H.F.L.

     “And the Oscar goes to….*drumroll*…Halle Berry,” says the announcer while awarding the famous actress for her shamelessly degrading role in Monster’s Ball. Despite the prestige surrounded by such recognition, those who had the great displeasure of witnessing Berry’s performance in that horrendous film, know how undeserving she was of the award. For all you beloved Berry fans out there, don’t worry. She’s far from the only thespian who has some undeserved hardware in their trophy case, but she’s certainly among the top five regarding who is least deserving.

     Now that brings us to the million dollar question. Why? What would actually make people bestow such a prestigious award onto someone whose performance didn’t warrant it? The answer is beyond clear. It’s the same thinking that now has the New England Patriots playing in their third straight Super Bowl against the team they started their dynasty against, the Los Angeles Rams (St. Louis
back in 2001). This is who the powers that be want to be on that platform. This is the storyline they want. In this case, “they” and “powers that be” refer to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and all of his flunkies to include best friend and Patriots owner Robert Kraft (conflict of interest, much?)

     Let’s revisit the details in both of the above mentioned cases. In the case of Halle Berry, she is awarded an Oscar for portraying the whore of a racist correctional officer who hailed racial slurs at her now deceased husband as he was executed. The scene which drives the most disgust is one in where she is blatantly used as a sex object by the officer (Billy Bob Thornton) and consistently hollers out, “Make me feel good.” For those who have seen the film, you know this is drastically different from a traditional love-making scene between two people who express genuine feeling toward one another. This was nothing more than a consensual smut fest reminiscent of the tragic slavery period in which Massa made regular trips to the women’s quarters.

     During Sunday’s conference championship games, the New Orleans Saints were robbed of a chance to win the game by the refs holding onto the flag on a blatant pass interference call. Making this CORRECT call with 1:45 remaining would have resulted in a first down and the Saints’ chance to run the clock down, kick a last second field goal, and punch their ticket to Atlanta. Not making the
call brought up a 4 th and 10 with 1:45 left, a field goal try and enough time for the Rams to tie the game and win it in overtime. Sadly and unjustly, scenario number two played out, and the Rams were unfairly awarded the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

     Now for Belecheat and his crew. The Kansas City Chiefs made what would have been their third interception (and game clenching) interception of the game with 54 seconds left and a 28-24 lead. Sadly, but not surprisingly, a penalty flag was thrown for a neutral zone infraction, negating the interception and allowing Brady and the Patriots to score a touchdown and win in overtime. We
can debate all day long whether or not Dee Ford was in the neutral zone. However, what is not up for debate is that you never make that call in that type of game. You let the players determine the outcome. Furthermore, if the roles were reversed, there is no way in hell that call would be made against the Patriots. I would bet three paychecks on it and make quite the come up, guaranteed.

     So, what do these scenarios have in common? Simple. The outcomes were fixed in order to further an agenda of the gatekeepers. In the first scenario, Berry was awarded the Oscar for being willing to portray a black woman in a role that Hollywood pundits would love to see her in. It’s no coincidence that the original choice for the role (Angela Bassett) read the script and turned it down in the name of dignity. It’s also no coincidence that her being vocal about being robbed of an Oscar in 1993 for her iconic portrayal of Tina Turner garnered her being offered the role in the first place. It was essentially Hollywood saying we know you deserved an Oscar for that piece of work, but we’ll bargain with you by giving you one for trash work instead. No sale.

     In the case of the NFL, we’ve already talked about how Goodell and Kraft are best buddies. The bigger meat and potatoes of these outcomes would be the storylines attached to this Super Bowl matchup. With Los Angeles vs. New England, let’s outline what you’ve got. Longest tenured head coach vs. Youngest head coach of all time, Rams vs. Patriots rematch from 3 February 2002 (17
years ago to the DAY!), a chance for the Patriots dynasty to finally fall against the same team it started against, a chance for back to back NFC opponents to get revenge on the Patriots for previous Super Bowl defeats (Eagles avenging a 2005 Super Bowl loss), a football version of Lakers vs. Boston, a chance for Brady and Belecheat to swindle their way to their sixth ring…need I go on? The
alternative matchups (Saints-Patriots, Rams-Chiefs, or Saints-Chiefs) just didn’t quite give the allure the Hollywood Football league, oh I mean National Football League needs in order to drive its narrative. The closest one of Brady vs. Brees (The two oldest starting
QBs in the league) didn’t give the same flare as the other storylines.

     Ultimately, the same way Hollywood gives preference (and rewards) to how they want to see specific people portrayed, and what way they want to see them portrayed, the NFL i.e. Hollywood Football League operates under that same model. If there’s a better story, or just one that they want to have told, they’re going to find a way to make it happen. One way or another. It’s not until we as the masses decide we will not give our time, money, and ratings to witness work for which the outcomes have already been determined.

Beale Street should be silent

     Where is Beale Street located? Any takers? For those geographically inclined, you most likely believe Beale Street to be located in Memphis, Tennessee. You would indeed be correct. However, for those who saw the most recent film If Beale Street could talk, you may be left questioning your geographical knowledge based on the film’s opening visual stating Beale Street is in New Orleans. The notion of location accuracy is further somewhat complicated by the fact this story takes place in Harlem. Unfortunately, this attempt at metaphorical geography would serve as a preface at the lack of punch this film had to deliver.

     Similar to 2017’s All eyez on me (also a grave disappointment), it starts at the end and shows us a male inmate as the master shot then proceeds to show give us the backstory on how he got there. The problem doesn’t lie in the fact that the film is told in flashbacks, but the lack of character arcs and storyline development. It shows early promise when Tish breaks the news to her family
that she’s pregnant, and they agree to invite “Fonny’s” (her significant other and currently incarcerated lover) family over to break the news. While Tish’s family and Fonny’s Dad are all excited, Fonny’s mother is less than thrilled. So much to the point she actually
curses her grandchild, speaks heavily about Christianity violations, and how Tish is no good for her son. Before her daughters get the chance to echo this sentiment, she is struck down by her husband in a way that momentarily makes the audience feel almost okay with this disturbing act of violence.

     So, we’re good. We’ve got all the characters introduced, and we’ve got a major conflict set up. Fonny’s mother and sisters are set to go to war with Tish’s mom and sisters along with the stronghold by black folks of organized religion. Of course we can’t forget the need to prove Fonny’s innocence and allow him his freedom and ability to provide for his family. Instead of going in that direction
and building on that momentum, we get more flashbacks of how Fonny and Tish met and developed their relationship. In the midst of these flashback scenes, we see the significant struggles with racism, classism, and poverty. We even get to see what led up to Fonny’s incarceration and what he’s charged with. Through constant flashbacks and current prison and lawyer visits, the most exciting thing
that happens to give us hope is the location of Fonny’s accuser. Upon pinpointing her location, Fonny’s Mom visits Puerto Rico to try to convince his accuser to own up to not being sure. Her attempt fails, and we are left wondering what hope there is for all of them.

     Fast forward to the end in which we finally discover that it takes nothing more than an accusation to serve as the burden of proof. Fonny eventually cops to a plea deal and is seen being visited by Tish and his now 1 st grade age son (Kudos to the casting department to be able to find a young man who looked just like him). Credits roll after a medium close up shot of the three of them.
Now for those of you who think I destroyed this film by spoiling it for you, trust me, I didn’t. The film can be simply summed up by this right here: Dude is locked up, and here are numerous flashback images as to why along with the fact that he doesn’t get out and has to take a plea bargain. It’s really that simple.

     As I finish watching the last scene, I can’t help but feel this was an incomplete story. Despite the fact that it does give a conclusion, it’s a conclusion that left out too much of the journey as to how the character(s) got there. One of the key points in writing, especially screenwriting is character arcs. The journey and overall changes a character goes through to transform them into someone completely different by film or story’s end. In the case of Beale Street, Fonny is the exact same person we met two hours ago. The only difference is that his sentence is now final. We saw no further real conflicts or changes. We didn’t get a drastic courtroom scene in which damning evidence in either direction was introduced. We didn’t get a real emotional shift in which the characters think he’s getting out only to find out some technicality. We don’t really get closure on Fonny and Tish’s father joint effort to raise money for his legal defense. Despite the glamorous rewards it may have received, Beale Street left too much on the table to feel like a complete story from beginning to end. Overall, If Beale Street could talk, it should have said way more than it did in its two hour presentation. Otherwise, it should have been silent.

Shut it down Zion

     On 1 October, 2005, Tyrone Prothro, an unbelievably talented wide receiver for the University of Alabama made several phenomenal catches. Towards the end of the game, specifically with 5 minutes left and Alabama leading the Florida Gators 31-3, quarterback Brodie Croyle lofted a deep pass to Prothro. In his attempt to make the catch, Prothro jumped at the same time as the Florida defender who landed on Prothro’s leg at a terrible angle snapping it horribly. For those not squeamish, imagine the leg making a 90 degree shape without the knee bending the proper direction to do so. He was never able to play again. Why previous Alabama coach Mike Shula even had Prothro and other starters still in during an obviously already decided game will forever remain a mystery to all of us.

   
     On 27 October 2012, standout South Carolina tailback Marcus Lattimore suffered a horrendous knee injury against Tennessee that resulted in his season coming to an end. Although he was drafted in the 2013 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, the injury was too bad for his potential to ever materialize. He retired in 2014 without ever having played a down of professional football. A real pity given how much of a beast he was in the SEC and college as a whole. Besides the fact that both of these fellas suffered career-ending injuries while still “amateurs” (a joke of a term in college sports, but that’s another story for another day), both were good enough to be playing professionally and earning a serious check while doing so.

   
     With that in mind, why were they not, and more importantly why has Zion Williamson rejected Scottie Pippen’s idea to shut down his season at Duke and prepare for the NBA draft? As the likely number one pick in the 2019 NBA draft, why has he still decided to continue playing in a league that generates billions for free? Can you imagine being good enough at something to get paid for it but continuing to do it for the free 99? Yeah, me neither. In the previous two cases, Lattimore and Prothro were prohibited from entering the NFL draft due to the NFL’s requirement of players being three years removed from high school before being draft eligible. Despite a high amount of college football players likely to be high draft picks wising up and deciding to sit out bowl games, most prospects are still generally bound to playing a significant amount of college ball before entering the draft (i.e. Maurice Clarett).

     However, that’s not the case for college basketball players. The “one and done” compromise that unjustly prevented players from going straight from high school to the NBA in 2006 has resulted in some players bypassing college altogether. Instead of going to college, playing for free and risking a serious injury, some are going overseas and earning right away. Brandon Jennings bypassed college, played in Italy, and was drafted 10 th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, so it’s not impossible.

     Let’s paint this picture. Zion Williamson, an individual with serious earning potential of several millions over a short period of time suffers a career-ending injury while still wearing a Duke uniform. How can Duke University possibly compensate him for the money he likely would have earned just in the first five years of his professional career alone? More importantly, how willing would they be to financially compensate him and his family? Whatever the hypothetical or realistic answer is, I guarantee you the figure is nowhere near what he would have made playing in the NBA. So given this lack of a likely financial match, what sense is there in going against Pippen’s advice and not shutting it down. You are risking more money than most people will see in a lifetime in order to keep playing for free. Let’s say a few figures out loud. Duke University endowment = $8.5 billion. Say it a few more times, so it really sinks in. Division I Men’s Basketball Championship television and marketing rights = $821.4 million. Championship ticket sales = $129.4 million. Division I Basketball fund = $160.5 million. I could go on forever, but I’m sure your head is probably spinning a million miles a minute at this point at the mere thought of those numbers.

     Again, I ask why is Zion Williamson unwilling to shut it down again? With clear evidence of the fortune other players have lost by being “loyal to their programs,” he still wants to suit up for Duke. With clear evidence he and his family won’t be properly compensated for their loss, he still is willing to suit up. For the record, Marcus Lattimore currently serves as the director of player development for the University of South Carolina (a far cry from his original $2.4 million with the Niners on top of the fact he originally couldn’t join the South Carolina staff as a mentor due to the NCAA’s ruling the Gamecocks would get an unfair advantage with him in this position. The same NCAA whom he shattered his knee for in the name of entertainment. Gotta love those guys). Tyrone Prothro is now a receivers coach and JV basketball coach at Jasper High School. His three other jobs included working as an account manager at Coca-Cola, Toyota car salesman, and financial rep at Regions Bank. I guess he scored a helluva touchdown since his sacrifice for the Crimson Tide. With all this in mind, it would be quite a shame if I walked into a local bank one day only to see Zion Williamson handling other people’s money as opposed to making a ton of his own.

A League of Our Own

   “Henceforth, every franchise must make sure to at least give the appearance of serious consideration to one or more colored candidates.” Certainly, don’t consider this a direct quote from last month’s NFL head honcho meeting, but more so the overall gist of a recent ruling in light of the recent debacle involving the Oakland Raiders and their hiring of Jon Gruden. Apparently, the last two interviews the Raiders conducted of two minority candidates weren’t exactly legit, and merely a dog and pony show in order to satisfy the “Rooney Rule.” 

Whether it was or not, the Raiders still proceeded with the hiring of Gruden who unsurprisingly did quite poorly in his return to Oakland after a 17 year absence, but I digress. I guess the fundamental question here is was it a bigger deal for the Raiders to hire Gruden or the fact that they allegedly gave fake interviews to minority candidates? Before answering, let’s review a few facts and numbers. 

     As of “Black Monday” 2019, there are now three minority head coaches in the NFL. They are Anthony Lynn (San Diego Chargers), Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers), and Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers). Of all the coaches relieved of duty, five were black-Steve Wilks, Marvin Lewis, Vance Joseph, Hue Jackson and Todd Bowles. There is only one minority general manager in the NFL, Chris Grier, and he was recently promoted within the Miami Dolphins organization. Reggie McKenzie was shown the door by the Raiders last month. There are only two minority owners (Kim Pegula co-owner of Buffalo Bills with her husband and Shahid Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars.) Roughly 70% of NFL players are black. That means 7 out of every 10. Given 22 players on a field at a time, that would equal about 16 players likely to be black. 

     As evidenced by these facts and so much more, it wouldn’t be remotely unfair to say the NFL is representative of a good ole boy network at the very least. And how much of a surprise should that be? Majority of these teams have been owned by the same person for twenty or more years. Majority of these owners are rich white men benefitting from oil money, generational wealth, or some other means of large fortune. With that much money on the table, privilege and familiarity naturally play huge roles. Owners and presidents are likely to hire people who look like them, talk like them, vote like them, act and think like them, and represent their image in ways someone who looks like a field worker (player) just couldn’t. 

     So to answer my question from paragraph two, neither one is actually the bigger deal. The bigger deal is why are we (minorities) still begging for a seat at a table we were never invited to in the first place? Why are we demanding to be treated as equals in a world where the powers that be never wanted us in the first place? Most importantly, why have we not realized our bargaining power and said to hell with a heavily perceptually racist organization such as the NFL? What is stopping us from doing that? As stated earlier, the league is 70% black. A good portion of skill players are black. Let’s paint this picture for a minute. 

     Every black NFL player, skill player or not, leaves the NFL, joins together and starts their own league. And yes, for those reading, I am indeed seriously suggesting segregation. Why not? At some point, a demand for equality in a world you were never meant to be part of in the first place becomes fruitless. What need is there to continue looking for acceptance from those who have historically held deep-seated hatred? I can’t find any. So, now imagine an all black NFL, to include coaches, owners, GM’s, and presidents. Seeing as how that would take away 70% of the original NFL’s talent pool, I would love to see the reaction. 

     Let’s not stop there. Let’s include the college athletes in this as well. If instead of going to Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, Michigan St., and other college basketball powerhouses, the top notch hoopers went either to HBCU’s, or other black owned and established institutions. Same for college football. Can you imagine the dramatic revenue and economic shift that would take place? I can see the national titles of traditional public and private PWI’s fading into oblivion. Their fans, old and young shedding tears of the glory days when they could smile about national championships, conference titles, and endless dollars built on the backs of the “Big Black Bucks” who would never be welcome to dinner in their homes. It’s a beautiful sight. 

     I leave you with this. We don’t need the NFL and several other professional sports leagues for that matter. It’s the other way around. It’s on us as a people to realize this, come together, and put our power on full display. The first step to doing that is no more begging for a seat at the white man’s table for which we were never meant to sit at anyway.