Brandon Marshall: White Players Treated Differently in NFL

Brandon Marshall believes the NFL has a double standard when it comes to doling out punishment. The New York Jets wide receiver, who is a panelist on Showtime’s Inside the NFL, suggested race plays a role in how players are disciplined.

Marshall made the claim during last night’s discussion of Tom Brady’s now-nullified Deflategate suspension.

"“There are a lot of players out there that believe that—white players specifically, at the quarterback position—are treated differently,” Marshall said."

Host Adam Schein asked if black players are held to different standards than their white counterparts.

"“Absolutely,” Marshall said. “At times, at times, at times, yes.”"

The outspoken receiver added he’s far from the only NFL player to believe this double standard exists. In talking to players around the league, this is what Marshall thinks:

"“This is not just from our locker room, this is from locker rooms across the states,” he said. “This is how guys are feeling. This is not just my opinion. These are conversations I’m having with guys. “It’s just not African-American players. I’ve had this conversation with Caucasian players as well.”"

Fellow panelist Boomer Esiason asked if players believe the Brady punishment saga would have played out differently had the quarterback in question been Cam Newton.

Well, when you look back at the history of this sport, you can build a case on that, yes,” Marshall replied. [via NJ.com]