http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-spsamoans11may11,0,4498290.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front
Asked about brining in 4 Samoan players this offseason, Cam Cameron said:
“They’re all different. Their families are different. But what we have seen in these guys is that spirit, that spirit of enthusiasm, that pride. When they step on the football field, they know they represent someone bigger than themselves, and that’s important. We believe in that.” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
About the Polynesian kids who go to his camp, Alema Te’o, who runs the All-Poly camp for mostly impoverished Polynesian-born high school players, said:
“These kids have a special spirit about them in terms of their faith and commitment level. It’s a respect thing. When it comes down to competition, you don’t want anyone else. These kids lay it on the line because they know they’re not just playing for themselves. They know that when you leave home, you’d better not come back empty-handed.” (SFSS)
SFSS Note: “More than 50 college coaches and scouts attend the annual camp, and last year they handed out 40 Division I-A scholarships. Satele, Mauia and Esera are three of seven rookies (five drafted) from the University of Hawaii on NFL rosters.”
About how UH went from 19 Polynesians when he started to 76 now, JJ said:
“When I first came here in 1999, we had 19 Polynesians out of 105 on the team. Now, we’ve got 76, including three Sateles. They’re just very solid players and even better people.” (SFSS)
About how Junior Seau was a role model for Samoan players, Reagan said:
“Everyone wanted to be Junior Seau, even if you were playing quarterback.” (SFSS)
SFSS Note: “Te’o and Honolulu-based NFL agent Max Hannemann said these players are all about doing things the Samoan way, called fa’a Samoa, and by always showing respect, or fa’aaloalo, to their families, coaches, teammates and opponents.”
Wanting to erase the stereotype of Samoans being lazy, overweight beachcombers, Samson said:
“We’re only laid-back on Sundays. Monday through Saturday, we’re putting in the work. I guess we need a new day to rest now.” (SFSS)
Note: Sunday is the traditional day of rest for Samoans. I honestly didn’t think that that the stereotype of Samoans was as the article says–my stereotype (from personal experience) is that they tend to be fierce competitors, respectful, strong, and likely Morman.
Echoing Samson’s comments about erasing Samoan stereotypes, Soliai said:
“We hear how Samoans are lazy and not healthy and that most Samoans die of heart attacks. If they [Seau, etc.] could make it, we could make it in the new generation.” (SFSS)
Tala, who is considered the leader of Miami’s Samoan contingent because he leads the haka, said:
“We’re a new breed: smarter, more mature and aware of our role models. They showed us if we work hard and make good choices we can get to that level and do what we were born to do.” (SFSS)
John Beck learned a little Samoan at BYU and said about his Samoan teammates:
“They called me palagi, or white boy, at [Brigham Young]. I even play the ukulele. They have a really cool culture. They’re so laid-back and chilled, but the minute they turn that switch they’re like fire.” (SFSS)
Asked once again about his YouTube video, Reagan said:
“We were breaking down the wall already. It was crazy, but we had some fun with it. I couldn’t ask for a better deal to be with the Dolphins. We’re going to bring something different this year.” (SFSS)
Asked if they will do the haka, Tala said:
“Only if the veterans let us.” (SFSS)
