Victory: Intelligent Activism Yields Results

We have received many, many emails from readers. Most, intelligent communiques agreeing with our enlightened outlook and praising our teaching methodology.


Some, diatribically venomous ad hominem attacks voicing no real point of view; other than the writer is angry that the world is changing rapidly and he/she is being left behind.


We generally aren't the type to pat ourselves on the back and devote time to pointing out every instance in which our activism leads to change.

But, we feel this time is important enough to lend some attention.


Our regular readers will recall last weeks sermonical presentation on the racist tendencies exhibited by a Sports Illustrated football writer. In his weekly column, the writer gives out a "Good Guy of the Week" award. All winners this season had been white.


We believed that it was time to take a stance against the writer, and we put together a well received expose on the writer's pattern.

Brothers and Sisters, the response of Mr. Peter King overwhelmingly substantiates our findings.

This morning, in his 'column', Mr. King anointed a new 'Good Guy of the Week'.

Lo and behold, after our public outcry against his award practices which thus far had repetitively excluded Negroes from being crowned as 'good guys'; Mr. King coronated Brian Dawkins as his 'Good Guy of the Week'.

Certainly, no one can argue that Dawkins deserves the award. He did something to help someone or donated some time to a charity or helped kids or some such endeavor. What he did is not of consequence.

It is the recognition of a Negro player as a 'good guy' that matters.

We applaud Mr. King for tapping out under the pressure administered by our previous literary choke hold. And caving to the concentrated demands of our movement.

Now that the precedent has been set, we anticipate a run of Negro players winning this coveted award.

In related news:

Last week we also ran a piece illustrating that Ronnie Brown was one of the most efficient QB's in football and that he was best suited to be the starting QB for the Dolphins.

Seems Mr. King has jumped on that bandwagon as well.

The best thing for Miami is how adept Brown is at taking snaps and using play-fakes and even throwing the ball.

Indeed.

King even went so far as to name Miami Quarterback Coach, David Lee, his Coach of the Week for the work he has done implementing this package centered around Ronnie Brown assuming the role of Negro QB.

While we must admit there is certainly going to be a lingering issue in King's blatant attempt to credit the white coach with the success of the new Quarterback; we must agree with the sentiment of King's statement.

Clearly, in naming the Quarterback Coach the coach of the week for his work with Brown, King is anointing Brown the Quarterback of the Dolphins.

We made that point over a week ago, but it is fulfilling to see the mainstream media agree that Ronnie Brown is one of the best Negro-QB's in the NFL.

Yes, we can change!

MANQB: Monday Afternoon Negro QB

It's time for the Monday Afternoon Negro QB (cause morning is just too damned early to be typing all this!).

10 Things You Need To Think (about)

1- The selfishness in the Raiders organization being displayed by both managing partner Al Davis and Coach Lane Kiffin is tragic. And, as usual, the casualty of this tragedy will be the development and possibly the career of N-QB JaMarcus Russell. While Davis spends his limited time left on the Mother planet trying to make life unbearable for Kiffin; and while Kiffin spends his limited time left in the NFL trying to force Davis to fire him as quickly as possible: JaMarcus Russell is perishing. So, when the situation finally is resolved, Davis will have his team. Kiffin will have a settlement and a job somewhere else. And Russell will have two wasted years and the label of being the Negro Ryan Leaf.

2- Instead of following the normal NFL cycle of hiring some washed up, white retread to be the new GM in Detroit, how about considering following the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants lead, and hiring a Negro to turn the Lions into a winner?

3- With the injury to Tom Brady and the diminished ability of Peyton Manning, it's pretty clear that last night's Redskins-Cowboys match up was a preview of the next great dueling QB's. And a clear sign that despite the efforts to preserve the position of QB for a certain racial demographic, that the evolution continues.

4- 30% of the Top Ten rated QB's in the NFL are not bleachy. That percentage, despite the incarceration of Michael Vick, the retirement of Steve McNair, the unfortunate sabotaging of the careers of both JaMarcuss Russell and Vince Young, and, despite the cadaverous presence of Gus Frerotte in Minnesota.

5- Speaking of Frerotte's resurrection: Gus has already doubled the INT output of Tarvaris Jackson and his TD percentage is a full 20% less than Jackson's. Yet, no one is clamoring to bench him and his coach isn't blaming the team's loss this week on him.

4- Chunky, pale Sports Illustrated football hack, Peter King, is reporting that he thinks he is hearing that Vince Young is 'rebuffing' Kerry Collins offer to 'mentor' him. And King thinks it is a bad move on Young's part. We suppose that King would be equally indignant to hear that Obama politely turned down an offer to be tutored by McCain.

3- Brian Leonard, surprisingly is the leading rusher in the NFL. With 7 yards, the Ram leads all white running backs.

2- Ben Roethlisberger took a beating last week at the hands of the Iggles. If the Ravens are able to administer a similar physical assault, there is no way that Big Ben will be able to hold up. Look for Byron Leftwich to lead the Steelers to a comeback win tonight.

1- For all the media attention pointing out that the NFC East is the best division in football; no one is mentioning that 75% of the QB's in the division are not white.

Miami Dolphins: Solve QB Problem, Beat Pats

Certainly, one of the biggest upsets of the weekend past in the NFL was the Miami Dolphins drubbing of the formerly title contending Patriots.

While most anticipated that eventually the New England offense would sputter under the direction of a caucasian promoted to first string having not started a football game since High School; few anticipated that the Dolphins would find the combination to unlock the Patriot defense.

First, we must give credit where credit is due. The Dolphins came in with a brilliant scheme. The coaching staff clearly realized that up to this point in the season they had been allowing their own philosophies and play drawing to get in the way. Therefore, they made two key adjustments.

One, they simplified the offense.

Two, they realized that shoulder-less Chad Pennington was simply a road bump in the way of getting the ball from center to someone who could make something happen. So, in the most proficient of maneuvers, they cut out the middle man, and got the ball directly to the most efficient passer on the team: Running Back-turned-Negro QB Ronnie Brown.

RB/Negro QB Brown devastated the Patriot defense with his slashing running out of the shotgun formation. We heard the announcers refer to it as the 'Arkansas single wing'. Clearly, this was an effort to mitigate Brown's ascension to the role of Negro QB, and to try to shackle him to running back.

Well, it won't work. It won't work because the numbers don't lie. Brown emerged from the game with a gaudy 158 QB rating. Clearly cementing himself as the best passer on the team.

As the mainstream media and NFL do their best to eradicate the emergence of young, Negro QBs (Vince, Tarvaris and JaMarcus); it will be interesting to see how they conspire to somehow confine Negro QB Ronnie Brown to the role of running back.

Clearly, the white owners and mainstream media understand that the Negro long ago usurped the role of chief rusher on the grid iron. Using superior speed, quickness, stamina, explosiveness, vision and desire to banish the white running back to the history books.

Now, in return, the white conspirators are using that same victory of ability to enslave the Negro to the position.

Brown clearly has beaten out Pennington for the starting QB job in Miami.

Unfortunately, we will now watch as he is imprisoned in the RB position. The QB position, dangled in front of him like freedom to a slave. Then, quickly denied. As success at RB drags him back like a chain tied to the bumper of a pick up truck.

And, this is the hand the Negro in the NFL is dealt.

There are 11 positions on each side of the ball. And, Brown can only play one at a time.

Unfortunately, the same is true for Chad Pennington.

And the team already has a field goal holder on the roster.

Blame Game: It's Your Fault, Tarvaris!

A man who owes his current employment in the NFL as a head coach to the success of a Negro QB has taken the first chance to throw the blame of his team's current slow start directly at his young, developing Negro QB.

In an act of pure selfishness and political motive, Brad Childress has sent the message that the 0-2 start of the Vikings is QB Tarvaris Jackson's fault. Childress has relieved Jackson of his command of the offense and resuscitated the continually failed corpse of Gus Frerotte.

The move of going to Frerotte alone should absolve Jackson of culpability in this horrible start.

Childress, who wouldn't have a head coaching job if it weren't for riding the coat tails of Donovan McNabb in Philly, didn't hesitate to throw Jackson as a sacrifice to quell the grumbling masses.

“I know there’s many other plays, there’s a lot of other people that have to step up,” Childress said. “But then when you go back through and look at the tape, and most importantly to be able to sit across from the young man and want to be able to verify what you’re feeling—it’s kind of like looking in your kids’ eyes and saying one (thing) and feeling another.”

Clearly, he must not be seeing the tape that exposes the dropped passes. That makes it clear that the conservative play calling and predictable offense are making it difficult for the talented Jackson to flourish.

“I was very surprised,” receiver Bobby Wade said. “I didn’t anticipate that. Obviously it’s the coach’s decision and the administration’s decision and we have to run with that.”

Wade's remarks assuredly echo the feelings of the rest of the team. One of veiled disillusionment and burgeoning internal strife over the choice of the coach to interject the corpse of Gus Frerotte into what started off as a promising season of high expectations.

The reality of this is microcosmic of what is going on in the rest of the NFL right now.

As we reported all season last year, it was becoming quite apparent that the Negro QB was well on his way to position domination. The white QB was going the way of the white running back. A sideshow act of fun and enjoyment when the novelty got his hands on the ball.

But now, the exhumation of Frerotte can be seen as symbolic of the collective attempt to bring the white QB back from the dead.

No one said it would be easy. From the still to be fully explained incarceration of Michael Vick to the recent debacle in the handling of Vince Young's desire to eat his wings in peace to horrendous coaching and mentoring provided to JaMarcus Russell; it's clear......the serpent's head has been cut off, but the body is still moving.

Certainly, Gus Frerotte's longevity and willingness to wear a different uniform every year are admirable. Though, the reality is that the longevity is more a testament to a stubborn league desperate to fight change, rather than to Frerotte's stamina.

But, NFL owners and plantation bosses, be warned: change is in the November rain.

Change we can believe in.

Vince Young: Victim of Character Assassination

We've all had bad days. We've all wanted to find a moment's peace. Alone.

Some call it reflection. Some meditation. Others, 'me time'.

But, if you are a Negro NFL QB, people call the police. (Although, it seems, no matter what you do...if you are a Negro QB, people call the police.)

Vince Young had a lousy day. He got hurt. And he wanted to be alone to eat some wings and chill out. Unfortunately, his beneficiary Mother became worried when she was not apprised of his intentions or whereabouts. Possibly, rightfully so. Mom called the team to see if they knew where the star-crossed QB was located.

What happened next is one of the most insidious and malignant plots of subversion that we can remember ever being perpetrated against a Negro QB. And, as readers of this blog, you know that is saying something!

Coach Jeff Fisher, seeing the opportunity to entrench the melanin free Kerry Collins in the QB spot, called the police to apparently report Young as depressed and missing. The clear insinuation is that the QB was despondent and possibly suicidal. Crisis negotiators were put on alert.

The stage was now set, and the mission of performing the character assassination was handed to the mainstream media. Reports that he told his Mom he wanted to quit football were floated.

Now, we have a picture being presented of an emotionally unstable man who is doubting his desire to be in the NFL. What's a team to do? Clearly, hand the steering wheel to the 'stable' white guy. How convenient!

Knowing the public would never accept the demotion of the high energy and exciting Negro QB who led the team to a surprisingly successful season last year; the Titans' brain trust turned a harmless phone call from Mom into a full fledged coup de tet to over throw their field general.

We wonder, would the police have been called (along with crisis intervention teams) if Matt Hasselbeck was seen pounding some shots at a local bar after his abysmal performance this past weekend? After an effort that screamed, 'I don't want to be in the NFL', did the media report that Carson Palmer wanted to abandon his career?

Fortunately, the sporting public will have none of this and isn't buying it.

After all, if Chad Pennington can find gainful NFL employment these days, a QB would have to really be crazy to think he couldn't make it in the NFL.

Matt Jones:Out of Control Illegalities Leading to Sale of Team?

Jaguars' wide receiver Matt Jones was arrested early this AM for possibly supporting terrorism and certainly supporting the infiltration of, and concerted effort to destroy the Negro community through the CIA's drug expansion program.

Jones was caught in his car with various illegal substances. In enough quantity to, at least initially, invite a felony charge.

We have no doubt that Jones stature as one of the handful of color-free receivers in the league will eventually lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

The question really becomes, how will the team and Roger Goodell handle this?

Goodell has endeavored to walk softly and carry a big stick. At least in relation to the Negro offenders of the arbitrary and undefined league rules.

How will Goddell handle this? Particularly if it ends up being a felony charge.

We are already getting a clear sense of how the Jaguars' ownership intends to handle the shame Jones has brought the team:

The Philadelphia Daily News reported that owner Wayne Weaver was negotiating to sell the Jaguars to billionaire C. Dean Metropoulos, who might consider moving the team to Los Angeles.

Clearly, the connection between the arrest of the Great White Hope Wide Receiver and ownership's purported abandonment of the team and the city is unmistakable.

As fans of the NFL, we are awash in the shame that Jones has brought the league and his team.

And, we respect Weaver's desire to distance himself and the city of Jacksonville from Jones and his misanthropic, Negro-community-sabotaging-thru-personal-use-of-street-drugs lifestyle.

We applaud the owner of the Jags for showing his support for the Negro community in this manner.

Clearly, this is what you can expect when you allow white players off the line or out from behind center.

Writer of the Day

We scoured the internet to find the most word-smithy characterization of a sports related event or topic.

Today's winner: Bucky Brooks of cnnsi.com.

Another team with an unsettled quarterback situation is Baltimore. Troy Smith's surprising development over the offseason has changed the complexion of what was supposed to be a two-man race between veteran Kyle Boller and rookie Joe Flacco.

Brilliance!

Nothing else needs to be said.




Runner up: Frank Deford, also of SI.

You see, at the end of the day, for golf to go green and accommodate itself to the real world, it's simply going to have to be much more brown.

Indeed!

We have been saying this for years. Tiger needs company.

Nick Kaczur: When Will He Be Suspended?

You have read the story.

New England Patriot busted for possession of pharmaceuticals to feed his habit. Patriot cooperates with law enforcement to help sting dealer. Patriot admired by all and hailed as hero. Patriot attending OTA's and team says any punishment will be handled 'internally'. If and when charges are filed.

Quick question: Who believes charges will be filed?

We don't either.

And, the reality is that it shouldn't matter.

The NFL has set a precedent that it is willing to suspend players prior to convictions or charges being filed.

Pacman Jones was barred without major charges. And there has still been no conviction. Michael Vick was long gone before he was cuffed and stuffed.

Both Pacman and Vick, when it became clear that it was to their benefit, cooperated with law enforcement. Just like Kaczur. Yet, their cooperation hasn't brought them accolades. Or hastened their return to the field.

Why is Kaczur at OTAs? Why is Roger Goodell not summoning him to NYC to plead to stay in the league? Why are the Patriots not turning their backs on him?

Is it simply that he cooperated with the police? Is that why this is going to result in more than likely no major charges and no punishment? Does his turning over his drug dealer absolve him of his crimes? Does it make it ok that he tarnished the image of the NFL?

The NFL and the Patriots are walking a slippery slope. Regardless iof whether charges are even filed.

Clearly, if Kaczur had a drug dealer to inform on....he bought drugs from the guy in the past. It doesn't take Columbo to figure that out. And the NFL has shown in the Pacman case that it is not compelled to wait for the judiciary process to mete out punishment.

So whats the hold up? Why are neither the NFL nor the Pats moving on this?

Cedric Benson recently was the recipient of a DUI. A few weeks ago he had a run in with the police also. Neither incident has been fully investigated or resolved, yet the Chicago papers are reporting that his days on the team are numbered.

Maybe if he had divulged to police who sold him the liquor he drank, he'd be off the hook?

We take a lot of heat on this blog for pointing out the injustices and double standards in sports. Our righteous preachings are often met with the obstinate and blind rebuttals of those that live in a world in which equality reins.

Clearly, Nick Kaczur lives in that world. A world which allows for redemption (see Josh Hamilton). A world governed by a certain compassion.

In our last post, we asked the question: Is it easier to be more compassionate to one of your own?

Ask Nick Kaczur.

The NFL and the Patriots have answered the question.

Pacman Jones: Setting The Example

News of out Dallas indicates that Adam Jones will be allowed to participate in organized team activities. Jones will also be given back his right to attend camp and play in preseason games.

Now, all this good news does not guarantee that Goodell will use his unchecked powers to grant Jones his full employment back.

Goodell has framed his unwillingness to grant full employment privileges to Mr. Jones within the context of it being some sort of a control mechanism. The spin being that Mr. Jones can't be trusted to act appropriately (in the eyes of the NFL) without having the constant threat of unemployment hanging over his head.

Certainly, there is still no mention by Mr. Goodell of the fact that Mr. Jones has not been the recipient of any judicial conviction. More certainly, Mr. Jones has not violated any line item specific NFL policy or rule. His 'punishment' was legislated through the arbitrary application of the dictator like powers of Mr. Goodell.

Mr. Jones has proven instrumental in law enforcement's efforts to solve the mysterious strip club shooting. A shooting that resulted in casualties. What is lost in all this is that Mr. Jones could very easily have been a casualty that night. He recognizes this and has done his best to provide as much guidance and leadership in this investigation process as is possible by a civilian.

It becomes clear to the unbiased observer that Mr. Goodell's reluctance to 'reinstate' Mr. Jones is purely personal. Mr. Jones took on the character assaults levied by the NFL's leader. He took on the punishment. He met the demands. All the while, never having been convicted of anything more than a minor traffic violation. He did all this with a smile and a positive attitude. Never once falling into the trap that Mr. Goodell hoped would lead to his downfall. And the fact that Mr. Jones has successfully beaten Mr. Goodell at his own game is too much for the power hungry dictator.

And, now, even more clear....Mr. Goodell's hope is that if he waits right up until game time on opening day to set Mr. Jones free from the NFL's institutionally mandated shackles, there is a chance that through some insidious, back door plotting that Mr. Jones might find more charges levelled against him by the corrupt minds of Mr. Goodell's complicit agents. And that would mean he could continue this unexplainable effort to destroy Mr. Jones career.

How galling this must be for Goodell. His plots, schemes and joint effort with the federal government worked to perfection in ensuring the incarceration of the Negro QB who was poised to change the face of the game forever. But it seems all the subversive efforts and attempts to take away the game that Adam Jones loves are going to be for naught.

And now, Adam can join his brothers in Dallas.

With Tank Johnson, TO and now Pacman forming a core in the locker room; look for the character of the Cowboys to rise toward the championship levels of the Michael Irvin and the "white house" era.

Marvin Harrison: Odd Situation

The gun was registered to him.

The incident happened after he was involved in an argument in the vicinity of a car wash that he owned.

6 shell casing were found on the ground and they matched his gun.

A man and a boy were injured.

But, luckily, the normal instinct (let's call it Pacman Syndrome) to convict the Negro athlete, who happened to be circumstantially related to the geography of the event, in the courts of public opinion and judiciary expedience has been avoided. In this case.

Marvin Harrison told his coach, the venerable and magnificent Tony Dungy, that he is not involved.

"At this point I'm keeping my fingers crossed," owner Jim Irsay said, according to the newspaper. "We've done everything we could do in our diligence to try to discern what happened. He said he was not involved in that shooting and ... the authorities have said there is nothing imminent.

We at NOIS congratulate Harrison for being honest, forthright and wholly believable. We congratulate Irsay for keeping his fingers crossed, rather than distancing himself from the athlete and fostering an image of guilt. Something that many other owners have done. And we congratulate the law enforcement officials involved for not getting caught up in the hype and glee so tangible when the chance to ruin the life of a Negro athlete presents itself.

Perhaps this is a sign of the change.

Perhaps it is the change we, as a Nation have worked so hard to foster.

Yes, we can change.

Obama '08.

Huge Upgrade In Dallas Cowboys' Locker Room

Finally, the intense negotiations are over.

Pacman Jones apparently will be a Dallas Cowboy. Chalk this up as another feather in the hat of Owner Jerry Jones.

Certainly, the on-field benefits of having a player of the caliber of Pacman are tangible. Speed, quickness, agility and heart. A franchise corner and game breaking returner rolled into one. On that alone, Jones should get NFL executive of the year for stealing Pacman from the Titans.

But, throw in the intangibles...and Jones put together the greatest deal since he built a dynasty by virtually stealing 3 years of drafts from the Vikings for Herschel Walker.

Pacman is a throwback to the 90's Cowboys. He returns the swagger that Michael Irvin, Nate Newton and the rest of the bad 'Boys brought to Dallas.

The Cowboys have a relatively young squad in need of mature leadership in the locker room. The offense is steadied under the lead and example set by Terrell Owens. And now, the defense finally has someone to take the lead.

Pacman's return to football, after taking a Jordan-esque year off to try his hand at becoming a two sport superstar, has been much anticipated and talked about. And, now with the controversy of having improbably been shot at in a strip club behind him (and the apparent apprehension of the degenerate who handled the weapon), Pacman can fully concentrate on not only bringing his football skills to the Cowboys; but, on setting the example of personal betterment and achievement that the rest of the Cowboys can use as a blueprint to become champions on and off the field.

Part of Pacman's plan during his sabbatical was to continue his education at West Virginia University. Thereby meeting the need of setting an example for young people and fellow players (who never finished their degrees) that education is more important than athletics. So important, that the finest young corner-returner in the league was willing to take a year off to pursue knowledge and further his education.

Certainly, Pacman' pursuit of two-sport stardom (wrestling) infringed a bit on his educational schedule; but nonetheless, Pacman was able to set the example American youth need:

"I'm doing a couple classes online. I was thinking about going back to school, but I didn't really think that I wanted to go back to school. I'm actually taking a class, one class, online. That's about it."

So, with his commitment to education fully demonstrated, Pacman worked out a plan with Las Vegas Police and Clark County District Attorney's office to use his celebrity to bring attention to the importance of community service. Pacman, unlike many athletes who just lend their names to a cause, undertook the hands on performance of 200 hours of community service.

Education and community service have now become synonymous with Pacman Jones. And clearly, Owner Jones felt that adding someone -as the face of the Cowboys' - who had real and demonstrated accomplishments in those areas was necessary to take the team to the next level.

So, while the anticipated result of having Pacman on the roster is that the Cowboys will now be the NFC's version of the Patriots; the real world results will be far deeper reaching.

Owner Jones has fully demonstrated that in the big money world of pro sports, just being a superior athlete is not enough. You must bring more to the table. So he put his money where his mouth is and decided to make the face of America's Team a true American hero:

"I hope people consider Adam a hero in all of this," Jones' lawyer Robert Langford told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "In a lot of neighborhoods in America, West Coast and East Coast, you just shut up. Adam didn't do that. He decided it wasn't right that someone was going to get away with hurting a bunch of people."

We applaud Owner Jones for his unwavering commitment to the personal development and character of players.

And we anticipate that putting Pacman on his roster will produce exactly what America expects of a modern day sports hero.

Thanks For The Memories: Next Destination, Canton

"Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is retiring from the NFL after a 13-year career in which he was named co-MVP and led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl."

From Alcorn State to the Hall of Fame.

Not bad. Not bad at all for a guy who ended up at Alcorn State (even tho he was recruited by major colleges) because they were the only program that would let him play quarterback.

Certainly, McNair, despite the obvious prejudice against Negro QB's, proved that a strong arm and commanding field generalship could shatter stereotypes and allow for the attainment of a dream. A dream fortified by an unmatch heart and the ability to play through injuries that sidelined many others. A dream achieved in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, layed out by a system hell bent on maintaining the status quo and preserving the 'face' of the NFL.

Steve McNair had a dream. And, praise be, he had a role model.

Following the path of the the only Negro to QB a team to Super Bowl victory (Doug Williams), McNair sought refuge from the systemic position reclassification enforced by white run major programs by attending an HBCU. In the low country of Mississippi, an NFL franchise QB developed and matured without the meddlesome interference of the establishment's effort to turn him into a receiver or DB.

By the grace of the power on high, McNair found himself drafted by the one franchise that understood the value, necessity and requirement of having a Negro field general. The Houston Oilers had been led by the first NFL Hall of Fame Negro QB (Warren Moon), and realized that there was truly no substitute.

Interestingly enough, McNair's tenure with the franchise (which became the Tennessee Titans) was shortened by the drafting of possibly the next great Negro QB, Vince Young (of course, injuries played a factor as well).

Off McNair went to Baltimore, where he led the Ravens to a 13-3 season before injuries (received behind offensive lines populated by predominantly white players) got the best of him.

Now, Baltimore is left with two QB's on their roster: The proven failure Kyle Boller. And the Heisman Trophy winning Troy Smith.

We salute the career of the unmatchable Steve McNair.

And more importantly, we acknowledge the lineage of the Negro QB Family Tree that McNair followed and helped extend.

Following Williams' blue print to reach the NFL. Then following in the footsteps of Moon in Houston. And finally, his performance and leadership providing the opportunities for Young and Smith to continue the genealogy.

Imagine if Bobby Bowden had gotten his way and McNair signed as a DB.

What a slow, boring and methodical NFL we'd have today!

NFL: The Barbershop

Most of you that have been keen on keeping up with off season NFL happenings are fully aware that the biggest news coming out of the owners meeting is that there is a rejuvenated movement to govern acceptable hair length of players.

Operating under the auspices of concern for player 'safety', the Chiefs seem to be the driving force of this move to force players to cut the locks that exceed a length which covers their name on the back of their jersey.

The most 'recognizable' players that would be affected by this rule would be guys like Al Harris, Rashean Mathis and Mike McKenzie. Negro players who propagate the Original tradition of wearing flowing and lustrous dread locks.

Certainly, it would seem fair to decry this misguided NFL attempt to squash a practice which promotes Negro cultural awareness. Yet another play by the plantation bosses to ensure that the chattel conform to the bleached expectations of the league owners. A blatant attempt to prevent Negro youths from having role models who openly exhibit valued Negro traditions.

Few would argue these points.

Conversely, sometimes a persecuted people must allow themselves to be oppressed, repressed and suppressed . Sometimes, there is an altogether unrecognized benefit in not fighting a particular battle of righteousness.

We put forth that this is one of those times, and urge Al Harris and the other 'lock sporting Negro players to conform with this policy and trim their manes. For the greater good.

We would only suggest submission to the plantation in instances where the benefit to the Original Man clearly outweighs the demeaning and calculated attempt to govern such things as petty as hair length. We understand that the notion of a bunch of rich old white 'owners' getting together in a meeting and coming out of the board room to collectively order, 'Hey young Negroes, cut your hair so you don't scare our more sensitive white ticket holders...', is the type of thing that should be fought with the most righteous of passion. We do understand that the Original NFL athletes that will be forced to take a scissor to their 'locks will feel a pain and a humiliation.

But, at times, the humiliation of a few individuals for the righteous progress of a Nation is the tax that must be levied.

We would ask that Harris and all others simply cut their 'locks. Cut them before it becomes 'law'. Take away the rush of power the owners will feel when they order you to cut them. Deprive them of their sadistic pleasure. Fortress yourself from the constitutional rape they would force upon you.

For the greater good. Do it for the greater good.

We apologize for shocking you with the above redneckish, grimey and offensive image of Robert Gallery sporting his ridiculously long, straightish hair. However, we offend for effect.

And the most hideous offering:

So, while deferring without a passionate fight to the owners demands might seem to be contradictory to righteous thought; the reality is that it benefits the Nation.

By compliantly shortening your own locks, the rest of the Nation would no longer be subjected to the types of images we were forced to assault you with on this post.

The selfless act of exterminating their Original tresses would, simultaneously, eradicate the offensive and distasteful practice of sporting a mullet.

We understand and agree that the notion of telling players to 'cut their hair' is clearly and unequivocally a racially insensitive and probably even a racially motivated undertaking.

However, let's turn the tables on the 'owners'. Let's force them to poke themselves in the eye.

Let's watch them engage in their very own reenactment of 'The Gift of the Magi', as their beloved linemen (read: white players) are forced to trim the mullets that many hold so dear.

Al Harris, et al:

Your dreads will be remembered for this sacrifice long after Matt Light and all the others mullet'eers have left the game.

Your act of selfless sacrifice will have saved a generation of young, Original fans from the vicious images the NFL would have subjected them to every Sunday.

A grateful Nation thanks you.

Final Mail Call

An important email question we received.

And a more important answer.

Hi,
Does Nation of Islam Sports have an opinion on the NBC football night in America pre game show where they have two separate desks? One desk is 3 white guys, and than there is a separate desk where Jerome Bettis and Tiki Barber sit with Cris Colinsworth. I feel like NBC is openly segregating black from white while at the same time trying to make Cris Colinsworth more black, which while interesting at first does not work at all. What are your thoughts?
Yours,
He who seeks righteous knowledge*



The righteous reply:

Sir, we see it differently. We see it as an affront to Bettis. A proud, Detroit Negro. He is forced to sit with two white men, Barber and Colinsworth, in an effort to force him to modify his behavior and make himself conscious of his Negro-ness. It's clearly an effort to stifle Bettis' expressive abilities and a thinly veiled message that he needs to stay in line and follow Barber's example of how the network believes a 'Negro' should act. This is an alarming issue and we fully appreciate that you have taken it to task in your own personal reflections. As you watch football pregame shows, realize that they aren't about football. They are about subconsciously molding the Negro viewer into the white man's image.
Fight on righteously.
NOIS



*name changed in an effort to ensure anonymity

Michael Vick: Named Favorite NFL Star in National Teen's Poll

Despite the media's, the Humane Society's, the NFL's and the court sytem's attempts to destroy the influence of and support for Michael Dwayne Vick, American youths have resoundingly united in solidarity and acknowledgement that Mr. Vick is a man they look up to and admire.

The TRU Study asked teens to name their two favorite athletes(professional, amateur, active, or retired). African-American teens ranked Vick their favorite NFL player and fifth-favorite athlete overall...ranking ahead of such sports luminaries as Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Reggie Bush,Peyton Manning, and Tim Duncan, among many others.

Vick's perception by teens did take a dive in one area:

In a separate survey question, teens were asked to rate a list of 63 athletes based on familiarity and liking. Results yielded athletes'"TRU*Scores," showing the percentage of teens who are both familiar with an athlete and like that athlete "very much." While Vick's TRU*Score among African Americans (40) was still higher than that of Jeter (37), A-Rod(35), and Kobe Bryant (39), among others, it was dramatically lower than the watermark 72 TRU*Score he earned from African-American teens in the Fall 2005 survey, and even his 64 from the previous Spring 2007 study.

Certainly, the drop in his 'score' in this question can be related to the media bombardment of negativity in reporting with an unstated policy to ignore all the good things in which Mr. Vick has taken part.

However, clearly the media mission was not a complete success, as his score did remain high among the Negro teens.

TRU Trend Manager Blair Fischer said, "The fact that his score is still significantly higher among black teens indicates that some don't consider dog fighting a serious crime, or believe his involvement in it is minimal."

These certainly must be relevant reasons that Negro teens still haven't completely abandoned Vick. Obviously, the media never fully completed the character assassination.

Another explanation for Vick's relative popularity among black teens lies in the fact that survey data show that significantly fewer African-American teens pass judgment on star athletes under suspicion of wrongdoing. In fact, 23% of white teens and 26% of Hispanic teens say they 'don't like' suspected steroid-user Barry Bonds, compared to only 9% of African-Americans who say the same. Likewise, more than one-fourth of white and Hispanic teens (both 27%) say they don't like Kobe Bryant, acquitted of sexual assault earlier this decade. Only 12% of African-American teens, on the other hand, say the same.

Certainly, the data makes the statement (in bold) above plausible. It would be difficult to extrapolate anything else from the data. Although smaller minds might try to somehow connect the numbers with the inference that Negro teens are inclined to be more sympathetic to their own race. But that would be a gross and biased generalization. Obviously the numbers are a product of the culturally less judgmental Negro teens. While, we suspect that the willingness of white teens to negatively rate star Negro athletes is based on the media's negative portrayal of the Negro and the other cultures' willingness to accept it.

While 'popularity' polls are generally best looked at as a fun diversion, these particular numbers do send a clear message:

Michael Vick's career may be currently derailed, but the next generation of paying sports fan is waiting breathlessly for his return.


The numbers don't lie.

The Willie Thrower Quarterback of the Week Award

This week, we honor Donovan McNabb with our Willie Thrower QB of the Week Award.

McNabb led the Eagles to a comeback victory against the rival Washington Native Americans With An Outer Epithelial Layer of the External Integument of Hue Darker Than White But Lighter Than Brown.

McNabb completed 20 of 28 for 251 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Willie Thrower would be proud.

Monday Night Madness: The Pack Wins Thriller

Fantastic finish to MNF.

The Pack was led to victory by a stout defensive effort and tremendous big play explosions by their wide receivers.

In the first quarter WR James Jones bust out a 79 yard tremendous catch and run.

And after a hard fought game ended in a regulation tie, over time lasted all of one play.

An amazing 82 yard catch and run by Greg Jennings left the Denver crowd shocked and awed.

While Kornheiser, Jaws and Tirico babbled on and about whatever topic they were beating to death, it was clear: the Pack owes their win and tremendous first half of the season to the fearlessness and explosiveness of their wide receivers.

The Pack is back.

Ramadan: Fasting and Introspection the Key to Athletic Performance?

Muslim players in the NFL face a unique challenge during the holy month of Ramadan. The required dawn to dusk fast is something which greatly changes the normal routine of a professional athlete.

But, with the unique nutritional challenge, there are benefits.

The idea is to focus on their blessings and their spiritual awareness, which the athletes say carries over into their play. As with any change, they admit it is hard, like trying to get into shape after weeks of not working out. But eventually the body establishes a new tempo.

Denver Broncos' safety Hamza Abdullah feels that his performance over the years has been best during Ramadan.

“I have had some of my best games during Ramadan,” Abdullah, a 24-year-old safety, said in an interview. “I got my first and only interception while I was fasting.”

Perhaps the highest performing Muslim athlete of recent years was Hakeem Olajuwon.

“When your stomach is full, you get tired and lazy and too relaxed,” said Olajuwon, who retired from the Houston Rockets in 2002. “You get tremendous energy from fasting. Everything is crisp. When your stomach is empty, you get a lot of oxygen and you can breathe.”

Clearly, the benefit to athletes is measurable in both the physiological and psychological terms.

But, how do athletes that don't participate view those that do?

Teammates, he acknowledged, “think it is crazy,” particularly the idea of not drinking water all day. Devout Muslims avoid sex and eating or drinking from dawn until sunset during the month. Actually, they are not supposed to ingest anything, which rules out all manner of activity, including smoking.

Certainly, it is a departure from the normal and accepted notions of athletic nutrition. However, the empirical and anecdotal information seem to indicate that the practice might be something that would benefit all athletes.

Abdullah credits the whole idea of Ramadan with helping push into the background all the distractions from daily life that might interfere with his concentration while playing. “You are focused on the things that matter in your life,” he said. “You are not worried about extracurricular activities with the guys that you usually get caught up in. I don’t hang out at all hours of the night, I don’t listen to music and play video games.”

Abdullah makes clear that the benefits are not simply of the athletic variety. That, perhaps, this may be the answer to the problems many young professional athletes find themselves in due to their new employers not providing them with the means or tools to focus themselves when they are off the field.

One wonders if it is difficult to engage in the fast and the contemplation when surrounded by team mates who are busy eating and engaging in self gratifying behavior.

The hardest parts of the day come during lunch time, he said, when he heads to the locker room to hang out while everyone else is in the cafeteria eating, and between afternoon practice or a game and sunset. To help make the time pass, Abdullah sits in a cool tub in one of the therapy rooms or goes home early to play with his young daughter.

Two things are evident.

One, the fasting and accompanying introspective reflection allows the players to achieve a higher sense of focus and creates a better environment for them to not only be more productive football players; but to be better citizens.

Two, it seems unusual that while players like Abdullah are bettering themselves both physically and mentally, their team mates would be actively unsupportive by eating and playing games and such.

As the benefits of Ramadan become more evident. And as the team mates of those that observe it become more educated and supportive, it seems clear:

Ramadan is destined to become a mandatory undertaking in the NFL. It is the answer to both elevating the on field performance of the players and to alleviating the off field issues facing the young athletes today.

Many fans have complained that the big money the young players make has led them to making poor and selfish decisions off the field.

Following the lead of players like Hamza Abdullah certainly will allow the NFL to go a long way in providing their fans with a league in which they can be proud.

And, as the NFL follows the tenants of Ramadan observance, it wouldn't be far fetched to believe that the fans would want to support their teams by making it a part of their lives as well.

Ramadan.

The righteous way for Roger Goodell to change the NFL for the positive.

Odell Thurman: Fighting For the Employment Rights of the Disabled

We are all acutely aware of the mainstream media's relentless effort to undermine the public perception of the young Negro athlete. The constant barrage of negative press used as an offensive measure to cement the image of the troubled, wild and uncontrollable young Negro who disobeys laws and acts in a purely selfish and self gratifying manner. We read the formulaic 'stories' of young Negro X breaking law Y and being suspended for Z.

It's predictable, obvious...and old.

What we don't read about are the myriad of efforts and initiatives undertaken by young Negro athletes to not only better the lives of those in the communities from which they came, but to better the lives of the disenfranchised, mistreated and forgotten in all communities.

And, unfortunately, the few times we do read about them, they are cast in a speculative light with a nod towards the notion that the young Negro athlete is only trying to benefit himself.

That is where we are in society. We have been molded to believe that young Negroes can engage in nothing if it is not directly related to their own self interest.

The power of the media. It is unparalleled.

Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker, Odell Thurman is currently leading a charge to fight for the employment rights of the disabled. He is calling attention to the application and following of the Americans with Disabilities Act by the NFL.

Thurman has hired legal counsel to investigate whether the NFL has been negligent in its hiring practice regarding employees that have disabilities.

Thurman’s lawyer, John J. Michels said. “You can hammer people for conduct that breaches your standards. But this is the functional equivalent of telling somebody that you believe has cancer, we’re not going to employ you.”

The NFL was fairly progressive in its racial integration of the league. The notion that NFL is now telling folks that have documented and accepted disabilities that they can not take part is disturbing. And saddening.

As part of Thurman's crusade for the employment rights of the disabled, Thurman has authorized his legal team to use himself as the case study.

Thurman's courage in allowing his disability to become public knowledge and to open his disability to public debate in an effort to advance the employment rights of the disabled can not be commended in high enough terms here.

“The crux of the complaint is that they have a disability and they are not being reinstated because of that disability,” said Paul M. Secunda, a labor and employment law expert.

Certainly, when an uninvolved law expert capsulizes the situation in such concise terms, we can understand clearly the baseness of the NFL's actions.

The realities of the situation seem clear:

He has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, asserting that the N.F.L. declined to reinstate him because officials believe he is an alcoholic. That, his complaint says, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, which categorizes people as disabled if they have a record of alcoholism and have received treatment.

Clearly, the NFL has some issues with its policies. And, a thorough legal review to ensure that they are not discriminatory or in violation of the individual rights granted by our government is necessary. This may be yet another case of the NFL deciding that their interests supersede the rights of their employees.

Those that would proffer the misguided and unfair supposition that Thurman's goal is simply to use the case and accusations of disability and employment violation to get back into the NFL certainly display no understanding of discrimination and clearly have allowed the media's unrelenting portrayal of young Negroes in a negative light to blind them to the humane and civically minded intentions of Thurman's campaign.

Secunda added: “Potentially, these situations are boundless as far as athletes getting in trouble with alcohol- and drug-related cases. It’s the larger debate in society. At what point do people have to take responsibility for their own actions?”

We couldn't agree more.

It's time the NFL is held responsible for their blatant discriminatory practices.

NFL: Super Tough on 'Juicers'

Ok, we don't know if this is official or not.

Yahoo has reported that Tim Couch is being suspended for 6 games for steroid use.

6 games.

Clearly, the NFL is serious about its PED policy.

After all, Couch isn't even on a roster and they suspended him 6 games.



Actually, this is baffling.

Coach Wade Wilson got 5 games.

And star players, like Shawn Merriman and Rodney Harrison, got 4 games.


Clearly, there is something wrong with either the policy or Roger Goodell's continued arbitrary application of policies.