The social fabric of American Sports are not immune to stereotypes, racism and prejudice. In fact, if you want to get a good glimpse at what racial profiling, and prejudice look like, look no further than how today’s athletes, and sports figures are treated by fans, and branded by mainstream media.
Not sure if you’ve noticed but sports are not immune to social issues. To think that Colin Kaepernick’s protest is an isolated occurrence in sports is not only naive, it is beyond idiotic. Back in the 60’s, amidst racial and economic tension thicker than your Grandma’s stuffing on Thanksgiving, Muhammed Ali protested against the Vietnam War. Ali, a Black professional athlete protested at a time in which prominent Black figures (Fred Hampton, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr) were assassinated for their defiant and liberating views. Over 50 Years since those times, America as a country still projects the same divisive tactics and ideals that Black People fought to disprove and eradicate. Back in the 95-96 NBA season former Denver Nuggets’ Guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf protested the American Flag, the same year he scored 51 points against a Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls team that won 72 games. Protest like that of Ali’s, Abdul-Rauf’s and Colin Kaepernick’s are necessary to achieve equality because the concept of racism, stereotypes, and prejudice are ingrained within the very social fabric of American society. The world of professional sports is not immune to the inherent presence of racial issues. In fact, it serves as a perfect space to witness issues regarding race, class and gender.
Why is that when Rob Gronkowski; a White 28 year old pro football player parties, his behavior is portrayed in the media as “just having a good time”, but when Odell Beckham Jr; a Black 25 year old pro football player parties, his behavior is deemed “selfish” and “a distraction to the team”? How come Ryan Lochte; a full grown 33 year old White Man, gets referred to as “a kid” by media outlets for deliberately lying about being robbed and held at gunpoint, but local Police Officers in Cleveland can gun down a 12 year old Black kid named Tamir Rice for being just that- a kid. Just this week Gronkowski was suspended for his late hit on Buffalo Bills Cornerback Tre’Davious White, that resulted in White leaving the game with a concussion. Gronkowski has been suspended one game for his actions, and to his credit, he apologized to White for his actions. But the fact remains that Gronkowski along with other White athletes are viewed differently than their Black peers when it comes to the their conduct on and off the field. Take for example Tom Brady, arguably considered one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all-time. Whenever Brady goes on an emotional rant or yells at one of his Coaches or fellow teammates out of frustration, it’s considered to be an act of passion. However, when Odell Beckham and Antonio Brown do the exact same thing they’re looked at as being “selfish”, “entitled” and “immature”. Really? REALLY?
So is it that a Black athlete is supposed to conduct themselves differently when exhibiting frustration? Are passionate sideline outburst exclusive to White athletes only? Is this like the NFL’s version of Jim Crow? That may be taking it a bit too far, but there seems to be a theme of inconsistency regarding the treatment of Black athletes as compared to White athletes. Odell Beckham Jr tweeted recently about the inconsistency regarding how he is viewed for doing the exact same thing that Tom brady does. There is a well documented history of discrimination and injustices against Black people within American culture. For decades people have argued that sports have served as a safe haven from racism, sexism, prejudice and stereotypes. What some have failed to accept is; the social fabric of American sports are not immune to stereotypes, racism and or prejudice. If you want to get a good glimpse at what racial profiling and prejudice look like, look no further than how today’s athletes and sports figures are treated by fans and branded by mainstream media. Your eyes may just see a game, but from where I’m sitting, we all don’t play by the same rules.
MAN WHAT A TIME!