Candy Corn Sports… What Happened to Baseball?

by with 9 Comments FeaturedSports

Possibly the most popular, unpopular thing in America is Baseball.

Every year around Halloween, polls are conducted on what’s America’s favorite candy to eat. Oddly, a frequent top choice is candy corn. Candy corn, in my anecdotal experience, is eaten only during Halloween, and after which, mysteriously is absent from the stores and consumption from people. Candy corn is also not a candy in which the masses draw too or crave. It’s not a very popular candy, yet during Halloween, it’s everywhere. You will never see a kid skipping down the street eating candy corn in July, not a chance. So how is it so popular? The same way baseball is popular, it’s ingrained into Americana, but not by choice, by circumstance. I’ll explain.

Circumstance.

Baseball by and large is played without much interruption from other sports. Baseball is synonymous with summer, which is the time of vacations and overall group activities. From work outings to student five dollar night, baseball is an excellent option for group outings on the cheap. For most, that’s about as good as it gets. Unless you’re 55 and a White male, which is the current average demographic for baseball. Football average age demographic is 47, and basketball… 37, basketball is also the second most popular sport in the world, but that’s for later.

Though baseball is still very much popular, it’s not very much liked. The Major League Baseball All-Star game is this week, and more news and attention has been dedicated to Lebron joining the Lakers and where disgruntled San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard might get traded. The sport has become candy corn. Something only good for the special moment – the more enjoyable venture takes precedence once the moment is gone. Just like candy corn is taken off shelves as soon as November 1st hits, baseball is put on the backburner to football as soon as the calendar hits September. The patriotic sport with the most history has largely taken a back seat to the more popular sports of football and basketball.

How did this happen?

  1. Baseball has not embraced the Latin culture of its Latin players.
  2. The pace and the length of the game is the slowest and longest ever in baseball history, aka boring.
  3. The biggest stars of baseball are virtual unknowns outside their respective markets.
  4. Baseball doesn’t even generate funny internet memes.
  5. Baseball is largely absent from talks on social media to the workplace water cooler.

But unlike candy corn, which is relevant for only its “once a year” glory, baseball still has the distinction of being the most successfully solely Black run enterprise in America… the Negro Leagues. Baseball is also a much safer sport than football, and as previously stated a much more cost appropriate sport than basketball to see live.

But with all that being said, baseball has a decision to make… either be candy corn and marked 3 bags for five dollars and liked only as a niche market, or become relevant again and be embraced. If not, all it will be is a place for sales professionals to have “team building” ventures, and while there, only buy expensive beer and talk about if Lebron can lead the Lakers to a championship.

America’s changing… is baseball in fear of being left behind?

Similar Read: A Peak Inside American Sports: Cheers & Protests

LeBron James & Politics… Marginalized Groups Should Take Note

by with 2 Comments Sports

“Marginalized groups in America should employ the LeBron James Free Agency Model. The model being, never be predictable, make all moves in accordance with what you want, and have said moves impact the course of others.”

It’s very fitting that Superstar LeBron James has made the Los Angeles Lakers his possible career-ending landing spot. The Lakers are the most storied franchise in professional basketball, and Los Angeles is easily the most glamorized city in America. LeBron, since high school, has been the most covered sports star in America, if not the world. Only Tiger Woods could cough in the room to express a disagreement. With that being said, the NBA free agency frenzy that is “What will LeBron do,” has received more coverage than even the NFL offseason and all of their off the field issues. (Follow up article on the NBA going head to head with the NFL is for a future date.) 

It got me to thinking about how LeBron has made his decisions regarding his career, and how those seeking political power should take notice. I’ll explain.

LeBron has independently orchestrated all his unpredictable career moves to the beat of his Akron, Ohio drum. His moves have been calculated and unorthodox, those same moves caused other teams and players to change their course of action. Case and point, in an effort to make the Cleveland Cavaliers younger and possibly retain Lebron’s talent and keep it in Ohio for good, the Cavs front office made an unorthodox move themselves by trading away their future to a team (LA Lakers) in which LeBron could be headed to. And whata ya know, LeBron is headed to LA, a move possibly not open without that trade during the regular season.

For the first time in the history of sports, one player in a sense, their sole actions impact every other team and every other player in their respective league. Power!

How does that work politically?

When a small social group is in a plight to be equal with a larger social group, the worst thing said group should do is become predictable. Their second worse move should be one of isolation. Instead, their moves should be unpredictable and felt by others. Think lawsuits for coffee being too hot and now all coffee cups cautioning you a hot beverage is actually hot.

Politically speaking, certain groups have become as predictable as they’ve become marginalized, and their actions have become isolated. For example, Black Americans are exclusively Democrat voters, even if not registered with the party. Though such a political force has force, it doesn’t have power. There’s a difference.

True power is leverage, leverage to be used to get what you want and how you want it.

LeBron James used his skill set as leverage to not only land a big paycheck, $154 million to be exact, but he also used his leverage to arrange the best situation at that time for him and his family. Why stay in Cleveland and lose, when you can go to Miami and win with friends? Certain social-political groups should question why they’re so vested and beholden to a party or platform that does not ensure what they want, let alone basic liberties. 

Black Americans have dangerously hindered their own progress on key issues partly due to committing to only one political party. This has double ramifications. 1) The other party has completely shut them out because they know they’re never going to support them. And 2) the so-called party who’s supposed to have their back has to only do so much, why? Because they’ve have them under contract and they know they’re never hitting free agency for a better deal.

A double dribble if you will… a conundrum for Black Americans and other marginalized groups? Maybe.

I’m not suggesting all Black American’s flock to the Republican Party. But like LeBron, be unpredictable. If they left the Democratic Party like LeBron left Cleveland, if or when they came back, who knows, they just might make history and win a championship.

Your perspective is important… let us know what you think?

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You Can’t “Uninvite” Us, We Weren’t Coming

by with No Comment FeaturedSports

The Philadelphia Eagles, like any professional sports team that wins a World Championship, were invited to the White House to celebrate their accomplishment. As a team with vocal players like Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Long, it came as no surprise that many of them chose not to attend the event, scheduled for today. When President Trump was made aware of the low team attendance that was expected, despite the fact that several Eagles publicly stating that they wouldn’t attend shortly after winning the Super Bowl, he “rescinded” his invitation citing the Eagles’ dislike of the NFL’s new national anthem policy.

Related: Anthem Penalties: We Are Who We Thought They Were

In the White House statement, Trump again associated standing for the national anthem with patriotism and respect for the military. It is unclear whether he is just too narrow-minded to understand the full depth of the issue, or if he just doesn’t care and sees this matter as a win for his base. Either way, he conveniently ignores why the players were kneeling during the national anthem last season, which was in protest to social injustice and police brutality (not to mention that the Eagles’ players did stand for the anthem every game last season). While Trump likes to argue that these men do not care about their country, a strong argument could be made that they actually care more about their country than he does because they recognize injustice and are actively working to address it and make positive changes.

Trump has made it clear that he does not have the ability to understand things past their face value. The Eagles decision not to attend, prior to being “uninvited,” is a sign that they’re doing something right as a group, which has proven to be active in combating social injustice in America. I hope to see them continue to speak up and support causes they believe in, regardless of the bullying tactics that Trump uses to discourage positive discourse.

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What’s The Difference? LeBron and the Hypocrisy of Politics

by with One Comment Sports

Back in the day, I’m talking way before hashtags, Dr. Dre dropped his classic 2001 Chronic album. One of the lead singles was “What’s the difference,” a song in which Dr. Dre questioned why he had been the target of so much criticism for doing the same things other rappers had done in their careers. The song reminds me of the criticism of LeBron James, a criticism he receives that’s simply not exclusive to him as a player. 

Related: Anthem Penalties? They Are Who We Thought They Were

Despite very few flaws in his game, LeBron SHOULD get criticized for his blah career free throw percentage (upper 70s) and the fact that he averaged 4 turnovers a game this season, which is 2x more than his buddy Chris Paul.

But that’s not the criticism. Instead, most of the criticism and negative talking points about him have nothing to do with his actual game on the court. Two of them come to mind…

Taking his talents to South Beach and creating a “super team.”

So what. I’ve been to Cleveland several times, and I’ve been Miami several times as well… it’s a no-brainer. But that’s not the main gripe, it’s this myth that he “created” a super team and he was the first to do it. 

Yes, LeBron, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade were the first stars to construct the nucleus of a team; however, General Managers have been building teams with multiple stars for years. No team has ever won a championship without multiple all-star caliber players.

Let’s look at a few… Bird doesn’t win without Parish and McHale. Thomas doesn’t win without the Bad Boys. Jordan doesn’t win without Harper, Rodman, and Pippen.

And the second critique… Lebron’s not a “killer.”

A very subjective measurement of a player, and one that LeBron apparently doesn’t have. Lebron lacking the “Jordan” or “Kobe” killer mentality comes from his deferment to pass in situations rather than take a contested shot because he’s the best player. And the best player does whatever it takes to win.

Despite being the only player to average a triple-double in the NBA finals, leading multiple statistical categories on both finals teams for the past four years, and three NBA finals MVPs… he’s not a killer? 

I don’t get it. I’m obviously a LeBron fan. But I just don’t understand the furious hate LeBron receives when other notable players seem to escape the same level of disdain.

I said all that to say this… 

Considering serious social and political issues in our country, the uncanny criticism of LeBron is akin to the hypocrisy of American politics. Perfect example, Roseanne Barr was recently fired from her show for a series of racially motivated comments. The right has gone crazy suggesting a violation of free speech – the same free speech that NFL players exercised by silently kneeling during the National Anthem that they said was disrespectful to the flag and military, therefore justifying Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reed not having a job. 

Perceptions and opinions have dangerously turned into facts. If having discussions and problem-solving were hard before, then they’ll likely be much tougher moving forward… tougher than Lebron and the Cavaliers playing the Golden State Warriors in this year’s NBA Finals. Just don’t say that in front of Kobe and Michael Jordan fans, because they simply won’t see the difference.

Point out the hypocrisy… it’s staring us in the face everyday. 

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NFL Owners Cave to Trump… “Show Respect”

by with One Comment FeaturedSports

You can tell me where to line up. How to defend a certain play. Even what I should eat before a game. All that falls under what we call “coaching,” and the NFL probably does more of it than any other professional league. But when the NFL, or any organization in America for that matter, starts telling their employees what and who they should respect; as Americans, we should all question them and the current state of our country that makes anyone think it’s acceptable to render such a “rule.” This is America, and in America, it’s our right to stand… or not.

In 2018, the fact that our government, our institutions, or an employer, regardless of how powerful they might be, can make such demands is troubling. Times change, and democratic nations must make sure that change is always progressive and inclusive.

The NFL owners are a wealthy-predominantly-white-older-group of men. To say they lack diversity is an understatement. More than 70% of their players are Black, but it’s clear they didn’t consider their opinions, or consult their Union, prior to voting on this issue.

There’s only one reason for such a ruling. And believe it or not, it started at a Trump rally in rural Alabama. Yup, Donald Trump has done it again. The seeds he sowed months ago by rallying his base over this non-political issue and calling NFL players sons of bitches, has now blossomed and come to fruition. Despite many NFL owners being caught on tape at recent meetings criticizing Trump for his comments regarding their league and players, they’ve essentially caved to his far-right isolationist demand.

“All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem.”

…That’s the language released from the league office this morning.

Show respect for the flag and anthem. Because in America, we now threaten your employment and income if you choose to exercise your constitutional right.

But… there’s an exception… Players will not be required to be on the field during the anthem. So say 45 of the 53 active players decide to stay in the locker room week after week during the anthem, and Trump gets back on his bullhorn to criticize them and the owners for allowing them to do so via their new rule, should we expect the owners to be strong and not cave in this time? Probably not.

Gotta love strong-arm patriotism that ignores constitutional rights.

[Expect LCR Contributors to weigh in.] 

Dreams or Nightmares? It’s on Meek

by with No Comment Sports

Possibly the most impactful disparity in this nation exists in the judicial system. It’s an unfortunate reality black people know well and have to cope with every day. 

After failing to advance to the second round the previous two seasons, prior to the start of the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Houston Rockets star player Tracy McGrady was asked by ESPN commentator Stephen A Smith would they get out of the first round of the playoffs. McGrady responded with a now infamous sentence, “If we don’t get out of the first round, it’s on me!” He repeatedly said the phrase “it’s on me.” Houston would go on to lose another first round playoff series in seven games to end their season. And at his postgame press conference following the Game 7 defeat, McGrady, still visibly emotional from the loss, said, “I tried, man, I tried.” McGrady was never able to lead the Rockets out of the first round in the playoffs. Ironically, after suffering a season-ending injury followed by surgery in 2009, Mc Grady watched the Rockets finally advance to the second round. Damn.

Speaking of NBA playoffs, Meek Mill, the Philadelphia native rapper, attended game five of the Philadelphia 76ers playoff matchup against the Miami Heat (4/24/18). The same Meek Mill Jay-Z and Beyoncé rapped “Free Meek” in their top-down Maybach in their collaboration single Top Off… that Meek Mill? Yes, that Meek Mill, and to quote Pac he’s “free like OJ all day.”

Granted no draconian post bail arrangement was made for Meek Mill like Tupac made with Suge Knight and Death Row records; however, it did take 76ers Co-owner Michael Rubin, Jay-Z, and other notable figures becoming vocal for Meek Mill to obtain an immediate release after serving five months in prison. Meek Mill had been in prison due to a pair of arrests that took place in 2017. He was involved in a fight in St. Louis and got caught recklessly driving his motorbike in New York City. Although both charges were dropped, Judge Genece E. Brinkley, a black female judge, reached her breaking point and sentenced him to two to four years in prison for violating his probation. A probation that spans 10 years, which included arrests from officials reportedly smelling marijuana coming from his vehicle to booking performances outside of Philly without Judge Genece Brinkley’s approval. 

Most would point to Meek Mill and put it all on him like Tracy McGrady was made to be the scapegoat for years of first round playoff exits. (McGrady really did try – he averaged over 27 points per a game with Houston during those first round exits.) And yes, Meek Mill has been arrested several times; however, the crimes were never on the same level as say… Ethan Couch. You remember him, right? In 2013, Ethan Couch, at 16 years old, with a group of friends stole beer from a store and had a party at his parents’ house before going for a drive. He then struck and killed four people on the side of a road near Fort Worth, Texas, and paralyzed a passenger in his car who now suffers from brain damage. Despite defying prosecutors who sought a 20-year prison sentence, Couch would only serve a 720-day sentence. Did I mention he’s rich and white? I know, spoiler alert. He gained fame by being dubbed the “affluenza teen.” This label was given after a psychologist suggested during his trial that growing up with money might have left him with psychological afflictions, too rich to tell right from wrong. You read that correctly… too rich to know right and wrong.

Back to Meek – I know there are historical cases in which rich black people got off due to their fame and fortune. The operative word is historical, for we can only name a few of them, whereas daily black people are disproportionally punished for the same offenses as white people. The disproportions for black people regarding punishment is felt at every level… from being given more suspensions in grade school, to receiving harsher and longer punishments for the same offenses, from traffic court to even receiving worst punishments than their white soldier counterparts in military court proceedings.

What this means for the likes of Meek Mill is understanding the fine line him and other men of color must walk regarding law and order. This is not a call for respectability politics – the theory if one looked and acted right they would never get into trouble. There isn’t anything to combat the mindset of a biased police officer, a vengeful judge, or a merciless prosecutor. Meek Mill and others must understand like Tracy McGrady said, it’s on them, whether they place the target on themselves or not. Tracy McGrady stated he would carry his team to victory and the opposition exposed that statement. Meek Mill knows he’s a target, and they’re literally waiting to see if and when he acts up again. A slip up where he can only blame himself. 

Meek Mill was all smiles during the playoff game as the cameras caught him sitting beside comedian Kevin Hart. It’s on him, and only him to never again have those same cameras catch him walking up the steps of a courthouse. 

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“They Want Some Rice and Chicken?!”

by with 3 Comments Sports

When everyone is rooting for you, and you still find a way to lose? His name is Adrien Broner.

“They want some rice and chicken,” is a perfectly adequate response when asked what do the children want for dinner, not in reference to a group of people… that’s called RACISM.

“I beat him like I was using what they used to beat Martin Luther King,” is never ok to say, like ever… countless people, including Martin Luther King Jr., died for Civil Rights. To joke about it is IGNORANT on so many levels, especially if you’re one of the people they died for.

It’s hard to fabricate such insensitive comments… And that’s why it’s hard to root for a man who has no problem saying them… utter disrespect for his opponent and their culture, and even worse, not understanding the sacrifices others made for him to do what he does today, is unacceptable.

Adrien Broner deserved to lose this past weekend on Showtime Boxing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Instead, some will argue he earned the draw-decision by winning the second half of the fight against Jessie Vargas. If you’re a boxing fan, you know boxing judges seldom get it right. And despite one judge giving Broner the nod (115-113), the biggest shock of the night came after the fight when Broner decided to spew all kinds of racism, ignorance, and homophobia towards his Mexican opponent, Jesse Vargas. When you think about it, maybe it’s not a shock considering Broner’s past antics in press conferences before and after his fights. But if Broner ever had a line to cross, he crossed it this past weekend.

The comments above are just some of the disparaging things he said immediately following the fight. In his remarks, he inferred that the Barclays Center was full of Mexicans. Mexicans, Blacks, Whites, whatever the demographic makeup that night, it was clearly a pro-Broner crowd. The crowd erupted whenever he landed a big shot, and their silence when Vargas did the same, made it pretty clear who they were rooting for. Ironically, the only person who didn’t realize it was Broner himself.

His last few fights were disappointing. But this is America and people love a comeback. With that being said, many considered this his last shot to revitalize his career and get back on track. His lackluster performance in the ring might’ve sealed his fate, and if it didn’t, his comments after the fight surely did.

As I said earlier… It’s hard to root for a man who doesn’t respect his opponent and their culture, and even worse, doesn’t understand the sacrifices others made for him to do what he does today. Broner, do better… despite you not deserving it, something tells me you’ll get another shot.

Protect This House [By Any Means Necessary]

by with One Comment Sports

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu 

The recent scandal involving the repeated sexual abuse of more than 160 women at the hands of Larry Nassar is nothing short of appalling. He has been sentenced to 40-175 years in prison, in addition to a 60-year sentence that he is already serving for possessing child pornography. His actions are undeniably atrocious; however, such abuse at this level could not have occurred without the complicity of several people in high places. We cannot forget the institution and individuals and who were aware of this abuse and took deliberate action to ignore and conceal crucial information about not only Nassar’s sexual abuse, but other cases as well.

While he was employed at Michigan State, Nassar was reported several times to multiple individuals. In most cases, the victims were ignored or told to keep quiet. This wasn’t just gymnastics. Athletic administrators at Michigan State attempted to keep all sexual misconduct involving staff or student-athletes “in-house,” thus minimizing their paper trail and the potential for the media to publicize faults. There were numerous cases where their student-athletes were accused and convicted of sexual misconduct; but the athletic department withheld files, removed names, and took other actions to ensure that they were not portrayed in a negative light. As a result, the victims’ accusations were not addressed. Their athletic department made it clear that protecting the reputation of the program was their top priority, as well as their staff and athletes – not the victims and their safety.

[ESPN] Outside the Lines: Michigan State Secrets Extend Far Beyond Larry Nassar Case

Michigan State’s president and athletic director resigned shortly after much of this information came out. Since then, there have been talks of other administrators and coaches potentially being fired for knowing about the repeated abuse and not taking action.

While it is important to hold the perpetrators of the crimes accountable, it is also extremely important to punish those who were aware of these crimes and chose not to act. It is clear that victims were ignored by several members of the athletic and university administration over several decades. The administrators’ inexcusable lack of action allowed the abuse to continue and claim more victims. 

When compared to the incidents of massive abuse involving the athletic departments at Penn State and Baylor, it can be argued that Michigan State is at greater fault considering the number of administrators that knew and chose to do nothing. There were more Michigan State administrators and coaches aware of abuse, and there were clear and deliberate measures taken to hide vital information from essential personnel. There were calls for the death penalty in the cases of both Penn State and Baylor. Although neither program received such a sanction, I strongly believe it should be applied in this case.

What is the death penalty?

However, that probably won’t happen. Michigan State’s basketball team is currently ranked #2 in the country. As the NCAA Tournament (March Madness) gets closer and every analyst predicts them to make another Final Four under Coach Tom Izzo, it seems like the scandal and ongoing investigations get less and less coverage. That’s unfortunate for the victims and says a lot about and where our priorities lie as a society. [We’ve got work to do.]

Do you think Michigan State’s athletic department should receive the death penalty?

Sports and Religion… Eagles Redefine Faith

by with 8 Comments FeaturedSports

If you haven’t noticed, the Philadelphia Eagles are not shy about thanking who they feel is most responsible for their athletic ability and team success. Whether you’re a religious person or not, it’s hard to push back on their collective sentiment considering their season ultimately ended with them defeating the favored New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52 (2/4/18).

Coaches, trainers, teammates, parents, the list goes on of who athletes usually thank first whenever a mic is shoved in their face after a big game. But not these Eagles… that first breath is reserved for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which was the common (genuine) theme you heard over and over after winning Philadelphia’s first pro football championship in more than 50 years.

You often hear a pro athlete here or there thank the Lord for their on-field success, but the Philadelphia Eagles all seem to be on the same page. Almost like political pundits sent out with their talking points prepared to answer contentious questions on the Sunday morning talk shows, they didn’t skip a beat. Do a little digging and you quickly find out this isn’t just for show. A majority of players attend weekly Bible class, and many of them were baptized over the past year like Marcus D. Johnson.

“Last night I took another step forward in my faith. First time being baptized, and it wouldn’t have been possible withouth these group of MEN in this picture. Corporate worship is a beautiful thing!! Cleansed and reborn in Jesus name!!” – Marcus D. Johnson, Eagles Wide Reciever, (featured image above was posted by Marcus on his Instagram account: @mojomdj with this caption on October 12th, 2017) His picture garnered 4,600+ likes and nearly 300 comments.

“I wouldn’t be out here without God, without Jesus in my life… Unbelievable. All glory to God.” – Nick Foles, Eagles Quarterback, Super Bowl 52 MVP

Evangelicals, many of whom publicly support President Trump, have also been quick to publicly support the Philadelphia Eagles for their strong faith and Christianity. However, after the Super Bowl, many of these religious God-fearing Eagles quickly stated that they would not be attending the White House for the traditional visit. We’ll see if Evangelical support dwindles considering the White House will likely respond as time passes.

Either way, a quote from Tight End Zach Ertz might sum up the Eagles potential impact on millions of people around the world who have been questioning their faith.

“…faith and football this Sunday is huge. This is a platform to draw people to the Word, to Jesus. It’s not something we take for granted by any means.” – Zach Ertz, Eagles Tight End

Whether you’re a super religious person or not, it’s safe to say many people are probably re-examining their faith because of the Eagle’s willingness to publicly state how strong theirs is, and it’s hard to argue that’s not a good thing.

Similar read: Eagles Decline the White House

Eagles Decline the White House

by with One Comment FeaturedSports

This past week Philadelphia sport fans have been celebrating the city’s first Super Bowl Championship, FINALLY! Along with post-win celebration comes, usually, the invitation to the White House. Some Eagles players have already publicly stated that they have no intention of going, and that’s their right.

The notion that teams or team members who respectfully decline the White House are anything but respectfully allowed to do so, is misguided frustration about ideas of tradition, patriotism, racism, and a variety of other ‘isms. Citizens can be critical of the country or unsupportive of the president and still love, respect, and support the country, as well as respect the office of the president. These ideas are not mutually exclusive.

They have every right as a team to decline the invitation. Their decline was respectful, and they’re are allowed to say no. Respect for anyone, even the president, does not mean acquiescing to every request and whim.

Response: Tell us what you think! Should sports teams be able to decline White House invitations?