Sunday, September 28, 2008
A tale of two Bears..
In Fairness, it is tough for any coach to ascend to legendary status. The mount rushmore of sports celebrity is an exclusive fraternity with a very bias selection commitee. The biggest tragedy is that Bear Bryant will always get more respect. It's the same in professional wrestling. (Forgive me, Sports entertainment as the WWE prefers to be known as...) WE will always remember the character the Nature Boy. Several guys "traveled" under this character. Buddy Landell and Fred Blassie come to mind. Ric Flair in many of our minds is the true "Nature Boy" In Hip Hop, there were two guys known as "Dr. Dre". One was a hip producer from the west coast while the other was once a D.J. turned V.J. for the influential show Yo MTV raps. Guess which Doctor we still remember most? Both Bears deserve their respect but I have to give the edge to the "Bear" that coached at UTEP. He wasn't afraid to shake things up in an era when white coaches showed very little courage outside of the "gentleman's agreement".
College basketball was slightly more liberal in its attempts to integrate. As early as 1915 blacks were on some basketball teams. (Not in the South of course) The "gentleman's agreement" varied by region but most times the rule was to never allow more than three on the team with limited playing time. George Gregory was an All-American at Columbia his senior season of 1931. Don Barksdale was the first Black to be declared a "consensus" All American. (In those days there were multiple All American teams) Loyola University won the NCAA basketball championship featuring 4 black starters in 1963. Football however was moving at a snail's pace. Some of the teams would have maybe one black person on scholarship that barely played. Paul Roberson was allowed to play on the Columbia team in the early 20th century but was treated very badly. While coaching at Kentucky Bear Bryant "attempted" to recruit a black player but the athletic director refused. (This may be an old wives tale)
The SEC was one of the last football conferences to integrate holding out until the late 60's and for some squads the 1970's. A fair question to ask is where was the courage of Bear Bryant to speak out in the recruiting of the best players? Don Haskins did it why couldn't he? One reason to consider is that the UTEP's basketball program wasn't as successful. Alabama on the other hand was a successful program that had already won national championships. However there aren't many stories(if any) about Bear Bryant feeling a sense of social responsibility in helping to bring change to a state that viewed him as a God. It is a fair question to ask why didn't he use his celebrity to speak out. In the same vain you could see why he did not. Most people in those days stuck to the rules whether they agreed with them or not.
Don Haskins never viewed himself as some crusader for race relations. This Bear recruited and played the best players that fit his philosophy. The "Alabama Bear's" philosophy of smaller and quicker players wore down the opponent in the fourth quarter worked for him in the era of "two platoon" players. The infamous gym class training prepared his players mentally propeling them to have a psychological advantage on the field. The old Southwest conference was one of the first to integrate their football teams. As early as 1963 the University of Texas agreed to lift their ban on black football players. SMU had its first player in 1965, Jerry Levias. Syracuse University featured Jim Brown in the Mid fifties and also produced Ernie Davis who went on to become the first black Heisman trophy winner in the early 60's. It was his cotton bowl performance that probably set the wheels in motion for the powerful SWC and SEC to at least consider intergration.
Five SEC schools Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss and LSU were sent a survey about whether or not they would recruit or compete regularly with integrated schools. Neither of these schools responded. SO you can see why the Bear of Alabama was held in check but still I can't help but wonder could he have done more. The Bear of UTEP won a national championship, went to the NCAA tournament multiple times, and is recognized by his peers as a hall of famer. However it seems as though he is forgotten because he dared cross the lines of the "gentleman's" agreement. The story of his 66 team rarely got any coverage nor was it celebrated as it should of been after they won the game. Loyola's team now has surpassed the UTEP as the forgotten team. Quite Frankly there are many untold stories of triumph in the pre- integration era that defined the struggle for social change in American society at large. One Bear was polarized by the status quo while the other did the right thing according his personal convictions. History should rightfully remember both men but one Bear stands head and shoulders over the other. That Bear's name is Don Haskins....
Thanks for Reading....
Monday, September 22, 2008
Confessions of a Father...
Let's be clear, I'm in no way condoning my past behavior that produced another child born out of wedlock. The reality is that our generation (Children of the 70's) inherited from our parents a breakdown in the family unit. Often times when a credible argument regarding the past is presented, "Conservatives" love to mention personal responsibility spewing their rhetoric of human without flaws. Ironically some of them have skeletons in their own closets with multiple affairs, divorces, abortions and countless other scandalous events. Many of these types comes across so self righteous. Many people who need to receive positive instructions on better life skills tune them out. The infamous baby boomers have been forced to witness their offspring follow their example. WE have simply mortgaged our better judgement leading to another generation being groomed for the same dysfunction that was packaged through our everyday life. The entertainment media has blood on their hands with such cult classics as Meat Balls, Porky's and American Pie. The Music industry isn't far behind with their contribution. The emergence of sex, violence and materialism infiltrated American society with the emergence of pop, heavy metal, and hip hop. The sexual revolution of the 60's and 70's introduced single parenthood as normal which caused our generation to view it as socially acceptable. This problem has come full circle creating a paradigm that has produced a new roster of sexually transmitted diseases. HIV is the Tiger Woods of world health, with new cases sprouting up among diverse communities around the world.
In fairness, there are certain fathers who are responsible. They pay their child support on time, visit their children frequently, and support them in all of their school and extracurricular activities. Some fathers are in the middle. They are financially responsible but want nothing else to do with the child. Lastly you have the deadbeat. A guy who's allergic to a job, responsibility and loves the chase of his next sexual conquest more than his children.
The is a root cause to some of this (based on my experience) is linked to the hostility that single parenthood creates. It is the culprit to some of the examples given. Some mothers have a hard time separating the past relationship with the father and child. Especially in the cases where the woman wanted a child so that the man would stay.
I have a deep respect for single parents in particular single mothers. All single mothers don't fall in the category of "a woman scorned". However some of them do. Here are some context clues that will determine whether or not you fit the description of a woman scorned. Exhibit A, You allow the father to have relationship with your child as long as you are phyically involved or present. If you have these hangups, you may be a woman scorned. Exhibit B, You are jealous that he has moved on with his life i.e. married another woman. You have "moved on" with your life but for some strange reason, you have a hard time accepting the wife or girlfriend that has shown support to her mate. Even the child has come home saying how nice she is!! If you called the father in a jealous rage then you may be a woman scorned. Lastly, you are trying to replace the father with your husband, boyfriend or another trustworthy male figure though the father is consistently involved in the child's life then you my friend may be a woman scorned.
Props to the mothers out there who keep the doors open for fathers that have decided not to be involved or aren't as consistent as they should be. I applaud the women out there who support their mates in their quest to be fathers to their children. Equal Kudo's goes out to parents who put their children's well being ahead of their personal agendas and feelings. We must all remember that the overall well being of our children is more important than our "pride" as men or women. If you are a man and these words find you please own up to your responsibility as a father. If you are having a hard time with the mother don't give up. Especially if you got a late start with trying to build a relationship with the child. You must earn some sort of credibility. Ladies don't allow your female intuition to lead you astray. Allow the father to earn your trust. Be the bigger person and guide your child through some of the disappointment that may happen. Continue to surround the child with positive male role models. Make sure it isn't a revolving door of male live-ins or "good time" charlie's who only frequent your residence on the late night creep...
The other woman isn't trying to replace you. Parents should be quick to forgive when we don't live up to some of our "demands" or when the lines of communication gets blurry. It's not always about you. Fellas, she isn't always being a "bitch" because she has concerns about certain aspects of your child's environment or who you are currently dating. Honestly we made our bed as parents when we decided to divorce or create a life before we made a solid commitment. Lastly lets teach our children the values that we took for granted. Parents, Let's teach our daughters that single parenthood is tough even if they have a great career. Father's we should teach our sons that women are meant to be our sexual conquest but are to be protected, respected, loved and cherished as the progenitor of life. WE must change the way we think or else we will continue to see the results of a degenerate society led by broken adults who were once broken children... Thanks for reading... Let's all do better....
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Are the people of Ohio and Pennsylvania stuck on stupid?
The Jeremiah Wright fiasco didn't do Obama any favors either. Don't let the title of this blurb throw you off. I'm not suggesting that the people of Pennsylvania and Ohio are stupid. The term stuck on stupid refers to people who knows they should do the right thing but can't. Most of these people have never been exposed to an Obama. Their only introduction to black people are the ones they see in handcuffs on the news or hip hop videos. The town Coshocton, Ohio has a population of 11,500. Most of their big ticket employers like Coca-Cola have left town leaving the county with a 10.2 unemployment rate.
Truth be told many of the hardest hit rural counties never get their stories told. The media has a love affair of depicting minority's only as the ones who suffer from the effects of poverty. A few camera crews from various news organizations interviewed some of the people of rural Pennsylvania. When asked about supporting Obama, some openly admitted that race was an issue. Of course they used the "experience" card which is a fair argument on the surface. That's until Sarah Palin showed up on the ticket of the Republicans. Now some of these same people are changing their tune.
The biggest sign of hypocrisy is the McCain camp's back pedal. They have started out keeping Palin out of the spotlight by herself purposely. They have done a masterful job of promoting her as a career woman that women can relate to. Clearly the strategy is to move the Clinton supporters over to their side. Of course women around the country aren't that naive but there's enough of them that are. Some men are sticking to their guns about McCain praising his choice as validation for his "maverick" persona.
Sadly many in the middle class are undecided because they're allowing religious doctrine to be a crutch for making a good decision. Anyone who makes less than 250,000 a year should cast a democratic vote. The McCain economic package doesn't benefit us!!! It's just that simple. Most politicians on either side of the coin remind me of used car salesmen. I should know I used to be one!!! Car salesmen are great at making you feel like one of them. They'll butter you up with cold drinks, snacks for the kids, and compliments for how pretty your wife is. The empty promises of giving people the choice of what to do with their money is baloney.
Taxpayers are going to pay some form of tax and it want be cheap. Corporate welfare for AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddi Mac is a testament to how there's a huge double standard. Middle class people aren't going to get this type of bail out. Many people are behind on their mortgages. Will the government create an authentic program that assists working families with catching up on their mortgages? (regardless of fico score) This is why this question should be asked. Are we as a country stuck on stupid? The last eight years as proven to us that the Bush economic plan has failed those who matters most.
If we don't elect Obama we will continue to slide down the slippery slope of economic mediocrity. Hopefully new voters will get out. Prayerfully rural county people will see the error of their choice four years ago. It's up to all of us.. Not just one community.....
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Say it ain't so Josh
Now before you think I'm about to channel my inner Jason Whitlock- SLOW DOWN. What Josh said was stupid but how many working class Americans have spewed similar frustrations about their plight in this great country? If you really love free speech then you'd step down from your high horse of righteous indignation. We've had the million man march twice, Gay Rights marches on the capital and Ku Klux Klan rallies all over this country. Please fool me into thinking that we as a society can find an ounce of empathy considering some of our own past laments in public or private. Let's face it, most of us aren't that important to make it to Youtube. This will probably spark a debate about how patriotic black people REALLY are. Never mind that thousands of black people that are in all four branches of the military. We will still find a way to have that type of conversation.
Of course you're hear the statement- "America Love it or Leave it" Of course who can forget the world famous "Go back to Africa". Yeah Right... I'll go back to Africa when everybody goes back to where they came from too... Of course Josh hasn't done himself any favors considering his budding public rap sheet. David Stern will do what he has to protect the league. Personally I'm not that upset but I could see why any American who has served this country honorably in combat would be a little perturbed. Now these flag wavers on the hand.. You know the ones who haven't as so much as shined a BB gun. Those are the ones who need to take a chill pill. These are the worst kind of patriots.
This may turn into a public lynching if he doesn't respond with some type of "apology" for what he said. Of course the American public will not oblige him. That would be too much like right. Besides he ain't no Josh Beckett... WE can only hope that he learns from his mistakes and move on to be the guy has shown superstar like talent. Time will tell. Good luck Mr. Howard....
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Whitlock versus Rhoden....
Whitlock attacked Young's personal story in the interest of "telling it like it is". Sure Vince Young's personal background can be deemed as relevant due to his celebrity but it's not why he is struggling thus reducing Whitlock's journalism to venom. Reducing Donovan Mcnabb's accomplishments down to hoping that he surpasses Warren Moon as the Best Black Quarterback is just as ignorant as the NAACP guy admonishing Mcnabb to "play like a black Quarterback". Whitlock has written some pieces that I've totally supported. I love when he calls out the NCAA and other guys who deserves it. However he's essentially become an attack dog for certain aspects of degenerate black culture. In other words he's the black guy they call when people want to appear like they aren't racist. He's thought provoking until he calls out white racism. Then he gets hate mail like Hank Aaron. It's funny how he's accussed Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson of Bojangling for money in support of causes that are no longer relevant. Ain't that the pot calling the kettle black? (Pun and bad English intended)
Few Americans including black people have cared to really hear the plight of the trailblazers of yesteryear. We are so happy that a black guy is being considered for President. We're happy with Tiger Woods dominating a sport that previously banned us. We're satisfied with the status quo of suburbia which causes most of us to accept the mirage of equal opportunity. This society has chosen to ignore the stories of civil rights in favor of a watered down version of past generational folly. Some of this backlash that the Mcnabb's of the world encounter is fear. Don't believe me? Consider this. Most of the skill positions of Running back and receiver are known as black positions. During the 50's many of the college basketball teams had unwritten rules about how much playing time black players got. Some of these northern and west coast schools even gave black players scholarships with no intentions of playing them. It was their sick little way of appearing progressive amongst the social elite of their times. (See Wally we got one just like UCLA)
Was there already a fear that these guys would take over? (In a Will Ferrell voice, yeah) Was it a fear that the heroism of sport could further humanize a people who were systematically dehumanized? The answer is a resounding yes. History bears witness to how Americans have used sports entertainment to validate our own prejudice. Sporting events have long been the cock fight of society. Imagine a polished (The preference of most in the American sports public) Michael Vick with Steve Youngesque skills being the face of a franchise? I'm talking about the Vick with Braids, weed, guns homies and white girls in his entourage. Get the picture? If there were more Tom Brady's that were black how would we respond as a society? (My bad we've had Warren Moon already) Why is it the black quarterbacks are reduced to being "athlete's" playing Quarterback but the Tim Tebow's of the world are showing moxie and intelligence when they are dual threats.
In defense of Tebow that's not his fault. On the surface he seems to be a really good guy who loves to play football. He could probably care less. It's fans(fanatics) and analyst (really fanatics in disguise which skews their judgement) who perpetuate this culture and then wonder why guys respond this way. This isn't an excuse for Vince. He needs to step up and show the leadership that got him drafted. He doesn't deserve a blankie from mommy when people boo or talk about what he can't do. He needs to recommit himself to the game he once dominated and show people that he can play this game. My question for him is where is that fight that he had in him as a rookie, in college and in high school? Show Merrill Hodge he is an idiot. Stop making Hodge and Whitlock look like prophets. I still have faith in him that he can do it. That's why I defend him. He had me at Hello...(USC and Texas championship game)
Whitlock is totally wrong. Rhoden nailed it... End of Discussion. We need a more diverse panel of professionals like Rhoden who can expound on the truth without personal vendettas or biases.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Does Nostalgia make us forget reality?
Thanks for reading..
Peace
The Introduction
I earned my bachelors degree from Rust College in Mass Communications in 1997. My dream was to go into Television until I discovered radio. An internship at a major Memphis radio station made me realize that I wasn't a fit for the hip hop format. I had just taken a job in sales with MCI telecommunications that spring of my sophomore year. The industry was very lucrative and seem to have a bright future. I didn't change my major but I knew that my broadcast days wouldn't be in my immediate future. Simply put I wanted to make money... My career with MCI produced a promotion to Supervisor and a year later landed me in Nashville to work in call center management with Sprint PCS. Moving to Nashville was a very prophetic experience because I knew that God allowed me to leave the comforts of my hometown to further develop me in my purpose.
I settled down and rediscovered my passion for broadcasting by way of sports radio. This career path wasn't as visible to me during my college days. Talk radio seemed for lack of a better term- Boring. In 2005 I heard a sports talk show for the first time and I was hooked. I became a regular pest I mean caller into the show, debating everything from strategy to controversial issues. It was through this show that I met a fellow "goon squader" and began formulating an idea about getting our own show. Most of that zeal has been reduced to blogging because I can at least express my views and possibly spark conversations not privy to talk radio.
One of our brainstorming conversations produced the idea and name for this blog. Too much information is meant to cover controversial topics that typically get sugar coated or ignored. This blog is not limited to sports. I attend on writing about sports, politics, religion, culture, history, society and anything I deem interesting. That's the root of TMI... SO let the games began. I look forward to learning from all of you...
PEACE