Wha??? Really?

We have to stop the overshadowing of success.

Check ya guy out at the end of the article.

Did You Know...?

I don't want to jinx what could very well be history in the making, but you have to give it up both to Tony Dungy and Louvie Smith. I'm thrilled the story is getting some exposure and USAToday covers the brief but successful history of minority coaches in the NFL, and the added benefits of the lineage these guys have contributed to, ala the Walsh era. Check it out for yourself.

Update

Free the Dreams...

Continue the Dream

Looks like it's time to get paid and make dreams come true.

"Stomp the Yard" did it's thing this weekend, by topping the Box Office. Unfortunately, the author of the article fails to note, 'urban' does not mean African American or black. One is a way of life that translates into a marketing culture, the other an ethnicity to define a group of people. Combine them both, and you have the trendsetters of the youth in America which the rest of the world then follows and translates into dollars for companies that successfully find a way to marry the traditional with the emerging hot joint of the moment.

Alright, time for me to create and help fufill dreams of my own and others.

Peace-

Not Again!

Bowl games have come to an end, the NFL playoffs are in full swing and I'm waiting to see how Tiger comes out the gate this year though it will be a bit tardy. However, the issue of a University of Tennessee defensive back's academics command my attention this evening.

Demetrice Morley executed an improbale turnaround during his senior year of high school by improving his grades nearly an entire point in one semester. Though I believe nothing is impossible, I as one of Morley's former teachers agrees, there unfortunately was more help preventing a proper education than providing one.

Stories such as these are not new, rare or in my observation being strongly combatted. As long as the BCS or the media machine continues to line their proverbial pockets with the instant gratification of student-athletes versus long term self improvement through a quality education, we'll have a system that fails us and those who participate in it.

You Know?

One step forward, one step back.

Kobe's jersey is back...um, do you think it has anything to do with him having a new number on his uniform (from #8 to #24) and not that he's emerged from marketing exile?

Unfortunately, I'm sure the NCAA will find additional ways to penalize teams in hopes of "helping" promote sportsmanship. I wonder how much the sprain will cost Ginn in his contract if he comes out.

Black, White or Rosy?

This weekend in the NFL saw upsets, mishaps and rides off into the sunset. With some of larger media market teams (Dallas, NY Jets/Giants) now watching TV for the next few weeks, I have to assume the League will at least be cheering for Chicago throughout the remainder of January.

In order to generate the hype needed to bring in fans and attention, the League will be counting on them after watching last years game attract far less attention than in the past. The cost of Super Bowl commercial buys this year is down/flat. The need to improve the ROI for advertisers either must come from more exciting games, which the League has no power of, to some effect or the teams need to have a story behind them fans find compelling to tune in.

One person who won't be at the Super Bowl, well not as a player, but most likely as an analyst very soon is Tiki Barber. Barber announced early this season, no matter the outcome, it would be his last. He has other ventures he'd like to pursue and has taken advantage of his celebrity status over the last few seasons to prepare.

The unfortunate thing is, about 10 years ago, many athletes, especially minority athletes were criticized for not having a backup plan. They were encouraged to start a business, complete their degree or invest their guaranteed money early and wisely. However, the hypocrisy by many media outlets, teams and fans has evolved. We now see players such as Barber taking the time to become analyst if they don't make the playoffs. Or Lebron signing marketing deals for shoe contracts larger than that of the NBA's. So when we see a not commercial, why now is their disgust and jealousy? Is it because the athletes are making strides to provide for their families and establish multiple streams of income in case of injury, being cut or these days even untimely death?

The double standard baffles, however doesn't surprise me. The examination of the minority athlete male/female will continue until the microscope used is not covered with a rose colored lens. There were many stories of athletes being homeless, dying broke, and we usually shook our heads at the irony. However, when Shaq says he's never spent a dime of his playing money, owns low-income housing investments and plans to become a Law Enforcement Offices after playing, most only see the loss of their amusement and unattainable goals.

Looks like it might be time to change the lens.

Might wanna get an eye exam.