The Highest Priced Game

 

       “When’s he coming back…he’s done for the season…I found so much scar tissue underneath that boy’s knee that he shouldn’t have even been playing.“ “Oh wow, he never said anything to me about his knee pain,” replied Bud Kilmer after visiting his star quarterback Lance Harbor in the hospital after suffering a serious injury in the most recent game. For those familiar with that film and having played the game of football at the division one level or higher, it’s likely they have either been in that scenario or witnessed it before. A Coach willing to jeopardize the long-term health of one of his players all to be able to hang his next championship banner. We’ve all heard about these players being doped up on painkillers, getting injections prior to and during games, and a plethora of other treatments.

       As is typically the case, the chickens have come home to roost, and the leader of the revolution is a man by the name of Dr. Bennet Omalu played by Will Smith (a far cry of both time and maturity from his time as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). A man of courage. Someone who was willing to hold a $10 billion industry accountable for withholding crucial information regarding player safety. After the tragic 2002 passing of Michael “Iron Mike” Webster, Omalu performed the autopsy and made shocking discoveries about Webster’s brain. His desire to examine his deceased patient’s brain more in depth is met with harsh criticism and resentment by the Pittsburgh faithful. Despite this obstacle and its hefty financial costs, he continues with his work.

       Continuation with this work leads Omalu to conclude that while cardiac arrest may have been listed as the cause of Webster’s death, playing football for so long is what ultimately killed him in the form of CTE. He suggests the same thing with deceased players Terry Long (suicide), Justin Strzelczyk (car accident), and Andre Waters (suicide). As these deaths happen consecutively (2004-2006), the NFL is finally forced to acknowledge his research and give it some consideration. However, newly crowned commissioner Roger Goodell does not take Omalu or his research seriously. They display such sentiments by disallowing Omalu to even be in the room and requesting former Steelers team doctor Julian Bailes to present instead. While thoroughly distraught and still under great pressure to back down, (despite the stalking of his pregnant wife and a politically driven prosecution on corruption charges aimed at forcing his testimony), Omalu continues.

         The final straw comes when Dave Duerson, an NFL Players Association executive commits suicide due to growing cognitive problems and requests Omalu to examine his brain in a suicide note. Many will view this film and ask what makes it so great? The answer is clear. Concussion puts a mirror to all of our faces and forces us to take long hard looks at the ugliest parts of our inner selves. It’s not as much about why the NFL withheld such vital information about the long-term damage football could do to the body as it is why we as the audience find such pleasure in watching this barbaric game. It’s about why these players voluntarily step onto the field with injuries galore. It’s about why team doctors sometimes abandon their oath in allowing players to go back onto the field. While this entire film is important, perhaps the most telling part is when Omalu gives the demonstration of what happens to the human brain after repeated blows by using a fish in a water-filled jar and shaking it horizontally.

           Seeing that image and then picturing that happening to someone’s brain multiple times on the football field is terrifying to say the least. It’s enough to make you never watch a football game the same way again. The film also humanizes the NFL. It exposes their biggest fear. A fear that some guys will begin to say to hell with this game. A fear that some will follow the trends of young retirees like Jake Locker and numerous 49er players. Should such realizations continue, then slowly but surely, those billions the NFL brings in will start to dwindle. Eventually, that means no more high life, no more excessive luxuries at the expense of guys literally killing each other, no more ownership of an entire day of the week. Indeed that power is difficult to give up. While I don’t promise to discontinue watching football altogether, I certainly can no longer ignore the outrageous price it costs to play this game at its highest level. For those who can, may the good Lord have mercy on your souls.

Adonis delivers a knockout

            “If he dies, he dies,” says Ivan Drago coldly after watching an unconscious, mercilessly beaten Apollo Creed lying in the arms of rival and best friend Rocky Balboa. It was that day thirty years ago in 1985 that we saw former heavyweight champ Apollo Creed fight his final bout before being called home. In the eyes of many, that was the last time we would ever hear about the boxing legend. Then came a young, hungry raw talent carrying the name of a Greek God and the blood of the late Apollo.

            Enter Adonis Creed, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan in his second lead film role and known by many as 16-year-old drug dealer “Wallace,” from hit HBO drama, The Wire. Along with a cast of veterans such as Sylvester Stallone and Phylicia Rashad, professional boxers Tony Bellew and Andre Ward, and Tessa Thompson, Jordan still manages to shine in the lead role as Apollo’s illegitimate son. It all starts with the first name matching Jordan’s noticeably ripped physique. A tribute to the discipline he shows in his craft for bringing fictitious characters to life much the same as he did when he was Vince Howard on Friday Night Lights.

            Aside from Jordan’s quality portrayal, the film scores well by giving a sense of reality and legitimate human emotion to it. When Adonis decides to turn down a promotion at a very steady job at a securities firm to pursue boxing full time, the decision is met with much scrutiny by his boss and current legal guardian, Mary Anne Creed, Apollo’s widow who agreed to take Adonis in 17 years earlier. As the audience, we can feel her pain as we recall Apollo’s death and hear her speak about the tough nights where she had to walk him up the stairs or bathe him because he was too battered and bruised to do it himself. Against her wishes, Adonis moves from Los Angeles to Philadelphia in search of Rocky to receive formal training.

            We’re hit with reality once again as Adonis attempts to step out of his late father’s shadow by taking on his late mother’s last name, Johnson. At one point, Rocky suggests if Apollo were alive today, he would attempt to talk his son out of taking on the life of a fighter. This parallels how the legendary Michael Jordan has been vocal about not exactly wanting his kids to play basketball because of the scrutiny they will face as a result of his legacy. Like most kids, they played anyway, and so does Adonis. While carrying the Johnson name works for a short amount of time, it isn’t long before a jealous trainer in the Philly gym does some checking and finds out who Adonis really is.

            When he brings this to Rocky’s attention, Rocky pleads with him for confidentiality that we all know won’t last long. When word finally gets out, and Adonis’s love interest, Bianca discovers the full truth, she has mixed emotions. We also get an ESPN connection as we see PTI cohosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser discuss Apollo as if he were a real athlete. Adonis is confronted with the name issue once again when the trainer for current champion “Pretty” Ricky Conlan requests a fight but demands that Adonis go by Adonis “Hollywood” Creed for better promotion. Adonis is hesitant at first but eventually gives in after the love and motivation from Bianca convinces him that he has earned the right to use the name and shouldn’t be as concerned about being in someone else’s shadow.

            Once he comes to grips with the fact he cannot escape his father’s legacy, we see a mentally renewed Adonis. One who is ready to live out his dream. One who is ready to take on whatever challenges come his way both in and outside the ring. We get to witness the final transformation of a young raw talent to a professional fighter ready for the big time. Perhaps the most admirable trait of Adonis is the willingness to trade in the big bucks and secure job in order to pursue what’s in his heart. Something so many people, especially Americans, want to do but either aren’t able to because of circumstances or lack the courage to go forth in their journey. He represents someone who understands that no matter how much money you make, it is all temporary and getting spent eventually. But something that gives you a passionate feeling and stirs your soul, that’s way more valuable than money.

            We also admire him for having the humility to recognize the need for formal training. While his raw talent is undeniable, he is humble and smart enough to realize talent alone won’t take him as far as he wants to go in the boxing world. For pursuing his dream and remaining humble, Adonis becomes an onscreen hero who both inspires and teaches us at the same time. We are inspired to pursue our passions with all our hearts, and we are taught to never give up. Impossible is merely a state of mind. While the Rocky series has always been inspirational dating back to its original film in 1976, I must say Creed takes the cake as the best one. And for being the seventh one in line, that says quite a bit about this film.   

Farewell to a Legend

     Times like these always remind me despite the inevitability of the end to all things, we’re still never truly prepared for it. We’re never truly prepared to say goodbye to the college days, step on that field or court for the last high school basketball or football game, or say our last good-byes to a loved one in their final days. We know all of these moments and more are going to get here one day, yet we still are unable to be fully prepared for them. That’s exactly how I’m feeling right now as I think about one of the greatest to ever step on the hardwood, Kobe “Bean” Bryant, announcing he is retiring at the end of this season.

            The announcement came as no shock as Bryant is certainly a mere shell of himself from his prime. However, that hasn’t stopped me from watching a popular vine of some of his spectacular highlights over and over again. Or looking at replays of some of the magic he and Shaq created as a dynamic duo in Los Angeles. Or looking at him compete in the dunk contest as a bald-headed teenager. That nappy afro would do wonders for him later in the pros. LOL. Despite his phenomenal career and being the closest player to the legendary M.J. we have ever seen, it hasn’t been without its share of controversy.

            He was immediately perceived as arrogant and ungrateful when originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets (New Orleans Pelicans), claiming it was an “impossibility” to play for them. It was because of this perception that many took pride in his early pro career struggles that included four straight air balls in a playoff matchup against the Utah Jazz. While he made the NBA All-Rookie team and won the 1997 dunk contest, many fans chose to remember the final minutes of the season. After Los Angeles’ three-peat from 2000-2002, many accused Kobe of single-handedly running Shaq, the number one option at the time, out of town in order to cement his status as the team’s Alpha male. He was also falsely accused of sexual assault in 2003 and even talked about leaving for either Chicago or Washington due to disagreements with the front office.

            Yet in the midst of all this, he overcame all the drama and had enough success to make those same people who held up signs saying, “Hey Shaq, I don’t like Kobe either,” sing a completely different tune. He proved that he could be the number one option in LA, leading them to three consecutive trips to the finals resulting in two victories against Orlando and longtime rival Boston to give him five rings and the Laker franchise a total of 16 championship banners in Staples Center. He defeated all of his rivals to include Allen Iverson, T-Mac, Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, and several others. Mind you, many people, but not me, once deemed A.I. and T-Mac as better than Kobe. It was worth debating, but I never thought they were at any point, and in the end Kobe outplayed both of them.

            Here’s a snapshot of his 20 year career: 5x NBA champion (2000-2002, 2009-2010), 2x Finals MVP (2009-2010), NBA Regular Season MVP (2008), 17x NBA All Star (1998, 2000-2015), 4x All Star game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011), 11x NBA All First Team (2002-2004, 2006-2013), 2x NBA All Second Team (2000-2001), 2x NBA All Third Team (1999, 2005), 9x NBA All Defensive First Team (2000, 2003-2004, 2006-2011), 3x NBA All Defensive Second Team (2001-2002, 2012), 2x NBA Scoring Champion (2006-2007), NBA Slam Dunk Champion (1997), NBA All Rookie Second Team (1997), Lakers All Time Leading Scorer (A franchise that includes the greatest point guard of all time Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Wilt Chamberlain, James Worthy, and Jerry West among many other notable names), and third on the all-time scoring list behind only Kareem and Karl “The Mailman” Malone. 2nd most points in a game at 81 behind only Laker legend Wilt Chamberlain at 100. Damn good company right there.

            And to think when he first came out of high school, there were people who didn’t think he belonged. People who thought the Lakers made a mistake. People who thought his selfish antics would ruin him and whatever franchise he played for. Those same people weep for his departure. Not to mention he remained in Laker purple and gold is entire career. Only a small amount of legendary professional athletes can say that. They include Tim Duncan, Reggie Miller, and Magic Johnson. Other legends such as Kareem, Wilt, even M.J. can’t say that. Brett Favre, Emmett Smith, and Peyton Manning can’t say that.

            Kobe wore a Laker uniform through thick and thin, with and without Phil Jackson. He consistently gave us an excellent show on the court. He inspired a competitive spirit within anyone who watched him, athlete or not. He showed us what it meant to strive for perfection almost to the point of unhealthy obsession. He showed us what it meant to have heart. He has done this and more now for twenty years come the end of this season. With that in mind, I must say it has truly been an honor to watch him go from teenage Phenom to NBA All Star to full time starter and number two option to future Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal to Alpha male to the greatest Laker of all time and the closest we’ve ever had to Michael Jordan. It is for providing such performances and inspiration, I must say thank you and congratulate Kobe on a once in a lifetime career. May you prosper to the fullest in all your post basketball endeavors. While we may not ever see you lace up the sneakers and step on the hardwood again after this season, rest assure we will never forget everything you have done for the game of basketball.

Another Cane Bites The Dust

         Remember five years ago when Al Golden got hired to replace Randy Shannon as the Miami head football Coach? Do you also remember his response when asked why he would take this job? Golden replied, “Are you kidding me?” *Insert sarcastic puzzled stare* “It’s the most recognizable brand in college football.” To a certain degree, he was correct. The orange and green “U” is very recognizable to college football fans and non-fans alike. The Longhorn, Gator, and other well designed logos are also very recognizable, but we won’t split hairs. When Golden made that statement, little did he know he would also become part of something “The U” is becoming notorious for.

            No, it’s not having players involved in scandals of accepting improper benefits, something pretty much ALL these programs do, but the most successful ones do the most. We’re talking about Miami’s habit of placing EVERY LAST BIT of blame on their coaches for the downfall of the program. Since Butch Davis’s untimely departure to test the professional waters with the Cleveland Browns (a highly questionable decision at the time and in hindsight), Miami has fired every single one of its coaches. Larry Coker, Randy Shannon, and now Al Golden.

            I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a pattern. From a span of 2006 to 2015, Miami has fired every football coach they have had. Let’s review the timeline of these gentlemen’s tenure at the helm. Coker was promoted in 2001 from defensive coordinator to Head Coach. He leads the Canes to a national title in his first season, gets robbed of a consecutive national title due to a likely conspiracy to stop Miami from repeating in 2002, finished 11-2 and defeated rival Florida State twice with the second time being in the Orange Bowl in 2003, finishes 9-3 and defeats rival Florida in the Peach Bowl in 2004, finishes 9-3 but suffers a humiliating 40-3 Peach Bowl loss to LSU in 2005, then limps to a 6-6 record and December dismissal before being allowed to coach the team’s bowl game.

            Granted, I’m sure some will say, “He won with someone else’s players….he was never as good as advertised….blah blah blah.” From what I see, the guy only had two bad seasons out of six. One of those seasons still finished with a respectable record but was simply marred by a thrashing from the Bayou Bengals. Yet, he had to pack his bags. Now, insert Randy Shannon. Born and raised in Liberty City, a Miami alum and member of the 1987 national title team. Surely the savior to what a few considered to be a program in disarray. Despite having coached the team to a bowl victory at the end of the 2006 season, 2007 did not fare as well as the Canes finished with a losing record, demoralizing shutout (48-0) to Virginia Tech in the final game at the Orange Bowl, and the tragic death of former Cane Sean Taylor.

            2008 was only slightly better with a 7-6 record but a loss to California in the Emerald Bowl. While they defeated eventual ACC champion Virginia Tech, they lost to rivals Florida and Florida State that year as well. 2009 brought significant improvements with a 9-4 record that included wins over Florida St, Georgia Tech, and Oklahoma. They would finish the season ranked 19^th in the country. 2010 didn’t exactly continue on the promise they had shown with a 45-17 loss to Florida State and finishing 4-3 over the rest of the season with losses to Virginia, Virginia Tech, and South Florida. Despite significant glimmers of hope, he was shown the door immediately after the South Florida loss.

            Although he didn’t quite deliver on a full-fledged return to prominence in Miami, Shannon did recruit strong classes that included three top 25 All-Americans. He was also the only one with good enough sense to advise his staff and players to stay far away from Nevin Shapiro. Advice most of them ignored, including school president Donna Shalala. So after placing all of Miami’s downfall on its last two coaches, they decide it’s time to give Al Golden a shot. Looking at his resume prior to Miami, I’m not quite sure what made the University believe he was the right selection, but it’s their money.

            He finishes 2011 with a 6-6 record and voluntary withdrawal from bowl consideration due to the Nevin Shapiro Ponzi scheme investigation. 2012 saw a 7-5 record with another voluntary bowl withdrawal. 2013 looked rather promising with a 7-0 start including a win over Florida and a 9-3 finish. Unfortunately, it ended with a 36-9 loss to Louisville in the Athletic Bowl. 2014 did not build on the previous season’s early success, finishing 6-7 with a loss to South Carolina in the Commander Bowl. The last straw came in a game against Clemson that saw the Canes suffer their worst defeat in their 90 year existence at 58-0. Golden was dismissed the next day.

            Now, we can debate all day long as to whether or not these coaches deserved to be fired. Perhaps the only one who you couldn’t make a case for is Golden. Shannon and Coker may have been given the hook too early, but let’s look at it from this point of view. If all three deserved to be fired, who deserves the heat for hiring them? Who deserves accountability for these “bad” decisions? Who also shares a significant portion of the blame for the Hurricanes’ downfall? Should we point to athletic director Blake James or perhaps former president Donna Shalala who served in her position hiring all three of these guys?

            At what point do we say it’s not just the coaches who are the issue in Coral Gables? Randy Shannon got fired but was the only one who tried to protect them from a wolf in sheep’s clothing named Nevin Shapiro. Where does Miami go from here with its most recent dismissal? Who’s up next for some public humiliation because they can’t turn water into wine or chumps into champs overnight? Whatever the answers may be, it’s clear Miami has no clue how to get back to where they once were. And until they realize the problems within the football program do not lie squarely on the coach’s shoulders, they will continue to stay in a dismal place. A place where athletic directors, presidents, and anyone else with an “official” title is safe from blame for scandals and blowout losses. A place that has forgotten when they were once a bottom feeder program. For whomever the next Miami coach happens to be, do yourself a favor and take note of what this place is now before you sign on that dotted line.

             

With Liberty and Justice for a few

            “Mr. Green, we hereby sentence you to a four game suspension for the start of the 2010 season,” a committee member says. “But why?” asks a confused young man. “We must suspend you for profiting off of a jersey with your name on it from a previous bowl game you played in.” “Is there any way I can appeal?” “You could, but by the time it went through, the season may be almost over, and you will have ended up missing more games than has already been handed down.” A.J. Green leaves the room with anger in his eyes.

Similar scenarios follow for young men by the names of Dez Bryant and Todd Gurley. All suspended for minor infractions that at best should have warranted a finger wag. Infractions that definitely should not have cost Bryant his entire final season at Oklahoma St. But let’s say for the sake of argument the NCAA is completely just and fair with its discipline for any and all affiliated parties. It operates with the highest standards of integrity and honor. Assuming that is the case, the question becomes this. Why are Rick Pitino, John Calipari, and Bobby Petrino still employed as head coaches of notable programs? Why have they not endured at a minimum suspensions and high levels of public shame the same way Green, Bryant, and Gurley among others had to do?

Let’s backtrack to April 2012 for a moment. Bobby Petrino is enjoying some quality time with his mistress, half his age, on a motorcycle. All of the sudden, fate and karma get involved, and the happy couple are involved in a collision. While they escaped with minor injuries, Petrino, on the verge of getting caught, admitted to having a passenger by the name of Jessica Dorrell, an All-SEC volleyball player with the University of Arkansas, as his acquaintance at the time of the incident. This led to further admission of an adulterous relationship between the two, resulting in Petrino’s eventual termination as the head football coach. Fast forward to roughly 21 months later on 9 January 2014. Petrino’s reward for having such a relationship with Dorrell that included an undisclosed $20,000 cash gift as a Christmas present, her hiring onto the football staff, exposing Arkansas to a potentially vicious sexual harassment lawsuit, and being a TERRIBLE LEADER OF YOUNG MEN was………….wait for it……..a seven year $24.5 million deal with a $10 million buyout option. So even if Petrino behaves himself but isn’t so great at his job, he will walk away with $10 million. Allow that to sink in.

While we’re in Louisville, let’s not forget the most famous basketball coach in that state, Rick Pitino. By now, we are all familiar with Pitino’s scandal being detailed in Katina Powell’s new book, citing Andre McGee as the ring leader of soliciting numerous women to sexually entice recruits. While this is a black eye on the Louisville basketball program, it makes us wonder was the previous scandal properly addressed and dealt with? You remember…the one where Pitino admitted to having a sexual relationship with the wife of the Louisville equipment manager that resulted in her pregnancy?

How about allegedly paying her $3000 for an abortion? But most importantly, how about the way Louisville blatantly ignored the contract clause that allowed for his firing for “acts of moral depravity or misconduct that damages the university's reputation.” If infidelity, with someone else’s wife mind you, and getting her pregnant, then paying for an abortion don’t match that description, I don’t know what does. But, I guess we shouldn’t be remotely surprised by Pitino still retaining his job. After all, how could the Louisville Athletic Director justify his termination after hiring a guy with Bobby Petrino’s track record?  

And don’t think we forgot about you Johnny boy and your love affair for the star player scandal. Let’s not forget how UMass forfeited a 4-1 tournament record after standout Marcus Camby accepted $40,000 in cash and gifts from an agent. Then, likely just for comedy purposes, he reported his brother needed the money for groceries. Not to dismiss the importance of bodily nourishment, but I think it’s a safe bet majority of human beings don’t need a yearly salary for a few months of groceries. Some people are still searching for whoever took Derrick Rose’s SAT exam even though they really should just give up seeing as how they will likely NEVER find that person. Then, there were rumblings about Eric Bledsoe’s high school grades having been changed to make him eligible for college ball. So, that’s three schools (UMass, Memphis, Kentucky) and three scandals. Does anyone else see a pattern here?

So, there we have it. Three coaches who were all 100% guilty of everything they were accused of and three players, also guilty, but only one party received any serious punishment. Some might say it is the school’s job to deal with these issues, and it’s best if they police themselves. While that sounds good, the NCAA doesn’t seem to mind stepping in when it comes to athletes. They took matters into their own hands with A.J. Green and Dez Bryant. So, the question is this. Why are they not taking matters into their own hands and laying down just as harsh punishments on coaches as they are on players? The coaches who are role models, leaders and developers of young men. The coaches who have morality clauses in their contracts. The coaches who are the faces of programs and sit in family living rooms while promising the kids will be in good hands upon their arrival on campus.

These guys are getting away with murder, and the worst part is they know it. History tells them no matter what, they’ll never be treated as poorly as a college athlete. I guess traditions never change, and the pledge of allegiance applies to college coaches as well. Completely divisible, with liberty and justice for a few. 

Mizzou uprising just the beginning

“Shut up and stick to what you do best.” “I hate when athletes try to do more than just play sports.” “These guys need to just forget about everything else and play ball.” These quotes are just a small portion of the backlash of what has taken place since the Missouri Tigers football team chose to peacefully protest former University President, Tim Wolfe. Originally led by the black members of the team, majority of the team, including Coach Gary Pinkel, eventually stood in solidarity and vowed not to partake in ANY football related activities until Wolfe resigned or was removed from his position. As expected, this has created quite a stir on the campus, but the controversy has much deeper roots.

For those who say, “stick to what you do best” or think these guys need to forget about everything else and play ball, I pose this question. Why? Why do they need to ignore social issues that in the grand scheme of things are actually larger than the game they are playing? Unless you know them personally, how do you even know that athletics is their biggest talent? I’ll propose this answer. Because in the minds of so many Americans, an athlete, especially a black one, exists only for the purpose of entertainment and financial profit. The second these athletes use their platform to promote other agendas, it becomes a problem because those in power know how far reaching those platforms truly are. Therefore, “placism” more than racism is the battle cry for control.

When Missouri graduate student Jonathan Butler first informed the university he would be going on a hunger strike, it didn’t get much attention. In fact, it got such little attention that Wolfe was filmed saying some rather disparaging remarks to students of color in a smug tone as if to say, “I’m not going anywhere. Get used to it.” In essence, Wolfe didn’t give a damn nor did any other university official that Butler was willing to starve himself to death until a change in leadership was made. Insert the football team, a significant cash cow for the black and gold. Upon taking notice of Butler’s seriousness of having Wolfe removed, they gave their support, and the university had no choice but to take notice.

They had no choice but to take notice of the several million dollars they stood to lose if the football team didn’t play that weekend against BYU. They had no choice but to take notice of the bad publicity this was already giving them, the SEC conference, and recruiting ability. They had no choice but to acknowledge how many academic programs are funded by athletics. Within days, Wolfe voluntarily resigned, and the Chancellor followed shortly after. What does all of this mean? P-O-W-E-R! Wolfe’s resignation served as proof that NO university president is above the institution’s bottom line-$$$. Anyone who is bad for or hurting business won’t have a place on the campus. In the minds of some people, use of this P-O-W-E-R was “stepping out of place” for athletes, hence the backlash.

But the reaction is way more out of fear than anger. It’s fear that recognition of this P-O-W-E-R could signal the beginning of the end of a corrupt system. An end to a system that pimps out college athletes for a high price. An end to a system where college athletes are no longer brainwashed to believe they are powerless and must merely accept the current situation. No more counting millions in a room while dressed in $3,000 Armani suits and Rolex watches while the “Amateur Athletes” who made you a good portion of that money struggle to eat or pay for decent clothes. But the beginning of a time where you must now share the profits. Consider two scenarios. The NCAA’s two biggest money makers are basketball and football.

Imagine if all college basketball players decided right before the start of March Madness, they would not be playing a single game until something was done about the unacceptable lack of proper compensation. Imagine if NO college football was played on Saturdays along with NO playoffs or bowl games until profit was evenly distributed. I can see it now. University presidents and NCAA officials would probably have piss running down their legs at the mere thought of all that money being lost. And they should. They should be terrified because this is not an unrealistic scenario. People thought it was unfathomable for an entire football team to decide they would not play, but then we saw Grambling St. and Mizzou. The example and proof are now there.

Television deals, ticket sales, jersey sales, and a plethora of other college athletic aspects. NONE of it happens if these guys decide not to play. And now, they know it. So, I hope the NCAA enjoyed the roughly one billion dollars of revenue they generated in 2014 and many other previous years because I’ve got a very strong feeling they will be splitting a significant portion of those proceeds way sooner rather than later. 

Amateur Athletes, Yeah Right

As I sit and watch one of my favorite sports films, He Got Game, about impoverished number one high school basketball prospect Jesus Shuttlesworth, I still find myself amazed at how realistically this film portrays so many highly touted “amateur” athletes. Everything is great from the male and female groupies, the more than memorable visit at Tech U, and the fact that Jesus (portrayed by Ray Allen) has his own apartment with no visible means of income. It amazes me until I have to watch the University of Southern California pretend to be disgusted and voluntarily vacate their copy of Reggie Bush’s Heisman trophy. Until I have to watch Ohio St. chase Terrelle Pryor out of Columbus over some free tattoos and underpriced cars. Until I have to see A.J. Green get suspended for making money off of his jersey or Cam Newton almost miss the SEC championship over allegations of his father asking for more than a scholarship.

All of these scenarios and more have one thing in common. A school and athletic department making millions off the athletic talents of these young men but crying foul and ignorance whenever these young men decide to profit off their own name or talent. Consider this. If you wrote a song for somebody, and they got paid to perform it, but didn’t tell you about payment for said services, would you not be looking for a slice of the pie? Of course you would. I can tell by the side eye you’re giving the person while imagining them cheat you like that. Of course, there are so many out there who say these guys get compensated with a “free” education. So let’s think about this. We only brought you here for your athletic talents, and had it not been for those, we couldn’t care less about your academic future.

In exchange for the millions we’re going to make off your touchdowns or swished three pointers, we are going to offer you free room and board, and classes that we don’t expect you to attend anyway because that’s not what you’re really here for. Stop me once this deal starts to sound even to you. Back to the Trojans from the city of Angels. Here is a school with a football powerhouse and a $5.6 billion endowment. Sure, it’s a private school, so a chunk of their money comes from privileged families sending their kids there, but let’s not forget the three years where Reginald Bush suited up in the cardinal and gold from 2003-2005.

Let’s not forget the BCS bowl game appearances, television deals, jersey sales, and endless publicity. Just thinking about that time is an embarrassment of riches, imagine what it was for those in Armani suits counting the dollars. Now imagine being in Bush’s shoes and standing outside of the office where all the greedy “authority” members are counting the money you made. You can hear the laughter and cheers and plans to travel all across Central America with your money. Then insert Lloyd Lake. Someone who promises to rectify the situation and give you your deserving cut for risking your health. After imagining seeing that meeting and still seeing your family living in less than stellar fashion, are you still going to say no to money that all things considered, you have rightfully earned?

What about Cam and Cecil Newton? Given the risk his son was taking and the arguably raw deal he got while at the University of Florida, was it so farfetched for him to have asked for “more than a scholarship” in the form of $100,00 to $150,000 from Mississippi State? Apparently Auburn didn’t think so. And Mississippi State didn’t think so either until Auburn appeared to be on their way to a national title in 2010. I will credit the Tigers in this manner. At least they didn’t throw their superstar under the bus like Southern Cal did once it got a little hot in the kitchen. During the 2014 fiscal year, the NCAA had a total revenue nearing $1 billion. Yet, this is the same NCAA that stole three games away from A.J. Green because he made a little money on the side selling a jersey with his name on it. Talk about capitalism at its finest.

Now that we’ve got a more than firm grasp on the absurd amount of money these schools and the NCAA are getting, let’s define the most important word in this entire situation as it applies. Amateur-A person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than financial benefit or professional reasons. So, given that definition, I am now in need of assistance in understanding why everyone other than the athletes themselves are being paid since the NCAA is supposed to be full of amateur athletes. Make no mistake about it. There’s nothing amateurish about March Madness, the College World Series, Track and Field championships, or the new College football playoff system. The bottom line is this. Until schools and the NCAA see fit to end this method of high priced pimping and spread the wealth these kids are completely deserving of, we will continue to see stories like the ones mentioned in this article. And rightfully so, we will continue to see kids be completely unapologetic about the money and gifts they took while serving as amateur athletes. 

Dope lives up to its name

         Judging from its theatrical trailer, Dope gave the impression of nothing more than some geeky teenager struggling to get through his last year of high school. Fortunately, it lived up to the slang definition of a term most often associated with illegal narcotics. Utilizing a cast of not necessarily the biggest names in Hollywood and Forest Whitaker as the narrator for the first ten minutes, the film perfectly takes hold of several different aspects. The first is that all too common theme of teenage popularity and acceptance among peers. Malcolm portrayed by Shameik Moore along with his two best friends, Tom boy Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) and Jib (Tony Revolori) are often bullied in and outside of school as demonstrated by them almost having their bikes stolen after going down the wrong street.

            A more underlying theme tackled during the film is the lack of belief in inner city children held by those charged with educating them. We get a strong glimpse of this when Malcolm meets with his counselor and expresses dreams of going to Harvard University after graduation. His dreams are quickly dismissed as arrogant and unrealistic, and Malcolm is told not to be optimistic prior to his interview for college admission. Despite the lack of support, Malcolm remains hopeful and close to his friends.

            With an excellent blend of comedy, endless one-liners, and a unique set of characters including Zoe Kravitz, daughter of famed musician Lenny, the film displays how a shy young man with aspirations of leaving his poverty stricken neighborhood undergoes a drastic transformation similar to that of Walter White in Breaking Bad. By the time the film ends, the same people that once struck fear into the heart of Malcolm and his friends now have a great deal of both reverence and fear of him. His turning of the tables on his counselor, admission interviewer, and school bullies cause us to view him as somebody more than ready to take on literally any challenge thrown his way.

            This transformation is great for a few reasons. It defies the stereotypes often time associated with people from Malcolm’s neighborhood. Also, it leaves us wondering who Malcolm really is shortly before the credits roll. Is he a geeky kid who awkwardly loses his virginity to the daughter of one of his future rivals? Or is he a mastermind of one of the most brilliant undercover drug operations executed not for profit but for survival? Is he both? Are there other personalities lying dormant that might come out in a possible sequel chronicling his years as an undergraduate? However the audience chooses to view him, it is practically impossible not to root for whatever alter ego is running his mind at the time.

            His transformation is also great as we get a chance to see a young black male escape such a neighborhood doing something other than putting on an athletic uniform or picking up a microphone and dropping a mixtape. The inspiration of a minority from the “ghetto” being more than just an entertainer is refreshing. Overall, we’ll score this production as a good example of what can happen when the heart and desire outweigh the circumstances. The results can be…dope.     

Straight Outta Compton Lives up to the hype

         For those who hear the phrase, “Straight Outta Compton,” it’s practically impossible not to get an image of five young black males wearing Raider hats and jackets and a few jheri curls. The phrase also brings back memories about the rise of “gangsta rap” as a full fledged culture. Well, on August 14, 2015, producers Dr. Dre and Ice Cube along with famed director F. Gary Gray presented this image and more to the big screen with the N.W.A. biopic named after the group’s debut album.

            With a perfectly selected cast that included O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube, Aldis Hodge as MC Ren, Corey Hawkins as Dr. Dre, Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E, and Neil Brown Jr. as DJ Yella, the young men deliver star studded performances portraying the real life rappers. It helps that all five men not only gave noticeable resemblance to the characters they are portraying, but also mastered their mannerisms. Corey Hawkins comfortably sports an old school World Class wrecking crew jacket while still working for his club manager, Alonzo. Jason Mitchell brilliantly escapes the LAPD like it’s simple exercise. O’Shea Jackson Jr. spits the No Vaseline lyrics and questions management in only a way the real Ice Cube could do it.

            Besides the excellent portrayals of all the characters, including that of Snoop Dogg, the late Tupac Shakur, and Suge Knight, the film hits a home run for nostalgia’s sake. Released fairly close to 20 and a half years after Eazy-E’s passing, the timing of the film makes it enjoyable not just for those born in the 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s, but 90’s as well. There aren’t too many films out there based on events from the mid 80’s to the early 90’s that many folks born in 1995 or later could enjoy. They might be able to if not for excessive social media and game consoles, but that’s another story. By strategically timing the release, the remaining members of N.W.A. managed to get people to go crazy with anticipation over the “Straight outta” website, Dr. Dre’s Compton album, and his Beats headphones. Since its release, there has been a dramatic increase in the purchase of old N.W.A. music. So, when you combine the box office money with that of the music sales, it’s clear that an overwhelming sense of nostalgia has been sparked.

            Aside from nostalgia and good acting, Straight Outta Compton sheds light on two other topics still relevant today. Racism and the corruption of the music business. The racism is outlined through the portrayal of the Rodney King riots as a result of none of the offending officers being convicted for a videotaped beating. It’s also displayed by the several times the members are unjustly harassed by sworn officers of the law, simply looking for trouble. While corruption in the music business is nothing new, the film reminds us of how serious divide and conquer can really be, and how it stifled N.W.A.’s potential. To quote O’Shea Jackson Jr. during the film, “We left a lot of hits on the table.” If not for Eazy-E’s untimely passing, there’s a good chance we would have heard some of these hits as the group attempted to reunite minus original manger, Jerry Heller.

            Despite some of the antics, lyrics, and behavior of N.W.A. that some members of the general public may have found objectionable, one cannot deny the greatness of this film. Nor can they deny this group’s relevance to Hip-Hop culture and the several years of free promotion they gave to then Los Angeles but now Oakland Raiders. Whatever your feelings happen to be about this group, one thing is for certain. It is more than worth your time to go see their nine year story played out in a two and a half hour film. 

When The Rose Turns Blue

        “Nothing is for certain…nothing lasts forever…” Truer words were never spoken within this Outkast record from their 1998 album Aquemini. We are all familiar with the uncertainty of all aspects of life, and how nothing, not even life itself lasts forever. The marriage between once beloved Chicago native Derrick Rose and the Bulls is no exception. While this has been brewing for some time, it was never more evident than during his comments about free agency. Rose is quoted as saying, “I want to be here, but when you talk about that much money, the only thing you can do is prepare for it. I’m trying to prepare, not only myself, but my family. And I’m doing this all for my son. Like I said, I’m thinking about his future. Even though we’re alright, we’re comfortable, when you talk about that x-amount of dollars, I think it raises everyone’s eyebrows, so there’s nothing wrong with being over-prepared.”

            Now on the surface, the comments sound like nothing more than a typical professional athlete eager to test the market and find out just how much teams will pay for his services. But in the case of Rose, these comments are much more. These comments are essentially a backhanded way of saying to hell with this franchise. To hell with the fact that I’ve still got two years and $41 million left on a five year $94 million deal. To hell with the fact that I missed all of the 2012-2013 season and an overwhelming majority of the 2013-2014 season with injuries. To hell with the fact that I didn’t miss a single paycheck in the midst of this extremely prolonged time off. To hell with all the guys who supported me throughout my difficult trials and tribulations. Despite all of this, I couldn’t care less about doing focusing solely on putting in work while wearing a Bulls uniform. My focus is on who will pay me the most.

            While this harsh reality is heartbreaking for fans, it is still a reality nonetheless. Derrick Rose is no longer the reserved, humble “Pooh,” he was once known as while coming up on the South Side of Chicago. He’s no longer the supremely gifted freshman who fell just short of leading Memphis to a national title over Kansas. He’s no longer the young kid who attributed much of his success and MVP season to his mother and brother. He’s no longer the once explosive, supremely athletic, dangerous crossover point guard we once knew. He is now a 27-year-old player with two serious knee injuries before 30 and an extremely questionable ability to remain healthy for a full season and an arrogant money chaser reminiscent of Latrell Sprewell’s rejection of a 3 year $21 million extension by Minnesota. He claims, “His family is all right. We’re comfortable.”

            Well, if that’s really true, then why search for more? Why look other places? Why not attempt to finish what you started with Chicago? Why not prove you can beat LeBron James in the playoffs whether he’s wearing a Cleveland or Miami uniform? Why not strive to bring the first NBA title back to the windy city since 98? The answer to those and several other questions lie in the paragraph above. As far as making sure his son and his family are well taken care of, who can’t get by…no wait…who can’t excel on the $185 million contract he has with Adidas? Don’t worry, I’ll wait.

              It all boils down to a few things. This is the last chance for Chicago to make a title run with this lineup. If it doesn’t happen this year (which it likely won’t), it’s time to disband this group of Bulls. Starting with Rose. If consistent payment of millions for NOT playing, dealing with his overly opinionated brother taking issue with the front office’s moves or lack thereof, and dealing with Rose’s propensity for injuries aren’t enough to make him focus on being the best he can be while in a Chicago uniform, then nothing will be, and it’s time to cut ties and move on. If not for any of the previously mentioned reasons, then simply do it because nothing lasts forever and sometimes the sooner the separation, the better. 

Has Andrew’s Luck run out?

         At every level of sports, there have always been disputes and discrepancies of varying degrees. It comes with the territory. The very nature of competition has a way of bringing out the best and worst in us. While the topic of arguments aren’t exactly the same among teams, one thing remains constant, and that is the cure to these ill feelings. Winning. There’s just something about looking up at the scoreboard and seeing your team with more points than the opponent that seems to put all surface and underlying issues at ease. The head coach and star player can manage to shelve their Alpha male personalities in favor of the objective being achieved. Teammates can forget all about that gorgeous model they were ready to kill each other over, and fans can magically find it in their hearts to no longer figuratively ask for everyone’s head on a platter.

            The Indianapolis Colts are no different. After two upset losses to less than stellar former AFC East rivals Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, the Colts front office is left looking for answers. The questions are currently pointing at Head Coach Chuck Pagano. Interestingly enough, these questions have been aimed at him since before the 0-2 start in which his job security was surprisingly in question after being one game away from the Super Bowl. Like a stack of dominoes, once he was pushed by the front office, he pushed his starting quarterback, 4^th year man out of Stanford, Andrew Luck.

            “Been the case for three years now, has it not? Should be more comfortable dealing with it…He’s got to take care of the football. Make great decisions. It’s not that hard. It’s not trigonometry,” said Pagano when asked about the offensive line and his starting quarterback. We can look at this statement one of two ways. Pagano is saying Luck should be accustomed to a less than acceptable offensive line, or the front office should be more concerned about fixing that than they should be about his duties as coach. As far as the second half of the statement, that’s self-explanatory. Luck has got to be smarter and take better care of the football.

            The trigonometry jab may have been a bit much because while no math whiz myself, I have ZERO doubt that being an NFL quarterback is easily ten times more difficult than a math class. With that said, it’s also not like Luck took great care of the football in Monday night’s 20-7 loss to the Jets either as evidenced by his four turnovers (three INT’s and one fumble). While that stat is horrific and makes a game almost impossible to win, is Luck truly as terrible as he is being portrayed? In all of his full seasons so far, he has led the Colts to the playoffs, including a run to the AFC championship after an 0-2 start. The team has finished each of those seasons with 11 wins. He has thrown for at least 3,600 yards, 21 touchdowns, and has had a passer rating of no less than 76.5.

            Those stats aren’t too bad for someone drafted number one overall or the middle of the seventh round. They’re also not bad for someone who defeated his legendary predecessor by the name of Peyton Manning in 2015’s divisional playoff. Some may point to his most recent performance as evidence of long overdue criticism, and that is certainly their prerogative. Some may even continue to call the team a “mess.” However you choose to view the horseshoes of Nap Town, the numbers prove Pagano shouldn’t be on the hot seat, and Andrew’s above average performance up to this point has been everything but lucky.