Opting-Out of Pro Sports

I love watching college and professional sports with all the hyping reportage that comes with it. At one point in life, I suppose I was fanatical in my need to watch or attend games of my favorite teams (Oakland Raiders/San Francisco Giants). We who live to see our sports teams compete are a passionate breed willing to "go the distance" in order to fulfill that ……… addiction.

During this challenging year of 2020, the Coronavirus Pandemic has delayed and altered our lives in unprecedented ways. And, if sports is a big part of one's life, it is missed as much as any hobby, pet, loveable job or likeable family member. 

Watching sports allows fans to indulge in a fantasy of collective achievement. A fan can leave reality behind as he/she enters the stadium. Joining tens of thousands of other screaming fans the individual becomes an adrenaline-pumped assembly of revved up energy prepared for take-off.  Once unleashed, energy in the stadium is so electric and contagious it takes over all in attendance, launching them into an orbit of sports ecstasy and making all other facets of life irrelevant. Honestly, if not for the smartphone, fans attending games (real fans) are for all intents and purposes living on another planet with little concern for what's happening back on earth.

Those were the days. Today's 2020 Pandemic has crushed the fantasy of sports, forcing fans to face life without seasonal flights to stadiums, bars or man-caves. Life without sports fantasy has become a lesson in confronting real life issues back on earth. Our sports addictions have been exposed for what they are; escapes to a land of make believe. The Pandemic has stripped away all false images and hopes, only to reveal our most important needs in life; relationships and a home. Showing some love for our families, our communities and overall humanity should be number one priority during these times and moving forward. 

If these past few months on lockdown have shown nothing else, it's shown how much our human society is driven by greed and not need. Who could have guessed that the richest country this world has ever seen would be crippled and brought to its knees by a Pandemic they knew was coming.  Maybe this is how the Romans felt when their great republic began to teeter and fall; astonished and troubled. With all the resources at its disposal, America continues to lag behind the rest of the world when it comes to effectively fighting the Pandemic. Could it be that, like the Romans, the arrogance of America is causing its failure? 

America seems to have lost its way. It rushed to re-open it's economy at the expense of human life, putting consumerism over health. We've had political leaders, ala Mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn Goodman, promoting unsafe reopening in tourist driven American cities, only to see a surge of infection and death from the virus. It's as if the virus has infected the common sense of folks who were fortunate enough so far to have escaped its ravages. 

Today there are over 150,000 confirmed deaths from Covid-19 in America, and people are still dying or having their health compromised by Coronavirus. Because there's no vaccine and still unanswered questions surrounding contagion, every human being is susceptible to being a carrier and/or a victim of the disease. 

When it comes to returning to a life of sports, there's only one game being played that's worth our fandom; the race to find a vaccine or cure. Science should be the team we are all rooting for, not leagues concerned with profit/loss and market share. And maybe Dr. Fauci walks away with Most-Valuable-Player award when all is said and done.

For those who put consumerism over health and medical science, you are part of the problem instead of the solution. Though we all could use a distraction and break from this Pandemic crisis, we can't let our guards down and revert back to living as if washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing are no longer a priority. Playing team sports at this time is not a winning game-plan nor should it be a top priority. It’s actually a fantasy; an artificial need that may end up doing more harm than good. We don't want our stadiums resembling that infamous Colosseum now part of the historical ruins of Rome, anytime soon now, do we.

I salute and applaud those athletes who are choosing to Opt Out of playing sports in 2020. Our professional sports leagues, with their billionaire owners, are in the business of making money. Providing entertainment just happens to be a means to an end for them. Their addiction to making money has become as dangerous as any other addiction; it selfishly puts the lives of others in danger. So who you gonna root for this season, Wealth or Health. Choice Matters!



NFL Players Opting Out Tracker

NBA Players Opting Out Tracker

MLB Players Opting Out Tracker

I'm A Grandpa Again!

And you know what that means; online shopping at the Raiders store and sending out future player profile tape to Division I colleges. Because you know future NFL teams will have female players suiting up on gameday. 

Question is do I want my little darling to play offense, defense or just be safe and develop a punter/kicker leg? At 8.4 lbs and arriving a month early, I'm going with defensive end. Her two big brothers will see to that. Look out Howie!

My Thoughts on This Presidency at This Time

Race and Country Matters



If President Barack Obama had ignored and did nothing after being briefed on Russia paying bounties for the killings of American troops in Afghanistan.



If President Barack Obama had withdrawn U.S. troops from Iraq and then invited the Taliban to Camp David for an agreement meeting on the withdrawal: 



If President Barack Obama had withheld congress approved funds (aid) in order to bribe a foreign leader for dirt on his opponent in the upcoming U.S. election. (Quid Pro Quo)

If President Barack Obama had said he’d welcome dirt from a foreign country on his re-election opponent.



If President Barack Obama had chosen Vladimir Putin’s word over the U.S. Intelligence community about Russian interference in our election.



If President Barack Obama had not disclosed his business plans with Russia to build a Tower hotel in Moscow, with a VIP suite for Russian president Vladimir Putin thrown into the deal.

The Truth behind Trump Tower in Moscow  - Forbes



If President Barack Obama had refused to cooperate with investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and obstruct cooperation. (Mueller Investigation)



If President Barack Obama had unconstitutionally divert Defense  Funding to build a border wall he campaigned on.



If President Barack Obama had fired and/or ordered the firing of high-ranking government officials simply because they disagree with him or refuse to lie for him.



If President Barack Obama’s personal attorney had been convicted of making excessive campaign contributions per his request, paying hush money to two women he committed adultery with.



If President Barack Obama had been Impeached.



If President Barack Obama had ignored warnings of a world-wide pandemic and refused to effectively lead the country once infections and deaths of Americans began. And what if he suggested citizens ingest bleach as a cure.



If President Barack Obama had ordered a high-powered military helicopter to clear out peaceful protestors so he could have a photo-op in front of a church; while awkwardly holding a bible.



If President Barack Obama  had bragged about grabbing women by the pussy.



If First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2016 DNC had plagiarized a speech by former republican First Lady Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush or Laura Bush.



What if Donald Trump were the first black President of the United States, following on the heels of one of the most eloquent and empathetic men to ever hold the office. Would his political party have backed him this long and allow unimpeded his run for a second term? Would black citizens feel safe? Would America feel safe? Race and Country Matters!

You know the saying, “If it looks like a duck.” Well, no longer do we need to speculate about our current President’s condition. He is a duck; possibly an internationally compromised duck. And the scary part is he does not care if we see the strings Vladimir Putin has attached to his backside to make him quack. 

God bless us all and may God bless the United States of America.

African-American Authors Speak on Race and Politics

I'm listing here links to talks by two American authors who see it as their civic duty to share truths about race and politics in our country. Malcolm Nance and Carol Anderson are recognized and respected professionals in their fields of study. What I found so engaging listening to both were their skillful ways of telling a story; truthful stories with identifiable facts that hold your attention. Story tellers have always been some of the greatest teachers in societies.

I plan to add one or more of their books to my library, but in the meantime felt it my duty to share with those who haven't heard either speak. Each lectures with a concern, care and passion that moves minds and jumpstarts action/activism. Both breakdown issues in ways that require you bring only your attention in order to understand. 

After listening to Carol and Malcolm, you'll come away feeling informed and armed with a sharper lens to view current issues on race and/or politics in America. And you'll be reminded why you must Vote!

Malcolm Nance: The Plot to Betray America

Carol Anderson: White Rage The Unspoken Truth of Our Nation Divide 

"A Fredo Moment"

Ali’s Attica Protest Poem

When I think of professional sports as a platform for protest in today's Black Lives Matter movement, I'm reminded of historical sports figures who made statements of racial protest in their day; Jesse Owens, Bill Russell, John Carlos and Tommie Smith. Some of these black men, and I'm sure others less famous, were banned and/or blacklisted from competing in their sport ever again, ala Colin Kaepernick.

There was one great African-American sports figure who stood up and protested not only racial inequality and discrimination, but also an unjust war (Vietnam). 

In 1967, Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali had his championship title and professional boxing license stripped after being convicted of draft evasion. He was sentenced to 5 years in jail and  a $10,000.00 fine.  

"On April 23, 1971, the Supreme Court voted to send the world's best known athlete to jail"

We all remember Ali as a natural at creating fun rhymes/raps about his unmatchable boxing prowess and "pretty" looks. His unique lyrical cadence and style were all his own. To this day his saying "Float like a Butterfly Sting like a Bee" is still printed and sold on T-shirts; I happen to own one and wear it proudly. Though he sometimes taunted opponents with poems of domination and victory, almost all understood that it was just Ali having fun and selling the big showdown. 

I recently came across an early Ali interview where he gives a powerful rendition of a poem he penned, inspired by racial injustice and police brutality during the 1971 Attica Prison uprising. Not only does Ali display a mesmerizing ability to recite the lengthy poem from memory, he delivers it with a style and grace not unlike the boxing skills he demonstrated in the ring. 

Ali’s genius and grace transcended the boxing ring, and this poem is proof of that.

‘Better to Die Fighting to be Free’

Better far – from all I see –

To die fighting to be Free

What more fitting end could be?

Better surely than in some bed

Where in broken health I’m led

Lingering until I’m dead

Better than with prayers and pleas

Or in the clutch of some disease

Wasting slowly by degrees

Better than a heart attack

Or some dose of drug I lack

Let me die by being Black

Better far that I should go

Standing here against the foe

Is the sweeter death to know

Better than the bloody stain

On some highway where I’m lain

Torn by flying glass and pane

Better calling death to come

Than to die another dumb,

Muted victim in the slum

Better than of this prison rot

If there’s any choice I’ve got

Kill me here on the spot

Better for my fight to wage

Now while my blood boils with rage

Less it cool with ancient age

Better violent for us to die

Than to Uncle Tom and try

Making peace just to live a lie

Better now that I say my sooth

I’m gonna die demanding Truth

While I’m still akin to youth

Better now than later on

Now that fear of death is gone

Never mind another dawn.

-       Muhammad Ali

10 Athletes who made historic political or social protests

NFL Commissioner Taking A Knee

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday apologized to players for not listening to their concerns regarding racism sooner.

"We the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL Players earlier and encourage all players speak out."

Sorry Roger Goodell, but you completely missed the police brutality protest bus when it stopped at your station four seasons ago. You and many others put profit over principle. Since you now see the error of your ways, you might consider granting reparations to those players who's careers were shortened or defamed due to your ignorance and neglect. I'm sure they'd appreciate it, that is if you really mean to right a wrong. 

We American football fans who understood all along taking a knee during the national anthem meant no disrespect to our military, hoped in time the NFL would come around. And they have somewhat, see Inspire Change Initiative. Unfortunately, it took a nationally televised murder of a black man by police, along with national protests, for the National Football League to get on the bus and admit their mistake. Better late than never I suppose. 

Now how about some financial compensation for players you threw under the bus for speaking out against police brutality. Many can never recoup the privilege of potential fame and fortune you so conspiratorially took away from them. And like our current president, you incited hatred toward protesting players when you criticized their peaceful actions instead of supporting them, or better, joining them.  

An NFL apology is nice, but does not bring justice to the wrong these players suffered when choosing to peacefully protest against police violence in our nation. We're not talking 40 acres and a mule compensation, but when something is taken unjustly you'd expect something of equal or higher value given in return. 

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them like wise." Luke 6:31

The league is known for imposing hefty fines on players and teams when they behave badly. It’s meant to teach a lesson as well as punish the perpetrator. Well, it's time to "do ye also" by pulling out the bad boy checkbook and penalizing yourselves. And while you're at it, take a damn knee!

NFL tackles police killings in Super Bowl Commercial

2 years of NFL protests explained 

Teams to be fined if players kneel during anthem

Why are people taking a knee?

A Change Gone Come - Ruth Brown

New Year’s Eve (1942)
by Artist Marion Greenwood

There’ve been times when I thought, 
I wouldn’t last for long, 
but now I think I’m able to carry on, 
It’s been a long, long time comin’ but I know, 
a change gone come, oh yes it will.


Ruth Brown Version
Brian Owens Version
Sam Cooke Version (Original)

Georgia 'On My Kind - Ahmaud Arbery

Prayers, Blessings and Justice for the family of Ahmaud Arbery

Yesterday's national news highlights yet another unarmed, black youth gunned down by a white person who saw dark skin color in the neighborhood and felt entitled to bear arms and give chase. Not only did the 64-year-old white male grab a gun and give pickup truck chase, he instructed his 34-year-old son to grasp a rifle and join in the hunt. The results were tragic. They were hunting what they suspected was a nigger who had stolen from the father's pickup truck a month earlier. The young 25-year-old black man was an innocent jogger who lived in the rural Georgia neighborhood and was taking his usual afternoon run; unarmed.

Video Won't Lie

I am a black man in my mid-50's with two black sons in their 30's. When I see youth with My Kind of features and skin color targeted with deadly force for no reason other than causing discomfort and/or vengeance in hateful white skinned individuals, I feel angry. 

I feel angry because I'm a lover of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for All Kind. I feel angry because another injustice on My Kind by Another Kind, condoned by another district attorney's office, saps my hope for change in America. I feel angry because if a son of mine suffers the same deadly fate of Ahmaud Arbery, my love for life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for All Kind might get hijacked by anger and hate for Another Kind.  

I know of the racist history in these United States, especially in the confederate South. I am old enough to understand the warnings my southern raised father gave about dealings with certain white kind and white law enforcement/courts. As a young liberal, when I first heard father's warnings I thought I knew better than he; times had changed since his youthful era of Jim Crow and segregation. I've since learned how generational indoctrination and repetition of deep racism is a right of passage for certain Kind; "as American as Apple Pie." Now I am the father fearing for my sons safety in a country that still condones violence on My Kind by Another Kind. 

I once read a book about the fears of a convicted criminal serving time at an inhumane penal colony on Devil's Island, French Guiana. His fears were not loss of family and freedom or brutal punishments. His were fears that come with penal colony living conditions and treatment that changes a man from a civil being to that of a hateful beast; a dangerous beast with no morals, no remorse, no forgiveness and no hope for himself or those he sees as Other.

"I'll never forgive prison for making me a worse man than I am. A little more and I won't be fit to live anywhere but here. That's what it's doing to me." (Condemned to Devil's Island)

Today I feel angry. I pray for myself, My Kind and those of the Other Kind. I pray that ongoing racist conditions in these United States of America do not change me into a beast filled with anger and hate. For that I would never forgive this country for making me a worse man than I am. God give me the strength to continue praying for and forgiving those who might not like My Kind.


Rabbi Hillel: "That which is hateful to you, do not unto your neighbor"
                        "What is hateful to you, do not do to another"

Legendary NFL Coach Passes

Don Shula, Hall of Fame head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 1970-1995, passed away at the ripe old age of 90. 

The man's accomplishments will likely stand another 90 years, easily. Here's how his 26 season marriage in Miami began:

The 1970 Miami Dolphins season was the team's fifth, and first in the National Football League (NFL). It was the team's first winning season, first playoff appearance, and first of 26 seasons under head coach Don Shula. The team improved on their 3–10–1 record from 1969, and finished the regular season at 10–4, second in the newly-aligned AFC East to only the Baltimore Colts, the eventual Super Bowl champion.

The Dolphins got off to a fresh start at 4–1, but lost three straight to even their record at 4–4. Miami then won six straight to end the season to clinch their first-ever winning season and playoff berth, as the wild card team. They met the Oakland Raiders in the opening divisional round, whom they had defeated in Miami in early October,^[1] but lost 21–14 on the road in the sun and mud.^[2][3][4]

Shula had moved over to the Dolphins in mid-February 1970, after seven seasons as head coach of the Baltimore Colts, now in the same division.^[5][6]

What other NFL head coach has turned a losing expansion team around so quickly, won two of three straight Super Bowls and notched an undefeated season in the process? I'll wait!!!

Don Shula ranks right up there with the old greats that have made the National Football League America's favorite sport. And I am one of the lucky ones who as a kid began watching games just as Don Shula started his reign in Miami. Although I held Cowboys head coach Tom Landry in high regard during that 1970's era, I always had much respect for Shula and the Dolphins organization; who didn't!

Shula

1930-2020

Former Miami Dolphin’s quarterback Bob Griese, left, holds a signed jersey with President Barack Obama and Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, forty-one years after their perfect football season as President Barack Obama honors the Super Bowl VII Champion Miami Dolphins in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Aug. 20, 2013. Jacquelyn Martin AP

Raiders Draft Speedy WR

Henry Ruggs III - Raiders 1st Round Pick (12th overall)

excerpts from article: Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy Drafted
by Sam Marsdale

"Ruggs' speed alone helps both the running and passing games because it forces safeties into more passive positioning," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote of Ruggs. "He can work all three levels and his ability to turn slants and crossing routes into big gainers could make him the favorite gift under the tree for a quarterback and offense in need of an explosive weapon. He has quick, sure hands to handle off-target throws, but learning to release, separate and catch against physical NFL cornerbacks could require an adjustment period. He won't rack up the targets, but has explosive speed and talent to imprint on games with regularity."

“One of these players will elevate an offense to different heights, and as good as Jeudy and Lamb are, they aren't the lightning-in-a-bottle player that you can't take your eyes off. Ruggs is,” former NFL quarterback David Carr wrote. “The speedster is a combination of DeSean Jackson and Tyreek Hill. He has home run ability from anywhere on the field.” 

“Henry Ruggs is my No. 1 receiver in this year's draft class simply because he changes the game the most,” former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger said. “He brings a different kind of speed that will give defenses major problems -- remember, he ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and was disappointed. He's like the Cheetah, Tyreek Hill, but bigger and stronger. That's a dangerous skill set.”