Stephen A's recent offering in ESPN The Mag drives home a powerful point. A point that has been lost, or at least misplaced, during this whole Tim Donaghy fiasco.
It's bad enough that a pathetic, disgraced felon like Tim Donaghy would stain the Finals with allegations that the fix was in on two playoff games in the past. But what really struck me is how fans and the media are so quick to believe the worst about the NBA and obsess over it.
Certainly, while we agree with the sentiment that Donaghy's timing and motives are questionable; we can't say it is overly unexpected that the media has picked up the story with such verve. Or that fans are willing to look back at those specific games and kind of say, "I knew it."
Sports fans are gossip hounds. Sports fans relish in controversies, drama and conspiracies.
Nothing terribly upsetting or questionable here.
"If this were happening in the NFL, where players hide their faces behind helmets, or in baseball—and let's be real, it isn't called America's pastime for nothing—the rogue accuser would be an afterthought the moment the games began."
Just ask Matt Walsh. He could hardly get any media, fan or league attention when he insinuated that he had proof the Patriots taped other teams practices. Image the lack of attention a whistle blower involved in fixing games would get.
Or in baseball. Steroid issues were so mundane and trivial that they were pushed off to be handled by a Congressional investigation. Again, imagine if a whistle blower involved in fixing games ever piped up about it. What would baseball do, demand the President himself get involved? Talk about an afterthought.
But even though Donaghy is white, the NBA always loses the benefit of the doubt in the court of public opinion because pro basketball is a sport dominated like no other by African-Americans.
Indeed. One would assume that Donaghy's light hue would mean that the NBA would get the benefit of the doubt. Just when we think we have this racism thing figured out, they go and change it up on us!
And now, because of Donaghy's cheating, and because of his snitching on others, the league suffers.
Corrupt referees attempting to alter the outcomes of games for personal gain certainly reflects poorly on the players. And, it's only natural that if one of the 'fixers' is white, that the fans and media would immediately transfer skepticism about outcomes to the Negro players. Regardless of whether there has been any insinuation that players have been involved.
In the mean time, players like Carmello Anthony do all they can to try to bolster the league's image by producing heartfelt apologies for DUIs and verbalizing their commitment to their city and team. Only to have some white game fixer tarnish their good work with accusations and innuendo that doesn't seem to implicate the players.
There's always an undercurrent of suspicion directed at the league and its players. It's as if Freddy Krueger is lurking in the shadows, ready to slice and dice at any moment.
And lest you forget, Freddy is a white guy.
This topic is rich with possibilities, and I'm going to get into it in greater depth as time goes on. The good news is, I have all summer to get on your nerves with the truth, just like I always do.
Indeed. The possibilities for, as Stephen Colbert would say, 'truthiness' are endless.
And if Stephen A. gets on your nerves this summer, remember what he told us in our interview with him:
I consider it my responsibility to express a point of view -- even one I may admittedly not necessarily agree with -- that echoes that of the disenfranchised, the individuals who feel passionately about something yet go unheard.
A responsibility which will clearly be met.
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Coach K(kk): Already An Apologist
The team has now been selected.
But, before even so much as an exhibition game has been contested, the US Olympic Basketball coach has already begun to set the groundwork for explaining not coming home with the top prize.
“It’s really the world’s game. We think we’re the best at playing that game,” said coach Mike Krzyzewski, warning that “unless we show the respect to the rest of the world that it is the world’s game” there will be no gold medal.
We wonder, how should the US team go about showing respect to the rest of the world that basketball is in fact the world's game?
And, we also wonder if Kryshevalski would have already begun a campaign of preemptive excuses if his roster included any caucazoidal players.
Certainly, sending the most evil, polarizing coach available; a coach renowned the world over for meticulously extracting and removing the NBA potential from his players, and letting him coach NBA players...is one way of showing the world we respect the game.
This can't possibly turn out well for the Nation.
But, before even so much as an exhibition game has been contested, the US Olympic Basketball coach has already begun to set the groundwork for explaining not coming home with the top prize.
“It’s really the world’s game. We think we’re the best at playing that game,” said coach Mike Krzyzewski, warning that “unless we show the respect to the rest of the world that it is the world’s game” there will be no gold medal.
We wonder, how should the US team go about showing respect to the rest of the world that basketball is in fact the world's game?
And, we also wonder if Kryshevalski would have already begun a campaign of preemptive excuses if his roster included any caucazoidal players.
Certainly, sending the most evil, polarizing coach available; a coach renowned the world over for meticulously extracting and removing the NBA potential from his players, and letting him coach NBA players...is one way of showing the world we respect the game.
This can't possibly turn out well for the Nation.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
SAS: Is Stephen A. A 'Company' Man Now?
One of the most endearing things about Stephen A. Smith was his willingness to go out on a limb. To say what was in his mind. To not mince words. To hit you upside the head with an honest comment or perspective, regardless of whether his perception was not the 'party' line or shared by the mainstream media.
Smith is caricatured frequently in Blogfrica. Screamin' Stephen. Certainly, he played into the role. But, why not? It got him a lot of face time on ESPN. Although, it might have cost him his newspaper job.
And that is why we question his most recent contribution to the ESPN dot com mainstream sports 'news' outlet (and magazine).
The writing is clearly Mr. Smith's. Clearly. The ideas and vision communicated through Mr. Smith's words; however, are foreign.
Mr. Smith says things like, "Enough with the race issue."
And, "Once upon a time, I was inclined to believe that the NBA, in an effort to ingratiate itself with its viewing public, wanted more white players to serve that purpose—until, that is, common sense taught me otherwise."
Certainly, these are Mr. Smith's words. But we wonder, where did these postulations of common sense teaching anyone about race come into play?
This takes us back to our previous statement about Mr. Smith losing an income source from his newspaper affiliation. While we understand that Mr. Smith has a need to feed his family, we wonder if this gig writing for ESPN has boundaries included.
Is Mr. Smith being forced to conform to the mainstream media or espn view of the world? Is Mr. Smith gun shy, and afraid to allow Screamin' Stephen to have a go at the key board?
I've heard such noise emanating from African-American communities in the aftermath of the Brawl in Auburn Hills, nearly four years ago. The argument goes like this: The NBA hasn't had an American-born white superstar since Larry Bird, and teams will travel to any and all corners of the earth to find a Dirk Nowitzki, a Peja Stojakovic or someone else without a remote connection to Ron Artest. The noise has been echoing again this spring, as 13 of the 16 playoff teams have at least one white international player in at least a supporting role.
If the argument made sense, the NBA would be the definition of hypocrisy, considering all the hip-hop booming in arenas around the league. Except the argument doesn't make any sense at all.
Does Mr. Smith really believe that there hasn't been a concerted movement to supplant the young Negro as the face of the league? That it is just coincidence or a response to a shifting market?
We are great fans of common sense, as is Mr. Smith.
So, we step back and ruminate on the words submitted.
Which is to be expected: Mr. Smith exposing the racist tactics of the NBA and loudly complaining about them? Or, Mr. Smith supporting, in calm language, the NBA's death sentence for the young Negro as the face of the league?
Clearly, it's more shocking to see Mr. Smith support the direction the white rulers are taking the Association.
Certainly, we at NOIS wouldn't even be discussing this if Mr. Smith had written the type of column we expected.
Adding to this righteous analysis, we can find additional comfort in a statement Mr. Smith made in an interview right here on NOIS:
I consider it my responsibility to express a point of view -- even one I may admittedly not necessarily agree with...
Indeed.
We can take solace in Mr. Smith's words.
This instance of conformity and compliance to the white ruling class can only be a veiled act of contrarian resistance.
We salute Mr. Smith for taking this stand to demonstrate just how misguided, misdirected and miscalculated the NBA's business plan is.
In playing into the mainstream notion that Screamin' Stephen is wrong thinking and loud mouthed; he has effectively turned the tables on the powers that be.
They have his endorsement.
How can they hate on him and hold him down now?
And at the same time, how can the rest of us agree with what he says on this issue?
Well played, sir.
Checkmate.
Smith is caricatured frequently in Blogfrica. Screamin' Stephen. Certainly, he played into the role. But, why not? It got him a lot of face time on ESPN. Although, it might have cost him his newspaper job.
And that is why we question his most recent contribution to the ESPN dot com mainstream sports 'news' outlet (and magazine).
The writing is clearly Mr. Smith's. Clearly. The ideas and vision communicated through Mr. Smith's words; however, are foreign.
Mr. Smith says things like, "Enough with the race issue."
And, "Once upon a time, I was inclined to believe that the NBA, in an effort to ingratiate itself with its viewing public, wanted more white players to serve that purpose—until, that is, common sense taught me otherwise."
Certainly, these are Mr. Smith's words. But we wonder, where did these postulations of common sense teaching anyone about race come into play?
This takes us back to our previous statement about Mr. Smith losing an income source from his newspaper affiliation. While we understand that Mr. Smith has a need to feed his family, we wonder if this gig writing for ESPN has boundaries included.
Is Mr. Smith being forced to conform to the mainstream media or espn view of the world? Is Mr. Smith gun shy, and afraid to allow Screamin' Stephen to have a go at the key board?
I've heard such noise emanating from African-American communities in the aftermath of the Brawl in Auburn Hills, nearly four years ago. The argument goes like this: The NBA hasn't had an American-born white superstar since Larry Bird, and teams will travel to any and all corners of the earth to find a Dirk Nowitzki, a Peja Stojakovic or someone else without a remote connection to Ron Artest. The noise has been echoing again this spring, as 13 of the 16 playoff teams have at least one white international player in at least a supporting role.
If the argument made sense, the NBA would be the definition of hypocrisy, considering all the hip-hop booming in arenas around the league. Except the argument doesn't make any sense at all.
Does Mr. Smith really believe that there hasn't been a concerted movement to supplant the young Negro as the face of the league? That it is just coincidence or a response to a shifting market?
We are great fans of common sense, as is Mr. Smith.
So, we step back and ruminate on the words submitted.
Which is to be expected: Mr. Smith exposing the racist tactics of the NBA and loudly complaining about them? Or, Mr. Smith supporting, in calm language, the NBA's death sentence for the young Negro as the face of the league?
Clearly, it's more shocking to see Mr. Smith support the direction the white rulers are taking the Association.
Certainly, we at NOIS wouldn't even be discussing this if Mr. Smith had written the type of column we expected.
Adding to this righteous analysis, we can find additional comfort in a statement Mr. Smith made in an interview right here on NOIS:
I consider it my responsibility to express a point of view -- even one I may admittedly not necessarily agree with...
Indeed.
We can take solace in Mr. Smith's words.
This instance of conformity and compliance to the white ruling class can only be a veiled act of contrarian resistance.
We salute Mr. Smith for taking this stand to demonstrate just how misguided, misdirected and miscalculated the NBA's business plan is.
In playing into the mainstream notion that Screamin' Stephen is wrong thinking and loud mouthed; he has effectively turned the tables on the powers that be.
They have his endorsement.
How can they hate on him and hold him down now?
And at the same time, how can the rest of us agree with what he says on this issue?
Well played, sir.
Checkmate.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Athletes Involved In Spitzer Case?
Most of you are probably familiar with the Elliot Spitzer fiasco.
The former bulldog attorney general turned governor of New York was caught red handed engaging in the use of prostitutes.
Well, seems in an effort to make Spitzer's depravities and wanderlust more socially acceptable, basketball players may be being brought into the mess.
While we're not at liberty yet to disclose names - word is that a number of local basketball players will be named...
The insinuation is that these will be local NBA players.
Obviously, by connecting the players to Spitzer's depraved moral character, the intent is to try to spin the governor's actions as mainstream.
Clearly, the governor's operatives are trying to sway public opinion his way. NBA stars are renowned for engaging in wild and fun times (at times, admittedly, toe-ing the line of legality) and not losing their jobs or being convicted of crimes. This seems like a self serving attempt to somehow allow the governor to ride the privileged NBA train.
A train that runs on tracks constructed by Negro athletes.
This is the latest, and possibly most brazen, attempt to take the advantages won through the hard work of the Negro athlete and fully exploit them for the sinister and selfish needs of a rich white man.
In recent times we've seen Carmello Anthony and Stephen Jackson reap the benefits their fore-Brothers provided for them. If trailblazing athletes like Allen Iverson, Isaiah Rider, Damon Stoudemire (and the rest of the Jailblazers) hadn't conditioned us to accept the lifestyle indiscretions of young athletes...current athletes (such as Pacman Jones) might not have the employment opportunities that they have today.
Does anyone believe that Dale Davis painfully absorbed a police stun-gunning so that a billionaire heir like Spitzer could receive the benefit of a public opinion jaded and beaten into submission by continual NBA/athlete encounters with law enforcement? Or that Eddie Griffin jeopardized his life by driving with both hands on the stick shift so that a privileged white man could say, 'hey, NBA guys went to this whore house, too, so I want to be let off the hook like they would be!'
Certainly, this transparent pandering is galling. But, more sinister is another aspect of Spitzer's 'defense'.
MediaTakeOut.com just got word that the client list includes a a number of prominent fixtures in the hip hop scene.
Again, do Spitzer's operatives have no shame?
Aren't prominent fixtures on the hip hop scene some of the very people that Spitzer attempted to force to comply with the white agenda while in command of his regime of heavy handed conformance enforcement as the attorney general?
But, now, his supporters want to attempt to provide him the opportunity to steal some of the very rights prominent hip-hoppers have won for their culture? We should turn the other way and allow Spitzer to not be held accountable for his whoring, just because it wouldn't bother us if prominent hip-hoppers indulged in such activity?
The list of hip-hop pioneers who have lost their own careers or freedom in the struggle to ensure that the current generation of MC's, DJ's and rappers can flaunt their lifestyles and direct the required indignation at the law is far too long to supply.
Perhaps the most telling tip of the hat to these freedom fighters is the current practice of actually hyperbolizing one's rap sheet (see Akon) in an effort to ensure that the public understands just how important the freedoms of behavior won by hip-hoppers truly are.
Again, our indignation and offense to these latest possible revelations revolving around Mr. Spitzer is palpable.
NBA players and hip-hoppers didn't stage a significant protest (rooted in a manifested stance against the powers that be) by descending upon Las Vegas a year ago to demonstrate in an orchestrated exercise in civil disobedience during the NBA all star game, so that rich white men could justify their need to pay for physical gratification of the most illicit and illegal manner.
Let us not allow the battle won on the fields of Las Vegas in 2007 to be turned into a commemoration of the indiscretions of the prejudice worshipping ruling class.
Let us continue to support the need to hold the white rulers accountable by remaining unfazed and unmoved when we read of the odd NBA'er or hip-hopper engaged in a legal struggle to prove his innocence.
To allow Spitzer off the hook is to turn our backs on the freedoms and civil rights others have fought so hard to win.
The former bulldog attorney general turned governor of New York was caught red handed engaging in the use of prostitutes.
Well, seems in an effort to make Spitzer's depravities and wanderlust more socially acceptable, basketball players may be being brought into the mess.
While we're not at liberty yet to disclose names - word is that a number of local basketball players will be named...
The insinuation is that these will be local NBA players.
Obviously, by connecting the players to Spitzer's depraved moral character, the intent is to try to spin the governor's actions as mainstream.
Clearly, the governor's operatives are trying to sway public opinion his way. NBA stars are renowned for engaging in wild and fun times (at times, admittedly, toe-ing the line of legality) and not losing their jobs or being convicted of crimes. This seems like a self serving attempt to somehow allow the governor to ride the privileged NBA train.
A train that runs on tracks constructed by Negro athletes.
This is the latest, and possibly most brazen, attempt to take the advantages won through the hard work of the Negro athlete and fully exploit them for the sinister and selfish needs of a rich white man.
In recent times we've seen Carmello Anthony and Stephen Jackson reap the benefits their fore-Brothers provided for them. If trailblazing athletes like Allen Iverson, Isaiah Rider, Damon Stoudemire (and the rest of the Jailblazers) hadn't conditioned us to accept the lifestyle indiscretions of young athletes...current athletes (such as Pacman Jones) might not have the employment opportunities that they have today.
Does anyone believe that Dale Davis painfully absorbed a police stun-gunning so that a billionaire heir like Spitzer could receive the benefit of a public opinion jaded and beaten into submission by continual NBA/athlete encounters with law enforcement? Or that Eddie Griffin jeopardized his life by driving with both hands on the stick shift so that a privileged white man could say, 'hey, NBA guys went to this whore house, too, so I want to be let off the hook like they would be!'
Certainly, this transparent pandering is galling. But, more sinister is another aspect of Spitzer's 'defense'.
MediaTakeOut.com just got word that the client list includes a a number of prominent fixtures in the hip hop scene.
Again, do Spitzer's operatives have no shame?
Aren't prominent fixtures on the hip hop scene some of the very people that Spitzer attempted to force to comply with the white agenda while in command of his regime of heavy handed conformance enforcement as the attorney general?
But, now, his supporters want to attempt to provide him the opportunity to steal some of the very rights prominent hip-hoppers have won for their culture? We should turn the other way and allow Spitzer to not be held accountable for his whoring, just because it wouldn't bother us if prominent hip-hoppers indulged in such activity?
The list of hip-hop pioneers who have lost their own careers or freedom in the struggle to ensure that the current generation of MC's, DJ's and rappers can flaunt their lifestyles and direct the required indignation at the law is far too long to supply.
Perhaps the most telling tip of the hat to these freedom fighters is the current practice of actually hyperbolizing one's rap sheet (see Akon) in an effort to ensure that the public understands just how important the freedoms of behavior won by hip-hoppers truly are.
Again, our indignation and offense to these latest possible revelations revolving around Mr. Spitzer is palpable.
NBA players and hip-hoppers didn't stage a significant protest (rooted in a manifested stance against the powers that be) by descending upon Las Vegas a year ago to demonstrate in an orchestrated exercise in civil disobedience during the NBA all star game, so that rich white men could justify their need to pay for physical gratification of the most illicit and illegal manner.
Let us not allow the battle won on the fields of Las Vegas in 2007 to be turned into a commemoration of the indiscretions of the prejudice worshipping ruling class.
Let us continue to support the need to hold the white rulers accountable by remaining unfazed and unmoved when we read of the odd NBA'er or hip-hopper engaged in a legal struggle to prove his innocence.
To allow Spitzer off the hook is to turn our backs on the freedoms and civil rights others have fought so hard to win.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
White Coach of HBCU arrested
Florida A&M University basketball coach Mike Gillespie was placed on paid leave after being arrested.
Mr. Gillespie was charged with misdemeanor stalking.
Normally, we don't know that we'd be opposed to a gentleman taking the necessary steps to ensure that a female counterpart was living a clean and wholesome life. If it meant tactically surveilling her, well, then that might be what was necessary.
However, the circumstances of both this event and the University dictate that Gillespie must be fired.
Gillespie is married and the woman he is accused of surveilling is not his wife. So, we can't defend his action in this case. And, since his actions are indefensible, we can only concur with law enforcements decision to levy charges against him.
As such, we believe that it is now imperative for the University to rid their campus of this individual.
Mr. Gillespie is the the head basketball coach at an historically Negro university. He is in a position of authority and guidance over a dozen or so impressionable young Negro athletes. It it paramount that the University take this opportunity to impress upon these young men that flagrant and indefensible violation of the law can not be tolerated.
These young men read daily reports of other young Negro athletes being charged or accused of crimes. They see these athletes cut by teams or suspended by leagues. Even before the case is dispositioned.
Now, the criminal activity has hit home. In order for the University to instill the proper value and understanding of adherence to the law, there is no recourse but to escort Mr. Gillespie off campus. To allow him to remain while his charges are investigated or to remain until a legal decision is made sets the wrong example.
Professional sports leagues are no longer waiting. And, as we can see through the proactive stance the NFL is taking in sending its very own investigators to "help" the VA investigators in the Vick case, pro sports are redefining the legal system.
Therefore, we urge FAMU to get in step with this new judicial movement. We urge FAMU to expeditiously clear Mr. Gillespie's office and render him unemployed.
It is time for us all to institute the new legal litmus test:
What would Roger Goodell do?
We would also hope that FAMU realize that while they were progressive in their action of hiring a white coach, that clearly it might not be in the best interest of the Negro students to be exposed to white men that fall victim to their most primal urges.
Yes, Gillespie led FAMU to the NCAA's and some on court success. However, it is time to think about the University's reputation. A white coach at an HBCU brings the spotlight. A white coach salaciously and illegally invading the privacy of women in the community brings negative press.
The University has expectations of conduct for its employees. And, while what Mr. Gillespie did might not be a big deal in white culture, it is intolerable to break such laws and represent an HBCU.
Mr. Gillespie was charged with misdemeanor stalking.
Normally, we don't know that we'd be opposed to a gentleman taking the necessary steps to ensure that a female counterpart was living a clean and wholesome life. If it meant tactically surveilling her, well, then that might be what was necessary.
However, the circumstances of both this event and the University dictate that Gillespie must be fired.
Gillespie is married and the woman he is accused of surveilling is not his wife. So, we can't defend his action in this case. And, since his actions are indefensible, we can only concur with law enforcements decision to levy charges against him.
As such, we believe that it is now imperative for the University to rid their campus of this individual.
Mr. Gillespie is the the head basketball coach at an historically Negro university. He is in a position of authority and guidance over a dozen or so impressionable young Negro athletes. It it paramount that the University take this opportunity to impress upon these young men that flagrant and indefensible violation of the law can not be tolerated.
These young men read daily reports of other young Negro athletes being charged or accused of crimes. They see these athletes cut by teams or suspended by leagues. Even before the case is dispositioned.
Now, the criminal activity has hit home. In order for the University to instill the proper value and understanding of adherence to the law, there is no recourse but to escort Mr. Gillespie off campus. To allow him to remain while his charges are investigated or to remain until a legal decision is made sets the wrong example.
Professional sports leagues are no longer waiting. And, as we can see through the proactive stance the NFL is taking in sending its very own investigators to "help" the VA investigators in the Vick case, pro sports are redefining the legal system.
Therefore, we urge FAMU to get in step with this new judicial movement. We urge FAMU to expeditiously clear Mr. Gillespie's office and render him unemployed.
It is time for us all to institute the new legal litmus test:
What would Roger Goodell do?
We would also hope that FAMU realize that while they were progressive in their action of hiring a white coach, that clearly it might not be in the best interest of the Negro students to be exposed to white men that fall victim to their most primal urges.
Yes, Gillespie led FAMU to the NCAA's and some on court success. However, it is time to think about the University's reputation. A white coach at an HBCU brings the spotlight. A white coach salaciously and illegally invading the privacy of women in the community brings negative press.
The University has expectations of conduct for its employees. And, while what Mr. Gillespie did might not be a big deal in white culture, it is intolerable to break such laws and represent an HBCU.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
And, What Else You Selling?
UCLA point guard Darren Collison said Monday night that he would have an announcement about his future basketball plans Wednesday. Collison's mother, June Griffith-Collison, submitted her resignation Monday as director of San Bernardino County's Regional Medical Center and in a news release said one reason was to help her son with his decision making. However, she said Monday night her resignation should not be taken as a sign that Collison would leave school for the NBA. ... A source close to the UCLA program said he "didn't expect" Collison to leave school. Collison was attending a tutoring session Monday night.
Ok, Mama quitting the j-o-b just to help baby boy make up his mind. Damn the bills!
But this doesn't mean he's turning pro.
I think Collison's mama, in an underhanded way, is calling us all idiots.
Ok, Mama quitting the j-o-b just to help baby boy make up his mind. Damn the bills!
But this doesn't mean he's turning pro.
I think Collison's mama, in an underhanded way, is calling us all idiots.
Mike Conley, Sr: Agent to the Buckeyes
Mike Conley, Sr., former track star and father to Ohio St. point guard Mike Conley, Jr. ; has announced that he will be the agent for the three OSU players declaring early for the draft. That would be Oden, Conley and Daquan Cook.
We find it terribly interesting that the NCAA has rules against player interaction with agents, yet Conley has a long history with these three. Particularly his son.
Conley coached all three in AAU, and one can only assume (since Conley says that he has been planning for the last 5 years or so to become an agent) that some conversations or discussions took place between Conley and the players.
Anyway, in this day and age, with the slotted salaries for the draft pics in the NBA, the issue isn't negotiating a salary. It is marketing and endorsement deals and image protection.
"Conley Sr. said his son didn't realize he was a lottery pick until someone mentioned it to him the day before the national title game against Florida in Atlanta. "
Mmmm. Excellent. Good luck, fellas.
We find it terribly interesting that the NCAA has rules against player interaction with agents, yet Conley has a long history with these three. Particularly his son.
Conley coached all three in AAU, and one can only assume (since Conley says that he has been planning for the last 5 years or so to become an agent) that some conversations or discussions took place between Conley and the players.
Anyway, in this day and age, with the slotted salaries for the draft pics in the NBA, the issue isn't negotiating a salary. It is marketing and endorsement deals and image protection.
"Conley Sr. said his son didn't realize he was a lottery pick until someone mentioned it to him the day before the national title game against Florida in Atlanta. "
Mmmm. Excellent. Good luck, fellas.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Arkansas: Retribution for Mistreatment
Not long ago, we addressed the racist dismissal and mistreatment of the past two Arkansas basketball coaches. And today, it seems that Arkansas is paying the price for their lack of decency and lack of humanity.
Crypt keeper athletic director, Frank Broyles, apparently believed that the righteous souls of the world would stand idly by while he enacted his devious intentions on Stan Heath. Firing a man that had achieved measurable year to year improvement and post season appearances. And had brought in some fine recruits. Broyles, a living caricature of the reconstruction era south, wanted to bring in a white coach (as his last act as athletic director) to reap the success that had been planted in the field by Heath's hard work and steady hand.
But somewhere in Broyles' formula of injustice, he forgot to compensate for the fact that the coaches he envisioned as lining up to usurp the success meant for Heath; might actually have a conscience.
In an act of unprecedented solidarity and support for a Negro coach, Texas A&M's Billy Gillespie, Kansas' Bill Self, Southern California's Tim Floyd, Memphis' John Calipari and Marquette's Tom Crean each reportedly turned the job down.
And in the ultimate act of sabotage, Creighton's Dana Altman accepted, and then vacated the position. Altman went through the charade of actually spending a day in the coaches office before, like the fabled Trojan Horse, he sprung his assault.
Altman said. "My ego was involved and I'm not sure of all of the reasons, but again, it was something today that, in my heart, wouldn't allow me to do it."
We would suggest that the something Altman felt was his conscience. Effected by righteousness and acting in the humane and just way normally reserved for the original human.
In addition to suffering the indignity of having to reopen the search, the antediluvian Broyles is being denied one of the great pleasures of his southern heritage.
Meantime, Broyles was expected to return from Augusta, Ga., where he was scheduled to attend the Masters (he is a member of Augusta National Golf Club). The Razorback Foundation's jet was scheduled to pick up Broyles later Tuesday night.
It's probably best that Broyles had to leave. Another Tiger Woods victory would certainly be more than his segregated heart could take.
As-Salaam-Alaikum, Dana Altman. Your act of sabotage in the name of civil justice earns you the respect of Shabazz.
Crypt keeper athletic director, Frank Broyles, apparently believed that the righteous souls of the world would stand idly by while he enacted his devious intentions on Stan Heath. Firing a man that had achieved measurable year to year improvement and post season appearances. And had brought in some fine recruits. Broyles, a living caricature of the reconstruction era south, wanted to bring in a white coach (as his last act as athletic director) to reap the success that had been planted in the field by Heath's hard work and steady hand.
But somewhere in Broyles' formula of injustice, he forgot to compensate for the fact that the coaches he envisioned as lining up to usurp the success meant for Heath; might actually have a conscience.
In an act of unprecedented solidarity and support for a Negro coach, Texas A&M's Billy Gillespie, Kansas' Bill Self, Southern California's Tim Floyd, Memphis' John Calipari and Marquette's Tom Crean each reportedly turned the job down.
And in the ultimate act of sabotage, Creighton's Dana Altman accepted, and then vacated the position. Altman went through the charade of actually spending a day in the coaches office before, like the fabled Trojan Horse, he sprung his assault.
Altman said. "My ego was involved and I'm not sure of all of the reasons, but again, it was something today that, in my heart, wouldn't allow me to do it."
We would suggest that the something Altman felt was his conscience. Effected by righteousness and acting in the humane and just way normally reserved for the original human.
In addition to suffering the indignity of having to reopen the search, the antediluvian Broyles is being denied one of the great pleasures of his southern heritage.
Meantime, Broyles was expected to return from Augusta, Ga., where he was scheduled to attend the Masters (he is a member of Augusta National Golf Club). The Razorback Foundation's jet was scheduled to pick up Broyles later Tuesday night.
It's probably best that Broyles had to leave. Another Tiger Woods victory would certainly be more than his segregated heart could take.
As-Salaam-Alaikum, Dana Altman. Your act of sabotage in the name of civil justice earns you the respect of Shabazz.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Duke Basketball: Victims of Vitriolic Hatred
If only there existed a group of people that could tell us what it is like to be unfairly persecuted against, misrepresented in the media and hated simply because of the color they wear. A group of people that do nothing inherently wrong, and everything inherently right. And are solely hated for who they are. A group that just tries to live good lives and be good people on a day to day basis. That does absolutely nothing to provoke the malfeasance and divine dislike that they receive. Hatred based on inconceivably irrational logic and a lack of understanding and appreciation for the culture they have created.
Where can we find a group to tell us about the details of the viciousness they endure? To enlighten us with the lessons of how they trudge on in day to day life; facing the hatred and ill will of an uninformed and biased opposition. To detail the history of hate levied against their people. A group to teach us that, in the face of torment and caustic words, the appropriate response is to cry out in defiance and complain to all that will listen. Although, usually the only sympathetic ear is attached to the nerdy, rounded head of their fellow group members. But no matter! If the media does not cast an entirely positive light, cry out one must.
Through trembling lips and teary eyes they tell the world: "We shall be your whipping boy no longer! You will LOVE us! YOU will! You WILL!
As one, they come together as a people and allay the jealous and hateful insults with an offensive attack meant to show everyone how wrong they are!
"Freedom", screamed William Wallace on the torture table.
"Stop being mean", would be the rallying cry of this venerable group of ideological stalwarts and warriors of self preservation in the face of innumerable forces designed to thwart their very existence.
But, where is such a group?
Are they a civil rights coalition aimed at fighting racism? An anti-defamation league aimed at combating negative stereotypes and mistreatment? A group fighting for acceptance and the right to live out their lifestyle choices in equality and peace?
No, this group has undertaken a far more socially responsible movement. A movement designed to not only impact how we think, but how we live. This is a group that has been the recipient of hate and persecution that Negroes, Jews, Homosexuals and all other groups combined could only imagine in their worst dreams.
And now, it is time for them to respond. The time has come for this group to rise up against the media, opposing fans, naysayers, carpetbaggers, muckrakers, rabble rousers and all such undignified entities that would find fault with their identity. Fault with the identity they have willfully chosen: Duke Blue Devils (fans and team alike).
Unwilling to allow the proliferation of anymore hate against them, they have responded with a detailed history of the roots of the ill-placed hatred; and a sure fire plan to stamp it out.
"But the performance of the media at times, particularly in light of a recent incident during the tournament, has been disturbing, and several reporters have contacted us to express their concern and their hope that we would take this up. Wish granted."
On high, the wish for a consolidated and powerful response to any media that might perform an act which could be construed as not flattering towards Duke is most appreciated and most righteous. We feel a kinship and a solidified perseverance in our own work when we read such highly motivated and ideologically sound expressions.
"To a large extent, what now gets called Duke hating started at Maryland and was spread by Gary Williams, who in various ways insinuated that Duke gets all the breaks. In the 2001 Final Four, when Duke came back against Maryland, he famously yelled at a court side official, “how badly do you want Duke to win this game?”
And in that one moment, when a frustrated coach mocked the referees, a Pandora's box of execration was unleashed. And an easily swayed and unnaturally accepting media and citizenry wrapped themselves in loathing and brought Gary Williams vision of intolerance to life.
"His jihad against Duke and his perception of a favoritism towards Duke have had results which were likely beyond his wildest dreams. "
And here would be our only point of contention: Beyond his wildest dreams? Indeed. His precursory attack on the referees with the accusation of favoritism was calculated and intentional. Williams knew quite well that such an insult would lead to the rest of the basketball world forgetting that Coach K and Duke were worthy of only love. The results fully realized what Williams intended that day, with those refs.
"But in 1992, with Christian Laettner’s “stomp” of Aminu Timberlake (we’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: if a 6-11 guy plants his foot in your stomach and you get up laughing and clapping, it’s not much of a stomp), which, remember, closely followed UConn’s Rod Sellers pounding Laettner’s head onto the Meadowlands floor, Duke started getting some heavy criticism from the media and, of course, from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. And no discussion of Laetter in this context would be complete without mentioning the rumors that he was gay and that he and teammate Brian Davis had an intimate relationship."
For some reason, the author inadvertently forgets to mention Gary Williams' role in all this. After all, he started the hatred for Duke in 2001, right? Wait. What?
And we agree. For some reason NO ONE can mention Laettner and Brian Davis without bringing up that rumor of an intimate relationship. Thank goodness the author of this article lays that slander to rest with an all none to definitive denial and deters its proliferation by ambiguously referencing it in a context which bears no relation to it. That is the text book method for debunkment.
"In the late ’90s, antipathy towards Duke coalesced around Steve Wojciechowski, who played with a surpassing intensity despite his limited athleticism. One national columnist responded to e-mails by telling people he just couldn’t stand Wojo and thought he shouldn’t be a candidate for any postseason honors (he said it in a harsher way than that)."
Who is this columnist that would suggest that Wojo shouldn't be the player of the year? We remember watching Wojo slap the floor with the agility and poise of a rabid gibbon; and we thought, "Now there, there is the ACC player of the year." And then Duke lost the game and Wojo shed salty, giant tears. And we thought, "What passion!"
"Online, it was far worse. Duke fans had long since gotten used to the taunts about Krzyzewski’s surgery and the suggestion that he bailed on his team."
Excellent point. Anyone who knows basketball knows that his team bailed on him!
"But then there are some truly abhorrent sites. There is the normal pedestrian crap, which we don’t link to, and then there’s stuff like the nakedly racist Nation Of Islam Sportsblog"
We assure all readers, the posters on this blog are clothed at all times.
"However, the willingness of ESPN (among others) to fan the flames is pretty hard to take - and grossly unfair. It’s gotten to the point where every call at the end of a close Duke game is highlighted and questioned."
And this is further evidence of the hate. Questioning close calls, or pointing out obvious errors by referees couldn't be more prejudicial and hateful towards Duke. The madness must end.
"Still, it’s hard to understand how ESPN can allow Stuart Scott to openly display his bias towards Duke. It gets tiresome to say the least to hear him promote UNC and constantly denigrate Duke. ESPN also employs Bomani Jones, who could moonlight at the Nation Of Islam blog with statements like this: “without question, I’d say that Duke is a white supremacist institution.”
Agreement! ESPN should balance the tables. It would be wonderful if they had a Duke grad as a major analyst. Or a Duke fan as their top color man. If only.....sigh.
And we can't agree more here with the brilliant method of combating the "Duke is a white supremacist institution." Going after a Negro anchor and Negro writer is the BEST means of promoting a Duke image of colorblindness. Well done, author! Well done.
"There’s nothing one can do about individual wacked-out fans, but when the media loses their sense of perspective, whether out of a rooting interest or because slagging Duke pumps up ratings, the only way we can deal with it is to express ourselves, frequently and forcefully. "
Agreed. We would suggest the same. Do yourselves......frequently and forcefully.
Where can we find a group to tell us about the details of the viciousness they endure? To enlighten us with the lessons of how they trudge on in day to day life; facing the hatred and ill will of an uninformed and biased opposition. To detail the history of hate levied against their people. A group to teach us that, in the face of torment and caustic words, the appropriate response is to cry out in defiance and complain to all that will listen. Although, usually the only sympathetic ear is attached to the nerdy, rounded head of their fellow group members. But no matter! If the media does not cast an entirely positive light, cry out one must.
Through trembling lips and teary eyes they tell the world: "We shall be your whipping boy no longer! You will LOVE us! YOU will! You WILL!
As one, they come together as a people and allay the jealous and hateful insults with an offensive attack meant to show everyone how wrong they are!
"Freedom", screamed William Wallace on the torture table.
"Stop being mean", would be the rallying cry of this venerable group of ideological stalwarts and warriors of self preservation in the face of innumerable forces designed to thwart their very existence.
But, where is such a group?
Are they a civil rights coalition aimed at fighting racism? An anti-defamation league aimed at combating negative stereotypes and mistreatment? A group fighting for acceptance and the right to live out their lifestyle choices in equality and peace?
No, this group has undertaken a far more socially responsible movement. A movement designed to not only impact how we think, but how we live. This is a group that has been the recipient of hate and persecution that Negroes, Jews, Homosexuals and all other groups combined could only imagine in their worst dreams.
And now, it is time for them to respond. The time has come for this group to rise up against the media, opposing fans, naysayers, carpetbaggers, muckrakers, rabble rousers and all such undignified entities that would find fault with their identity. Fault with the identity they have willfully chosen: Duke Blue Devils (fans and team alike).
Unwilling to allow the proliferation of anymore hate against them, they have responded with a detailed history of the roots of the ill-placed hatred; and a sure fire plan to stamp it out.
"But the performance of the media at times, particularly in light of a recent incident during the tournament, has been disturbing, and several reporters have contacted us to express their concern and their hope that we would take this up. Wish granted."
On high, the wish for a consolidated and powerful response to any media that might perform an act which could be construed as not flattering towards Duke is most appreciated and most righteous. We feel a kinship and a solidified perseverance in our own work when we read such highly motivated and ideologically sound expressions.
"To a large extent, what now gets called Duke hating started at Maryland and was spread by Gary Williams, who in various ways insinuated that Duke gets all the breaks. In the 2001 Final Four, when Duke came back against Maryland, he famously yelled at a court side official, “how badly do you want Duke to win this game?”
And in that one moment, when a frustrated coach mocked the referees, a Pandora's box of execration was unleashed. And an easily swayed and unnaturally accepting media and citizenry wrapped themselves in loathing and brought Gary Williams vision of intolerance to life.
"His jihad against Duke and his perception of a favoritism towards Duke have had results which were likely beyond his wildest dreams. "
And here would be our only point of contention: Beyond his wildest dreams? Indeed. His precursory attack on the referees with the accusation of favoritism was calculated and intentional. Williams knew quite well that such an insult would lead to the rest of the basketball world forgetting that Coach K and Duke were worthy of only love. The results fully realized what Williams intended that day, with those refs.
"But in 1992, with Christian Laettner’s “stomp” of Aminu Timberlake (we’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: if a 6-11 guy plants his foot in your stomach and you get up laughing and clapping, it’s not much of a stomp), which, remember, closely followed UConn’s Rod Sellers pounding Laettner’s head onto the Meadowlands floor, Duke started getting some heavy criticism from the media and, of course, from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. And no discussion of Laetter in this context would be complete without mentioning the rumors that he was gay and that he and teammate Brian Davis had an intimate relationship."
For some reason, the author inadvertently forgets to mention Gary Williams' role in all this. After all, he started the hatred for Duke in 2001, right? Wait. What?
And we agree. For some reason NO ONE can mention Laettner and Brian Davis without bringing up that rumor of an intimate relationship. Thank goodness the author of this article lays that slander to rest with an all none to definitive denial and deters its proliferation by ambiguously referencing it in a context which bears no relation to it. That is the text book method for debunkment.
"In the late ’90s, antipathy towards Duke coalesced around Steve Wojciechowski, who played with a surpassing intensity despite his limited athleticism. One national columnist responded to e-mails by telling people he just couldn’t stand Wojo and thought he shouldn’t be a candidate for any postseason honors (he said it in a harsher way than that)."
Who is this columnist that would suggest that Wojo shouldn't be the player of the year? We remember watching Wojo slap the floor with the agility and poise of a rabid gibbon; and we thought, "Now there, there is the ACC player of the year." And then Duke lost the game and Wojo shed salty, giant tears. And we thought, "What passion!"
"Online, it was far worse. Duke fans had long since gotten used to the taunts about Krzyzewski’s surgery and the suggestion that he bailed on his team."
Excellent point. Anyone who knows basketball knows that his team bailed on him!
"But then there are some truly abhorrent sites. There is the normal pedestrian crap, which we don’t link to, and then there’s stuff like the nakedly racist Nation Of Islam Sportsblog"
We assure all readers, the posters on this blog are clothed at all times.
"However, the willingness of ESPN (among others) to fan the flames is pretty hard to take - and grossly unfair. It’s gotten to the point where every call at the end of a close Duke game is highlighted and questioned."
And this is further evidence of the hate. Questioning close calls, or pointing out obvious errors by referees couldn't be more prejudicial and hateful towards Duke. The madness must end.
"Still, it’s hard to understand how ESPN can allow Stuart Scott to openly display his bias towards Duke. It gets tiresome to say the least to hear him promote UNC and constantly denigrate Duke. ESPN also employs Bomani Jones, who could moonlight at the Nation Of Islam blog with statements like this: “without question, I’d say that Duke is a white supremacist institution.”
Agreement! ESPN should balance the tables. It would be wonderful if they had a Duke grad as a major analyst. Or a Duke fan as their top color man. If only.....sigh.
And we can't agree more here with the brilliant method of combating the "Duke is a white supremacist institution." Going after a Negro anchor and Negro writer is the BEST means of promoting a Duke image of colorblindness. Well done, author! Well done.
"There’s nothing one can do about individual wacked-out fans, but when the media loses their sense of perspective, whether out of a rooting interest or because slagging Duke pumps up ratings, the only way we can deal with it is to express ourselves, frequently and forcefully. "
Agreed. We would suggest the same. Do yourselves......frequently and forcefully.
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