Posted on: Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Chang's agent out of bounds

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

You can't blame quarterback Tim Chang's agent for trying to pump up his client's apparently sagging profile the week of the NFL draft by questioning evaluations of that talent.

It is what a smart agent should be doing when many projections — including Mel Kiper's — have the former Hawai'i quarterback pegged between the 14th and 18th best prospect at the position.

But to suggest that race could be a factor is the wrong way to go about it unless you've got some serious proof.

Chang's agent, Don Yee, is quoted by Sports Illustrated as saying: "In my opinion, I don't think he's being fairly evaluated, because of the system he played in, his college coach's (June Jones) reputation for running that system, the fact that he played way out there in Hawai'i, and maybe to some extent the fact that he's Asian.

"I think people in their evaluation process of him are coming into it with so many preconceived notions and biases already that it makes it difficult for them to see through those things and fairly evaluate him," SI quotes Yee.

Scream about the pros pigeonholing Chang based upon the system, which might have merit. Howl about the NFL not spending enough time scouting him, though curious given all the TV appearances. But racism? If you're going to pull out that card and wave it, let's see more than innuendo.

Indeed, Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, the NFL's first Asian-American coach, said "I find that (race) a hard one to buy because I don't think people really care.

"To say, 'he's Chinese, we're not gonna take him,' I don't think so," Chow said. "(They're) not talking about that kind of stuff. It is: 'Can he play? Can he run? Can he throw?' "

Years ago the lack of opportunity for non-white quarterbacks was a legitimate criticism of the NFL. Stereotypes denied too many promising African-Americans a real shot, leaving them either overlooked or pushed off to other positions. But the success of Warren Moon, Doug Williams and Randall Cunningham, among others, changed that.

And, yes, the NFL and all of pro sports, have much work ahead of them when it comes to opening up the coaching, administrative and ownership ranks.

But with players, QBs especially, it is hard to imagine a whole 30-team league turning its back because of race. There are just too many teams looking for an edge for that to happen. Too many coaches on short leashes. We know this because of the players with police records who get second, third and fourth chances.

If anything, the NFL's marketing arm is probably rooting for Chang. The NFL wants to expand its markets and Asia is high on the list. You think they wouldn't delight in the opportunity to sell jerseys with "Chang" on them?

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.