Last year, Don Imus made inappropriate, and racially driven remarks towards the Rutgers Women’s Basketball team. After a long, drawn-out battle, Imus was released by his employers and rightfully so.
You are certainly entitled to your own remarks, just as your employer is entitled to fire you for misrepresenting them, and their company.
Fast forward to now. Once legendary head coach Rick Majerus was on the syndicated Dan Patrick Show, giving his picks for the first round matchups in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
When asked about the game between BYU and Texas A&M, Mr. Majerus said, “I don’t like BYU from my Utah days. You know, Mitt and magic underwear and all those guys.” Patrick moved on. He was most likely trying to save his tail. Majerus later made another comment saying something to the effect of their magic underwear won’t save BYU.
The magic underwear that Majerus was referring to is the Mormon belief in what is referred to as the holy garment. Not much is known in the mainstream world about the garment because it is a sacred belief, too sacred to be paraded around, and definitely too sacred to be referred to as 'magic underwear.'
Majerus coached in Utah. No doubt he was familiar with the heavy Latter-Day Saint (Mormon) population. That certainly does not make him an expert in Mormonism, but it does not give him justification for making those comments.
Whether or not he has any love towards Mormons is not the issue. The issue is that Majerus said something that is discriminatory and disrespectful to a specific group of people. Nobody would like it if Majerus said something of that nature about those who are, for example, Jewish.
We wouldn't put up with it if he had said something discriminatory against a specific race.
So why no outcry?
Maybe March Madness casts too big a shadow on all other college basketball happenings. Maybe the offensive reference to Mormonism was not very recognizable to the mainstream world or maybe it's just a double standard.
No matter the reason, his words remain inexcusable and insensitive.
If we would have a negative reaction towards something said against other groups and minorities, it would make sense to react to this.
Think for a moment.
What would you do if someone, like Majerus, made a comment about your race or your religion? I’m guessing you would have that same reaction. You may even call for the termination of that person.
Saint Louis University, nobody can blame you for Majerus’ comments. You probably don’t like his remarks either.
If you recall, not too long ago, his stance on pro-choice versus pro-life called him into question.
Granted, his personal beliefs are his beliefs. He was honest. But he has to realize that he was a proclaimed Catholic on a national stage. At all times he has a responsibility to not only represent himself but also the organizations he belongs to.
He has misrepresented the Catholic Church on at least one occasion. And now he has mocked an very sacred belief of the Latter-day Saints.
In both of those situations, by association, he has shed bad light upon SLU.
Saint Louis, you need to do the right thing and let him go. If not, he will just continue drag you down with his penchant for negative public appearances.
We live in a time when such bigotry and prejudice should not exist.
Saint Louis University needs to take action. If not, they will do their institution a disservice by idly allowing his public insensitivity to continue.
*A thanks for content goes to Taylor Summers from www.collegesportspro.com*
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4 months ago
Good job digging up these comments during the middle of the tournament. I think something that has to do with the lack of airplay of these comments either has to do with Dan Patrick's former employer not wanting to give him any publicity or that SI doesn't fully understand the extent of the comments. Either way, someone just needs to put their petty biases aside and pick these up. I think it would be interesting to figure out if this is even getting any attention in St. Louis.
4 months ago
If Majerus had made a derogatory comment about a Jewish player's "magic beanie," he would have been fired on the spot. It's time to realize that anti-Mormons and anti-Semites belong to the same Klan.
Tracy Hall Jr
4 months ago
Of course, it is OK to call for the loss of livelihood of anyone who makes a controversial remark. Whatever happened to "Sticks and stones.....?" By the way, I'm a former Catholic turned Deist -- fire away!
4 months ago
I can't believe the bigotry of ignorant people like this guy.
4 months ago
Who f'ing cares. This is a non story, and a waste of time. Get a sense of humor, and if you're offended, get over it. They're just words.
4 months ago
Give me a break, people. Get some thicker skin. As a Catholic, I hear negative comments about my religion all the time. Who cares? Hopefully even Mormons have better things to do in life than stress out over a light hearted comment like this. If not, well, I just feel sorry for you.
4 months ago
As a country, we've gone waaaaaaaaaayyyyy overboard with political correctness. If someone wants to make a joke about Germans, Christianity or white people, I laugh. Why can't people laugh any more? Every comment that can be construed as politically incorrect causes someone to call for the offending party's ability to make a living. I think everyone that calls for someone's job should be fired.
4 months ago
As a Mormon, I can laugh off Majerus' comments because I have better things to do with my life. However, I don't agree with the mainstream media (Big 3 Networks, CNN et.al.) ignoring specific groups (Mormons, Mitt Romney's campaign) while overtly favoring certain people (Obama, Hillary) and ethnic groups (African-Americans = Imus, Ferraro and Rev. Wright racial comments are fodder for nightly news). I mean, if I didn't know any better, from watching recent media reports, I'd think there were only two kinds of people in America, white and black. What about all the other ethnic (Latinos, Asians, Native Americans are American too) and religious groups (Jews, Muslims, Mormons are important people too) that are going about their business to earn a living and live the American Dream?
To be specific, the reason the media ignores Mormon sentiment is because Mormons have not made an issue about it. We have quietly, peacefully and even honorably cast such attacks aside and forgiven others and pressed on. We don't harbor hatred and seek retribution nor repudiation. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and we just aren't squeaking enough because not enough is at stake. Perhaps in the near future, since we are dragged into the spotlight a lot lately, we will have to speak up more in self-defense.
I also live in St. Louis and heard this on the radio. I doubt this will cause more than a ripple outside of the STL area. This country has more important issues to deal with, like fixing the Race in America problem, electing the next President and finishing the Iraq war the right way. Whomever is fortunate to be the next President, be sure that Mormons will honor that person.
4 months ago
As a graduate of Saint Louis, I'm proud of my own Catholic beliefs and even prouder of my Jesuit education. As any Catholic knows, there has always been anti-Catholic resentment and we just have to be the bigger person and turn the other cheek. Majerus is an old-school guy that likes to joke around and it is in good nature. It's unfortunate to think that maybe while DP and Majerus were students on the ESPN campus, that they joked around and maybe Majerus was comfortable with joking around with DP on-air. Everyone blows everything out of proportion these days. I was just offered a free steak buffet today -- on Good Friday of all days -- but I'm not going to get a guy fired over a joke. Calm down.
4 months ago
a complete nonstory
4 months ago
Fine, make jokes, but don't do it about sacred and holy things.
4 months ago
Quit trying to get these nonstories to the mainstream media because of your vendetta against rick majerus
from 4 months ago
Lol... yup, I got a huge vendetta. He stole my lunch money in third grade. Ever since then he's been on my hit list.
For real, though... this is a debate with opposing viewpoints all over the place. Isn't this place supposed to be a forum for sports conversation of all sorts?
4 months ago
What's the big deal. Mormon isn't a real religion anyways.
4 months ago
Big deal, Mormons need to lighten up a bit and lose the persecution complex. The BYU players are always talking about "magic" from "living right" and all that, anyway. Joseph Smith was a big believer in magic seer stones, buried gold treasure and such, that much is fact, as is the fact the symbols on the garments and the secret ceremonies were stolen directly from the Freemasons. Only in America can such fraud be pulled off and protected as a religion.
4 months ago
There is no defense for ANYONE making derogatory remarks or exhibiting prejudice against any group or individual.
That being said, any Mormon upset at the comment at issue may want to first take a look at the history of their own church and it's prejudices against blacks, gays, feminists and other religions. Not all Mormons are clueless about the discrimination in their own history, but it has been my experience that the pat 'they are anti-Mormon' comments often come from members who could stand to do a little less blind following and repeating their leaders comments and actually LEARN about why people take an 'anti-Mormon' position (no prejudice in that comment, right, if they say anything you disagree with, they are 'anti-Mormon'). There are a million excuses why Mormons can say and do things that are discriminatory, the first and foremost being " God says so".
So before any Mormon gets riled over comments on the garments, how about read your BOA and it's comments on blacks bearing the mark of Cain. And if they think 'GOD' commanded that little bit of racial intolerance in history that is still a part of their teachings today, then maybe they should read up on their Prophet and HIS history of lying to his followers, starting with his 30+ wives. For any Mormon reading who doesn't believe it, check the official LDS familysearch.com genealogy website for his page, listing some of his many wives. After that, a little open-minded research on the internet will give you a new look into what is real, starting with the official LDS website, where there is no mention of any wife but his first.
Everyone deserves tolerance and respect and HONESTY, but people who live in glass churches should clean their own before pointing out the mess in someone else's house.
A google search of the news about a 3 Mormon missionaries destroying Catholic statues and further mocking the Catholic church by posting the pictures on the internet including a nice 'sacrificial' pose will also show that Mormons are not without their demons.
This week the Catholic church showed compassion by dropping charges against the missionaries. Maybe the Mormons will do the same here, and everyone can re-evaluate how we treat each other.
4 months ago
It's fun to see the anti-Mormons come up out of the cracks in the gym floor.
4 months ago
One man's foolishness isn't my concern, he has to answer for his actions...not me.
You're right, "mormon" isn't a religion, Mormon was a prophet. Being a member of the Lord's church (organization) on earth to learn about and recieve all things necessary to return to and dwell with God is the most important thing...so go ahead, mock...we shall see who has the last laugh, or cry....
4 months ago
Can all the Anonymous' get a real name? It's confusing to follow a thread were "anonymous" is seemingly arguing everything at the same time. As for the Mormon remarks, I would agree that on the surface, this seems to be a pedestrian infraction. However, why were the comments necessary at all? Mormons, as do all religions, have a mythology associated with them that deserves no more or less respect than any others. Daniel (just above) got it right. There does seem to be an anti-Mormon sentiment creeping out of this conversation, which implies that this is a bigger issue than I would have thought. Kudos to the Mormon people. Any other race or religion would be freaking out over the slight, and the Mormon's themselves have made it a non-issue by letting it go. Oh and anonymous (whichever one you are) your treatise on the sins of all Mormons based on what three idiots did, is not proof of anything. The Catholic Church is certainly not above reproach either. I trust I don't have to run down its history for you.
4 months ago
And fringe intellects do?
4 months ago
Majerus simply hates BYU and as a result slings cheap little barbs at anything associated with it. The LDS church being one of them. It is odd considering he had many LDS kids playing for him at the U of U as well. He's just small minded and always has been.
I'm not sure he has room to talk about magic underwear anyway. His must surely have some magical properties to fit around that girth.
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