Bob McNair is Not a Bad NFL Owner for Refusing To Hire Ray Rice

The Houston Press complains that Bob McNair isn’t a micromanaging jackass like Jerry Jones:

No owner in the history of Houston sports has accomplished less with his franchise than Bob McNair. Yet no owner in the history of Houston sports is less criticized than McNair. Who cares if his teams don’t win? It’s not McNair’s fault. He saved football in Houston. He puts smart people in charge of the team. He leaves them alone.

But in 14 seasons, McNair’s Texans have won just 89 games against 124 losses. There are only two playoff seasons, only four winning seasons in those 14 seasons. Can you imagine the treatment Bud Adams would have received from the Houston media if the Oilers had accomplished so little? The Oilers wouldn’t be praised as the ideal model. The Oilers would be mocked as a train wreck run by an owner concerned only with making money. There’d be no praise for passing on players with troubled backgrounds; instead, there’d be loud criticism for Adams being willing to stick with unproven players like Alfred Blue instead of taking a chance on a proven veteran like Ray Rice.

There are several reasons why Bob McNair shouldn’t be blamed for this. First, hiring a known wife-beater is offensive on principle (at least when it comes to professional sports). Second, Ray Rice is getting old (for a running back). Third, letting Rick Smith manage things is the smart thing to do. There is probably a solid case to fire Rick Smith, but if you’re not going to pull that trigger, then don’t point.

So no, Bob McNair is not a bad NFL owner for failing to hire Ray Rice.

Bob McNair is a bad NFL owner for backing the anti-HERO campaign.

This is not just a rumor; it was confirmed to the Houston Chronicle by Jared Woodfill.

Bob McNair and Lance Berkman can kiss my ass.

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