Jackson has hairy talk with the commissioner
Steven Jackson ran into Commissioner Roger Goodell at the NFL draft this past April. And what did they chat about?
Hair.
As in hair that protrudes from under the helmet, as do Jackson’s dreadlocks. Goodell has brought up the notion of a rule requiring players with long hair to tuck it into their helmet. Jackson is strongly opposed — even though he was brought down by his hair once last week by a Philly tackler, which is legal because hair is considered part of the uniform.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to see (Goodell) again, so I brought it up,” Jackson said. He said he pointed out that “everyone’s hair has different texture to it. Me tucking my hair in wouldn’t be as convenient as for someone like (teammate Brett) Romberg.”
Plus, Jackson likes to be able to express his individuality. “It’s a team game,” he noted, “but I think the NFL is special because you have so many different characters in the locker room.”
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Notes & quotes:
*Festivities honoring the late Georgia Frontiere on Sunday will begin at 10 a.m., when a section of Sixth Street near Convention Center Plaza near is renamed “Georgia’s Way.” The public is invited to the ceremony, which will take place outside the Plaza Central entrance to the Dome rain or shine.
*Fox announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, who are doing Sunday’s game, attended practice Friday.
*Former SIUC standout Brandon Jacobs is the Giants’ top running back.
*Giants P Jeff Feagles is in his 21st NFL season, the most among all active players. Their kicker, 44-year-old John Carney, is in his 20th season.
*Proud alum Orlando Pace is predicting an Ohio State win Saturday night at USC — but only if Buckeyes back Beanie Wells plays. Wells sat out last week with a foot injury.
*The Giants opened 0-2 last year before starting their march to the Super Bowl championship. Can the Rams gain inspiration from their tale? “We’re looking for our own story,” coach Scott Linehan said. “Hats off to them for what they were able to do, but . . . we haven’t done it yet. Our inspiration has to come from within.”
*Correcting a previous item, TE Joe Klopfenstein, a vintage car buff, drives a 1968 Pontiac GTO.
All for now . . .
Lots of businesses have regulations regarding the length of one’s hair. For most of those businesses, the length of one’s hair has absolutely nothing to do with their job performance. It’s more a matter of employees looking presentable. I see nothing wrong with Jackson being told to keep his hair cut to a shorter length. If he wants to express his individuality he should go work for himself. That way, he can make up his own rules.