Carson Palmer - NOT a Buckeyes fan

[queviva]

In a Los Angeles radio interview, Carson Palmer had some choice words about the Ohio State Buckeyes:

"I cannot stand the Buckeyes," Palmer said. "And having to live in Ohio and hear those people talk about their team, it drives me absolutely nuts. ...

"It's amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and Tressel and all the crap I gotta put up with being back there.

"I just can't wait for two years from now, when SC comes to the 'Shoe ... and I can go out there and watch us pound them on their own turf and put all the talk to rest, because I'm really getting sick of it.

"I just can't wait for this game to get here so they can come out to the Coliseum and experience L.A. and get a good old-fashioned Pac-10 butt-whuppin' and go back to the Big Ten."

Obviously, coming from USC, Palmer still supports the Trojans and as a Pac-10guy clearly has issues with the Big Ten, who the Trojans often face in the Rose Bowl.

Of course, Palmer has taken plenty of heat for his aggressive comments, since he is the starting quarterback for a team located right in the Buckeye State. Personally, I applaud his willingness to speak out on something, ANYTHING, in an age when athletes are constantly moderating their comments like politicians to please their fans and not offend anyone.

What do you guys think, should an athlete be able to speak his opinions publicly even if it contradicts his fanbase's view, or should Palmer have moderated his comments a bit?

[gopackgo160]

I think today's atheltes just need to use their brains a bit more, sometimes the crap that comes out of their mouths is so unbeliveable. These guys don't seem to be aware that the whole country has a big spotlight on them, and are just watching, ready to pounce on any minor slip they make.

[cashpath]

Nothing wrong with him not liking the Buckeyes and voicing it. Nothing wrong with it at all.

[Kevin71]

Nothing wrong with him still being true to his school. Had he said anything but that, although he could have toned it down, USC fans would be angry at him.

[queviva]

I'd agree with cash and Kevin on this one. It's refreshing to hear someone actually voice their pure, unadulterated opinion to which they are completely entitled (especially in the case of something as passionate as college football rivals). I'm so tired of the Bradies and Jeters of the world saying exactly what you expect them to say every single time because their agent or publicist is feeding them lines.

The one complaint I have is that Palmer said all this stuff on the radio in LA and not anywhere near Ohio, which is vaguely cowardly.