Maybe athletes shouldn’t be using Twitter as much as they do.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Yes, Our Kids Need Year-Round Education
Should our kids go to school year round? This guy thinks it’s mandatory in order for the US to be able to compete.
Monday, May 9, 2011
LeBron James Should Apologize for “Retarded” Comment
LeBron James is in hot water after remarks me made to a reporter.
Technorati Tags: black athletes,black celebrities
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Rashard Mendenhall Loses Sponsorship Deal Over bin Laden Tweets
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World – Scholarship in Action
Rashard Mendenhall from the Pittsburgh Steelers has been dropped by one of his sponsors, Champion over tweets that were controversial in the midst of the Osama bin Ladenkilling this week.
click to readThursday, May 5, 2011
Is Being Black and Rich a Crime?
Your Black World reports
Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans found himself in the center of police attention recently when an anonymous citizen called the police to report “high-end cars” coming into and out of Johnson’s complex. The police suspected drug activity, so they went to the house to investigate. The Orlando Police quickly realized that there was nothing illegal happening at Johnson’s house, so they left.
Johnson then sent this note out onto Twitter:
“Y did the police just walk in my condo saying they think it’s drug activity because it’s alot of traffic but it was the MTV camera crew.” He then added, “Hard being young, black and rich.”
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Dancing with the Stars’ Hines Ward Arrested at Gunpoint by LAPD
Your Black World Reports
NFL star and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant, Hines Ward was handcuffed at gunpoint around 2 AM. LAPD officers spotted the vehicle, pulled them over, ordering both Hines and the female driver out of the car at gunpoint. They were both handcuffed.
Blake Griffin is the NBA Rookie of the Year
Your Black World Reports
Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers is officially the NBA Rookie of the Year. Griffin was second in the NBA in dunks, and one of only four NBA players to average 20 points and 10 rebounds this year. He is also the first rookie to achieve this feat in the last 10 years.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Justice Department May Investigate the NCAA for Anti-Trust Violations
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
A letter was sent this week by the United States Department of Justice to the NCAA, stating that it has received several requests for an anti-trust investigation into the league’s current Bowl Championship Series (BCS) structure. The system is being criticized for making it difficult for teams in some conferences to qualify for the major bowls, costing them millions of dollars in revenue.
"Serious questions continue to arise suggesting that the current BCS system may not be conducted consistent with the competition principles expressed in federal antitrust laws," Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney said to NCAA President Mark Emmert.
Lala and Carmelo on the View: Glad to be Back in NYC
Brook Griffin, Your Black World
Carmelo Anthony and his wife Lala are doing the PR circuit for some reason.
Dead NFL Player Dave Duerson would Not Have Qualified for Full Disability Benefits
By ALAN SCHWARZ Published: May 4, 2011
BOSTON — As the football world absorbs Monday’s news that Dave Duerson had the football-related brain damage he suspected before fatally shooting himself in February, an overlooked detail has emerged: had Duerson reached out for help via the N.F.L.’s disability plan, which he helped administer, his neurological injuries would not have qualified for a high level of benefit, if any at all.
Kenya Bell: The Basketball Wife of Charlie Bell Explains the Whole Stabbing Allegation in a Statement
Your Black World Reports
Kenya Bell, formerly Miss Michigan USA and wife of NBA player Charlie Bell, released a statement about the allegations that she stabbed her husband with a box cutter earlier this week. In her statement, Bell had this to say:
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
NBA Player Charlie Bell Allegedly Stabbed by his Wife
NBA player Charlie Bell on Tuesday downplayed reports that he had been stabbed with a box cutter by his estranged wife, former Miss Michigan, Kenya Bell.
Reports surfaced Monday saying the Golden State Warriors guard had been attacked by the ex-beauty queen, but Bell dismissed the alleged incident in a Twitter posting.
Serena Williams’ Stalker Arrested
Your Black World Reports
Patenema Ouedraogo, Serena Williams' 40-year-old stalker, was stopped by security guards Monday night when attempting to walk into Williams' South Florida gated subdivision.
NFL Player Gets in Trouble for Remarks about Bin Laden and Slavery
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, YourBlackWorld.com – Scholarship in Action
Rashard Mendenhall of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been taking heat lately for making comments that many believe are in support of Osama Bin Laden. But rather than being supportive of Bin Laden, Mendenhall is simply stating that Americans are celebrating death just a little too much for his comfort:
"What kind of person celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side..." Mendenhall said on his Twitter account.
Former NFL Player Shot Saturday Night
Your Black World Reports
Former NFL player R.W. McQuarters was shot by a masked man Saturday in Tulsa, OK, according to police. His injuries were non-life-threatening and the incident occurred as he was leaving a friend’s home.
Monday, May 2, 2011
NFL Star Was Found to Have Had Serious Brain Injury When He Killed Himself
BOSTON — The suicide of the former Chicago Bears star Dave Duerson became more alarming Monday morning, when Boston University researchers announced that Duerson’s brain had developed the same trauma-induced disease recently found in more than 20 deceased players.
The Heat Take Down the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semis
MIAMI -- The facts of postseason life were turned inside-out by the Heat here Sunday. One team lacked cohesion and trust, and it wasn't Miami. One second unit played as if it's still learning how to blend in, and it wasn't Miami's. One contender acted like it had never been here before, and it wasn't Miami.
Was it arrogance or uncertainty that undid the Celtics throughout their 99-90 Game 1 loss? All they knew was that Paul Pierce (19 points and four turnovers) had himself thrown out after being outsmarted by Dwyane Wade with seven minutes remaining in the game. This as Wade overcame four horrible regular-season showings with 38 points (14-of-21), five assists, two blocks and but two turnovers in 37 terrific minutes.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Accused NFL Star Albert Haynesworth: “I Don’t Even Like Black Girls”
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, YourBlackWorld.com – Scholarship in Action
It looks like Washington Redskins star Albert Haynesworth is having even more problems beyond the ones that led to the Redskins taking him off the field. Haynesworth has been accused of fondling a young waitress at the W Hotel. The government offered him a plea bargain, but he’s not taking it.
The prosecution sent a letter to Haynesworth’s attorneys offering to drop the sexual abuse charge against Haynesworth if he would agree to plead guilty to one count of simple sexual assault. His attorneys have turned down the offer and said they look forward to their day in court.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Reality of Being a Football Star
Watch as YBW’s Eshe White interviews a former football star about the realities of playing in the NFL
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWeut5p3pLE]
Friday, April 29, 2011
Cam Newton is the top Pick; Now the Questions Begin
By Jason DeCrow, AP
NEW YORK — At least one major question about Cam Newton has been answered. The lights shined on Cam Newton after the Panthers made him the first overall pick on Thursday.
The lights shined on Cam Newton after the Panthers made him the first overall pick on Thursday.
Report: Newspapers and Websites Lack Diversity in Sports Reporting
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Some 320 websites and newspapers that belong to Associated Press Sports Editors slightly improved their racial hiring practices last year, according to a study released Wednesday, though they failed again to make any strides in gender hiring for key newsroom positions.
The report, released every two years by the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports, gave those outlets a C plus, up from a C in 2008, for racial hires and an F for gender hires in jobs including sports editor, columnist, reporter and copy editor.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Dr. boyce: Cam Newton Goes Number One - Some Quick Advice
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World – Scholarship in Action
Auburn University’s Cam Newton capped off his stunning win of the Heisman Trophy by being the #1 draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in this year’s NFL draft.
I’d like to make some quick recommendations for Cam as he begins his life of fame and fortune:
1) Save your money: Most of your fellow NFL players were sweating out the lockout because they weren’t able to make payments on all the cars and houses that they can’t afford. Get a good financial manager you can trust, learn to start your own business, and make sure you’re educated enough to understand what other people are doing with your money. If you lose everything, no one is going to care.
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A Judge Lifts the NFL Lockout
*A federal judge has sided with NFL players and granted their request for a preliminary injunction to lift the lockout imposed by team owners.
The ruling gives the players an early victory in their fight with NFL owners over a new collective bargaining agreement in the $9-billion business.
Denver Broncos Player Jason Hunter Stabbed by His Girlfriend
Your Black World Reports
Jason Hunter of the Denver Broncos was stabbed by his girlfriend Wednesday morning, according to police. Hunter is currently in stable condition.
"There case is still being investigated, so there are a lot of details we don't have yet," Detroit Police Sgt. Eren Stephens said.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Ron Artest Wins NBA Good Citizenship Award
Your Black World reports
Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award this week. His teammate, Lamar Odom, was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.
"I think it's great recognition that the NBA sees what I've been doing outside of basketball," Artest said. "I'm definitely grateful for the award.
"It's something that's not on people's minds as far as me getting a citizenship award, but it was something that I wanted and I'm definitely happy I got it."
Deion Sanders Fights to Help Kids Stay Fit
Your Black World Reports
Deion L. Sanders retired as a professional football player in 2001, but is scoring big points off the field for NFL Network’s Keep Gym in School Program. Sanders is conducting a press conference in New York today with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and 4 middle school kids who will be receiving awards for their participation and improved dedication to fitness. The announcement shines a spotlight on The Keep Gym in School Fitness Program, which was developed in association with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.
Famous Athletes Who Went Broke
In 2008, the NBA Players’ Association claimed that 60 percent of pro basketball players go broke within five years of retirement. It’s not hard to see why. In the annals of “easy come, easy go,” few people see it come and go like professional athletes.
While it’s true that many take their salaries and invest them in sensible and enduring business ventures, many others squander their multimillion-dollar salaries on expensive cars, jewelry and mansions, and when the checks stop coming in, they have little to show for it.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Jalen Rose Didn’t Seem to Know that He was Under Arrest
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World
It appears that Jalen Rose of ESPN (and the Fab Five at Michigan) wasn’t aware that he was being arrested when he was stopped for DUI. Here is a transcript of Jalen’s interaction with the police officer in the back of a squad car on the night he was arrested for drunk driving:
Jalen: "So what are we doing right now?"
Cop: "We're gonna go to the police station right now."
Jalen: "To do what?"
Cop: "You're under arrest."
Jalen: "For what, sir?"
Cop: "For drunk driving."
Jalen: "But I wasn't really drinking."
Cop: "Um, okay."
Meet Rocky Clark: His Insurance Company Has Left Him to Die
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World – Scholarship in Action
The story of Rasul "Rocky" Clark is a cautionary tale to all the mothers who send their sons to the football field on Saturday afternoon. Ten years ago, Clark was living the dream of many African American males: he was one of the stars of his high school football team, playing the game as running back.
Rocky's dream came to an end with one hit too many. The player was paralyzed from the neck down, rendering him unable to move, walk, stand up, or use his arms for the rest of his life. He will never run down the field, experience sex, wash himself or even breath properly again. He has one lung, and his life expectancy dropped dramatically on the day of his horrible injury. In fact, part of the reason his family is now broke is because medical experts and insurance companies didn't expect him to last for even a decade.
Rocky just found out that his $5 million dollar insurance policy has reached the lifetime maximum, meaning that his insurer is not going to pay anymore of his expenses.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Derrick Rose To Have Surgery on His Ankle
DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose had a walking boot on his left foot Sunday and was scheduled for an MRI on his sprained ankle later in the day.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Miami Dolphin Brandon Marshall Stabbed by His Wife
From CNN
(CNN) — The wife of Miami Dolphins star receiver Brandon Marshall has been charged with stabbing him in the abdomen with a kitchen knife during a domestic violence incident, according to a report from the Broward County, Florida, sheriff’s office.
Michi Nogami-Marshall, 26, was charged Friday evening with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which allegedly occurred in their Southwest Ranches, Florida, home, according to the sheriff’s report.
Brandon Marshall’s injuries are nonlife-threatening, said spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright of the sheriff’s office.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Tiger Woods’ Niece Wins a Major Golf Title
From Your Black World News
Tiger Woods’ niece, Cheyenne Woods, just won the ACC Women’s Individual title by a total of seven shots this weekend, with a final score of 5-under par. Cheyenne is a junior at Wake Forest University and said that she “felt confident all day.”
Thursday, April 14, 2011
LeBron’s Mother Gets Sued by Valet She allegedly Slapped
A valet is suing the mother of NBA superstar LeBron James after she allegedly assaulted him both physically and verbally. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday and alleges “emotional distress, humiliation, mental anguish and lose of capacity of enjoyment of one’s life.”
The valet, Rock Feller Sorel, says that he was hit by Gloria James early in the morning on April 7 at the Fountainbleau hotel. He is seeking $15,000 in damages.
Video: LeBron James’ Mother Attacking Hotel Valet
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Three thoughts that come to mind as I watch the video of LeBron James’ mother getting into a fight with the valet at a hotel:
1) What the hayell? - Yes, if my mama ever acts this way, she and I might have to have a nasty conversation or two. I truly feel sorry for LeBron, who has been embarrassed by his mother in the past on multiple occasions.
2) This is what happens when we drink too much in public and forget that our child is a celebrity. When you’re in the public eye, everyone is always watching. You can’t sneeze, use the bathroom, or buy groceries without people scrutinizing every little thing you do. Alcohol reduces our inhibitions and makes us unaware of our surroundings. That’s why I don’t drink.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
ESPN Analyst Says College Athletes Need to Have a Revolution
by Jemele Hill, ESPN.com
The problems in college athletics have been much in the news recently -- from pay-for-play to unethical conduct by coaches and administrators -- and it's become clear that only a drastic measure can address the hypocrisy, the rampant rule violations and the widespread deceit permeating our so-called amateur collegiate sports.
A revolution is needed at the college level. But the only way we'll see one is if college athletes do something so radical that it not only makes the powers-that-be take notice but jeopardizes their bottom line.
It's an action that would require commitment, planning, patience and sacrifice.
It would come with great risk. It would make college athletes vulnerable to ridicule and criticism, and it might even have a bearing on their professional aspirations.
But it's time. College athletes need to organize and stage a massive boycott, because unless their voice is heard this inequitable system will never change.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Deion Sanders Says He Worries about Dez Bryant
From ESPN.com
Deion Sanders, who stopped mentoring Dez Bryant months ago, strongly criticized theDallas Cowboys receiver in reaction to the criminal trespass warning given to Bryant over the weekend at a Dallas mall.
"I'm upset but not surprised whatsoever," Sanders said on The Ben & Skin Show on ESPN 103.3 FM in Dallas.
Sanders described Bryant's behavior at NorthPark Center on Saturday as "ignorant."
The 2010 first-round pick was issued the warning after an off-duty police officer requested that Bryant and his friends pull up their pants because their underwear was showing and Bryant responded with repeated profanity, according to the police report.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Dr. Boyce: Dwayne Wade’s Custody Fight Defies the Stereotype of Irresponsible Black Male Fathers
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
This week, a judge in Chicago gave NBA star Dwayne Wade sole custody of his two sons. The decision was made after a prolonged legal battle between Wade and his ex-wife, Siohvaughn. The boys are currently 8 and 3 years old. Wade has argued that his ex-wife has become violent toward him and falsely accused him of abusing his sons. A court-appointed representative for the boys made the recommendation that Wade be given full custody and that his ex-wife receive a mental evaluation.
I happened to be in Chicago when I heard about Wade's custody decision (which took place in a Chicago courtroom). What's even more ironic is that I heard about the decision shortly after having an opportunity to watch an episode of the television show, "Basketball Wives." During the show, I thought about the "interesting" custody battle between another baller, Dwight Howard and his ex-girlfriend Royce Reed, who is a member of the show's cast.
The Fab Five Documentary Details All That’s Wrong with the NCAA
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
I lived through the Fab Five era within college basketball, literally breathing the same air and vicariously identifying with the brothers who brought power and style to the sport. I was approximately the same age as the five freshmen who took their team to the NCAA championship, and I even wore black socks on the court (yes, I am ashamed to admit that). An ESPN special recently took my mind back down memory lane by replaying the experience of the Fab Five and how they changed college basketball forever. To this day, there has been nothing like them, and I wouldn't be surprised if their feat is never replicated again.
The most intriguing aspect of the Fab Five special on ESPN was not their exploits on the basketball court (which were amazing), it was the conversation about money. When these five young men stepped onto the court for the University of Michigan, they instantly became cash cows for their universities. Sales of University of Michigan merchandise went from $1.5 million per year to over $10 million per year shortly after their first season. Jalen Rose, one of the members of the Fab Five, mentioned seeing that Nike had released a sneaker named after the group, and they regularly found their academic schedules being interrupted with trips around the world to promote a brand that was making everyone rich except for their own families.
Friday, March 11, 2011
March Madness and the NCAA Plantation: Why Black People Must Demand Reform
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
I wrote about a new book regarding the NCAA’s alleged exploitation of black athletes, written by University of Georgia Professor Billy Hawkins. In his recently-released book, “The New Plantation,” Hawkins goes out of his way to help us understand that the method by which the NCAA does business is not much different from the mindset of plantation owners of the old south.
The analogies used by Professor Hawkins are thought-provoking and appear to be alarmist at first glance. After all, citizens are commonly comparing nearly every modern-day injustice to slavery in order to make a dramatic point. But in this case, the analogies are appropriate, in large part because slavery is not a dichotomy. Instead, it is actually a continuum, with complete freedom on one end and total servitude on the other. One could even argue that slaves themselves were not completely devoid of freedom, since they could have always chosen to run away, buy their freedom, maim themselves or even commit suicide as a way to escape their condition. The point of this very grim example is not to say that slavery was not entirely horrific; rather, it is to say that something does not have to be entirely horrific to be compared to slavery.
Academics Over Athletics: Why the Change Must Take Place NOW
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Today I took my afternoon nap thinking about the days when I was captain of my high school track team in the 12th grade. I wasn’t the star of the team and I also wasn’t an academic star (my grades were terrible). Like many other black boys across America, I’d come to identify myself as an athletic commodity rather than an intellectual one.
I remember that one of the fastest boys on our team was also like a lot of other black males: He was in special education and had horrible grades. On his report card, he’d gotten two Fs, three Ds and a C. My coach was concerned about his grades, but not because he cared about the young man. He was only worried about his grades because he thought that the kid might not be eligible for the big track meet we had coming up.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Dr. Boyce: Should Parents Encourage Their Kids to Play Football? The Rocky Clark Story
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
When I read about the case of Rocky Clark, the former high school football player who is now paralyzed from the neck down, part of me cries on the inside. His accident makes me think about my own uncle (who was like an older brother and very close to me), who was paralyzed after a car accident two years ago. I also think about the countless young men who hit the football field every year, rolling the dice in hopes that they don’t end up like Rocky.
Dr. Boyce Watkins: How NFL Players Can Avoid Going Broke During the Lockout
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
The pending lockout of NFL players is expected by some to be a matter of history repeating itself. Team owners, hungry to earn an even larger profit from their business ventures, are going to keep the players off the field until they get what they want. Some might naively believe that the NFL Players Association has the bulk of the negotiating power in this battle of egos. After all, they represent our favorite athletes and the famous guys that we all want to see on Sundays, right? Sorry, that's just not the case.
The truth is that the players are going to take a financial beating unlike any other. Team owners can go years without income, so although they stand to lose money when the league shuts down, they are not sitting around wondering how they will pay their car notes. Players, on the other hand, are notoriously under-educated and horrifically bad at managing their money (some of us have been misled into believing that athletic success is a replacement for academic achievement). If history tells us anything about how the lockout is going to go, I expect players will give in after about three weeks.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
ESPN Writer Howard Bryant Says Domestic Assault Arrest was Racially-Motivated
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
ESPN baseball writer Howard Bryant's arrest has now taken a very interesting turn. Buz Eisenberg, the attorney for Bryant, claims that race was a factor in his arrest.
''Mr. Bryant was the victim of excessive force,'' Eisenberg said, according to Recorder.com. ''Police responded to the scene and rather than do an investigation they made an arrest of a black man with a white wife."
Bryant, who is 42-years old, was charged with domestic assault and battery, as well as battery on a police officer. Five witnesses claim that they saw the writer choke his wife and force her into a car. He was freed on $5,000 bail on the same day.
Since the arrest, some things have changed. Bryant's wife, Veronique Bryant, is now claiming that Mr. Bryant never assaulted her. Thus far, ESPN has declined to comment.
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