Michael Vick Is Just Another Black Man...

Michael Vick is a black man.
Michael Vick is a son.
Michael Vick is guilty.
Michael Vick will lose his right to vote.
Michael Vick is another black man headed to prison.
Michael Vick is a father.
Michael Vick is an incredible athlete.
Michael Vick says “I’m sorry.”

Any of this sound familiar?

Measure Of A Man...

I knew a man who was a classic gentleman. The kind of man that would tip his hat to a lady and then follow with an old school gesture of opening the door as she made her entrance.

I knew a man who followed his beloved St. Louis Cardinals; for decades he had seen the best. He could name his favorite nine from the old Sportsman Park to the old Busch Stadium. He marveled over Gibson and McCarver and Brock. He admired the stance of Curt Flood as others lamented he was bad for baseball. He spoke of the great Negro League Players and never let their memories fade in his household. Their struggle and oppression was always talked about.

This man enjoyed the games on the radio over television. Perhaps, it was something about the story telling and delivery of the great Jack Buck.

As his youngest daughter grew he would create cherish moments as the two eagerly awaited the next stolen base from a legend to be as Lou Brook inched closer and closer to becoming the base-stealing king.

A back flipping wizard, Ozzie Smith and the young speedster Vince Coleman wowed them both. The two would celebrate and experience heartache as the Cardinals, the team of the eighties, would only win one World Series. Whitey Ball it was called!

Over the last few years I saw this man’s love of the game slowly dissolved into an occasional quick conversation about the Cardinals. He didn’t follow the game as much, his health dissipating. He mostly focused on his family, especially his girls; “take care of my baby”, he told the oldest.

Like great baseball of a different era, this type of man is evaporating. The measure of man is not by home runs or strikeouts nor the millions in his contract. The measure of man is his humility and dedication to doing what’s right to achieve the home runs, strikeouts and millions.

Amazing, how baseball has provided a link that connects father and child. There’s something about the home team, regardless of the record-that’s for Cubs fans, and cheering for a victory along side Dad. Especially mine. A good man.

Dedicated to Joseph Lee Lindsay 1914-2006.

Cleats to HighTops: Women of the Negro League to the WNBA

I recently asked filmmaker Spike Lee when he was going to make a biopic about the three women who played in The Negro Leagues, "not before Jackie and Joe Louis" he quipped. I feel you on that Spike, I see you're busy so maybe I can ask Oprah. It's a story that needs to be told and I hope the perseverance and grit of Mamie Johnson, Connie Morgan and Toni Stone will someday grace the screen.

As the WNBA season gets set to tip off, it's by far the most successful women's team professional league, it has survived over a decade. I'll be honest, eleven years ago there was doubt, wondering if this league would be able to grow a fan base and sustain popularity along with revenue. I don't care if the NBA has carried some of the financial burden of the WNBA-personally the league should, money is not an issue. The WNBA provides an opportunity to showcase a player's skills among her counterparts- that privilege eluded Johnson,Morgan and Stone.
A League of Their Own is one of my favorite baseball movies and there's a brief non-verbal scene that represents the discrimination of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. Geena Davis' character is hurled a fast one from an African American woman in the stands-followed with a look of smit as if to say, yeah we can play this game too! Mamie Johnson arrived for a tryout with the AAGPBL however, true to form of "America's racial climate of the day" she was denied a tryout in the all-white league.

So, now I wonder what it was like for the femme trio to finally tread upon the sacred holy ground of America's favorite national past time in the Negro Leagues. Sure over the last few years, their names have surfaced and a simply Google search will produce some nice reading. However, it sure would be nice if just one of these amazing athletes could get some real screen time. Anybody have Oprah's number, I feel a screenplay coming on!

Aaron Owes Nothing To Bonds...

It is inevitable, it will happen and you may not like it. However, when Barry Bonds ties and subsequently breaks one of the most prestigious records in baseball, Henry Aaron will not be in attendance and that's fine with me.

Some sports columnists, radio talk hosts and Bobby Bonds Jr. , Barry's little brother, seem to take issue with Aaron's decision not to be present when the "great feat" or "disgrace" occurs.
"I'm not going to be around," is what the current home run king told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I'd probably fly to West Palm Beach to play golf. "I don't want to be around that sort of thing anymore. I just want to be at peace with myself. I don't want to answer questions." My response, is there room in your foursome? Henry Aaron owes no explanation or justifiable reason for not being in attendance. I read where sports writer Rob Parker called Mr. Aaron a "coward" and feels he needs to openly take a stance regarding Bonds and the record chase.
Well, I did speak with Mr. Aaron and he is fine with the criticism besides, I have a feeling Parker is more upset that Mr. Aaron didn't agree to an interview.

Henry Aaron is a businessman and tends to the care of his mother. He is not obligated to Major Baseball League and can selectively choose which events to attend. Yes, it is his record that will be surpassed and it is this record that's surrounded by controversy. I say Barry Bonds is fortunate that Aaron hasn't made his opinion known. Be it wrong or right, imagine Bond's world if the great Henry Aaron publicly dissed the Giants slugger. It's an old cliche but remember, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

Fighting Words From A Ref & Manager...

The bravado of NBA referee Joey Crawford fails in comparison to the respect he has justly earned over his thirty one years of NBA experience. Or perhaps his ego does indeed exceed his popularity and impeccable judgement as an official. So, why in the word did he metaphoris into Travis Bickle and challenge the league's gentle giant, Tim Duncan to a dual. My goodness, I was waiting for the ever popular, "you talking to me", line that seemingly will live on forever-unlike Crawford's career. He has been suspended indefinitely by commissioner David Stern thus, it doesn't appear Joey C will return to officiating in the National Basketball League.

I heard and read the harsh criticisms of the commissioner regarding this matter and honestly, I think they're all wrong. We ask professional athletes be everything under the sun but human. Media, fans and management alike demand professionalism at the highest level even amidst beer throwing fans, vulgar laced taunting and unsportsman like conduct that sometimes borders criminal assault. "Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?" Crawford yelled to Duncan and as he ejected Duncan from the game. I guess Big Joe had enough of the non-verbal antics of the benched Duncan and tossed him like a used tissue. In case you just returned from Mars, Tim Duncan is the crucial piece to the Spurs and Crawford's actions had an impact on the game. This is why the league took swift and immediate action. I think Joey Crawford is an outstanding official but, this time he crossed line and therefore he should accept the consequences of his actions just like any other employee of the National Basketball Association.

Now, I'll ask this question again. Why in the world would Phillies manager Charlie Manuel seek to put the hammer down on WIP AM sports talk host Howard Eskin. Manuel in response to Eskin's post-game question on getting tough as motivation to the 3 and 9 ball club. "I think they see me angry more than you think they do. I think you probably don't see me angry. I can show you I can get angry, if you want to," Manuel boasted to Eskin. "Why don't you drop by my office? I'll be waiting on you. I'll be waiting on you. I'll walk down there right now."
Whoa! Pull it back Chuck, twelve games into the season and you're threatening to open up the can on a sports talk guy--I take this as a heat of the moment blow-up and give you a pass however, I expect more from the skipper of the "team to beat" in the east.

Steven Seagal look out, there's some new bad men in town and they come in the form of Joey Crawford and Charlie Manuel. You talking to me! Travis Bickle lives!!!!!

NFL Draft...Time To Thank God, The Parents and Amazing Speed

I love it! Who will your favorite team draft? Are there trade deals in the works? Come on Commissioner read faster. I tell ya, I love it. If I could just find my old Roy Green Cardinals jersey then, sit in front of the tube for hours upon hours of analysis. Some of the experts are credible and have insight into the needs of a team. On the other spike, some of these guys are useless windbags of speculation based on what they read from someone else. So, allow me to tread upon the sacred holy ground of football 101 and break down draft day for the casual draft day viewer:

Three Four Defense teams - if you don't have the personnel for this defensive scheme then quit trying to chess move guys around to fit this defense. Stick to the ole four down lineman, get some stud bookends and call it a day!

He Played For Who ????? - Don't be afraid to draft the HBCU and small college player. You'll find gems for special teams and who knows just maybe he's the guy to challenge some overpaid "crafty veteran".

With The #Number Selection in the 2007 Draft...The NFL Team Selects (Insert Slow Motion Cam Preview) - Kiss Mom, give Dad the ole two fist pound and high five little brother. My how nice these guys look in a tailored suit and accessories including the collectible draft day lid (that's a baseball cap). It really is a touching moment. Let's face they have earned it....here's to staying humble.

Day Two of the NFL Draft - Turn on the NBA playoffs or Nascar!

Monday's Sports Talk Radio Topic - Fans complain and moan about the player(s) their team picked over or traded for!

Imus Again For The Last Time and General Housecleaning

Excuses didn't work for the Beaver and Ward wasn't buying it anyway. "Gee Dad, all the other kids call black women nappy headed hos." " I understand that son but, you have a mind of your own; and I expect from now on you'll use it." " I guess you're right Dad, I'm gonna go and apologize to all the black women in town--but don't worry I'll still make it home in time for supper. " That a boy, Beaver!"

Ok, so maybe you haven't seen this lost episode of Leave It To Beaver and maybe you find my attempt at humor at best, weak and silly. Well, consider my reaction to the endless and non-stop battle cry of Imus supporters chanting; "it's okay if black men call black women bitches and hos but not Don Imus. PLEASE STOP! PLEASE, JUST DON'T TALK ANYMORE.

The reference that Don Imus made is not acceptable in the black community. Is it used? Of course it is! It's used in a lot of circles beyond black folks. There are references and phrases commonly used among Italians, Hispanics and other ethnic groups. That doesn't make it acceptable. The only a-word that truly applies is accountability. The backlash, protests, pulled ads and termination are the consequences of his actions. Fair or not.

I'd like to end with some helpful tips from your internet friendly blogger:

Hey producers of mainstream media, there are qualified African American women who can address race and gender issues of this nature. Here's a sampling in no particular order:

Rev. Cynthia Hale
Dr. Julianne Malveaux
Mary Frances Berry
Camile Cosby
Maxine Waters
Johnnetta Betsch Cole
Beverly Guy-Sheftall
Dr. Beverly Tatum
Minister Della Reese (kudos to Larry King)

And for the uninformed:
Take the time to fully educate yourself on FCC rules and regulations regarding radio airwaves. You can start here: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/obscene.html. So, when you actually hear "Hey Ho, Go Get My Dinner" because that's the only music we listen to, according to Imus excuse makers, feel free to file a complaint. By the way, for those living in Imusland, you can't file a complaint unless the song is not edited!

Next, to all the corporate conglomerates that yanked their ads and cited a bigger responsibility to consumers, it was a smart move. However, it's not wise for the company spokesperson to admit that Brand X had no idea of the language and content matter on The Don Imus Show, "we just looked at the ratings". Psst, keep that to an internal memo only.

Finally, enter at your own risk into the inner sanctum of Timmy Wannabe from Suburbs,USA and ask him to show you his trunk of violent video games, rap/hip hop/heavy metal arsenal of music that contains graphic and explicit language and then ask him to name players on the Rutgers Women's basketball team. Now ask yourself, of the previous list, which topic did Don Imus choose to attack.

Imus Using Rap Lyrics Excuse---WEAK!

I'll stand by my previous post offering that Don Imus like so many others find the use of derogatory terms and references when speaking of black women as acceptable because the "brothas" do it in rap.
Let me be clear on this, black women don't like it when the brothers say it either. Last night as I watched the ongoing coverage from CNN to Fox News, it was disturbing to find many attempting to link the comments directly to rap and hip hop lyrics. Well, that's not my stance! Don't try and excuse his actions; Don Imus is not a rapper and is not a comedienne. He verbally attacked and specifically targeted a group of young women with racist language cemented in a conversation with his sidekick, Sid "I have no original thoughts of my own" Rosenberg.

I keep hearing Imus supporters spout, "what a good guy he is", "how bright and smart" he is, the charitable work he does and so forth. Well, this may be true, in fact, it bolds to ponder why such a charitable, smart and great guy would use a national stage to spew such vulgar and racist references to a group of female college student athletes. He called these young ladies hos-(seemingly prostitutes) - imagine the following: driving to work and listening to the radio, when Imus starts his conversation about the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, and the "I-Man" uses "hard core hos and them so nappy headed hos" to describe players on the Rutgers basketball team. Now, imagine if your daughter is a player on that team.

Ultimately every sound thinking individual is accountable

for his or her own behavior.

The Creation of Degrading Black Women...Exactly Who's At Fault - A Response To Don Imus

Don Imus says he's sorry. He also stated " I can't win with you people"!
The thirty year shock jock of the radio airwaves says he's embarrassed and couldn't possibly suffer anymore than the continuing outrage and backlash of criticism regarding his comments last week about the Rutgers women's basketball team. "Them some nappy headed hos", is the main remark that has everyone in an uproar. Civil rights leaders, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have called for his immediate termination. Thus far, he's only being suspended for two weeks by MSNBC and CBS; CBS has also vowed to monitor the show in the future. So, now that all that's out the way, it's really futile to endlessly blog about Don Imus and his idiot remarks. I have never listened to his show and could care less if he is fired. I wish he would be axed but come on--does anyone really expect action after decades of insensitive, abusive and racists banter between Imus and his army brigade of sexists bigots.

Yes, he apologized (even if it wasn't sincere) at least he did apologize. NEWSFLASH FOLKS...Has any rapper/hip hop artist ever apologized for referring to a black woman as a bitch or ho! If so please contact me. This dosen't excuse or offer any valid reason to use deragatory terms, which is what Imus keeps harping on.

Where do you think Don Imus received the unceremonious nod to degrade black women in free speech. It comes right from my own community. Listen, I love hip hop and some rap---but, the artists I listen to do not use an endless repetitive rant of utter disgust. Imus was right, he was trying to be "funny" because that's what the use of bitch, ho, nigger and pimp have become-a celebration of black culture not to be taken seriously. If you're called a pimp that's a good thing; a figurative medal for being some type of Casanova. The words bitch and ho have firmly been planted as the "insert derogatory term" here when the creative juices of an artist is challenged.

"In the culture at large, including popular culture, white women do not have the ongoing historical constructions of themselves as worthless, subhuman, promiscuous, predatory and hypersexual. This has been the burden of Black women since slavery, and hip-hop music participates in and is complicit with these stereotypical and damaging depictions of Black girls and women."
Educators Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Beverly Guy-Sheftall, from Gender Talk, The Struggle for Women's Equality in African American Communities. (p. 188)

Oh, I know what you're thinking but, Don Imus was wrong and he shouldn't have said it and blah blah blah! Of course he was wrong! Folks, let's be real about how society views black women; if mainstream America loves the sister then we all should love the sister (Oprah). If they hate the sister we all should hate the sister (Starr Jones). Personally, I like them both.

Who has allowed our image, our culture and our treasures to be emulated poorly, sold to corporate brass and helped further the degradation of black women? "Insert your own answer here". Exactly what and where is our black identity? When you find it let me know because right now I don't recognize it and we're allowing Madison Avenue to define it, bottle it and sell it.

Patroits Not Popular But Winners ...

NFL league MVP, LaDainian Tomlinson was upset over the Pats post-game celebration that involved mimicking Shawne Merriman's ode to Tony Manero of Saturday Night Fever. Now, say what you will regarding the unflattering depiction; and it was unsportsman like; however, there's only way to prevent such demonstrative frolicking-WIN THE GAME!

Winning solves everything, it always has; it always will!

Top Ten Nick Saban Recruiting Lines...

I'm no Letterman but here goes:

10. Life time supply to Uncle Pookies' Bag and Feed!
9. We got 12 National Championships, one for each Bama graduate!
8. Two a days refer to weekly class attendance!
7. All you can eat at Bubba's House of Pork!
6. We can beat Auburn...ok that's a lie!
5. Free direct deposit with illegal student athlete payments!
4. I can coach, just like my daddy--Paul "Bear" Bryant!
3. It's okay to date white women!
2. I'm a loyal coach, just ask The Miami Dolphins!
1. Hey, there's talk of a sequel to "Deliverance"!

I Love New York vs. Nat'l Championship Game...

It was tough! Watch Vh1 and the season premiere of "I Love New York" or watch Flordia and Ohio State in the National Championship Game.

Kudos to VH1, they offered something brand spanking new for the "other demographic" that don't quite understand why it takes 11 men to stop one guy with the football. Clearly, the Ohio State Buckeyes didn't figure it out either.

Yet, there was one glaring similarity, "I Love New York" had twenty men in the running; Ohio State could have used 20 men to stop the Gators offense.

Spend It On Beckham...why?

A-Rod can rest easy! No longer is the Yankee third baseman, the punchline for jokes involving 250 million dollars. Wow, I didn't know Major League Soccer had 250 million! Who knew!

David Beckham is the classic world sports star; the looks, the babe, the "extra babes" and oh yeah he's not a bad soccer player. But, he's the not best either. Once again MLS wants to force Americans to watch soccer in the stands and on the television. Does MLS really think adding Big D will significantly increase attendance and viewership? Of course they do, that's why he's getting 250 for five years.

"This is a huge step forward for the league, that we can attract someone of that stature means so much," New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. What Coach Nicol didn't say was Real Madrid really wasn't playing him so hey; lucky us!

Unless, there's a Beckham like player or two on each MLS team; fans will grow tired once Beckhamania dies down.

However, I am curious: will he sport the cornrow look in New England?