Respectful Journalism… and Kobe’s Past

There’s been a lot of debate about how many journalists have chosen to focus on Kobe’s 2003 rape allegation just moments after the news broke about him and his daughter dying in a helicopter crash on the morning of Sunday, January 26, 2020.

That same afternoon, Felicia Sonmez, a political reporter for the Washington Post, tweeted a 2016 Daily Beast article entitled, “Kobe Bryant’s Disturbing Rape Case: The DNA Evidence, the Accuser’s Story, and the Half-Confession.” People were outraged and quick responded to her tweet. Sonmez deleted her initial tweet but the damage had already been done.

Tracy Grant, a managing editor at The Washington Post, released a statement on Monday (1/27):

“Sonmez was placed on administrative leave while The Post reviews whether tweets about the death of Kobe Bryant violated The Post newsroom’s social media policy… the tweets displayed poor judgment that undermined the work of her colleagues.” 

Did she display poor judgement?

Perhaps Lindsey Granger (below), a former journalist and current talk show host from the Daily Blast Live, offers a much-needed perspective on the role journalists should play in the immediate aftermath of such a conflicting and tragic incident. 

Similar Read: Mamba’s Gone, And We Just Can’t Believe It

Will Black Quarterbacks Dominate the NFL in 10 Years?

For the first time in NFL history, 4 of the 8 teams headed to the divisional playoffs will be led by Black quarterbacks, including the likely MVP candidate, Lamar Jackson.

Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens are 14-2 and the #1 seed in the AFC. He led the league in touchdown passes (36) this year and broke the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a season (1,206). Told by many that he wouldn’t be able to play QB at the next level, most notably former GM Bill Polian, he defied the odds. Polian finally apologized admitting he was wrong, but still found an excuse to not to vote Jackson to the All-Pro team… a snub to say the least.

(the other three…)

Russell Wilson, who will likely finish second to Jackson in MVP voting this year, is already a 7-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl Championship under his belt. At 5’11, he’s not your typical White tall pocket quarterback… but who cares, because all he does is win, and win when it matters… he’s 16-3 in prime-time games and 31-7 after a loss.

Patrick Mahomes, who already has an MVP title in his young career, was one play away from making it to the Super Bowl last year. He threw for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns last season, which had only been done once before in NFL history (Peyton Manning). He will likely be the first quarterback in history to sign a $200 million dollar deal.

Last but not least, DeShaun Watson, who might be the most talented of them all, led the Houston Texans back from a 16-0 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Bills in overtime this past weekend in their wildcard playoff game. I’m sure he’ll win an MVP title before his career is over. If you’ve seen Watson play, whether at Clemson or with the Texans, you know he’s special… so special Oakland Raiders HC John Gruden called him Michael Jordan. He’s also not just running around playing backyard football as many commentators like to suggest, he’s a true student of the game.

History should never let us forget that the Chicago Bears traded up to draft Mitch Trubisky ahead of Mahomes and Watson (and Jackson). A decision that has yet to work out and could negatively impact their franchise for a decade. 

White GM’s and coaches used to think only White quarterbacks were smart enough to play in the NFL, which led to most (excuse me, all) quarterbacks being White, tall, and traditional pocket passers. Black athletic quarterbacks in college, who could pass from the pocket and also run when the pocket broke down, would be forced to play other positions (such as receiver).

But times change, and equality improves faster than usual when said equality increases revenue for stakeholders. You can argue that improvement has been most evident in sports, specifically at the quarterback position in the NFL. 

Not much has changed in the front office in regard to the decision-makers being mostly White men; but, enough or most of them now realize that dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson or DeShaun Watson can lead a team at the next level, and win with often complex playbooks that would’ve never been handed over to them 20, 30, or 40 years ago. They also sell more jerseys, boost ratings, and keep fans engaged, despite PR blunders like the Kaepernick situation or really bad officiating that leaves you scratching your head week in and week out.

Considering their success, especially Jackson and Watson, will we see more quarterbacks like them starting in the NFL? YES. The NFL is what you call a copycat league. I’m not sure teams can duplicate the success of the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans with quarterbacks like Jackson and Watson, but they will die trying… and spend a ton of money in the process.

Similar Read: Just Play, We Know What’s Best

Remembering Nipsey Hussle

One of the biggest stories of 2019… 

On Sunday, March 31, 2019, Ermias Davidson Asghedom aka Nipsey Hussle, was unfortunately shot six times in front of his clothing store, Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles, California. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. 

For millions of fans who were familiar with his music, he was more than just a rapper. He was an entrepreneur, business owner, real estate investor, community philanthropist, a husband, a father, and an inspiration to millions of inner-city youth in his Crenshaw neighborhood and other hoods throughout the country. 

Celebrities, rappers, athletes, and other prominent figures took to Twitter to pay their respect and show love for the slain 33-year-old Nipsey. But the majority of people mourning will never be one of the latter, instead, just everyday people who respected his music and mission to make a difference for so many people. The pain is real and he will be missed, forever. 

Here’s what some of them had to say… 

“Man, real tears! I can’t remember the last time I cried this much… smh… I’ve been going to LA since I was 4-years-old… hella different from Detroit, but it was all love. I listened to his music faithfully… every day for the past 10 years. This shit hurts.” – A. Murray, Detroit, MI

“I wasn’t intimately familiar with Nipsey’s artwork as a rapper but I was introduced to his work as an activist and change agent for good a few years ago. We shared similar visions and values so I am saddened to hear of his life being senselessly snuffed out. I am hopeful that the outpouring of grief will drive us to collectively continue his mission.” – Soulful Silverback, NYC

“It seems he was a man ahead of his time. Take away the rapper Nipsey… let’s speak on the influence of the man named Ermias Asghedom. He used his outlet… as well as his knowledge to teach and help us as people do better and build our self-worth. To me, he is now a leader that left us too soon but will always be honored and never forgotten. We’re going to keep your Victory Lap and legacy going until the end because we as the people have to protect the ones that stand for bettering the Black community and the culture of Hip-Hop as a whole.” – L. Benzo, NYC

“We will feel this loss forever. Hussle was a man who practiced what he preached and led his life with honor and respect. He’s planted many seeds along his life and now that he’s gone, it’s up to us to water them and help them grow. Work harder, give more and never forget where you came from. Rest easy Nipsey!” – Center Left HR, Washington, DC

“Nipsey brought an element to rap music that was missing. His energy, swagger, ability to educate and heart was something that isn’t present in today’s music. He made sure you knew where he was from and how he wanted to educate his community on economic empowerment. Gone way too soon but will never be forgotten. This generation’s Tupac Shakur.” – J. Malone, Detroit, MI

“It appears the more “woke” you are and the more you chose to do for the people and not the man, the greater the threat you are to them and bigger the target you become.”  – Professional Athlete, Southeast

“Nipsey’s death is tragic and unexpected. He was a dope artist and more importantly a young Black entrepreneur who was giving back to his community. Many people do not understand how difficult it is to be successful, be a father, and stay alive as a young Black man, particularly those of us from low-income high-crime areas. Nipsey has now become yet another alarming statistic in the midst of success and fatherhood and all I can do as a young Black father and entrepreneur myself is pray and continue to make positive strides and influence those I encounter with the same values. This is a cold world and unfortunately, this “change” we all hope for is very far away when you consider the fact that this incident happened right outside of his own neighborhood business. Sad reality that we all have to swallow.” – J. Hampton, Atlanta, GA

“Nipsey was a once in a generation type artist, but not for his pure lyricism or superior metaphoric wordsmith. Nipsey spoke to the people in ways many legends never could. He spoke to the millennial hip-hop enthusiast that grew up in between the Golden Era and Trap Era of hip-hop. I personally met and discovered Nipsey during his first NYC promo run for his first mixtape in 2008 and I immediately became enamored with his maturity and authenticity. His early rhymes took you on a West Coast journey, placing you in his Lincoln Towncar riding through the streets of Compton. As his music and career grew, I personally felt as a fan that I grew alongside him. Both being born in 85′. I listened to his music less feeling like a super fan but more like a distant peer. Motivating me to go harder, creating my own lanes but embracing vulnerability to acknowledging the many trials and tribulations life brings. These raw emotions most artists cannot tap into. We didn’t just lose a rapper, we lost a new generational leader of hip-hop ready to take the torch and run our marathon.” – D. Faulkner, NYC 

“The Loss of Nipsey Hussle is a huge blow to the Hip-Hop culture. I didn’t know him. I never met him. I loved his music. I loved his message of independence, sustainability, and economic empowerment for HIS community. My condolences to his family, children and loved ones. We lost a true warrior on 3/31/19. May his legacy inspire greatness in each of us. Long live Neighborhood Nip aka Nipsey Hussle born Ermias Asghedom.” – S.B. Webb, Atlanta, GA 

“Success, in a different light. That’s who Nipsey was to me. Finally a version of success that was attainable. Finally a form of success that looked like us, belonged to us, and that talked like us, and that really made a difference. That’s why Nipsey’s death hurts so many of us. He didn’t lose who he was or his principles. He knew success wasn’t his, but of his community. His work provided opportunity to overcome the bad around him, the drugs, the gangs, the violence. He worked to build the community back up even though it was handed it to him broken. For this man to be killed in front of what he built makes it seem like once again the dream of success was close but not achievable and out of reach.” – Center Single Mom, Washington, DC

“It’s difficult losing young Black men who are perfect messengers regarding the positive influences we need in African-American culture. As a young Black man who often speaks to teens about transitioning into adulthood, it’s not easy to get through, so when you have those messengers taken from us before their full impact can be felt, it’s devastating. Hopefully, Nipsey’s words are felt far and wide and folks take it to heart. We need more influential African-Americans in our communities showing what success can and should look like.” – M. Taylor, Detroit, MI 

“Although I was very familiar with Nipsey Hussle, I didn’t know the extent of his knowledge, intellect, and service until recently. Since his death, I have been consumed with getting to know more about him beyond music. There aren’t too many artists who inspire me to be a better human. Tupac was one of them and now Nipsey is on that list. I truly believe he was here on an assignment and fulfilled it. We will be better because he was here.” – E. Williams, Memphis, TN
“I have been following this young man’s music since he started. I’m definitely a fan of West Coast music so of course, you would hear about this young dude from Crenshaw. I thought he might be related to Snoop by blood but they’re related by Cuz (60’s). Funny how the greats have similar blessings with similar fates although some are still with us. I don’t believe in conspiracies but I also don’t believe in coincidence. Either way, we’ve lost a Great Young Man who was for us and mobilizing our people in his community and beyond. He should be memorized as the great man that he lived to be. #RIPNIP” – C. Major, Detroit, MI

This article was originally published on 1 April 2019.

What did Nipsey’s music and life mean to you? Share with us by commenting below or emailing us at info@box5351.temp.domains.

Nobody Is Above The Law… Impeachment

The night before only the 3rd vote in US history to impeach a sitting president, New Yorkers gathered in Time Square to chant, “Nobody is above the law.” Nobody… surprisingly a point of contention considering some would argue that doesn’t include the highest office in the land, Commander-in-Chief, 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

Following the Civil War in 1868, Andrew Johnson became the first president in US history to be impeached. Nearly 150 years later, Bill Clinton become the second. And with the exception of some unforeseen wild event, Donald Trump will become the third. A shame for Donald Trump considering he survived the Mueller investigation, only to get caught up in a quid pro quo regarding his attempt to pressure Ukraine’s leaders to dig up dirt on Hunter Biden and his father, senior statesman and Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden.

(Sidenote: Hunter Biden sat on the board of directors for Burisma, a Ukraine-based energy holding company from 2014 to 2019 while his father, Joe Biden, who was Vice President at the time, oversaw policy regarding the Eastern European nation. Hunter had no experience in Ukraine nor did he have a background in the energy sector. While it’s not illegal, him having a paid board seat on the other side of the world is bizarre, it doesn’t add up, and should be questioned.)

I digress… back to US presidential history…

It’s important to note that while Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton have both been formally impeached, neither of them were removed from office through impeachment. And neither will Donald Trump. While the House of Representatives have more than enough votes to impeach him, the Senate does not. Nevertheless, Trump felt the need to write a 6-page rant disguised as a letter to Nancy Pelosi where he exclaimed, “More due process was afforded to those accused in the Salem Witch Trials.”

6 pages of that…

Nearly a year from the 2020 elections, how will this impact the electorate? Specifically independents and voters in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania… three states which all went blue for the previous 6 presidential elections before 2016.

Will it even matter? Or more importantly, which Dem will capitalize on this historic moment, win the nomination and carry that momentum to the general election?

Similar Read: Important Takeaways From Mueller Testimony

The Demise of Kamala Harris – the Good, the Bad, and What’s Next

Kamala Harris suspended her campaign (12/3) just weeks before the Iowa caucuses. The New York Times ironically wrote a devastating article about her campaign just a few days before she made the disappointing announcement to drop out of the race. To add insult to injury, one of her former aides, Kelly Mehlanbacker wrote a damning resignation letter than somehow leaked to the media. Mehlanbacher mentioned that “while she no longer had confidence in the campaign or its leadership,” she still felt that Senator Harris was the strongest candidate to win the General Election 2020. So strong that she ended up joining Bloomberg’s campaign right around the time her letter leaked. Hardly a coincidence. 

How did we get here?

When a Black woman makes the decision to run for any political office in America I believe she does so with a certain level of understanding that is unique and quite different than her White counterparts. Kamala Harris had never lost a race – only the second Black woman in US history to be elected to the US Senate. It’s fair to say she has successfully calculated political and personal risk time and time again, faced immeasurable odds, and won.

But ask any presidential historian, and they’ll quickly tell you that nothing can prepare you for a presidential run.

Did Senator Harris have to deal with racism AND sexism? Of course. Could she have also run a better campaign? The answer to that question, unfortunately, is YES as well. However, that second question quasi-argument, which seems to be of major debate amongst liberals, becomes a moot point when you consider the fact that EVERY candidate in the race has also made strategy mistakes in regard to their campaign, especially the front runners, Biden, Warren, Sanders, and Buttigieg. (If we agree with that, then why was she being held to a different standard and penalized more than them?)

Factor in the mainstream media and it’s inevitable huge role in national elections… they purposely erased her from polls, allowed other campaigns to steal her slogans AND data without holding them accountable, refused to interview her in primetime slots on issues relative to 2020 (healthcare, immigration, trade, etc), and wrote article after article focusing solely on controversies, hearsay, and the negatives of her career as an elected official. Such attacks are hard to counter, and eventually, it’s too much and you’re left with no other decision but to exit the race.

The Good: While Kamala Harris is suspending her campaign, it’s plausible to accept the moral argument that she picked up the torch Shirley Chisholm (1972) and Carol Moseley Braun (2004) dropped and carried it further down the political path for Black women who will come after her and run for Commander-in-Chief. That’s important and should not be overlooked. While this is the first time she’s ever lost a race, she is still politically young. If she chooses to run for president again, she has the time and now the experience to tweak her strategy and message. Hillary Clinton, Biden, Romney, as well as most presidential candidates, also lost their first bid for the White House. While her supporters might not be in favor of her taking a cabinet position for Biden, I mean whoever the presumptive Democrat nominee is, maybe Vice President, AG, or Secretary of State, it’ll give her the inevitable experience and exposure needed in case she does plan to run for president in the future.

The Bad: The critiques for Senator Harris were many, and came from all directions. Many point to her initial statements and mishaps on her healthcare plan, her record as a DA in California, even allegations of her having an affair with Willie Brown, the Democratic speaker of the California State Assembly at the time when she was 30 and he was 60. While many applauded her brilliant performance in the second debate, they cringed at her not so good performance in the next debate highlighted by Tulsi Gabbard attacking her criminal justice record in California. Gabbard telegraphed her attack a week prior to the debate and Senator Harris was still not prepared. Rumblings of strategy missteps, turmoil within, and inconsistent messaging didn’t help her campaign.

What’s Next: With Kamala dropping out of the race, and neither Corey Booker or Julian Castro having qualified for the next debate, there will be no people of color on the Democratic debate stage next week. For a party that can’t do anything without the support and backing of their diverse base, that says a lot. You’ll have mumbling Joe Biden, whose latest gaffe includes talking about kids touching his hairy legs in a pool, Pete Buttigieg, who literally drops the ball every time he’s asked about race and is currently polling at 0% with Black voters, and Bernie Sanders, who thinks that if Black men just respected the police they wouldn’t get shot in the head. All of these men have been given the benefit of the doubt, time and time again. No obituary articles and plenty of primetime interviews with softball questions. A spade is a spade, Kamala wasn’t afforded the same luxury or grace.

Against all odds, campaigns are tough and candidates make mistakes… let’s see how she does the next time around, I’m sure she’ll be back.

Similar Read: Kamala or Bust?

Hall-of-Fame Players Weigh in on Myles Garrett, We Should All Take a Listen

Perspectives are important. Last week, shortly after the unfortunate incident occurred at the end of the Browns – Steelers game, 4 NFL Hall of Famer’s weighed in on who Myles Garrett is, and what should happen to him as a result of his actions. While everyone seems to have an opinion on this fight and what should happen to Myles Garrett, very few of us can say we know him personally, and very few can say, “I’ve played in the NFL and have either experienced or seen similar situations play out.”

Well, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Jimmy Johnson, have a slightly different – less brash reaction than most TV pundits… because they’ve lived it and seen it before.

While we don’t have to agree with them, and maybe they are biased considering their strong affiliations with the NFL as former players or coaches, their experiences and perspectives are unique and important because they’ve been there before, and that credibility can’t be discounted or brushed aside.

Similar Read: Rudolph Kicks, Garrett Swings, But Only One Suspended… Why?

Rudolph Kicks, Garrett Swings, But Only One Suspended… Why?

Last week an ugly altercation played out at the end of the Cleveland Pittsburgh game. Most people woke up to clips of Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett swinging his helmet and striking Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph in the head, but very few, including the media, took time to watch the entire play.

Instead, the media, pundits, and millions of fans jumped to conclusions suggesting that Garrett should be suspended for the rest of the season if not longer. Some suggested he should be banned from the NFL, and former player and MNF anchor Booger McFarland even suggested that he should charged with assault. It’s even rumored that the Cleveland Police entered the locker room after the game.

But when you look at the entire play, Mason Rudolph kicks Myles Garrett in the private area, he is clearly seen trying to yank his helmet off, and he’s going after Garrett despite his teammate separating them from their initial tussle on the ground. All this happened BEFORE Myles swung his helmet. That’s the definition of provoking someone. Did Myles overreact, absolutely. Should he be penalized, fined, suspended, absolutely. I think he would be the first person to admit that, but to suggest that he wasn’t provoked or triggered to react at all is reckless. It’s bad journalism in the least, and racist at the very worst.  

Within hours, the NFL indefinitely suspended Myles Garrett (for at least the rest of the season – 6 games), Pittsburgh’s Maurice Pouncey who threw several punches and kicks at Garrett was suspended for 3 games, and Larry Ogunjobi who shoved Rudolph to the ground was suspended for 1 game.

But what about Mason Rudolph, who’s now been seen in multiple still shots kicking, attempting to yank Garrett helmet off, and even reaching to grab Garrett’s private parts, what punishment will he face for his part in all this? As of now, nothing. The man who literally started all this… gets nothing? Is that fair?

To make things worse, Myles Garrett and the other two players who were suspended are Black, and Rudolph is White.

Why were the they suspended, and not him? Race is inevitable in sports but did that play a role in the decision? Despite Rudolph’s actions, does he not deserve any punishment, a suspension, fine, etc? Whether the punishments or lack there of are warranted, it looks bad. No pun intended, but the NFL continues to drop the ball… and this is just another example.

Beto’s Stance on Guns and Churches Proved To Be Too Much For Liberals

Beto O’Rourke ended his campaign for Democratic presidential nominee last week. His run to win the nomination was a disappointment to say the least. Despite gracing the cover of Vanity Fair and tons of media coverage, he never did well enough in the debates to garner enough national support. His appeal in Texas, which was enough to make his 2018 Senate race against Republican Ted Cruz closer than anyone could imagine, never resonated on the national stage in regard to his presidential candidacy.

There’s probably a number of reasons why Beto was forced to end his race, but his stance on two issues, in particular, missed the mark and were probably the final straw for potential voters and donors.

Issue #1: GUNS

Very few reasonable lawmakers or voters on either side of the aisle will argue that we don’t have a gun violence issue in America. But the reasons why the issue exists and the solutions to fix it are all over the place. Beto proposed a mandatory gun buyback program for all AK-47s and AR-15s. It’s important to note that even liberals love their guns. While some applauded his bold proposal, it didn’t fall in line with Congressional Democrats and their goals for gun reform. In fact, Senate Democrats want nothing to do with mandatory buyback programs.

“I don’t know of any other Democrat who agrees with Beto O’Rourke, but it’s no excuse not to go forward.” – Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

In other words, if you want to commit political suicide, go right ahead… you will get no support in these congressional halls.

Issues #2: CHURCHES

In an “LGBTQ Equality” town hall on CNN, Beto called for all religious institutions to lose their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage. Whether you believe in the true separation of Church and State, similar to guns, this was a mile too far. Upholding and protecting the rights and equality of every American is paramount, but forcing churches to get on board by threatening to remove their tax-exempt status might’ve even been too much for the left, mainly Democrats, who are the main party trying to make sure same-sex marriage is protected and upheld.

While Beto’s exit from the race for Democratic presidential nominee shouldn’t deter future candidates from proposing big and bold ideas, it should make them consider the details of such ideas and how best to roll them out. 

Similar Read: Who Did Well in the 4th Dem Debate… Sanders, Yang, Buttigieg?  

If I Was Your Son, What Advice Would You Give Me Next Time I’m Pulled Over By a Police Officer?

Scene: Presidential Justice Forum at Benedict College, an HBCU – Historically Black College & University, in South Carolina (the actual forum itself is worth a deeper discussion than this post)

Black student: “If I was your son, what advice would you give me next time I’m pulled over by a police officer?”

(The question stumped Bernie and he asked the student to repeat the question)

Bernie Sanders: “I would do my best to identify who that police officer is in a polite way, ask him or her for their name. I would respect what they are doing so that you don’t get shot in the back of the head.”

It’s important to note that Bernie agreed to do this forum about criminal justice at an HBCU. This wasn’t a hot mic walking out of a congressional hearing or another event following a traumatic incident of police brutality. Did he not expect to get asked a question about criminal justice and its impact on African-Americans at this event? Regardless, that’s the best answer he could come up with?

Unacceptable.

That response is beyond troubling because Bernie is basically implying that the only reason Black men get shot by the police is because they’re not respectful, and if they would just be respectful then they wouldn’t get shot and killed. We don’t have to dive deep into history to know that this is a false narrative often pushed by media, ignorant and racist pundits, and a narrative clearly perpetuated by one, if not more than one, presidential candidate.

Sean King and Nina Turner, prominent Black social and political supporters and voices in his corner, and he was still ill-prepared to answer such a question. It’s embarrassing and likely disqualifying for many millennials of color.

Will he win the nomination? Who knows. If I was a gambler I’d say Biden will win because he’s atop of the polls and appears to be the safe choice, for both White women and older Black voters. But Bernie has consistently been a top-3 candidate from the beginning, and whether he is or not, it’s not reassuring to know that the potential Commander-in-Chief thinks police brutality is a byproduct of victims being disrespectful.

Race, a tough topic that has stumped many of the Democratic candidates, can’t be brushed aside considering these candidates simply can’t win without minorities turning out in droves to vote for them. Biden, Buttigieg, Sanders, they’ve all struggled when dealing with issues and direct questions about race, and this is yet another unacceptable-disqualifying example.

Democratic presidential candidates… do better. 

Guyger Found Guilty, and We’re Shocked

“It was unreasonable — she should’ve known she was in the wrong apartment … that is garbage.” – Assistant District Attorney’s comments about Amber Guyger’s testimony 

Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer, who shot and killed Botham Jean after entering his apartment, was convicted of murder. And people are shocked. Not because she didn’t deserve to be convicted, but because so often when the victim is black or brown, and the murderer deserves to be convicted, they’re often acquitted and allowed to return to their normal everyday lives. People are so used to seeing people literally get away with murder, that when the person is convicted they have to pause and reflect on how good justice feels. When you’re conditioned for a certain result or outcome, you’re taken aback when that result is different, especially when the expected result is negative.

When the verdict was announced, we heard stories of people taking a moment from work to cry, to call their close friends, and just rejoice that for once justice was reached when in similar cases it’s usually not. And that’s unfortunate, yet that’s the reality and culture of the criminal justice system in America. Acquittals are expected when the defendant suggests they were in “fear of their life.” That seems to be the go-to line for all murderers, especially when the victim is black, brown, and unarmed. Can’t blame them, because it works. No matter the evidence or who escalated it… even when it’s egregious like George Zimmerman playing neighborhood cop and following Trayvon Martin despite the dispatcher telling him not to. Entering someone’s apartment and then crying wolf after you murder them falls along the same lines of bizarre and extremely odd, but unlike Zimmerman, Guyger was found guilty. 

Botham Jean is never coming back, and that’s a tragedy. But at least this time his family and community can find solace in the fact that justice was served in the form of a conviction.

Similar Read: Antwon Rose