Detroit Lions Teammates Say Racial Slurs Are the Ties that Bond

While most people get upset when racial slurs are used, apparently they're a bonding tonic in the Detroit Lions' camp.

Two Lions players -- tight end Tony Scheffler, who is white, and safety Louis Delmas, who is black -- say they use racial slurs as a sign of affection for each other. 

“Me and [Scheffler] have a relationship many people do not have — both black and white,” Delmas said. “I look at him like my brother. I love him to death. He greets me, ‘What up, n—–?’ But I understand it. So I say, ‘What’s up, cracker?’ But we would never take it outside the building."

Scheffler agreed with Delmas. 

“I treat Louis like a little brother,” Scheffler said. “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."

You think?

Do you think quarterback Matthew Stafford addresses wide receiver Calvin Johnson or his other black teammates that way?

Probably not.

And if he was stupid enough to do so, he'd never have the respect of the team ever again.

Look, I get where Scheffler and Delmas are coming from. You may act one way with your friends than you may act in public, but couldn't they find other, better ways to bond?

What happens if Scheffler uses the N-word in a way that offends Delmas? Like if he drops a sure interception that would have won the game, and Scheffler, in the heat of the battle calls him a dumb ...

You think Delmas would be just a little upset with his friend?

My guess is they'd be separating the two right then and there.

So while these two might consider this as some type of bonding, it's an act that won't get much play elsewhere.