The Two Worlds of Tiger Collide: Do You Believe in Second Chances?
On this past Friday at 11:00 a.m. EST most of America stood still. Not for health care reform, terrorist declarations or even the death of a dignitary. Tiger Woods spoke directly to us as he took the microphone for the first time since his car accident on Thanksgiving and we listened. Although most Americans appear to have heard an authentic man at his lowest point requesting our help, there are some who still question the motives and heart of the world’s #1 golfer. As someone who attempts to put my faith into action, I have ceased the Tiger analysis and will do this one thing that the man who has changed the face of golf (and the sport industry) asked – to try to believe in him again.
Jonathan Bernstein, a respected public relations expert, states that “during a crisis, effective spokespersons must, primarily through their non-verbal cues, leave their audiences with the impression that they are: confident, competent, and compassionate. Leaving the commentary of the facial and body analysis experts aside, Tiger’s written words were heartfelt and delivered with sincerity. Can you truly imagine having committed the most sex-related “irresponsible and selfish behavior” against someone you love and then having to face your closest friends and colleagues (and the world) to ask for their forgiveness? Tiger just can’t win in this regard. If he appears confident and secure in his message by reading his statement, then one can interpret him as being arrogant and cocky. If he expresses a clear understanding of his wrongdoings and their implications, then he can be viewed as a proud man, fearless of advice and guidance. Lastly, the compassion-less Tiger who won’t shed a tear or breakdown is only putting on a show to impress his fans and sponsors. The apology becomes a cloak for his need to keep million dollar contracts intact. Why didn’t you go impromptu with just bullet points? Why didn’t you cry?
So why even bother at all Tiger? You don’t need any more money or applause. You can go chase majors without standing in front of a podium knowing very well that the media vultures want to make your life theirs. In fact, you would play the game of your youth for free without a foursome. You have close friends and family who will stand by your side regardless of your golf acumen and proficiency. Why come before the world to risk more attacks, innuendos, and gossip? Tiger took the risk because he can no longer separate Tiger the man from Tiger the brand.
Tiger the man, not unlike most high-powered celebrities, has tried to keep his personal life away from the public persona. In his press conference he stated that he “always tried to be a private person.” He loves to practice and play golf. He has youthful interests and loves working with children. He only trusts a small circle of friends. Tiger the brand invaded Tiger the man’s controlling and secretive lifestyle though. This boldness and egotism designed by external forces for life outside of the greens finally caught up with him and he had no choice but to face his wife and explain the trail of transgressions. Tiger the brand was probably not created by this private Tiger. Tiger the man spent too many hours on the golf course mastering his swing to invent this fun-loving, gregarious, fashion-conscious, and hot ladies’ man. His father, the media, and the sponsors needed a role model and idol – someone that could change America.
Tiger the brand was developed with much thought in corporate laboratories to inspire all people, regardless of race, religion, age or gender to get fit, play golf, and indulge in the numerous product offerings affiliated with Tiger. Tiger the brand is money. This brand was designed and manufactured to help sport economics by creating jobs in sport journalism, television, golf equipment, golf apparel, and business services. The more we see of Tiger the brand, the more dollars pass through the economy. Tiger the brand became such a major asset to the sport world that this talent became influential in politics and money matters. (Note: Pres. Obama’s request for his appearance while campaigning and at the Inauguration. Also, the Nielson ratings drop over 50% when Tiger does not play in a televised tournament.) When the tabloids announced the brewing scandal and further scrutiny proved true, Tiger the man met Tiger the brand. His personal pain became ours.
Many fans are disappointed by Tiger’s humanness. This sentiment makes sense and is very valid. Tiger the brand invaded our homes as he pitched products that we believe represent wholesomeness, integrity, good health, and quality. We didn’t see Tiger the man every day at the golf course. We saw Tiger the brand, the idol. We purchased Tiger the brand golf clubs, watches, hats, shirts, and even drank his sport drink. However, when the idol fell, we collectively gasped and castigated Tiger the man. No longer did we see a man that had lost his father and quite possibly his way. We didn’t ask him how his religion influenced his golf play. Truth be told, we didn’t notice or really care that he had actually lost his faith and was now serving false gods. We didn’t ask Tiger the man about his associates and in particular, two seemingly close relationships with older former NBA stars that have a public track record of womanizing. We didn’t ask Tiger about the pressures that all young couples experience coupled with his demanding profession. And most importantly, we didn’t care how an only child born of a mixed marriage was processing race in America and its effects on his billion-dollar empire. We didn’t ask because Tiger the brand was impenetrable and in control. The two worlds have now collided and Tiger the man has asked us to be patient and wait for Tiger the brand to make a comeback.
We need no more explanations and apologies. Tiger the man has told us that he has let us down. He stated that he is sorry. He says he knows that he needs help. His strength of recovery lies in his family, golf clubs, and will. His earnest plea is for his fans, and his fans alone, to “find room in your hearts to one day believe in me again.” For all that we have learned over the nearly past three months, surely we can take a break from the Tiger news and let him heal. Let’s be real Americans and support the underdog. We can cheer on Tiger the man, his marriage, and his revival. His track record to overcome and beat the odds is very favorable. This situation is new territory for Tiger the man, but I will not count him out. The PGA desperately needs this golf prodigy to pay bills and keep our attention, and we need his smile and impact. Yes, much will change when Tiger the brand comes back to the golf world. Sure, he will win majors and secure sponsorships. However, the one welcome change will be the transparent golf star. This time around, Tiger the man will know, manage, and define Tiger the brand.
Tiger Acting Like a Black Athlete Now?
Tiger Woods has a problem and now so do I. I was naïve to think that I could survive this holiday season of Tigervision with its seemingly minute-by-minute reports of his self-described transgressions. Every media outlet needs a story to remain viable in this world of at-your-touch news and Tiger’s naughtiness provides the perfect scoop. This tale probably has no beginning and quite possibly no end. However, my nerves became frayed and I saw the immediate end of my sideline observer role when I changed the channel and popped in on the Joy Behar Show. As they discussed the latest Tiger escapade, Ms. Behar cleverly asked for insight on how the African-American community might possibly feel about his sins. Her query was directed to a female African-American guest, Karith Foster, who calmly stated that Tiger was finally acting like a black athlete. Pump your brakes!
Although Ms. Foster’s listed occupation is comedian, she made her bold statement sans smile or giggle. She was very serious and obviously hurt by his choice of women in this scandal. She went on to describe how the black athlete needs a white woman – a trophy wife – to be successful. Ms. Foster’s understanding of the black male athlete is a stereotype and confusion-filled. Shame on her and the media for supporting the racist mindset that promulgates a representation of the black male athlete as a superhuman man that seeks sexual pleasure from every white female that worships his athletic prowess. Surely we in 2009 know better, right? Yes, the ESPNification of our sports world has created larger than life entertainment figures. Money, power and women. That’s the ticket out of a poor situation – mentally and physically. It is no longer satisfactory to score a touchdown and hand the ball to the referee or dunk the basketball and hustle back to play defense. Instead we see many of our athletes (and more likely a black man) showboating, drawing attention to themselves, and discounting the teamwork necessary to achieve such success. We as fans are drawn to the television waiting to see the clownish antics instead of running to the restroom or going back for more chips.
What has happened to sport? Or is that the very issue? It is no longer a game but rather an entertaining sitcom. Has our drive for personalities created this monster that we can no longer applaud? And to fan the flames even more, that black male athlete is then pictured at courtside, leaving the nightclub or the Hollywood awards show with a blonde haired, blue-eyed dame at his side. The racists cry out in disgust as their claims of the animalistic behavior of the black man requires the conquest of the virgin white woman. Thus, they must protect their defenseless and pure woman from the sexually charged black beast. The idealists see no color but only the expression of pure love between consenting adults. The rest of us pause, take note, and move on since there are much more pressing issues in our lives such as our ability to pay our mortgage or change the temperature in our office.
And now we have commentary to suggest that Tiger’s African genes are emerging from dormancy. So, he goes on a rampage to subjugate women. Hog wash! Most black male athletes are not chasing or keeping a harem of white women. They may not be married. They may not live the all-american lifestyle of a wife, house, and two kids either. Black male athletes are human and they are faced with pressures that are unimaginable for most. The exorbitant salaries they earn may appear to be a nice band-aid for all they are subjected to each and everyday, but didn’t we learn a long time ago that money couldn’t buy you happiness or manners?
Yes, I am a biased Tiger fan. I believe that he is not consciously excluding himself from blacks. Oftentimes our environment dictates our circle of friends and associates. Look at the demographics of the golf industry. How many black females attend golf tournaments or get invited to events whereby they could be introduced to Tiger-types? Not that it is required to be defined as a black man, but it is my understanding that he had a black girlfriend while attending Stanford. In addition, he certainly pays homage to the black golf greats through his writings and as a golfer. If one knows anything about the history of the media and its positive portrayal of African-Americans, one cannot expect an accurate picture of Tiger’s outreach to the black caddies and minority youth. It’s just not going to hit the front-page folks. And don’t think for a moment that the red and black outfit he wears on Sundays is not a strategic move either. Tiger is black. Tiger is Thai. Tiger is an athlete who made a mistake. He has a history of comebacks and success. I am confident that he will seek forgiveness from God and his wife. The former will grant that request and I hope that his marriage can survive. The black community also has a history of forgiveness for our lost and wayward members. We all cheered his victories and dominance in the white man’s game and now we should just as eagerly and earnestly pray for him. Certainly the executives of the PGA are praying since Tiger’s appearances and wins pays most of their bills. Tiger’s errant actions are no more typical of a black athlete as is his ability to hit his driver over 350 yards. He has motivated many of us to get fit, try the game of golf for the first time, and a new club or technique to improve our scores. Tiger is a motivator. Now let’s all get off the sidelines again to use this circumstance as inspiration to be critical thinkers in the midst of the media firestorm, to find sanity, and to apply our own personal life lesson.
Kennedy and Vick: A Tragedy of Redemption?
Sen. Edward “Teddy” Kennedy and Michael Vick are two celebrities who triumphed over tragic situations. Whoa Nellie! Let me bring you in on my thought pattern this morning as I drove to work thinking about the loss of the “Senate Lion.” What is redemption and how does America tally its votes? Does the color of one’s skin define how much, if any, of that forgiveness vote one is to receive? Let’s recap the dreadful scenarios and their outcomes.
The Massachusetts treasure that served nearly half a century in the Senate died from brain cancer at the age of 77. Elected at age 30 to a Senate seat once held by his brother, then-president John F. Kennedy, Sen. Kennedy held true to his liberal family leanings as he championed the cause of the less fortunate and underserved. His years of service were honorable and most vital to all of the social legislation that passed during his tenure. From the 1965 immigration bill that opened U.S. borders to Asian and Latin American immigrants, to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that eased the path for women to sue for alleged wage discrimination, Sen. Kennedy successfully maneuvered the political waterways to effect change. He fought tirelessly despite the sinister activities of Pres. Nixon to pin impropriety on him and his family. He led the political effort to enact the Civil Rights Bill of 1990 whereby he found himself at odds with leadership in both parties. Many applauded his passion to make sure that Robert Bork did not join the Supreme Court and lastly, he broke ranks with the Democratic powers to support then Senator Barack Obama to endorse a “change – we can believe in.” America has much to be thankful for in the work of Sen. Kennedy.
However, Sen. Kennedy was no stranger to the redemption plea press conference. His alcoholism battles surfaced to the public domain numerous times. During a visit to the JFK School at Harvard in October 1991, he admitted his personal faults and “disappointment of friends,” which critics argue was only due to a tough upcoming reelection battle. In the announcement he recognized his shortcomings and challenges of his private life and took responsibility by admitting his need to overcome them. The situation that many felt kept him from the White House and continues to haunt his legacy was his admission of guilt of leaving the scene of an accident in Chappaquiddick (Martha’s Vineyard) on the evening of July 19, 1969. On that fateful evening, the senator drove his Oldsmobile off a wooden bridge and Mary Jo Kopechne, a former secretary to his late brother, Robert, died. The controversy surrounding his eight-hour delay in reporting the accident to the police is still a mystery. He pleaded to the public that he made a heroic effort, swam to safety, but he could not save her. Kennedy stated that he was “overcome by a jumble of emotions, grief, fear, doubt, exhaustion, doubt, panic, confusion, and shock…my conduct and conversation during the next several hours make no sense to me at all.” He served a two-month suspended sentence. Sen. Kennedy even went before the press to beg his constituencies for support as he considered resignation. Ultimately, he returned to work on July 31 amidst a firestorm of innuendos, suspicion, and distrust. America forgave him though and life moved on for our dear senator. He communicated with liberals and conservatives to pass legislation and advise presidents. Tragedy was conquered.
Michael Vick’s case has been analyzed and exorcised by critics and supporters. A rather reclusive NFL celebrity, Mr. Vick did not seek out the press like most leading quarterbacks and star players. His fame and money came primarily from outstanding play on the field. Mr. Vick continued his childish ways while in the league though and soon his activities bit him in the butt. Pun intended. He pled guilty and served an 18-month prison sentence for his involvement in the Bad Newz Kennel dog fighting operation. Besides funding the operation, his two partners said that Vick helped kill dogs that didn’t fight well, and that the three men “executed approximately eight dogs” in ways that included hanging and drowning. Mr. Vick displayed disgusting and disturbing behavior for a college-educated man. Does winning really make one forget past indiscretions for a man of color? Historically, no. Despite a plea to the public for a second chance and the opportunity to assist in the animal rights movement, Mr. Vick remains vilified and targeted by the press and zealous activists. Tragedy trumps performance. (Note: Kobe Bryant is a good case study for research.)
Now, it is very fascinating that one man pleads guilty to negligence in the accidental death of his friend and he overcomes (possibly due to his family name and skillfulness as a politician) to the extent that he can enjoy a life as the patriarch of the Senate. Did his drunken stupor and lack of action impede a possible rescue and survival? Time will never tell. Nonetheless, he rose from the ashes of national scandal and tragedy to serve in one of the most important elected positions in all of America – the U.S. Senate. He created, collaborated and connected ideas and people to make America a better place. Yet, the other man pled guilty to negligence in the death of man’s best friend – dogs. Did his ignorance and actions paralyze America? Time did tell – no. We got on with our lives and focused on survival during this recession by vacationing less, eating at home, reaffirming our faith, and communicating with our loved ones more. Although we followed the Vick story and held various passionate opinions, his life and destiny did not define our daily actions. Yet, today many can’t move past this tragedy and find forgiveness. Some Americans are still stuck on his illegalities and wish to keep him from employment. Mind you, this employment does not even touch on the magnitude of global political service but rather playing the game of his youth – football.
And should we be reminded that we are a capitalistic society that functions as a free market system. Jeff Lurie, the Eagles owner, has the right and privilege to acquire assets to generate profits. He views Mr. Vick as a valuable property and took the risk to pay him to increase brand awareness, increase ticket sales, and to help the team win. Mr. Vick should be given the opportunity to find and keep gainful employment. It isn’t like he is making life and death decisions for our society. He’s only playing the game of his youth. It’s just not that serious folks. In addition, it is a rather wasteful usage of energy and money to spend time picketing and developing strategies to get the Eagles to change directions. Wouldn’t that money be better spent organizing and fighting against current dog fighting operations or other abuses of animals?
Did the dogs have a voice? No, and neither did Ms. Kopechne. May all life forms rest in peace. The justice system ruled and we need to practice forgiveness. It is not hard to see how race can be viewed as the only difference in these two predicaments though. Even so, it is time to look within ourselves and apply those merciful and necessary values to a painful situation. The healing will be good for all of America. We should bury these tragedies now and find the real redemption story. Sen. Kennedy is at peace now. Let’s practice absolution and do the same for Mr. Vick.
Questioning Black Leadership: If Barb’s In Charge — Should You Watch Your Wallet?
As a leadership scholar and proud member of the Black Greek Nation, I find it quite appropriate to comment on the sad state of affairs regarding the recently filed Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority lawsuit. President Barbara McKinzie and the executive director are being charged by eight sorority members of financial impropriety to the extent they want them removed immediately from leadership. Since the case has not been heard in a court of law, one should only share opinions (humor permitted) on the specifics of the allegations. However, since this latest announcement seems to suggest a pattern of inadequate leadership in some of our most cherished Black non-profit organizations, I write because I am very concerned about why our community continues to cling on to leaders who repeatedly demonstrate an inability to be accountable, effective and in touch with today’s reality. A few years ago another Barbara, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s president Barbara Moore, was charged with similar activities and the smoke has yet to clear on the internal damages inflicted on the organization. Moore did finally admit to using the sorority’s funds for her own needs though. Both sororities are purposed as charitable organizations to foster sisterly love and service to others yet find themselves dedicating dollars and time to legal matters and media hysteria. Sisters are blogging and posting vitriolic comments about who’s to blame, why the organizations are even relevant and necessary, other sorority options and even thoughts of why the lawsuit doesn’t even matter. If only we can generate this type of intense dialogue to find practical solutions to important matters like our educational needs in the Black community.
Clearly, the Black Greek Nation has lots to be proud of in America. And if one did any bit of research on the history of the Divine Nine, one would discover that every Black American owes a great deal of gratitude for their courageous, tireless and pioneering efforts in the areas of law, science, education, engineering, athletics, entertainment, art, medicine and industry. In fact, most of the progress obtained by Blacks can be directly attributed to members of Black fraternities and sororities. (In particular, the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity should be celebrated for their vision and commitment to educational achievement that spurred the entire movement.) The inspiration and love provided by these organizations represent the heart of many college campuses. Fraternities and sororities have also been the leaders on campus to initiate community service. They have expanded their presence by establishing chapters across the world. Projects include efforts to support mentorship, academic achievement, technology advances, and healthcare. So sadly this accusation hurts everyone who pledged their life to the mission of these special service-focused groups. The answer as to what really forced the AKA sisters to resort to legal action may never come to light. And the questions will surely continue to increase in number and swirl around the issue of Black leadership.
Did Barbara McKinzie demonstrate any history of financial problems? Well, in the mid-1980s as a board member there were concerns of her financial wrongdoings and possible drug usage. And how did she then get elected to the presidency? Does intimidation and power play a role in the leadership of our most-trusted non-profits? We can’t forget the NAACP’s financial crisis under the leadership of Dr. Gibson that forced his resignation and more recently, Ben Chavis and Kweisi Mfume’s inappropriate sexual activities that caused the organization to fork out over $400,000 in total settlement. Is the sorority’s membership really informed and do they even care about national policy and procedure? Are wearing the colors of our fraternities and sororities more important than the ideals and mission? Was McKinzie acting alone and in secret? Former Texas Southern president, Dr. Priscilla Slade, said she was not acting alone in her spending of over $500,000 to improve her palatial 6000 sq. foot home (including a $17,800 sofa) and to pay for bar tabs, manicures, spa treatments and exercise classes. However, once discovered the actions of this HBCU leader proved to not reflect the university’s mandate to provide socially responsible public service and thus, she was fired. (A mistrial was declared in the final ruling of the criminal case and the governor asked the entire board of regents to resign. The CFO was sentenced to 10 years.)
Why did the board approve of McKinzie’s financial transactions? The tax returns filed in 2006 and 2007 appear to have been questionable and over $500,000 was spent on legal fees to address various accusations by members. The improper usage of the credit card by McKinzie was surely monitored by someone with authority. Who signed off on these business dealings? Having tax-exempt status does not give leaders the right to spend money on that which does not further the aim to help society. And certainly, the IRS doesn’t expect the non-profit’s investment accounts to be managed in highly aggressive portfolios that increase risk and exposure to the volatile stock market. Georgia’s only college started by and for Blacks, Morris Brown, had its accreditation removed after their financial disgrace whereby the former president Dolores Cross embezzled funds. After the outrage the school’s endowment dropped to zero and former students even filed lawsuits. Today, there is no information listed under ‘Fiscal Affairs’ on the college’s website and they are having trouble paying its $200,000 water bill. Folks are questioning whether we even need all 103 HBCUs. Does the misappropriation of money by leaders make one question the need for Black organizations? Can one bad apple really spoil the bunch? Not surprisingly, white America has no pass on this issue either. The United Way of America has yet to rebound from the financial scandal that continues to make most citizens leery of the workplace donation folder and recruitment emails. Local chapters still attempt to provide full disclosure on salaries and benefits to calm nerves and open checkbooks.
And lastly, why aren’t we holding Black leaders accountable for their actions? Blame it on the psychology, sociology or spirituality (lack thereof) in our community. (Not the aaaalllllccccooohhhooolll!) The damages from slavery have been well documented and researched by academia. However, I vehemently argue that we should be in the “despite of” stage. Our community has been held back, discriminated against, shaken up, economically impoverished, mistreated, uninformed, scandalized, and poisoned. Well, despite of all that, what’s next? Despite all the glass ceilings and trap doors, what are we going to do next as a people? Sit paralyzed? Should we continue to support undeserving leaders as they milk our bank accounts and our motivation? Despite all the hardships we have faced and will continue to confront, we all need to take a closer look and start our own evaluation of Black leadership. We should expect more and demand more. We should shift our time and talents to organizations that are fiscally prudent and visionary. We should not let the cloak of brotherly and sisterly love blind our eyes from the true prize — educational and economic empowerment for our community. We should politely ask questions and get answers. Our community is on life support in many areas and we need leaders that are willing to act in urgency and with morals. Our wallets can’t afford anything less.
Higher Education: A Right or Privilege for Intercollegiate Student-Athletes?
Get Real! That’s my kind response to the critics of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) recent academic reform policy that eliminates the minimum SAT and ACT scores for admission. This well-thought out and crafted course of action finally gives colleges the academic freedom and independence to do what they do best – make decisions as to which students they want on their particular campus. Not the NCAA, the athletic leagues, or any other sport-related governing body has the right to tell an academic institution who is most deserving of the opportunity to sit in their classrooms and learn. Although our country promotes a spirit of education for all, the reality is that higher education is for the privileged. And those with the financial resources receive more access and resources. With a wink and a nod though, the student-athlete can oftentimes bypass this necessity if one possesses the talent to throw a tight spiral or shoot a silky-smooth jumper.
Historically, most universities have had the proud mission of educating citizens so that one could gain additional skills for the workforce to improve society. Unfortunately, an ivory tower mentality soon emerged across many campuses, which fostered an attitude of “you are not worthy.” This “education for the elite” thinking seemingly created a haven of knowledge mongers. Naaa-Na-Na-Na-Na! I have something you want and I am going to make it hard as heck for you to get it! Helping those less fortunate – no money, no access — became someone else’s issue. This separatism has now come to the forefront as these elite state and private institutions, which purport to focus on research and teaching young minds, are now confronted with freeing up space (at someone else’s expense) to educate a poorly prepared student-athlete. Now everyone wants to win the big games, get media exposure, and improve fundraising to build the next library and add technological advances on campus. They need superb student-athletes to make that happen. The production from the gifted pianist, sculptor, and newspaper editor just won’t pay the bills. With highly competitive admission standards, many of these institutions have now had to construct various exception policies to provide admission to those whose standardized test scores would mean an almost automatic denial. With the removal of test scores as a major factor for admission, the universities now have the mandate to admit whomever they want to join their academic fellowship. I have no problem with their attempt to create and advance diversity on campus. In fact, I applaud these institutions for giving the student-athlete a chance. Welcome to the real world.
However, I do take issue with these same institutions and academics sneering their noses at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) or other centers of higher education that have mandates or specific missions to serve those less-fortunate and less-prepared for higher education. This altruistic concern can be misconstrued and ridiculed by the Academic Progress Rate (APR) bean counters and ivory tower hecklers though. The APR was instituted by the NCAA to monitor how effectively athletic departments are focusing on the scholastic development of its student-athletes by monitoring eligibility. Those who sit on high forget the objective of these schools to admit those academically challenged students and often judge and compare these colleges to their own peer group. If you can look down on others, then you can make yourself feel real good. Commonly, these student-athletes who attend HBCUs come from low-income homes, one-parent families and marginal high schools. The odds are stacked against them, but they choose to seek the benefits that higher education can afford them.
Now all universities should not be allowed to get off the hook with academic clustering though. Requiring or directing student-athletes to majors that fit best with sport practices and competition versus their own interest and competency is immoral. (It should be of no surprise that student-athletes would want to study sport-related subjects if they spend at least 20 hours a week and most of their life focusing on their body and its performance. Hello!) Gerald Gurney, president-elect of the more than 1,000-member National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics and senior associate athletics director at the University of Oklahoma, has stated that the rule change will only create an environment for colleges to further enroll ill-equipped student-athletes. If the marginal student-athlete is admitted for whatever reason, it is important that the university have a proper support structure in place that best provides a winning-platform to achieve on and off the playing field. This support should include consistent communication between the family, coaches, administrators, and faculty. Some would argue that the big-time schools fail in this regard because the coaches have too much power and influence. Hogwash! I believe that “applied knowledge is power” so the coaches need not back up or off, but rather the families, administrators, and faculty need to step up. They should familiarize themselves with the real keys to the game of life and become a part of the solution. Having the courage to confront seems to be missing on many of these campuses with miserable graduation rates and academic scandals. Falling through the cracks should not be an option for a student-athlete under the university’s care. The emphasis on student-athlete leadership training is super, but it is imperative to add student-athlete transition counseling to help them adjust to life after their career. The attraction of intercollegiate athletics is not going away. The marketing and administration of intercollegiate sport is a multimillion-dollar industry that requires new blood each and every year.
It is no wonder that most student-athletes seek higher education. The chance of a significant professional financial contract is highly unlikely, most still want to grow up with their peers who are moving on to college, they enjoy working out and developing their skills against better competition, and they want to learn more to prepare them for their life after competition. Their ability to perform and showcase their gift should not be held against them. Student-athletes offer college campuses a unique perspective and exciting entertainment, which enhances the diversity of the community, and quite possibly its financial coffers as well. Their overall graduation rate is higher than the general student body, which speaks to the student-athlete’s discipline and ability to focus when the pressure is on. Yes, higher education is a privilege. However, open admission or enrollment is a step in the right direction to take the pressure off of using standardized tests that only predict first-year performance and not graduation. The institutions that cheat are still going to cheat. Giving universities more control over their admissions is not going to increase or decrease that fact. The change is only a positive and long-overdue admission rule to respect reality and assist institutions in their most-noble purpose of serving all in our society through research, service and teaching.
First Black Female CEO of a Fortune 500 Company - Black Scholars and Professionals Comment
“Burns’ hire is inspirational and very strategic. With Pres. Obama’s seat at the highest table, it has now become prudent and most practical to allow one’s best and brightest to shine. This move is an example of how affirmative action can really work to positively affect change. All we ever need is just an opportunity. Also, much kudos to Mulcahy (the former CEO of Xerox) for demonstrating the power of ongoing support for Black leadership in business. Back to back now has another meaning besides its usage in basketball!”
Leaders Unite
Thanks for visiting this section. As a passionate educator in the field of human movement and leadership, I encourage you take the time to do your own personal inventory of your leadership philosophy and style. I have lots to share from folks much brighter and older 
than myself so I hope overtime you come back to utilize and share my resources.
