Ex-Chelsea standout Tony Scheffler and black Detroit Lions teammate use racial slurs endearingly
Tight end Tony Scheffler stretches with the team during the Detroit Lions training camp at the Lions training facility in Allen Park, Mich. on Wednesday, August 7.
Mike Mulholland | Mlive Media Group
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper has been at the center of a firestorm for the past week, after it was revealed that he used the N-word at a Kenny Chesney concert. He was fined and took a brief leave from training camp.
But as Detroit News columnist Terry Foster writes Thursday, former Chelsea High School standout Tony Scheffler uses the term often at the Detroit Lions practice facility. And the person the word is directed at is more than fine with it.
Scheffler, who is white, often calls close friend and teammate Louis Delmas, who is black, the N-word. Delmas, in turn, calls Scheffler “cracker.” Both say the terms are used as terms of affection.
“I treat Louis like a little brother,” Scheffler says in the story. “He knows my wife and kids. He calls me ‘white boy’ and ‘cracker.’ We go back and forth with it and we are both comfortable with each other.
“I can’t say the same with other relationships in the locker room or how other guys would feel about it. So it is a tough dynamic when you are using those types of words. Everybody does not react the same.”
Scheffler graduated from Chelsea in 2001 and went on to Western Michigan, where he first met Delmas. The two were teammates for one season at Western and are entering their fourth season as NFL teammates.
The article goes on to further examine the use of racial slurs in locker rooms.
Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Hailmary
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:45 p.m.
Be careful Scheffler, there are those in abundance that might not agree with your, "terms of affection". There are boys and girls out there that don't play fair and would love nothing better than to take away your big fat paycheck. It's happened to better folks than you.
Katie
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
The world does not define our friendships. Only those in that friendship define it, and I guess this is just one of the ways they do that with theirs.
Mike
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
Being a white male, well in my years, I can honestly say that I have never used the "N" word as a term of endearment. I have very rarely used it at all. meaning for the "N" word that nobody even dares to spell out anymore. I know many crackers relate. Stupid or ignorant person. Does not depict race, origin or sexuality. This came from 70's Webster dictionary! I was taught that we do not make fun of those less knowledgeable, we try to teach them. Why ,we, as a country have grown to be so ignorant as to place titles on people is well beyond me. And why in the world does our media have to insure that people are divided by constantly writing about the "N" word? If you are not permitted to spell a word than the word does not exist. I really find it hard to believe that we have the first amendment and it means absolutely nothing. I think that is my new life resolution to demolish the "N" word that really does not exist anyway.
genetracy
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 3:21 a.m.
Better watch out Scheffler. The PC police in the media will make you this week's Paula Dean. As for you Delmas, you get a free pass.
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 2:30 a.m.
This story is so backwards. How this got passed the editor is beyond me.
sandalwood
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 12:02 a.m.
Damn! People have to lighten up with this race thing, And that goes for any race. So the guy's are friends and one call's the other the "N" word and the other call's the other guy a "C"word ( we have to be fair, if you can't print the"N" word don't print the "C" word!) But the guy's are just having fun with each other!!! Give them a break!!! I'm so tired of people bitching about race, I'm not going to read another article about race unless it's about NASCAR! Chill out people!
genetracy
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 3:22 a.m.
How many blacks are even interested in becoming NASCAR drivers?
a2citizen
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 1:26 a.m.
Good idea. By the way, how many black race car drivers are there in NASCAR ?
Larry Craft
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 9:18 p.m.
So, how come you can write the word "cracker" but not the n-word.
Larry Craft
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 9:19 p.m.
oh that's right you can call a white man anything you want and never be considered a racist.
Don
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 8:30 p.m.
As a white boy growing up in Detroit, using the N word was used by all races. Sometimes good and sometimes bad. Why is it now only OK for a black person to use the N word. If it is OK for a black person to use the N word and not a white person than that is racest. Nothing should be allowed based on your skin color.
bearsRbears
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 8:17 p.m.
This "news" article is just plain ridiculous. I'm not bashing the author of this article...simply the content of the article and that it's even published. To counter one sports stars negative words with a story about another sports stars usage of the negativity in a positive way is irrelevant. People use these terms all the time, in endearing ways and in degrading ways. If it's being used, which it shouldn't be, there is no reason to publicize it to make it look right. It's an age old term that is related to racism...there is NEVER going to be acceptance as a whole based on some viewing it as a term of endearment. No matter if it is coming from a local sports star.
willowrunistillcare
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 8:02 p.m.
My perception of this article is that Scheffler and Delmas are true friends and are just sharing total acceptance of each other. That is something more special that many never discover. If you have ever had a friend like this (regardless of their skin color), it is easy to understand what Scheffler is trying to express.
Gramma
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 7:53 p.m.
It's sad that they can't find other terms to express their affection. This kind of exchange can change in a minute if the word later is said during an angry exchange.
Pat
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 7:48 p.m.
Paula Deen, please take notice. You now have permission to sue the people who canned you for breach of contract. If the word is offensive, it makes no difference if a white or a black uses it, it's offensive. It's this kind of story that blurs the lines (well, it's ok for this white guy to use it now, but Paula used it 25 years ago so that is wrong) Target canned her, and yet they still sell records by rap artists. Quit using the word, everyone, or you forfeit the right to say it's offensive.
Somargie
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:24 p.m.
Really...this is news. What is the purpose of this? This is a reciprocal agreement between team members/friend only. It has no meaning beyond that..period.
RuralMom
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:56 p.m.
No when you give an interview and expose it with pride, its disgraceful. Somethings a better left behind closed doors, especially when you are supposed to be a Public Figure and someone children look up to or aspire to be like.
RuralMom
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
2 of my 3 Biracial children graduated from Chelsea High School, my Son played Football for them along with Nick Hill. This mentality is why when kids get angry feel its okay to use these terms. We have had this happen a few times, by small minded individuals. Get angry and drop the N Bomb, in order to elevate the problem. I don't care if you are red, white, purple, black, green or brown, using racist terms is never acceptable, there are better ways to tease & mess around with teammates and friends. To use such terms even in jest, shows a lack of character.
RuralMom
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 8:31 p.m.
eagleman, when you give an interview and make it public knowledge then it becomes something the public has a right to comment on. Otherwise I would have nothing to say, but he is a public figure who is obviously proud about all of this.
eagleman
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 8:18 p.m.
You really should stop trying to lecture people, Ruralmom. As Scheffler indicated he doesn't use this with anyone but Delmas, who has indicated that he has no problem with it. It is none of your business what Scheffler or Delmas say to each other. Your hectoring is really annoying. No one likes self-righteous people who presume the right to lecture others about how they interact with their friends.
RuralMom
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:50 p.m.
Erica, that's what gets me so riled, Tony does a lot for Chelsea Football. There have been quite a bit of racial issues sprinkled in here and there. He needs to lead by example. I by no means think he is racist, I think he has a whole lot of children in Chelsea that look up to him, and he needs to think of this before giving interviews of this nature and acting this way.
Erica Sprinkle
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:32 p.m.
I agree, i am bi racial myself , actually graduated with Tony! and to my knowledge, he wasn't a racist person...that I knew of.
Hunterjim
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:04 p.m.
This is the type of story, written for the express purpose of drumming up more hype on racial tensions. Although I dont agree with anyone using the N word, I dont see either of the two people in the article being offended by each others greeting. They should keep it to themselves, not put it out in public for newspaper sensationalist to jump on for a story.
ThinkingOne
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.
I don't get your use of 'They should keep it to themselves, not put it out in public'. Are you implying they sought out a reporter and said "Hey! Listen to us! Aren't we cool! Please write a story about us!"? Or perhaps the reporter had information about them and asked for verification. Are you implying then that they should deny and cover up? The odds of that turning out well are always pretty slim. Whether or not this specific use of derogatory slang is - or should be - acceptable is the issue. The fact that they admit it is not an issue.
ArthGuinness
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
Well it looks to me like Scheffler understands where you're coming from. Perhaps I'm looking too deeply into his comment, but he's correct that "everybody does not react the same". And that's what a lot of this is about - Mr. Delmas isn't the official spokesperson for what words are allowed to be said around other people, and neither is anybody else. For the record, I don't think I call somebody the N word even if they asked me to.
TheDiagSquirrel
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
Why is Annarbor.com reporting on the Detroit Lions? They never have in the past...oh wait, they are playing the race card for more page views. Which they HAVE done in the past!
A2comments
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 11:29 a.m.
Natural search results...
a2citizen
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:36 p.m.
Get used to it...the Lions will win their next championship before Michigan. And it really pains me to say that.
Kyle Austin
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
We're reporting on this because it involves a notable local player and thought people would be interested that he's at the center of a story that's starting to get quite a bit of attention on the internet today.
Chase Ingersoll
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
It's a sign of acceptance in the group when a white person can use that word. It means that the black people around them rather than feeling threatened by the person, have a supportive relationship / history with each other. Works the same way with my friends who've referred to me as their best cracker. The ultimate compliment for a white guy on a team, is when the bros call him the same thing they call each other. Very cool. Means they think of you as family. People that don't understand this - maybe they need to invest some time in hanging out with people of different backgrounds and social statuses, rather than just opining about them from afar.
thecompound
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
@ruralmom: I misinterpreted and didnt realize that your kids were adults now. Not to sound like a "get off my lawn" type of old person, but I think kids today hear these words on a daily basis in school, social media, music, film, etc.. and many use them to fit in...just not around the parents.
RuralMom
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.
Gramma, its offensive to be ASKED those questions, our response may not be to your liking but what do you say to crap questions like that? OUR KIDS ARE NOT ADOPTED (he has one and I have 2 biological biracial children) so who has a lot to learn Gramma???? Apparently you do! My kids aren't snarky, my real first name is Rachel, and when asked if they are Mexican or Arab, they tell people they are BiRachel. Race isn't a factor to them, they treat people how they want to be treated, regardless of skin color.
Gramma
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 8:06 p.m.
Rural Mom, you've still got a lot to learn. If your kids are told they're the "whitest" country kids around, it's no complement. No person of color has to prove that the bigots are wrong. The comments your husband makes to people who ask questions are offensive. You could easily state the reality. The children are adopted. Your kids may "not see color," but other people see theirs. It's important they learn to cope with racist and ignorant people, without just being snarky. They shouldn't have to stop wearing hoodies to "prove" they are people deserving of respect.
Pat
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.
I wonder if Paula Deen feels that way? It doesn't matter how it's used, if you object to it when one white person says it, you object when any white person says it. That's the problem, it's ok for some, but not for some, so when the people use and get fired, they they don't get it. It's this kind of story that I makes me think Paula should sue all of her sponsors for breach of contract. I guess unless you are a millionaire rapper, or a professional millionaire football player, you can't use the word. If you claim it's offensive, then don't endorse it-period.
RuralMom
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:48 p.m.
thecompound, no I can be very sure, they are adults now. They don't allow it around them, nor do they use those terms. Frankly they are told they are the "whitest" country kids most people have ever known. I never allowed ebonics to be spoken either. You lead by example, you explain to them that right or wrong, people make instant judgments about you based on your ethnicity and how you conduct yourselves (dress, language, etc.). They understand about racial profiling and that the only way to prove someone wrong with regards to racism is to conduct yourself in a proper manner. They will either come around or make themselves scarce. Oh and their peers got treated just like they were my own in when in my home and under my roof, we were never afraid to set a standard and hold to it. Might be due to the fact my Husband and I (both White from Detroit) have been asked numerous times how we have 3 biracial children between us, yet are married to one another. My husband tells two things to mess with people #1 The whole once you go black, you never go back, WE are the ONLY EXCEPTION on this EARTH, or #2 We cooked them to long, we were young, didn't realize they were done until the fire alarm went off. What are you really supposed to say when people question how you are married and yet have biracial children?????
thecompound
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.
Key word being "home presence". Once kids are with their peers you can never be 100% certain, IMO.
RuralMom
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
You need another group of "friends" then, try basing it on respect. Not to mention, there are other non racial words that could be used to convey the feeling you are looking for. Oh and its not that I don't understand, all three kids are biracial, they don't use those terms, no one regardless of race has ever been allowed to use those terms in my home presence. My kids don't see look at people and see color, they see the actual person, and its always offensive to use a racial term even endearingly. I am native of Detroit, raised in Saline after age 8, and born the year of the race riots in Detroit, there is nothing funny or endearing about racism which still very much exists today. Try leading by example.
John of Saline
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
Or you could stop making assumptions that people who disagree with you don't have "diverse" friends and that, therefore, only your opinion matters.
John of Saline
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
An amusing proposed PC alternative to "cracker" that I saw out in the wilds of the Internet: "Saltine-American."
oyxclean
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
I prefer Ritz-American, TYVM!
Tim Hornton
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
Wow a black and white male friendship that uses jokes with each other in a degrading way. I think every male in the world does this with his friends. Only weirdo's from ann arbor and media elite that lost touch with the real world find stories in these types of things. Good grief! Is the next article going to tell us some men actually lust after hot women and other groundbreaking enlighting things that have been common knowledge for thousands of years.
Kyle Austin
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
Tim, I think what's unique about this story is not that friends are ragging on each other, but the specific terminology they use when they do it. After the Riley Cooper incident, I found it interesting that a football player with local ties is using that same word, but the differing context, at least in his and Delmas's minds, makes a world of difference. That's why we think there's a story here.
tom swift jr.
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
That's what we need in professional sports, more wonderful role models like this. Those are the kind of words I would want my kid to use! (that, folks, was sarcasm, just for the record). Interesting, isn't it, that we can publish a cute little story about people using these words, but they are so offensive the media doesn't have the guts to actually use the word. Which is it, folks, an "endearing" little term of affection or an offensive, racial term that harkens back to years of abuse and humiliation? You can't have it both ways....
Dorchester
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.
There is no "white slang" term equivalent to the n word. No matter how much people (blacks included) try to make the n word a term of endearment, it will always be the most vile and hurtful curse word in our language.
Tim Hornton
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
They can say the white slang but not the black one. Just like you can rip on Christianity but your a hateful bigot if you dare question Islam. It's called being a hypocrite which AAnews is an expert in.