Opinion: Green snubbed

Okay, let me get this out of the way right off the bat.

I'm predjudiced.

I think Ladarius Green is the best tight end in America.

I think Ladarius Green is the most versatile tight end in America.

And part of the reason I feel that way is because I see him play every week.

Today the three finalists for the John Mackey Award were announced.

Ladarius Gren was not listed.

The three finalists are Michael Egnew of Missouri, Lance Kendricks of Wisconsin and D. J. Williams of Arkansas.

Egnew isn't a surprise.  He's caught a lot more passes than the other semifinalists.

Now, let's take a look at the numbers:

Green was first  among fhe semifinalists in receiving yards per game (74.9)

Green was first among the semifinalists in most games with 80 yards or more receiving (6).

Green was first among the semifinalists in yards per catch (17.7)

Green was first among the semifinalists in touchdowns (6)

Green was first among the semifinalists in receiving yards (674)

And, oh, did I mention he missed two games because of injury??

Yet, there are three finalists, and none of them are named Ladarius Green.

And there is only one logical explanation:  The name he wears on his jersey.

There is no other possible explanation.  Green doesn't face teams from the SEC, Big XII and Big Ten every week.  Therefore, he can't possibly be that good.

Every year you see players from non-AQ conferences get nominated for various awards.  And every year when the names are whittled down to a select few, those names disappear and the big names remain.

And so it goes, again.

But this year I have a message for the Nassau County Sports Commission, who is responsible for this award.

Your award is worth nothing.

As I said at the beginning, I'm predjudiced.  I think Ladarius Green is the best there is in America.

I wonder if the NCSC is willing to admit if they are predjudiced, as well.

Only big names need apply.