It shouldn't be surprising that the sports world has served up, in short order, a sterling example of what we talked about last meeting. I can practically hear Bill Rhoden loudly applauding Donovan McNabb for his comments on HBO's Real Sports. I especially appreciate Michael Wilbon's commentary, and we can hear the grinding of the Conveyor Belt groaning underneath his words:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/20/AR2007092002688.html
The thing I appreicate about Rhoden's book so much is that he explained so well the context for Vince Young's unfortunate remarks---and Wilbon addressed them spectatularly, as well....
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Wow! The part about the Philly fans using the n-word at Eagles games is wild! There's a lot of resentment for the black athlete. I think that hidden resentment by white America contributes to the close scrutiny they receive. Vince Young hasn't experience the pressure of the media and fans on a losing team, yet. It's amazing how much you learn about people during adversity or undesirable times. What do you think of Wilbon's partner on PTI, Kornheiser?
ReplyDeleteI love Tony Kornheiser! I think he's hilarious on PTI, and I enjoy him on Monday Night Football, as well. I admit, his sense of humor and mine are pretty close, and as a result I suppose I find him especially funny, but I also appreciate his perspectives on a lot of things.
ReplyDeleteI was watching PTI the day he made that comment about black quarterbacks who have big contracts being squeezed, getting flack from white fans while also getting resentment from black players because of the perception of being too close to management. The remarkable thing about the statement was that (a) he was as racially/culturally aware as he was to make the statement (which was not something he echoed from Mike Wilbon, actually, but came unprompted), and that (b) I wasn't surprised he said it! His "racial bonifieds," if you will, are such that I expect him to bring a broader perspective than all these ignorant idiots on radio talk shows who just immediately condemned McNabb when they have no idea, truly, what he's even talking about.
Kornheiser rocks, man. Love that guy.
Yeah, I agree with you on Kornheiser. He has an interesting perspective on issues. I saw him challenge Joe Theisman once on a MNF broadcast and it was interesting how he didn't just follow along with Theisman's comments. He disagreed and presented his case. I like when people do that. PTI is awesome! I don't get to watch it everyday. Sometimes I listen to a podcast of it. I'm working with Nathan on getting into this blog. I have to say, Vince Young may not have a good historical perspective regarding black athletes, but his played a good game Monday night. The media is hinting that he's the next Michael Vick. With his size, agility, and passsing ability, he just might be the next Vick. I show hope Vick returns to football. Until then, I think Vince Young will carry on that legacy of the black athlete changing the role of different positions in a sport. Vick, like Cordell Stewart, redefined the possibilities and potential of the quarterback to more that just a "pocket passer". I might just become a Titan fan. I'm not a free agent fan like you, yet, but I'm weighing my options.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Nathan's coming aboard; it'll be nice to have a three-man blog instead of just you 'n me...
ReplyDeleteYeah, man, can't blame you for looking around for a new team, since the Raiders suck as bad as they do. Titans are cool, I guess, but I hated the way they treated Steve McNair. I know football is a business, like any other professional sport, but to lock a guy out of the clubhouse---WHEN HE'S UNDER CONTRACT---that really bothered me. Especially when he was as willing to play hurt as much as he was , and so often laid his body on the line for the team and organization. Horrible.
Come to think of it, young Mr. Young might just learn the hard way, like McNair did, just how brothers are liable to be treated by their teams. Not that I'm wishing anything bad on him, but things like that have a funny way of revealing themselves....
I do remember the way they treated McNair. Team owners, like fans, have short memories. Their motto is, to quote Janet "what have you done for me lately". There are so many criteria to consider nowadays when following a team: players, management actions, coaches, team potential. I could easily be a Steelers, Bears, or Colts fan if I went by head coach, but none of those teams really appeal to me beyond that. I have to admire the Rooney family for picking Mike Tomlin. It will be interesting to see if he stays as long as previous coaches in Pittsburg.
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