The Barack Brushback in Sports
Posted: Monday, February 02, 2009
by Tony Price
The Darker Shade of Sports
Well it's been a couple of weeks since the inauguration of the nation's first African-American president and there are blatant signs of rebellious behavior by those who opposed his presidency. I'm referencing the unashamed disrespect in something as simple as addressing Barak Obama with the proper respect due. A few prominent media personalities refuse to call him "President Obama" instead they call him Mr. Obama, your president, or simply Barack while some supporters call him Brother Obama, as if they have a personal relationship with him. If this man can't get people to acknowledge him with the proper title of "President Obama" what does that say?
Now before you call me a conspiracy theorist, read on. My thought is that as a result of President Obama's election, there may be less tolerance of black male leadership in high places or positions of power; it's already started within the sports industry. The recent trend of firing black coaches such as Dennis Felton, Sam Mitchell, Herm Edwards, Ron Prince, and Tyrone Willingham (again) and others illustrate the point, many of them were let go before seasons end. Now I am not advocating for these men to be given preferential treatment or not be held accountable for multiple subpar seasons, after all professional and major college sports are about the bottom line, however if their white counterparts were held to the same standard, there would be no one left standing. I think this is just the beginning, and it will be open season for criticism from those narrow minded individuals who create those "Fire the coach" sites. They will point to the recent election of the nation's first African-American president as evidence their rants and raves are not racially motivated, akin to the old saying "some of my best friends are black". The election of President Obama could have a polarizing effect, some Athletic Directors, General Managers and Owners will seek the next superstar amongst the pool of African-American candidates, someone who can do what Barack did and generate excitement, cross racial lines, and increase the bottom line, while others will not go beyond a token interview if that and may carry this attitude "We have a black president, isn't that enough what more do these people want." They may feel it's their duty and obligation to retain opportunities for the white race; someone has to preserve the "Old boy network". For the lucky few black coaches that land jobs, they must realize going in that the expectations and time given to turn a team's fortunes around may be unrealistic, just like the expectations placed on President Obama's shoulders to turn this country around in 4 years. In my heart I hope the election of President Obama will signal an acceptance and increased awareness of what people of color like Doc Rivers, Tony Dungy and Mike Tomlin who are prepared and supported can do. I can't believe Dan Patrick asked Tomlin if he felt over his head on national TV after winning the super bowl, they didn't ask Gruden the same question when he was the youngest coach to win the super bowl with Tampa Bay, but my head says watch out for a hidden agenda that has already been set in motion, only time will tell.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Fantastic written articleRomeo Burke, The Netherlands Europe Rotterdam
Tony you make some very good points and then again some I can't agree with. No offense intended. Personally I really don't give a rats blank about anything but can the man do the job. Does he do what he professes and promises? I didn't vote for any of them, or anyone in Congress. All birds of the same feather to me, white. black, red, yellow, no difference. Call me what you want but produce. Now Tony Dungy a mans man. Herm Edwards, Lovie Smith and some of those others I agree, as men excellent. As for no white coaches being fired, I suspect Denver, Tampa, New York are just three locations that you are wrong and I didn't get to the college ranks. Yes and black or white it is all about the bottom line. Oh and by the way he is a man and a man only, half white, half black. You call him black, I call him man and as such when you enter the arena you are open to it all. Yes and I do agree he should be called Mr. President. I also really feel we have had it easy saying Obama this and Obama that. I should ask why not all the outrage over tee shirts, hats, plates. I think that alone is derogatory to a sitting president. Anyway, just some thoughts and best wishes.
Each president has been disrespected by those who did not want him in office. Remember George W. Bush?Can a black coach be fired for doing a lousy job without someone screaming "discrimination?"
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