It sounds like the term "cotton-picking" and its racial connotations has become a topic of debate here. This baffles me. I thought we had collectively moved past what is a decent thing to say, and what is not. It is clear to me that some things are not what I thought they were.
I didn't know much about this statement until I started googling around its multiple meanings. Some were benign, and a couple of interpretations were really ugly. This is one of these terms that I've decided is a third rail for myself. There are a bunch of others that I would get in trouble for using here in this forum.
I find it strange that people feel passionately about defending the right to say something. I love the first amendment, but not if it creates pain for others. While I'm not offended by much of anything, I don't feel the need to get defensive when others say something doesn't sound right to them. Race related jokes or comments in the public forum are held to a higher standard. I can't tell a black person how they should feel about something said on TV, and vice-versa. So again, I'm not offended, but I could see how people (including Westbrook) would be offended.
I heard the clip. It sounded awkward at best and racist at worst. I am assuming that it was just a dated attempt at humor that fell flat. The perception is different than the intent. The intent should be considered, but what was said can't be unsaid. Yes, it sucks that the guy is getting suspended. It is likely an overreaction by a company that is sensitive to race relations. All things being equal, a quick apology from him would have been best.
I don't understand people that are trying to defend the use of the term "cotton-picking" as a metaphor. Such a conversation crosses a line of decency.