Your Black Sports: Bengals' Johnson legally changes name to Ocho Cinco

By Steven A. Gilley Stevengilley15@aol.com

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson has made the news again. This time it is not for his antics, but for legally changing his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco in Broward County, Fla. according to several media outlets.

Johnson, who lives in Miami, adopted the name 'Ocho Cinco' two years ago. The name refers to his jersey No. 85 in Spanish. On the team's Web site, he offered an explanation for the change.

"It's something I don’t think anyone has ever done before," he said. "Have I ever had a reason for why I do what I do? I’m having fun."

During the preseason, Johnson had bone spurs removed from his ankle and has been limited on the field. However, He is expected to be ready for the season opener against Baltimore.

Your Black Sports: NFL Reinstates Cowboys' Adam Jones

By Steven A. Gilley
Stevengilley15@aol.com

The artist formerly known as 'Pacman' received great news today from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He was fully reinstated and able to play with the Dallas Cowboys this season.

After Adam Jones was told he could practice and play in preseason games, Goodell still waited to rule whether to let Jones play in the regular season. However, Jones was told to stay out of trouble and now he has been given a chance at redemption.

"I've been waiting for this time for a long time, but it's not like we won a Super Bowl," Jones said after hearing about his reinstatement. "I know my responsibilities to the NFL and I'm going to hold my own and do what I need to do to make sure I stay where I am right now, which is reinstated."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an e-mail that Goodell planned no comment regarding the reinstatement. Jones said he spoke to Aiello, but not the commissioner.

Jones has received congratulatory messages from coaches, teammates, and players across the league. However, one of his most important allies in this process has been his attorney, agent and friend, Manny Arora.

"I think from the beginning there were a lot of critics saying that this couldn't be done, that he couldn't turn his life around," said Arora. "I'm very happy for Adam. He's proven everyone wrong. He's got a very bright personal and professional future."

Jones has practiced with the team under the assumption that he will be reinstated, playing in the the first three preseason games. The Cowboys season opener is Sept. 7 at Cleveland and Jones will take the field for the first time in 20 months.

Your Black Sports: Phil Jackson: Rodman is the greatest athlete I've ever coached

By Steven A. Gilley
Stevengilley15@aol.com

When you think about the championships Phil Jackson won while coaching the Chicago Bulls, two players come to mind; Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. However, another player has received great praise from Jackson, after he called Dennis Rodman the greatest athlete he has ever coached.

Although many fans may be flabbergasted at the notion of Rodman being the greatest at anything besides rebounding, it actually makes sense when you think about it. The word athlete is a noun and is defined as a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength.

According to Jackson, "[Rodman] could probably play a 48-minute game and play the 48th minute stronger than the first minute of the game," Jackson told the crowd while speaking at the University of North Dakota. "He was that terrific an athlete."

When it comes to skills, leadership and crunch time, Jordan was probably the best player ever to do it, but having the ability to hustle, rebound, and battle the biggest and the best post players in the game for 48 minutes took a special kind of athlete. It took Dennis Rodman.

Your Black Sports: Falcons' Shockley hopes to make final cut

By Steven A. Gilley
Stevengilley15@aol.com

Hometown favorite and former UGA star, D.J. Shockley, is vying for the final quarterback spot before the roster cuts. Shockley, who made the team last year, is very popular among fans, coaches and players.

"I do (have a sense of his popularity) even with my own teammates," Shockley said. "There always are a lot of guys coming up to me during a game asking me, 'When are you going to play, when are you going to get in?' Just wishing me well.

"That's good when guys you play with have so much confidence in you they want to see you play. On the field, to get the huge ovation you get, to see how many people are supporting you, it feels great."

However, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has already won the starting nod for the regular season opener on September 7th at the Georgia Dome against the Detroit Lions. Ryan won the job in an open competition and two backup quarterbacks must be chosen by head coach Mike Smith.

Shockley is in a tight competition is former first-round pick, Joey Harrington and Chris Redman, who started the first preseason game. Despite the competition, Shockley is confident about his chances and will get his last chance to show why he should make the cut in the Falcons final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens Thursday night at 7 p.m.

"It's huge, any game I get in is huge," Shockley said. "Anytime I get any plays is huge. I'm looking at it as an opportunity to go out and help this team. I'm looking forward to a lot of time on the field to get the chance to interact with a lot of the guys and just play."

According to Smith, Ryan will get the first few snaps and Shockley will get the bulk of the snaps, because he only got mop-up duty in the previous preseason games and never received the chance to show himself as a true NFL pro.

Your Black Sports: R.I.P. Kevin Duckworth

By Steven A. Gilley
Stevengilley15@aol.com

Kevin Duckworth passed on Monday night at the tender age of 44. Duckworth, a two-time All-Star, played for five teams in 11 NBA seasons, averaging 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. Of his 684 NBA games, 527 were with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Depoe Bay Fire Department said it responded at about 10 p.m. Monday to a report of a man who was down and not breathing at Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach. Although he recently dealt with weight problems, the cause of death was to be determined by a medical examiner. However, the Lincoln County sheriff's office said there was no indication of foul play.

Duckworth was known for his great touch in the paint, but the NBA lost one their gentle giants, who was one of the happiest players to play the game according his former teammate and coach.

"Within the world of basketball, within those Trail Blazers teams, he was a jokester," said Phoenix Suns coach Terry Porter. "He was a big, loving teddy bear. At times, guys got frustrated because he didn't have a mean streak."He was just a great guy. He loved the team atmosphere, loved being a teammate in those successful Blazer teams."

"It’s a sad day for anyone who knew Kevin, just because of the type of person he was," said Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman,who worked with Duckworth in Portland. "When someone that genuine, with such an honest personality, leaves us so early, it’s a tragedy."

**Update: According to the Associated Press, an autopsy has revealed that former Portland center Kevin Duckworth died when his enlarged heart failed.**

Be happy not proud of the U.S. Olympic team

By L.A. Batchelor
sports@yourblackworld.com
labatchelor@blackathlete.com


NC-The Olympics officially ended last weekend and like many other times, the United States led the way with more overall medals while the Chinese finish second overall but first in Gold medals. Yes we had the thrill of the Michael Phelps story, “THE REDEEM TEAM” in men’s basketball winning the Gold, the women’s basketball team quietly dominating all the way to the Gold and many other success stories to talk about and be proud of. We also had the disappointments from the land of the free when you think of the U.S. women’s softball team losing to Japan and only capturing Silver after dominating the sport and the Olympics for so long. The U.S. men and women track and field teams disqualification costing both squads the shot at Gold in there perspective meets and James Blake losing to what many would describe as a lesser opponent and losing a chance at a medal after a thrilling upset win over Roger Federer.

All stories people are talking about that followed the games from Beijing. One important story was never told or discussed and should have and that is the human rights violations of China and the continued atrocities that are taking place in Darfur.

Imprisonment, censorship and even death are some of the horrific consequences facing many in these countries and yet our government turns there head and closes there eyes to these crimes of humanity and keeps there eyes on the prize………Olympic Gold.

Now two of our top athletes attempted to show some character and leadership on this issue but was silent before the games began. Kobe Bryant spoke to the media prior to the men’s basketball team arrival in Beijing expressing his outrage of the killing and slaughter of thousands in Dar fur and how people should speak out, stand up and denounce the evil taking place there and Lebron James actually did a commercial condemning the actions taking place there as well but neither showed the courage, leadership and made there voice heard when they planted there feet on China soil. I know all of the athletes sign a waiver or document stating they will not take any political views or express any political agendas while competing there or face banishment from the games, but guys like Kobe and Lebron fail to realize the star power they have to speak out and make a difference in something so very important to many. Would the U.S. and the IOC really risk the chance of having the world’s greatest athletes competing in the Olympics even if the athletes spoke out against human right’s violations? Most would say the answer is no.

It’s time for athletes in this country in the powerful position that they are in many cases, to take a stand, to speak up and speak out and get involved both in lending there name, there time and even money in some cases to help many who suffer in China, Darfur and around the world. Who knows how many men and women who die in this country who want to be one of the elite standing on the podium at the medal ceremony accepting a medal for there country and proud of doing so.

So as American, I am happy for the success of the U.S. team, but I can’t say that I’m proud.

Your Black Sports: NBA Championship or Gold Medal?

By Steven A. Gilley
Stevengilley15@aol.com

The U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team recently defeated Spain 118-107 to win the gold medal and redeem themselves after an 8-year hiatus in the Olympic Games. While on their journey to Beijing, the players fielded many questions from reporters and after nearly giving NBA Commissioner David Stern a heart attack after suggesting that they would be willing to leave the NBA to play overseas, many players discussed the importance of winning a gold medal for their country.

Many notable players have publicly stated that winning a gold medal is bigger than winning a NBA championship. Kobe Bryant, a 3-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers said, “I think winning a gold medal is more important because you’re playing for your country. You're not playing for a region or a state or a brand. You are playing for the United States of America.”

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lebron James echoed his teammate saying, “It's the biggest thing for me ever,” said James. “I got to the NBA Finals, and I thought it was pretty big for me. But winning an NBA championship never would compare to winning a gold medal for my country.”

While the importance of representing your country goes without saying, the glory and life long dream of winning a NBA championship cannot be matched. There is a reason many players have opted not to play in the Olympics over the years and to rest and prepare for a tumultuous and rigorous 82-game season in preparation of competing for an NBA title. Competing in the NBA playoffs and attempting to win 16 games is more of an achievement than the winning the 5 games necessary to win the gold medal.

Many pundits make the argument that any individual can win a NBA title and only elite players get the chance to win a gold medal in the Olympics. While this is true, there is a reason Karl Malone went to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, even though he already has a gold medal when he was apart of the 1992 Dream Team. He knew that winning a ring was missing, despite his hall of fame status already established.

These players are merely being politically correct and making it their duty as role models to stress the importance of the Olympics, which has been forgotten and taken for granted over the years by the players in the U.S. Players take salary cuts, move across the country and diminish their roles in order to win titles. These are sacrifices that are made for winning a ring, in which most players dreamed of winning since they were children.

Preparing Your Mind for Competition - Nia Abdallah

Preparing Your Mind for Competition

Written by Nia Abdallah

Everything starts in practice. You must always focus on doing your best every time you go to work on your craft. Why? The lack of preparation before competition is what creates doubt in the heat of competition. I have always lived by the motto that, "if what you did yesterday still looks good today, you haven’t done much today." This keeps me motivated to do a little bit more every day, in and out of practice.

Let’s go deeper. Living a positive lifestyle is critical, because what you do outside of practice affects what you do inside. After you have been doing that consistently, you must find something to comfort you when you are preparing yourself for the challenge ahead. My comforting tool is music. I listen to positive and motivating songs the day before and the day of competition. The night before a competition I make time to sit quietly alone to visualize the victory. I mentally paint a picture of me executing the kicks and movements that are necessary to secure the victory. I visualize getting the medal and doing interviews. I can see myself doing everything that comes with being the winner of the competition. I don’t allow any pictures of doubt to enter into my mind. I believe in claiming a victory before it happens -- as long as I am ready to do all the work to get to the victory. There are two reasons for that:

One is that your subconscious does not reason; it just hears the basics. For example, if you said “I don’t want to lose," your subconscious mind hears the word, 'lose.' That’s why I’m cautious of speaking and thinking only with positive words. Secondly, is to put myself in the situation before I actually get there. A great coach always tells the quarterback or the point guard to see the play before it happens. They want them to see themselves scoring the winning touchdown and the winning shot with unwavering confidence.

Have you ever noticed, that the first time you do just about anything is the hardest? Well, if I have already done it in my mind, then when I actually get out there, it is not a problem, because your subconscious does not know any better. Lastly, I remember that I got into this competition the same way as everybody else. Even if it is their ninth time at this competition, and this is my first, they had to go through their first once before. All and all, they are still humans; so why fear or doubt yourself? When they look across that mat into your eyes, send them a message that they are in for the fight of their life.

I truly learned all of this in my experiences, because I saw all the little girls in the same place I was, just years before. That keeps me focused, because just like I dethroned someone, there is a little Nia somewhere else waiting to dethrone me if I don’t watch out. I never underestimate anyone.

A closing tip is to always remember to have fun. That is what you got in the sport for in the first place; do not change that. When it becomes a job, and you are not having fun, then it will show in your competition.

Focus. Love your life so you can live your life.

(Nia Nicole Abdallah is the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist in Taekwondo. She is the first U.S. woman in history to win a medal in the sport since it became an official Olympic sport. She can be reached at wesupportnia@gmail.com)

Your Black Power: Black Athletes in Beijing: Demanding Courage in an Age of Complacency

By: Tolu Olorunda

It was in 1968(many years before my birth) when Tommy Smith and John Carlos (two track and field athletes) stepped up into glory and history, with their display of the Black Power salute at the crowning ceremony of the 200 metres event. Tommy Smith and John Carlos were on a mission, and not even the fiery words of then-USOC President, Avery Brundage - "I don't think any of these 'boys' will be foolish enough to demonstrate at the Olympic Games" - could halt their cultural-momentum. They understood quite precisely, that Black bodies had played an historical role, as the sacrifice and offering often used to contain the indefatigable demands of European pride, prestige and angst. They were much-too-aware of the unnatural relationship between sports and society, and the political-lingo which athletic-competition speaks so fluently. Having endured the unsettling contradiction of being openly admired, but subjected to segregated facilities in their home country and abroad, Smith and Carlos felt indebted to the history and heritage that shaped them. It wasn't an exhibition, but rather an exercise; a revolutionary exercise that words could not justly articulate. They lived in America long enough to anticipate the subsequent ramifications. They had personally witnessed the gross and unjust decision to strip the Boxing Heavyweight of The World, Muhammad Ali, of his hard-earned title, as a result of his courageous refusal to be drafted and "quarrel" with Vietcongs who had 'never called him nigger.' Smith and Carlos were 'racing against a machine' that had repressed their innately political voice, and exploited their struggle for financial-empowerment. It was a time to send a clear signal of courage, hope, defiance, love, pride, sincerity and frustration. The resultant pain (ostracism, criminal surveillance, death threats, arson, loss of loved ones) and profit (community support, international recognition, the unmasking of white supremacy) would only be a further motivation to justify the timely call for a revolution of values within the American public. With the precedents set by Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Tommy Smith and John Carlos, one would imagine that Black activism within the athletic realm could only soar much higher, but in an age where complacency is the name of the game, many Black professional players are rather rich, than respected. Some of them have proven to be an unmitigable embarrassment to the struggle that procreated them.

Black activism in many areas of western life has been radically rebated and extinguished of its historical vigor. This was very much evidential, earlier this year, when a Golf Channel commentator joked about a possible lynching of Tiger Woods, and received a mere two-week suspension -- with Tiger calling it "a non-issue." In a day and time where the noose has made nearly 80 public appearances within the last one year, one would expect more from a dark-skinned Golfer, who inevitably swims in the river of prejudice - whether overt or covert - with each moment spent on the Golf Course. The surprise generated from his actions were largely unwarranted, as not much should have been expected from a man who openly expresses admiration for the Oil and Energy beast, Chevron, saying, "Chevron has a track record and a commitment to bettering the communities where they operate." The corporatization of Black athleticism is - without a doubt - the chief culprit in the muzzling of progressive voices within Professional Sports -- especially with regard to those dominated by Blacks or people of culture. The NBA is filled with brilliant and gifted athletes, and if given the opportunity, will speak eloquently about the tragedies that afflict those to whom no spotlight is granted.

LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar is a delight and disappointment in many ways. His skills are nearly unparalleled to none, and at a mere 23, his future seems to be anything but bleak. Nevertheless, the young man has never shied away from lending credence to big-name industries which have, on a continuous basis, burglarized the community from which he emerges. Perhaps naiveté and lust are the driving force behind this tragedy, but James has a track-record of pushing the limit on stupidity in an unprecedented way. In 2007, his then teammate, Ira Newble, drafted a petition to the Chinese Government, in condemnation of its participation in the Darfurian genocide. The petition was signed by all members of the Cavalier bench, with the exception of Damon Jones and LeBron James. Damon Jones, having signed a marketing-contract with the Chinese shoe-manufacturer, Li-Ning Sports, probably felt compelled to submerge his virtue and instead pursue his vice. LeBron James, joined-at-the-hip to a $90 million contract-deal with China-infested Nike, claimed to be ignorant of the issue at hand, and therefore unable to sign his name to any piece of data that isn't officially mandated by David Stern. Perhaps we should interrogate Prof. James on how knowledgeable he was, vis-à-vis the technicality of the NBA, before his soul was purchased at a premium price. As the Chicago-bred Emcee, Lupe Fiasco, once remarked, "Mama said beware of what the devil do/ Tell 'em that your soul's not for sale like the W's." Mr. James was also caught, last year, in a squabble with fellow ball player, Stephon Marbury. Marbury had just partnered with Steve & Barry's University Sportswear stores, to launch an affordable line of sneakers. The cheapest of the "Starbury" line was priced at $10 and averaged at $14.95. Stephon Marbury - in spite of his unpredictable past - was largely larded with praise and adulation for stepping outside of the corporate box, and presenting a different perspective to inner-city kids. Marbury spoke of growing up poor, and unable to afford the latest sneakers - which have been predominantly overpriced - as the prime-motivator for his remarkable initiative. When asked by reporters, as to whether he took delight in the exemplary work of the Starbury line, James replied foolishly, "No, I don't think so... Me being with Nike, we hold our standards high." LeBron James's comments reeked of unadulterated idiocy. One is forced to wonder where such impassioned statesmanship was, when Ira Newble was circulating that petition which could have put an end to the killing and mutilation of 400,000+ people who look like him. That testosterone-filled emotion seems to always come in handy, whenever his financial security is being threatened. The man who refused to sign a petition that delineated concern for the lives of everyday folks, was unrestrained in hollering, "Sit your ass down," at his loving mother who arose in defense of him at a playoffs game with the Boston Celtics. While I plead for some testicular-fortitude from our well-payed athletes, it must be made clear to Mr. James and his fellow star-athletes, that the Black community is not demanding anything in return, other than a worthy-exchange for the billions of dollars which young Black and Brown kids have dispensed and discharged into the corporate empires that made him and his counterparts instant millionaires.

With recent reports that document the efforts of certain Chinese "Public Security Bureau officials" to ban Black and Mongolians from bars, and several accounts of police brutality against Africans living in China, one can only hope that the progressive voices of professional athletes, such as Jessica Mendoza of Team Darfur, is not muted or muzzled. Ernie Paniccioli, the legendary Hip-Hop photographer and Human Rights activist, has called for "rallies, protests and a boycott of any products advertised during the Olympics and letters to the sponsors, letting them know Human Rights are more important than gold medals." Unfortunately, it remains unclear, as to how many athletes have the courage to carry on those 'non-marginal' tasks. One of such progressive athletes is Nia Abdallah, a 2004 Silver-Olympian Taekwondo fighter, who is speaking out against an unjust ruling that denied her the opportunity to fight in Beijing 2008. She believes - along with 90% of those who’ve watched the videotaped match - that she was robbed by corrupt judges who had been ordered to award the Olympic qualifying match to her opponent, Diana Lopez -- from the "Lopez family" aka "the first family of Taekwondo. Abdallah proclaims to be fighting against the injustice that corrupts the bulk of professional sports, and hinders fair-play within the region. She has garnered national and international support in her battle against the USOC, and hopes to rid the system of the back-door deals that purposefully swindled her -- in favor of establishing history and publicity with the victory of her opponent. With the resilience displayed by Abdallah, there seems to be a thread of hope worth hanging unto. But I'm also persuaded that the majority of big-name athletes are like politicians: Unwilling to fight without a push from a dissatisfied constituency. It is incumbent upon activists, sport-fans, progressive-athletes, historians and intellectuals, to harness whatever resources are available, in the demand for more courage in this age of complacency.