He was obviously joking. When retired star running back Arian Foster went on the Macrodosing podcast and said that NFL players received a script before the season, he was making fun of angry fans on social media. Angry fans on social media haven’t responded well, nor have some media outlets.

Foster’s comments come amid a period of profound, nonsensical unrest in the NFL community.

A significant sect of football fans has taken to social media in the past week to accuse the league of skewing the results of both the AFC and NFC Championship games to favor certain storylines. Referees in the Eagles/49ers game were accused of receiving instructions to call the game in favor of Philadelphia after Brock Purdy went down with an injury.

Later on in the evening, a different, equally nefarious group of refs were accused of calling in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs, costing Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals another trip to the Super Bowl.

The media, particularly Cris Collinsworth, was also criticized for excessively favorable coverage of Patrick Mahomes, the overwhelming MVP favorite who has never failed to reach the AFC Championship in five seasons as a starter.

For these fans, the Eagles weren’t plainly superior to a 49ers team prepping Christian McCaffrey to play quarterback, nor is Mahomes plainly the most talented passer in football. The referees, controlled via earpiece or remote by dirty league officials, are the sole arbiters to determine wins and losses. So Foster made a joke about it, and now all hell’s breaking loose.

In truth, the only original reactions to Foster’s comments that have any sort of value belong to other players, who have taken to Twitter to share their worst football memories and jokingly blame the scriptwriters for setting them up to fail.

Micah Parsons applied the joke to the Cowboys’ most recent playoff loss, while Robert Griffin III expressed frustration about his injuries in 2012. Some shrewder football fans have followed their lead to similarly silly effects.

It’s all very good satire with a valuable underlying message: blaming the refs or some all-powerful monolith for a loss in a sporting event is really, really lame. There are some exceptions — the Rams’ win over the Saints in 2019 after a missed pass interference call led to a complete reevaluation of the penalty itself. In general, though, it’s lame. Whoever your quarterback is, Mahomes is better. Sometimes, he’ll beat you. No team in the league could have defeated the Eagles without their starting quarterback. It happens. Deal with it.

But those taking Foster’s joke seriously in any sense are somehow more annoying than the people he was making fun of in the first place. A surprisingly large number of people at the very beginning of the Bell curve missed the joke completely and took his words as a truthful admission of guilt. Others understood the humor but didn’t appreciate the implication (that they were being mocked). Then media outlets got involved.

Because they noticed a high volume of traffic surrounding Foster’s words on social media, countless publications have put out stories compiling tweets and reactions to the issue. Some have done this well; Fox News sports editor Ryan Gaydos was especially glib and conscious in his reporting.

The Huffington Post, however, called Foster’s joke a “conspiracy” in the headline. Though the article alluded to humorous elements of the running back’s comments, it never fully committed to the idea that he was making a harmless joke, instead focusing on the perceived divisive nature of his words.

The dialogue leading up to and following Foster’s comments, which struck at the heart of the silliness of the issue itself, has been either humorously aware or painfully, painfully unaware. The latter group has the power to be much louder and more irritating in an era fueled by outrage and speculation.

One day, conspiracy theorists will be right. The moon will melt like cheddar or aliens will emerge from the Nevada desert. But when it comes to the NFL, Sunday evenings may be the best time possible for people to believe what they see on T.V. Be more like Arian Foster.

Arian Foster, a four-time Pro Bowler who was among the NFL’s top running backs in 2014, became the latest player to leave the sport of football due to injuries, abruptly announcing his retirement late Monday after playing in only four games this season.

Dolphins’ Arian Foster Announces Immediate NFL Retirement After Several Injuries

In a statement released on Monday by the website Uninterrupted, Foster, 30, who joined the Miami Dolphins this season, said he was retiring immediately.

“There comes a time in every athlete’s career when their ambition and their body are no longer on the same page,” Foster —  who started for the Dolphins in Week 1— said in the statement. “I’ve reached that point.”

Foster was worn out by a long line of soft-tissue injuries early in the Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots. He will end his short-lived Miami career with 55 rushing yards on 22 attempts.

Foster, an undrafted rookie signed by the Houston Texans in 2009, became the league’s top rusher in the 2010 season with 1,616 yards. He was released by the Texans in March, having missed 12 games last season due to injuries. He joined the Dolphins on a one-year contract but played in only four games this season because of injuries.

 “This game has been everything to me … my therapy, my joy, my solace and my enemy,” Foster wrote via Uninterrupted.com. “I’ve learned to love every facet of this game, from the peak of accomplishment to the gutter of criticism. And it all makes the ride worthwhile. I’ve been fortunate enough to play many successful years in this league. I’ve given a lot to this game and given up a lot for it. But it has returned to me more than I could have ever asked for.

“Faceless gladiators have been shuffled in and out of this arena for decades and I’m proud to have taken part in that legacy. My father always said, ‘You’ll know when it’s time to walk away.’ It has never been more clear than right now. I’m walking away with peace. I know it’s not commonplace to do it midseason, but my body just can’t take the punishment this game asks for any longer. … Every athlete would love to go out as a Super Bowl MVP, riding off into the sunset with the crowd cheering their name. Unfortunately, life has other plans and they’re usually opposite the imagination. But that imagination got me this far and I could not be prouder of the things my teammates and I accomplished in this game.”

Foster then thanked the Dolphins organization for allowing him to “bow out with grace.”

The rusher referred to football as a “beautifully violent game,” that left him with a “bittersweet taste.”

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Foster is retiring now because the eight-year veteran’s heart couldn’t handle another rehab, even for a minor injury.

 During the off-season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson announced his retirement at age 30 after nine great seasons in the NFL. In September, 26-year-old San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Anthony Davis retired for a second time, having sustained multiple concussions. That announcement came merely 15 months after Davis retired for the first time.

Davis attempted a comeback this year, but another concussion convinced him to leave the game for good.

NFL players have recently been retiring at younger ages as they ponder the long-term consequences of playing while injured. According to Business Insider, 19 players retired from the NFL at age 30 or younger in 2015. Only five such players did so in 2011.

Jake Locker, Marshawn Lynch, Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis and Jason Worilds are among those who have recently retired while in their prime.

 In 2015, linebacker Chris Borland retired after just one season with the 49ers because, although he was not injured, he was afraid of the potential trauma to his brain from repeated blows to the head.

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Arian Foster #29 of the Miami Dolphins rushes against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Arian Foster and three of his Miami Dolphins teammates were scathingly lambasted for their decision to kneel during the national anthem before their team’s 12-10 loss to the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday.

Dolphins’ Arian Foster Compares Kneeling To Protest Flag And Anthem To Kneeling In Church

Scores of people expressed their anger with the move on social media, saying it disrespected the flag and those who fight or have fought to protect America’s freedoms and values.

Foster, however, stood by his action — which was inspired by San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick — and after Sunday’s game, the 30-year-old running back made an analogy that likened kneeling for the flag to kneeling during a church service.

“I’ll make one thing clear, it’s not about the symbology that people are mad about,” Foster said of kneeling, via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “It’s about the message and it’s about who’s saying it because if it’s about a knee that people are upset about, every Sunday, people of faith take a knee to give thanks to their Lord and Savior, whatever faith or whatever religion they are.”

Foster’s full comments can be seen in the video below:

Kaepernick’s protest went viral on Aug. 26 after he refused to stand for playing of the national anthem before the 49ers’ third preseason game.

“It never dawned on to me to make a statement like that,” Foster said, via USA Today. “That’s why I feel like what Colin did — I agree with him and I understand 100% what he’s doing. Rather than sparring with anybody publicly about which way was the right way and which way was the wrong way, I took my ego out of it and said ‘This conversation has started once again.’ I feel like I had a responsibility to keep it going, because it’s healthy conversation.”

The running back also added that there’s one other argument he has continually heard from dissenters that bothers him: that this is not the adequate moment to launch this type of protest.

“They say ‘It’s not the time to do this.’ Well, when is the time?,” Foster said. “It’s never the time in somebody else’s eyes because they’ll always feel like it’s good enough and some people don’t. That’s the beautiful thing about this country, if somebody feels it’s not good enough, then they have the right, and that’s all they’re doing is exercising their right.”

Foster and his teammates Kenny Stills, Jelani Jenkins, and Michael Thomas all kneeled before Sunday’s game. The move carried a special significance since it came on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 

Foster makes a great point. If now is not the right time, then when will it be? How much longer will we as a nation have to wait for at least one person in all areas of life (politics, sports, entertainment, etc.) to take a stand against injustice and oppression? If not football players, then who?

Jenkins also expressed why he personally chose to go through with the protest, adding he decided to protest days before the game.

“A lot of things are happening to people that look like me,” Jenkins said. “I think that it was pulling on my heart to stand up and not act like I haven’t seen [injustice] and not act like everything is OK, because it’s not. So it’s very important to me.”

Kaepernick’s protest has gradually been gaining traction, and more players will surely continue to replicate his action.

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Arian Foster #29 of the Miami Dolphins rushes against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Arian Foster is aware that racial profiling and police misconduct toward African-Americans are problems that have plagued America for decades.

Dolphins’ Arian Foster Says He Completely Understands Colin Kaepernick’s Intention

The 30-year-old Miami Dolphins running back was barely a teenager when California cops pulled over his dad driving north on Interstate 5 between San Diego and Los Angeles.

“They told us to get out of the car, all of our clothes got pulled out of the bag and then said, ‘Y’all have a good day,’ ” Foster said. “Never told us why we were pulled over. I know my rights, but there are certain things you’re taught to do as a young man that won’t get you killed. Those are the confrontations that we have with police officers on a regular basis in our communities. And that’s what Colin Kaepernick is trying to portray.”

Running back Arian Foster signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins on Monday, stating he is starting “a new chapter of my life.”

Arian Foster Signs One-Year Deal With Dolphins, Coming Off Ruptured Achilles

The deal is worth $1.5 million and includes incentives that could bring its total value to a maximum of $3.5 million, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

Foster’s agent, Mike McCartney, announced the news Monday afternoon when he tweeted congratulations to the former Houston Texans star.

Foster, a four-time Pro Bowler who will turn 30 next month, explained why he joined the Dolphins in a conference call later in the day.

“They’re a young team, a hungry team,” the running back said after the Dolphins officially announced the signing. “[They have] a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. I think they have the right head coach and the right people in the front office. They’re all committed to winning there.”

Foster played in only four games last season, hampered by two major injuries. He suffered a torn groin in training camp that caused him to miss three games. He returned for four games, but then suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the last five minutes of the 44-26 loss against the Dolphins on Oct. 25. The Texans released Foster in March after the latter season-ending injury.

Since becoming Houston’s starter in 2010, Foster has suffered a torn meniscus, several hamstring injuries, a knee injury, a back injury that required surgery, a minor groin injury, and the two aforementioned injuries. In that time, Foster has carried the ball an average of 20 times per game, the highest average in the NFL.

He rushed for a franchise-record 6,472 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and 54 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Texans, with whom he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He spent most of that season on the practice squad, being elevated to the practice roster in November.

Foster visited the Dolphins in March what was termed a medical visit. He stated that’s when he decided to join the team.

“After my visit in March with Miami I kind of already made my mind up that was where I wanted to be,” he said.

The running back had a follow-up visit Monday and his health was deemed good enough to convince Miami that he’s physically fit.

Foster said he’ll be healthy enough to participate in training camp next week beginning with the July 29th opening practice. Foster added he wasn’t told he would be the starter.

“I don’t have any expectations,” he said.

Although the RB was set to earn $6.5 million this season and carry an $8.9 million salary cap hit, Texans general manager Rick Smith insisted at the NFL scouting combine in March that Houston would not release Foster for financial reasons.

“As it relates to all the free agent conversations, I’m never going to tell you one way or the other what we’re doing,” Smith said, “but I will tell you this: His salary is not a reason why we would cut Arian.”

Foster’s health and availability were more important to the team. Lamar Miller, Foster’s replacement in Houston, has only missed one game in the last three seasons.

Foster joins a young group of running backs in Miami that includes Jay Ajayi, Damien Williams and rookie Kenyan Drake. 

Ajayi, the 2015 fifth-round pick from Boise State, has been the starter throughout the offseason program.

Foster said he wasn’t bitter about his release from Houston. “Nothing but love on this end,” he said in an Instagram post.

“There’s nothing I have to prove and I’m sure Lamar feels the same way,” Foster finally said.

PHOTO: JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 18: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes for yardage during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 18, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans have informed 7-year veteran Arian Foster that he will be released.  Foster has spent his entire career in Houston since they signed him out of the University of Tennessee as an undrafted free agent in 2009.  He thanked the organization on Instagram.

Texans Parting Ways With Arian Foster

Foster was the NFL rushing leader in 2010, when he ran 327 times for 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns while also catching 66 passes for 604 yards and 2 touchdowns.  His 2,200 yards broke former Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes‘ record for most yards from scrimmage by an undrafted player.

Following his breakout 2010 campaign Foster would experience continued success for the next two seasons, running for a combined 2,648 yards and 25 touchdowns.

2012 was his last season playing all 16 games, per ESPN Stats & Info, Foster missed 8 games in 2013 because of back surgery, 3 games in 2014 due to a groin injury, injury on the groin caused him to miss 3 additional games in 2015, and Foster missed 9 games this past season because of a torn achilles.

Despite his injuries in 2014, Foster was able to run for over 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Foster is the Texans’ career rushing leader in career yards (6,472) and touchdowns (54).  He was due to make $6.5 million in base salary and had a $9 million cap number.  By releasing him the Texans save around $6.6 million.

Texans Release Veterans Moore and Graham

The running back wasn’t the only veteran player the Texans parted ways with.  The team also released free safety Rahim Moore and tight end Garrett Graham.

Moore was drafted in in the second round of the 2011 draft out of UCLA by the Denver Broncos. He is probably most known for giving up the “Mile High Miracle,” a 70-yard touchdown from Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones with under a minute left in the 2011-12 AFC Championship Game. The Ravens won in overtime 38-35 and went on to win Super Bowl XLVII against San Francisco.  Moore signed a three year, $12 million deal with Houston in March 2015, but was benched and inactive after the first seven games.

Graham was drafted by the Texans in the fourth round of the 2010 Draft out of the University of Wisconsin, where he was a First Team All-Big 10 selection by the media and Second Team by the coaches.  Graham’s best year was 2013, when he caught 49 passes for 545 yards and 5 touchdowns, all career highs. He only managed 22 receptions and 2 touchdowns the past two seasons.

By cutting Moore and Graham, the Texans will save around $5.8 million.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpZAVgYUEGg

The Houston Texans will most likely release running back Arian Foster before next month’s free agency period, according to the Houston Chronicle, which cites multiple unidentified sources.

This decision would not come as a complete surprise, given the fact that Foster is coming off a torn Achilles tendon in October and is scheduled to be paid just under $9 million against the salary cap. He also underwent groin surgery. These two injuries allowed him to only play four games this season.

Foster, 29, is now entering the final year of his contract, which calls for a non-guaranteed base salary of $6.5 million. Although recovery times typically vary, 9-12 months is the estimated timeframe for Foster, according to the same report.

“Well, we’ll have to see how healthy he is,” Texans owner Bob McNair said. “But until we know that, there’s really not much you can think about.”

Foster is the all-time franchise leader in rushing yards (6,472) and touchdowns (54).

Fortunately, the Texans may just be able to count on second-year running back Alfred Blue, who played well enough this season to help Houston advance to the playoffs. Blue had 183 carries for 698 yards and two touchdowns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=octGfifhMcU

On today’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless debated whether Marshawn Lynch should be fined for his actions of the last few days. Luckily, they also had Texans star running back Arian Foster there to defend quiet players like Lynch.

Foster had the best line: “Show me where in his contract it says you have to answer questions as heartfelt as possible.” And when Smith pressed him on the issue, “when is the onus [put] on the interviewer to say, ‘You know what, that’s all I’m going to get out him so why keep asking these questions.’ ”

To be honest, they should have Foster on more because he phenomenally debated with two men who have known to be stubborn in their arguments.