A Comment on the USA Today Article “Michael Vick reaches endorsement deal with Nike”
“Vick signing a new contract with Nike is an example of how great America can be. A man who made a tragic mistake is now given the opportunity to showcase his athletic and altruistic nature by donning the foremost athletic marketing brand in the world again. Nike is known for its boldness and creativity. With this move, they have undoubtedly and strategically swooshed their way to the front of the headlines and to another bump in increased market share. Vick states that he wants to make amends and now he has the platform and added media attention to make that happen. Folks can’t complain here. We live in a capitalistic society that thrives on the free market, profit motive, and second chances. Regardless of the financial compensation, if any, for this new Vick contract, the Nike leaders are practicing forgiveness. And that’s a good thing. For those who just can’t seem to get over Vick’s transgressions, try expending your energy on more important issues like healthcare and education reform. Indeed, the train has left the platform. Thank you Nike for leading the way!”
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.
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.
In God We Trust — And That’s About It!
Sheeessh! By the news events of the past few weeks, one would have thought that it was time to grab our belongings and head to hills. Can anyone be trusted in this information age of hustle, fast-talk, get-rich deals, and quickie-relationships? Here’s a bit of timeless advice for those desperately seeking peace-of-mind and still holding on in hope for a brighter tomorrow –
Don’t seriously date someone that doesn’t have as much as you to lose financially in a relationship (especially if you’re already married). Yes, this tip may appear narrow-minded, elitist, and tough to swallow but the facts reflect reality. Mr. McNair more than likely lost his life not because the alleged killer was not cute enough or highly cultured, but rather she got a taste of the good life that she had never previously experienced. The young lover was not an observable regular in the high-income bracket circle. Her self-defined love and feelings for this once-in-a-lifetime fling would not permit her to let go. She probably rested on the “if I can’t have him, no one else will” sentiment to end their lives tragically. It is highly doubtful that a businesswoman with millions (who was rejected by a rich lover that would periodically spend his mint on her to woo her) would take her own life and risk the chance to meet another stud athlete with bank and street cred.
Drink more water and eat something green everyday. Pretty simple and logical, huh? Well, apparently most Americans don’t understand the levels of toxicity in the world that are directly attacking our vital organs. Our government just reported that 1 in 4 people get sick every year due to food-borne illnesses. If you haven’t looked around lately (or don’t trust the folks in D.C.) while visiting the mall, supermarket or movies, you might not have noticed the increasing tires around the waists of many men and rolls on women. Our nation is inhaling poison and eating too much sugar. In addition, there are over 12 million obese children. Data from NHANES surveys (1976–1980 and 2003–2006) show that the prevalence of obesity has increased from 5.0% to 17.6% for those aged 12–19 years. Yikes! We must cleanse daily. There is a simple law of physics that we all learned in grade school: all matter is in a state of entropy. Everything is changing by moving either forward or backwards. Nothing stays the same. To that end, you are either aging gracefully or perched high and hanging on by your fingernails as you look down at a bed of nails. Please don’t think your digestive track (and in particular, your liver) can do the necessary cleansing to offset the junk in the air and your self-selected food and water supply. And don’t wait on the FDA to adequately address salmonella and E.coli contamination. Incredibly, the Food Safety Contamination Act of 2009 has just gone to Congress…so what kind of protection have we had up to this point in time? Scary. Very scary. Thank heavens for our First Lady and her emphasis on vegetables and growing your own garden.
Be loyal to yourself and not your job. Huh? Yes, the days of working for an employer for 30 years to receive the gold watch and phat pension are over. Kaput! Sayonara! Instead, focus on how you can serve your clients – your boss, your peers, and your customers. If you take care of others, the universe will take care of you. Period. I’m not debating her decision to disregard her commitment to Alaskans, but even Gov. Palin realized that it is best to walk away and control her own life destiny. Others may consider her resignation to be shortsighted but she saw that jewel as false gold. Trusting the company line may get you in trouble when you need them most. Get rid of that pride and keep your resume updated. Tell those who sincerely care about your well being about your career interests early and often. Why? Shift happens. They can serve as ambassadors to inform you of job opportunities and career contacts when you aren’t around to receive the news or referral firsthand. The U.S. unemployment rate has risen to a 26-year high of nearly 10%, which is not only affecting the low-income strata but also the wealthy as they must become more efficient and strategic in business management. It is of no surprise that the NBA recently announced a lower salary cap ($57.7 million) for the upcoming season. Who wants to dig into their retirement and “fun-stuff” kitty to pay extra millions to employees (i.e., highly-skilled basketball players)? Hey ballers! Keep practicing those jump shots and crossover moves but don’t be shy about buying a condo in the many cities your career will take you, instead of throwing money down the drain in the purchase of opulent mansions to show off to your posse. Oh, and don’t forget that everyone is replaceable so watch your ego too.
Secure your financial foundation. Fundamentals in economic concepts include learning the difference between needs and wants. Pump your brakes on those expenditures that are not helping you stay healthy or providing shelter. Look at the alternatives and what is foregone (the opportunity cost) when considering a four-hour and $120 hair appointment. Educate yourself on insurance basics to protect yourself and loved ones in case of an unexpected loss. Using discounted dollars to replace property or loss of life is the most prudent decision unless you are independently wealthy. Life, health, disability and P&C (home, auto, etc.) should never be an afterthought. And don’t believe for a hot minute that crooks like Madoff operate on their own. Be suspicious of those in St. John knit, Kiton and Armani suits that you can never contact outside of business hours. The corporate web of lies and criminal activity have sent many portfolios south and far too few white collar cheats to jail. The best protection is education and the courage to ask questions of financial professionals. Take advantage of opportunities but don’t shop blindly. For example, the new $8000 (or 10% of the home’s value, whichever is less) credit for first-time homebuyers may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing so do your due diligence. Does it make sense to promote nearly 100% financing (with 3.5% minimum down payment) of homes to those with zero homeowner experience and limited money? Isn’t that what partially got America in the hot mess we are in now? Not that I would ever expect innovation from our political leaders…More than ever, save what you can to prepare for what appears to be a long climb out of this recession.
This advice may seem harsh and direct, but truth doesn’t always come in the form you like and expect. There are always exceptions to these suggestions, but don’t bet on you being that outlier. Trust your God and your instincts. Remember the ol’ country saying, “People are like onions.” You never really know someone 100% because there are layers and layers of new truth and experiences. And oftentimes that truth hurts without really trying. Choose your friends wisely and give them permission to tell you when you are out-of-line and that you need to check yourself. As the Bible tells us, guard your heart and act on those signals when someone shows you who they really are…including your new boo, financial advisor or manager. Read and become empowered in your own life journey. When you find a job that makes you smile each and every day AND you get paid for it – that is joy. And isn’t that what life is all about? Now go finish that glass of water.
The N Word
Although I personally take great offense of the usage of the N-word by all ethnicities, I have come to accept the general notion that
empowerment comes from ownership of thought and action. To that end, the Black community, in particular the Black hip-hop nation, seeks to empower itself by using the N-word to change and control the N-word meaning in the world. As our brother MJ demonstrated, the world may often times be influenced by the spread of love in rhythms and beats. Similar to how the male gay community took hold of the word ‘fag’ by using it as a reference to their own positive being and laughing back at those who used the word to inflict pain and harm. It’s hard to put a beat down on someone who consciously chooses to avoid and walk away from your taunts and punches.
In actuality, I think the N-word discussion serves as a microcosm of a
more critical issue confronting the Black community: the growing
familial-divide between young and old. And I am not defining this
division in terms of chronological years. Technology is now guiding the
world and its effects are immense in many of our most persuasive
institutions. For example, in the Black church, we witness most of our
leadership still holding on to age-old traditions because they are
unwilling to listen and engage our youth and/or can’t let go of the
pulpit. Many question why are we still wasting time, money and energy
on paper church bulletins. To keep Sister Mary and her committee happy each week? Well. the youthful spirits in our community are now
e-churching by downloading sermons, calendars, bible studies, praise
sessions and watching services by way of “Bedside Baptist” and “St.
Mattress of the Spring.” It is of no surprise that the congregation is
often generationally split between the acceptance of two-hour services filled with ministers in street clothes holding PDAs, percussion-driven ensembles, dance performances and “Jesus-Light” messages vs. all-day services of hymns, lengthy “fire and brimstone” preaching, thick cotton robes in the middle of the summer heat and fear-generating “name-by-name” tithing reports.
Are we really talking to one another in our churches about timely
issues of the day such as the usage and appropriateness of the N-word? Or are the older-thinking folks hell-bent on holding the line on
progressive discussion and examination? Perhaps these same individuals are also oblivious to the genius of our rappers like Common and Mos Def. In addition, technology has drastically changed our economic strategies and conduits in our religious institution. Many embrace online giving platforms and full-disclosure videos that share how the building fund dollars are being spent. In summary, the church serves as an example of how the generations are challenged to find common ground to overcome longstanding differences that are magnified in this technological age of speed and access to information. Those leaders that choose to embrace this monumental change are more likely to be exposed to new thought, cutting-edge innovations and cultural adaptations – even in our vernacular. Let’s listen and seek to understand.
Dr. Debby Stroman
University of North Carolina
Exercise and Sport Science
Sport Administration - 04 Smith Building
CB 3182 Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919.843.0336
“There are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree. One way is to sit on an acorn and wait; the other is to climb it.”
Obama’s First 100 Days and Race
When considering the scorecard for Pres. Obama and race in his first 100 days in office, I am immediately reminded of the adage “Think Globally. Act Locally.” Our first Black president took over the steering wheel of a car with four flat tires that was not approaching a cliff, but was already in the air having begun its whirlwind descent to massive destruction. No, wait! It’s time for divine intervention — insert Superbrotha Man for rescue! Get real folks!
Although the list can be expanded and deconstructed, I have identified the two major issues to assist the Black community in this perilous time: Economics and Education. At this time, Pres. Obama does not need to specifically address race in terms of his immediate goals or policies because the entire nation is suffering. When people are drowning it doesn’t matter who is in 25 feet versus 50 feet of water. Just throw the life line! Remember, we are spiraling downward very fast; he has had to respond to Iraq and Afghanistan policies (e.g., exit timeline changed to 19 months and 30,000 troops redirected) and the financial markets implosion (e.g., $787B stimulus package and the rescue of major automakers). Yes, many Blacks are still in dire straits such as our likelihood of losing homes to foreclosure, twice as likely to be unemployed, and three times as likely to live in poverty. However, the emotional kick we all received with his election should not cloud our thinking to the extent that we could ever believe that with the touch of a magic wand all conditions would improve. And I would argue that the trending situation could not even be changed within a year.
The election of Pres. Obama provided the platform for us to believe in ourselves and our community again. We can look with optimism at our potential and ability to achieve anything. Let’s use that collective energy to effect change in our own communities. To become engaged in our local schools to offer solutions, volunteer, and “inspect what we expect.” If we all read more books and turned off the television, our young people just might be exposed to people and places that would motivate them to achieve and dream again. We can also become more service-minded and help those less fortunate who can’t read their financial reports or their electric bill. It’s time for more proactive economic workshops at our churches and community centers. Once again, it’s time for us to stop looking over yonder but rather celebrate and position our own power. Onward!
A Response to Morehouse Madness
What’s wrong with Black America? Missing Black fathers…too many babies out of wedlock…economic impotence…a lack of ambition and a sense of hopelessness in our youth…too many balls and not enough books…toxic churches led by wolves preying on the sheep…obesity and its effects on our health…ad nauseum. How about adding a lack of accountability and responsibility? Sadly enough, when the time came to shoot a layup — that is, take action and do the right thing, the leaders at Morehouse College missed the mark. For Mr. Johnson and the entire Morehouse College community to have been disrespected with the decision to allow Mr. Norris to finish his degree after such a violent act is a travesty to the opportunity to join a prestigious community of scholars. Higher education is a privilege, not a right. Mr. Norris can certainly have a good laugh as he proudly displays his Morehouse diploma on his wall. He is a Morehouse man now. Whatever. He can snicker at an administration that chose to coddle a coward at the expense of a rich tradition, bright young minds, proud alumnni and an unblemished reputation. Unfortunately, this action will not go unnoticed. An unwanted spotlight is now on the College; potential candidates, donors and sponsors will undoubtedly give the idea of matriculation and financial support a second thought. Just what another HBCU needs at THIS time…And who can blame them? Yes, there are always more details that the public is not made immediately aware of in criminal cases. However, the fact that the administration acted prior to the judge’s decision makes one wonder if they acted in a responsible manner. Could the decision have been an economic one?
If the definition of character is what you do when no one is watching, then the current Morehouse administration has a major blemish and there is cause for major concern. There is now new meaning to being called a Morehouse man. Mr. Johnson, please don’t lose sleep over not receiving that diploma. Your courage and decision to close that chapter in your life is the best example to demonstrate to our youth. Move forward with your dream to attend law school and use this example to promote real justice. Let’s just hope that Morehouse will learn its lesson and begin to display accountability to those whom it serves and seeks to represent. For surely, this case is a demonstration of what IS wrong in Black America.
