There's a lot of things that the media does that I have a problem with. One thing in particular though, especially with sports media, is that the press tends to be hypocritical when it comes to honesty. They desire for athletes, coaches and personnel to be more forthcoming with information; but when it's an opinionated matter, they want to tell that person how to think and feel.
This was more obvious to me over this past week with the airing of Donovan F. McNabb's interview for HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," taped before the season. In this interview, to summarize, he stated that Black quarterbacks get criticized more than their Caucasian counterparts. This isn't about whether or not he was wrong. This is about other people telling him that his opinion is invalid, and trying to force an alternative upon him.
It does not matter whether or not you agree with McNabb's assessment. You could believe he's flat out wrong. Where I have a problem is when people look at a situation through a keyhole and believe they have the entire picture. I'll explain...
Ever since being booed at the 1999 NFL Draft, Donovan McNabb has been the subject of criticism, and it's not just been by White people. Aside from Rush Limbaugh's ignorance, he's even been seen as an Uncle Tom for wanting to be a Black "pocket passer," and use his mobility last. Mind you, the person that said that worked at the NAACP; so take that for what it's worth. Never mind the stories of the other Black quarterbacks--Warren Moon, Doug Williams, etc.--that he already knows. He's caught negative flack his entire professional career, with most of it being drenched in racial connotations. So I think he has a little experience in how he should feel about the scrutiny Black quarterbacks face.
My point is not that he was right or wrong. My point is that the media shouldn't ask for candid, truthful remarks; then just dismiss his honest feelings as him just being salty over the Eagles' 0-2 record. Oh, that's right. This was taped before the season started, meaning that if they started 2-0 and he had 9 touchdown passes these comments would still be the same. For some reason, a lot of the media overlooks that small yet undeniably significant fact. I say that to say this, Terry Bradshaw's never had melanin-filled skin, and Jason Campbell and Vince Young have never been booed...yet. So until you've lived in Mr. McNabb's cleats, don't be so quick to tell him how to think. Oh, by the way, he's right....still.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Portland, This is NOT Deja Vu
To Paul Allen, Kevin Pritchard, and the entire Rose City population:
Look, I know your mood turned from joyous to gloomy in one doctor's phone call, but please, do not go into a frenzy. Greg Oden will miss his rookie season, and I know you may have slight regret in making the decision to select the big man instead of the swingman from my hometown (for the record, I said you should have; but to each is own); but all is not lost. And Oden is definitely NOT Sam Bowie, who by the way, turned out to be a servicable big man and have an almost-respectable career...considering.
Yes, it now looks questionable to trade all-star caliber in Zach Randolph and place the burden on your young players, led by R.O.Y. (as predicted by me) Brandon Roy. And it seems like he's fragile after having nagging injuries in college which would allow anyone to question whether he can handle the rigors of an 82-game NBA season. Granted, Mr. Durant looks ahead of the NBA curve offensively and will probably have nights that will force you to remember that you're the city that passed on him; while Oden struggled in summer league. And no, although LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are good young big men, your team will not have any interior defensive presence. Both have been criticized for playing smaller than their suggested heights, and both would rather shoot a 15-footer than make a power drop step. But trust me, Oden will be incredible for your city. He's a legit center that absolutely loves to play defense and rebound, something that's lost in 90% of the league, regardless of position.
And though Greg Oden looks like Wise Lebron (stop looking at my lemonade), he's only 19. If he follows the tough rehab program to the letter like Amare did, then he won't show any ill effects when he does return. The rehab is key because you know the talent is there, he just has to make sure not to further hinder his overall athleticism. Mike Conley will be good, and Thad Matta can coach, but Oden was the reason Ohio State went to the NCAA championship game last year, and eventually he will bring winning to your franchise.
The bright side has more illumination than you may think, Portland. Because of this injury, he does not have to endure regular-season wear and tear, which may allow for him to extend his career. So he does not have to contend with the Shaq's (sorry, you won't be seeing him soon, Wilt Chamber-neezy) and Yao's on the block; then have to worry about perimeter players looking to draw contact and highflyers looking to make posters. And it's not like you were playoff contenders, anyway, so just wait one more year like you were going to do in the first place. All signs point to him having a strong work ethic, being that he played and shot free throws with his off hand. If he takes this rehab time to work on his game, be it a baby hook or just simple footwork, he'll be fine.
For now, Portland, just enjoy the fact that Brandon Roy will continue to grow and then visualize the team you will have next year. You'll undoubtedly will be in the lottery again, hopefully you'll land a solid swingman; like an O.J. Mayo or a Michael Beasley (another one from up the block). Even Chase Budinger and Nicolas Batum (from Greece) will do. Just hang in there, Portland......Unless Kevin Durant is all-time great. Then, well, it's back to the drawing board for your front office....again.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
Look, I know your mood turned from joyous to gloomy in one doctor's phone call, but please, do not go into a frenzy. Greg Oden will miss his rookie season, and I know you may have slight regret in making the decision to select the big man instead of the swingman from my hometown (for the record, I said you should have; but to each is own); but all is not lost. And Oden is definitely NOT Sam Bowie, who by the way, turned out to be a servicable big man and have an almost-respectable career...considering.
Yes, it now looks questionable to trade all-star caliber in Zach Randolph and place the burden on your young players, led by R.O.Y. (as predicted by me) Brandon Roy. And it seems like he's fragile after having nagging injuries in college which would allow anyone to question whether he can handle the rigors of an 82-game NBA season. Granted, Mr. Durant looks ahead of the NBA curve offensively and will probably have nights that will force you to remember that you're the city that passed on him; while Oden struggled in summer league. And no, although LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are good young big men, your team will not have any interior defensive presence. Both have been criticized for playing smaller than their suggested heights, and both would rather shoot a 15-footer than make a power drop step. But trust me, Oden will be incredible for your city. He's a legit center that absolutely loves to play defense and rebound, something that's lost in 90% of the league, regardless of position.
And though Greg Oden looks like Wise Lebron (stop looking at my lemonade), he's only 19. If he follows the tough rehab program to the letter like Amare did, then he won't show any ill effects when he does return. The rehab is key because you know the talent is there, he just has to make sure not to further hinder his overall athleticism. Mike Conley will be good, and Thad Matta can coach, but Oden was the reason Ohio State went to the NCAA championship game last year, and eventually he will bring winning to your franchise.
The bright side has more illumination than you may think, Portland. Because of this injury, he does not have to endure regular-season wear and tear, which may allow for him to extend his career. So he does not have to contend with the Shaq's (sorry, you won't be seeing him soon, Wilt Chamber-neezy) and Yao's on the block; then have to worry about perimeter players looking to draw contact and highflyers looking to make posters. And it's not like you were playoff contenders, anyway, so just wait one more year like you were going to do in the first place. All signs point to him having a strong work ethic, being that he played and shot free throws with his off hand. If he takes this rehab time to work on his game, be it a baby hook or just simple footwork, he'll be fine.
For now, Portland, just enjoy the fact that Brandon Roy will continue to grow and then visualize the team you will have next year. You'll undoubtedly will be in the lottery again, hopefully you'll land a solid swingman; like an O.J. Mayo or a Michael Beasley (another one from up the block). Even Chase Budinger and Nicolas Batum (from Greece) will do. Just hang in there, Portland......Unless Kevin Durant is all-time great. Then, well, it's back to the drawing board for your front office....again.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
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