Pacers start(ed) four white guys

I ran across this earlier over at The Big Lead and found it very interesting/surprising. Last night, the Indiana Pacers started four white guys in their game against the Bulls.

Not that I every really cared, but the Pacers have dropped off the radar since the Reggie Miller-era ended a couple of years ago and I don’t even know who their coach is or what their record is.

But in this day an age, it’s rare that you have one white guy starting for an NBA team, much less four.

Can sports save the ‘hood?

 I’m not exactly sure where I want to go with this post, so bare with me.

Pictured above is an artist rendition of the Washington Nationalsnew stadium in Southeast DC. After a couple of years at RFK, the Nats are scheduled to start play in  their new stadium on opening day 2008. While the jury’s still out on what the team will look like, by all accounts, the stadium is a gem.

But rewind a couple of years ago when owners and city officials were trying to find a permanent home for the Nats. If I recall correctly, a different tune was being sung. Nobody, media included, was keen on building the stadium in “that neighborhood” After all, it was “in Southeast” It bothered me at the time because just a few years earlier the same discussion was held in reference to the MCI Verizon Center. However, one it was finished and that area turned out not to be as bad as presumed, it was the greatest idea in the world.

Today, as the Nats stadium is in its final stages of completion, it’s a totally different story. The area as been cleaned up and with talks of condos, shops, etc., the Anacostia waterfront it said to be experiencing a “Renaissance”

To me, I question has to be asked, why does it take sports to bring attention to, and revamp the ‘hood or low income areas. We’ve seen this in different citites and in all sports. The most recent one that comes to mind is the New Jersey Devils and their new stadium in downtown Newark.  Prior to, it was a disaster, a few months later, ease has set in.

People form opinions based on what they read/see in the media. So, if Joe Sportswriter blasts a team for an arena location, Sally Suburbs is going to believe it, thus forming an opinion about said area. I guess my beef is why it takes sports to bring attention and money to bad neighborhoods. But, on the flipside, maybe we should thank sports, because if it wasn’t for them, these areas may go ignored forever.

Carter to join ESPN

Somehow, I missed this yesterday, but nevertheless, former Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Cris Carter is joining tWWL as a football analyst for their numerous platforms. I personally think Carter is a good addition and will fit in well, as he is more calm than his boisterous colleagues. Some say this is a reaction to the recent release of Sean Salisbury. Methinks this comes with the thinking that Keyshawn is more serious about returning to the NFL than he’s let on.

 From the ESPN release:

“Cris is a Hall of Fame caliber player and a tremendous analyst, and we are thrilled to welcome him to ESPN where he will give fans a true insider’s perspective on the NFL year-round across our various platforms,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production.

Added Carter: “I am very excited to be joining ESPN and their talented group of NFL analysts. I have always felt connected to ESPN since they gave me an opportunity to do some television work during my playing career, and even while working at HBO, I have always admired and respected how they do things. I look forward to getting started in April.”

BHM: Jemele Hill

 In honor of Black History Month, we’ll set aside space to honor some of the pioneers who paved the way for minorities in sports media. Obviously, we can’t get to everyone, so if we leave someone out, please understand.

Usually, when you think of those making “history” you think of older people or those who have even passed away. However, there are certain instances when history is taking place right before our eyes and that’s exactly what Jemele Hill is doing.

Hill is a regular columnist on ESPN.com’s Page 2 and can often be seen on the network’s shows such as First Take and Jim Rome is Burning. Prior to joining ESPN, Hill was a columnist at the Orlando Sentinel. During that time, she was the only black female sports columnist in the nation — and we’re talking some 300-plus newspapers. It is/was that fact only that’s historic.

Often accused of playing the race card, Hill gives readers a unique perspective that generates dialogue, which is one of the main objectives of any columnist. In a white male driven industry, being able to stand her ground and write about issues that would otherwise be avoided sets her apart from writers male or female, black or white.

On the television side, when Hill is one of the few women of color you see on the sports side. I often find in interesting that not many young black females are into sports journalism, especially on the print side. It’s rare, which makes Hill’s accomplishments that much more respectable. Maybe if young girls look at what she’s done, it will change perceptions and stereotypes about the business.

Albuquerque Tribune folds

This past Saturday, the Albuquerque Tribune, an E.W. Scripps paper, published its last issues. In what was another shot in the arm to newspapers, the Tribune, which had a circulation of about 9,600, had to let go 38 editorial employees which obviously included the sports staff.

According to Joural-isms, eight journalists of color were on the staff of the New Mexico paper. Among those was sports editor, Mike Garcia. I don’t know Garcia, nor have ever heard of him before today. But when this happens, you feel bad. And I can only hope Mr. Garcia and others finds work soon.

The reality is, this will continue to happen. It’s no secret newspapers are losing money and corporations are going to cut costs no matter what it takes –even if that means shutting down a paper. One can only hope people in the industry are planning for the future, because newspapers certainly doesn’t offer a bright one.

Emmitt likes Sen. Obama…a lot!

I came across this yesterday on Awful Announcing and found it rather interesting. Former Cowboy great and current ESPN analyst, Emmitt Smith was in Dallas earlier this week to “endorse” Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Smith, who’s often criticized for his on-air speaking troubles, actually does a good job in his short time on stage.

Enjoy!

Is Keyshawn leaving ESPN?

Who didn’t see this coming?

As soon as Bill Parcells left ESPN to join the Miami Dolphins, the rumors started that Johnson wouldn’t be far behind. Now it appears that perception may soon be reality.

According to Yahoo! Sports, “MeShawn” has been training hard in Southern Cal in hopes of possibly landed with an NFL team this season. At 36, the obvious choice would be the Dolphins, but the Titans, who offered him a contract before he decided to go to ESPN, and Raiders are said to be interested.

Personally, I think Keyshawn has a couple of years left in the tank, but that’s not my concern.

If this pans out, it will be the second straight year ESPN will lose a popular, outspoken “analyst” Say what you will, but Johnson, in my opinion, is one of the best talents ESPN has. He knows his stuff and unlike where many of ex-players fail, he really gives a good sense of the players point of view. And, he’s controversial, which is good for ratings.

He is sort of like a watered down Michael Irvin, who was “let go” by ESPN the year before.

 

“The Playmaker” was my favorite analyst by far. He was loud, arrogant, dressed “weird” and had outlandish opinions. To me, I ate it up, but others detested it. His “antics” along with his off the field troubles made some not like him and though it was not official, I believe those troubles where the reason he was let go.

So, for me, this would be a huge loss for tWWL if Keyshawn returns to the gridiron. If so, my early vote goes to Marcellus Wiley to replace him.

All-Star game recap

As the second half of the NBA season upon us, it’s only fitting that we look back at one of the league’s signature events — All-Star weekend.  As noted in previous post, from a public relations standpoint, last year’s festivities in Las Vegas was a disaster.

But all accounts, this year’s event in New Orleans was a huge success, Page 2’s Sports Guys sums it up for me. Even one of the league’s harshest critics following Vegas, Jason Whitlock, said the weekend made the NBA ‘matter again’

For me, I watched every event from the celebrity challenge on Friday to the 3-point shootout and historic slam dunk contest on Saturday to the game on Sunday.

But an interesting debate caught some steam on Monday. The question was asked, what matters most the NBA All-Star game or the Daytona 500.

NASCAR’s biggest race — often called the Super Bowl of racing is probably the one sport I just can’t get into. To me, it’s boring and lacks suspense, aside from the crashes. But it has a large following, filling stadiums every week.

The target audience, however, is completely opposite than that of the NBA.  NASCAR has a large southern, white audience. The NBA is targeted to more of an “urban” audience. Because of this, stereotypes and perceptions arise. In the lastest edition of ESPN the Magazine, Chris Palmer looks at the crisis the NBA has with perception.  For the sixth straight year, the NBA All-Star game’s ratings were down. What does this mean? Is the NBA losing relevance in America, because globally, the game is as popular as ever.

Part of me thinks that the brawl a couple of years ago and the dress code set the league back a couple of years. But, with the emergence of new starts like Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Brandon Roy, etc., the NBA is on its way back and will be better than ever.

BHM: Ralph Wiley

 In honor of Black History Month, we’ll set aside space to honor some of the pioneers who paved the way for minorities in sports media. Obviously, we can’t get to everyone, so if we leave someone out, please understand.

Over the years, there have been a number of writers who’ve had that strong, unique voice that’s stood out from their colleagues. However, few have had that “umph” in print that the late Ralph Wiley had.

Wiley, who rose to fame at Sports Illustrated and later at Page 2, was known for the “unique perspective” who brought in each column, essay and appearances on The Sports Reporters and SportsCenter.

When he wasn’t penning one of his memorable columns, like this one on black history, he was writing books and essays including Why Black People Tend to Shout and By Any Means Necessary: The Trials and Tribulations of Making Malcom X. This was part of what made Wiley great — the ability to straddle the fence between sports journalism and “hard” literally writing and not miss a beat, or the “Wiley voice”

Unfortunately, Wiley died in 2004 of a heart attack while watching the NBA Finals. He left too soon. Left so many columns unwritten. But what he did leave was a blueprint of what a columnist should be. One who covers a broad range of issues, each from a unique perspective and always receive strong feedback, whether positive or negative.

He not only had an impact on those who read him religiously, but others in the media, black and white, respected him, as evident in a tribute Page 2 did after his passing.

Ralph Wiley showed us how it’s supposed to be done. There will never be another like him.

“Black Thanksgiving” is almost here!

On tomorrow, thousands will begin their descent on Nawlens (New Orleans) for the 2008 All-Star weekend, an event WP columnist Mike Wilbon so eloquently coined  “Black Thanksgiving.”  and what Page 2’s Bill Simmons called “Hip hop Woodstock.” If you remember, it was only a year ago that the game was held in Las Vegas and, depending on who you talk to, was either a huge success or complete disaster. While it brought in nearly $100 million in revenue, there were over 400 arrests. Most notably, it was the beginning of the end for Pacman Jones as he “made it rain” all the way out of the NFL.

There’s no doubt the NBA is a “black” league so-to speak. The majority of its players are African-American and many of the fans are as well. Recently, All-Star weekend has been a destination of choice for young black folks. It has surpassed Memorial Day and the 4th of July. The hip-hop community comes out in masses and can be seen at events and sitting courtside for the actual game. But the fact remains, the money and influence still comes from white fans and that’s evident from the front office to the majority of fans in the stands. So, to some, the NBA’s image is again on shaky ground.

The always controversial Kansas City Star and FoxSports columnist Jason Whitlock compared attending All-Star weekend in Vegas to walking the grounds of a maximum security prison. Of course, he received intense criticism from critics who believed he was a “sellout” and over exaggerated things.

 Look, whenever a large group of people get together, black or white, there will be issues. The reality is though, because of the spotlight and amount of money involved, the NBA All-Star weekend will be heavily scrutinized by those in the media and in public opinion. Can things be changed to make the event safer and run smoother? Of course. But there has to be some personal accountability on those who attend to behave properly.

 Some have suggested having All-Star weekendin New Orleans is disaster waiting to happen. While the N.O. is still struggling post-Katrina, if there’s one city that can handle a big event it’s the Crescent City. 

I’ll reserve my judgement until after this weekend. Until then, if you’re heading to the ‘Nolia, have a ball!