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![[img]](http://www.sportsrant.com/forums/vbmynews/viewthu.php?id=160604-950795) It is almost beginning to play out like a cheap Girls Gone Wild rip-off. Today’s coaches and sports executives are a: partying harder, b: hurtfully slandering, and c: blissfully ignoring more than I a: did in college, b: have done to ex-girlfriends, and c: do to my college loans. It is almost as if there is an epidemic rising with the world of athletics that only a good dose of Jesus or sensitivity training could cure. But, since I am not particularly p.c. nor down with G.O.D., I think it is just fine to sit back, laugh, and do a little liberal griping.
Just as going out for one beer usually means having 5 or 6, athletes will say things that make Corkey Thatcher seem like a Rhodes Scholar by comparison. Reggie White tickles us pink with his views on ethnicity. For example, “When you look at the black race…a lot of us like to dance, and if you go to black churches, you see people jumping up and down, because they really get into it.” Gee Reggie, would that be considered “getting jiggy wit it?”
Jeremy Shockey enlightens us all with his progressive thoughts on homosexuality. He was recently quoted as saying, “… I mean, if I knew there was a gay guy on my college football team, I probably wouldn`t, you know, stand for it." It makes one wonder if his “not standing for it” would involve a burning cross and white sheet. Of course, the same could be pondered for Paul Hornung, Jason Williams, or NASCAR nation.
Not to imply that these quotes or attitudes are forgivable, but one must remember that these are athletes, not social commentators. We pay to see them perform on the field, not lecture on the podium. Conversely, while I amaze readers with my scholarly intellect and insight, I do not expect them to pay to see my flag football games (though my performance at strong safety for The Emerald Isle Restaurant and Bar has become the stuff of legend in the central MA area).
So, that leaves us with Bill Parcells, Larry Bird, and Bob “ABZ” Huggins. As team leaders and figureheads, each embarrassed himself and their respected organizations with asinine comments and behaviors. In the case of Bob “13, 12, 11-teen, 9” Huggins this was quite a feat, considering Cincinnati has not graduated a basketball player since the Ford administration.
One may easily laugh away Chug Chug Chuggin Huggins’ alcoholic indiscretions. After all, who hasn’t drunk themselves half blind, vomited on their lap, and then decided it would be a good idea to do some joy riding? But, Parcells’ and Bird’s antics are less easily shrugged off. Jap plays? The greatest athletes in the world are African-American? Is this 1945 or am I watching an episode of All in the Family?
What is concerning about Parcells’ comments is not so much the horribly dated language, but the sneaky and sinister connotation. The attitude reflected in the underlying message (that the Japanese are a sly, devious bunch) smacks of bigotry. Imagine if he had referred to plays designed to create turnovers as “Negro plays.” Al Sharpton would not be happy. Parcells’ defenders are quick to point out that since he plays an “oriental” at middle linebacker, Dat Nguyen, he cannot be a bigot. Well, I am sure that many Klansmen have colored televisions. It does not make them any less racist.
Larry Bird dared comment on the genetic differences in relation to sports. Is there a genetic difference between black and white? Is that why the NBA is predominately black? Is that why I cannot dance? These questions are enough to raise any p.c. red flag. While it is obvious that Larry meant no harm in his comments, they still reek of ignorance.
Not that I should have to say this, but there are no genetic differences. In fact, what we consider African-American is about 90% European on the genetic level. Even the whitest of the white (Erik Montross) has a bit of black soul in them. This is thanks to indiscriminate breeding and a wonderful thing called “Jungle Fever.” The DNA hook-up extends to Asians, Latinos, and even Eskimos. We are all slowly becoming one big ball of racial wonder. Nacho flavored fortune cookie Eskimo Pies anyone?
Why we see so many dominate African-Americans in sports is due to socio-economics (admittedly, I do not know what this word means, it was highlighted by the previous owner of a college textbook and seemed fitting). To the group, athletics have been one of the only routes to success available. This is why you also see so many high-profile Africans-Americans and Jews in entertainment. It also explains the Irish and Italian dominance of boxing in the 1920s and 30s. If this was a textbook, this would be a good paragraph to highlight.
Many, including myself, believe that Colorado coach ,Gary Barnett, should have been held accountable for the actions of his football team. Ignorant to the supposed crimes or not, it is his team and he sets the standard. To a much lesser degree, the same rings true for The Tuna, The Bird, and The Boozehound. As coaches, they assume the constant pressure to exemplify respect for their players and organizations.
P.S. If you disagree or found any of this offensive, don`t yell at me. The webmaster assured me that like a good coach, he is accountable for the content of this website.
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