amukamara’s fall? In many draft rooms, the scouts liked Amukamara more than the coaches. The DB coaches and defensive coordinators got together and decided they weren’t as high on Amukamara as many of their scouting counterparts. The coaches pointed to Amukamara’s short arms (30 1/2 inches, 71 ½ inch wingspan) and small hands (8 ½ inches). And there may have been more to the story. A lot of NFL people are skeptical about Nigerian players like Amukarma [sic]. “And it’s not just white men,” one executive said. “It’s whites and blacks.” It’s still a subtle form of racism. The word on Nigerians: they are soft, not tough enough and too educated. It would be a pity if that’s what cost Amukamara.

This is sort of a weird criticism that I'd never heard of before but could Otah's injury history have contributed somewhat to Prince's fall?

If Otah is hearing this how could he not get pissed and want to prove them wrong?

On a less serious note, what about Clausen? Could his small hands have also contributed to a bias against small hands for DBs?

[Mr. Scot]

Otah's lived in America since age seven. Kind of tough to put too much stock into the idea that his heritage hurts him given that.

As to the idea being discussed here, Christian Okoye didn't exactly seem soft. Heck, Nnamdi Asomugha was a regular on ESPN's "Jacked Up" a long time ago. There are other examples too (BJ Raji, Ovie Mughelli). I have a hard time buying into this notion.

[frash.exe]

Otah's lived in America since age seven. Kind of tough to put too much stock into the idea that his heritage hurts him given that.

As to the idea being discussed here, Christian Okoye didn't exactly seem soft. Heck, Nnamdi Asomugha was a regular on ESPN's "Jacked Up" a long time ago. There are other examples too (BJ Raji, Ovie Mughelli). I have a hard time buying into this notion.

I know, there's also Osi Umenyiora.

I don't understand where it's coming from either, because the only example I can come up with of a Nigerian player regarded as soft is Otah (this goes back to before he was even drafted) and I'm only aware of him because he plays for the Panthers

[SirPanther]

Why do people think Otah is soft? Dude was injured. Injuries happen. He's a beast!

[Mr. Scot]

Why do people think Otah is soft? Dude was injured. Injuries happen. He's a beast!

Someone reported that he and Gross had "heated" discussion s about his not playing through pain (per a radio appearance by Gross).

[AnalyzeThIs#28]

Why do people think Otah is soft? Dude was injured. Injuries happen. He's a beast!

He is a beast at run blocking that's for sure. What was weird was he didn't play an entire season after microscopic knee surgery. But maybe the coaches thought it was pointless putting him in half way into the season when we sucked so bad and they didn't want to risk more injury when he wasn't fully recovered?

[mav1234]

What I found weird was that he had surgery that they initially thought he'd be back from by week 1. Then week 3. Then week 6. Then... IR.

[SirPanther]

Someone reported that he and Gross had "heated" discussion s about his not playing through pain (per a radio appearance by Gross).

Oh, wasn't aware of that.

I thought he had a torn ACL or something and that's why he missed the season.

[Sam Mills Fan]

Otah was the only o-line starter not at the kickball tournament. So he's either still injured (God help us) or Gross doesn't care for him.

[SorthNarolina]

Someone reported that he and Gross had "heated" discussion s about his not playing through pain (per a radio appearance by Gross).

is there a link for that I've never seen that.

[DaCityKats]

not saying it is true but a lot of blacks do think that. just from my experience the nigerians i know are kinda soft and well educated. some look down on african americans even if they were born in the states, and feel like they are entitled to certain things.

im not saying all are soft but a good number are. fair to assume all are tho is wrong.

[Sam Mills Fan]

Since when is being educated a bad thing?

[Sword]

didn't otah recently tear something in his shoulder as well? ..at the very least he's injury prone.

[DaCityKats]

Otah was the only o-line starter not at the kickball tournament. So he's either still injured (God help us) or Gross doesn't care for him.

some one reported on here that he was Arizona working out. what worries me about Otah is who hangs around but thats a different convo.....