As
we approach completion of the second decade in Millennium, we're figuring
how to embrace the good, bad, and ugly surrounding globalization and
pandemic addiction to social media. Millennials in Western Civilization
have hi jacked technology and spreading blasphemic
rhetoric with reckless abandon. Even worse, the X generation and Baby
Boomers are climbing on board attempting to resurrect their own
fountain of youth, and relevance.
No
where is the latter so valid than in our Sports analyst world. Both
amateur and professional critics are guilty of acquiring a two-minute
memory. Reporting has moved in to an existential realm. Although it's
never healthy to stay in the past, or worry about the future, we
should at least learn and observe from past and present successes and
failures.
The
virtue of patience, has been moved on to the endangered values list.
The
current story of 1st round 1st NFL pick of 2016
Jared Goff of the St. Louis Rams is one headline validating the
coming extinction of patience. Goff has been designated 3rd string by head Coach
Jeff Fisher, citing need for growth to succeed as a NFL quarterback.
Not very long ago, Aaron Rodgers was 1st Round Pick for
Green Bay in 2005. Rodgers sat watching Brett Favre for three years
before starting. Andrew Luck was the 1st Round pick for
Indianapolis Colts in 2012, and sat behind Peyton Manning. Calling
Jared Goff a 'bust' because his head coach chooses to groom him and
slowly bring up to speed is just ignorant. If you would like to know
valid examples of what a 'bust' looks like? Look up the following 1st
round quarterback picks: Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Johnny
Manziel, Matt Leinart, Jake Locker, Vince Young, Rex Grossman, Byron
Leftwich, Joey Harrington to name just a few drafted in last 15
years. Jared Goff comes out of the same fiery offense of the Cal
Bears, where Aaron Rodgers played. Knowing the present and past
success of Cal and Stanford products, I am sure Goff will be valid,
once he receives the opportunity to run a NFL offense.
Another
set of values out the window would be honesty and humility. Just hop
over to a bevy of story lines coming out of NFL. The most
prevalent headline, and hitting close to home, in the Bay Area, is owner Mark Davis
relentless pursuit to relocate the Oakland Raiders. Oakland Raiders
fans have to be absolute up in arms about recent development of Las
Vegas rewarding a bid for NFL (at the Raiders' owner qualifying inquiry) to build a stadium financing a 750 million dollar project. We've heard for years back and forth
conversation and debate of both the City of Oakland as well as the
Oakland Raiders pointing blame and fingers at one another about lack
of support, and funding to keep Raiders franchise in Oakland. By
2020, the City of Oakland lies at risk of being barren, losing all
three professional franchises. The Golden State Warriors moving back
to San Francisco in 2017; the Oakland Raiders may be leaving to live
La Vida Loca in Las Vegas as soon as 2018 (if approved by NFL
ownership); and the Athletics may finally win a heated dispute to
relocate to the South Bay, San Jose. The Oakland Coliseum is a
vintage historic landmark of what was once the norm, of a duel use
stadium, housing baseball and football teams. Somewhere in between
the lines of closed door City meetings, and NFL back room pow wows,
Oakland has been left behind in purgatory. Unfortunately, the losers
become the fans. What will happen to loyalty when once again, the
team you proudly cheer, up roots, and moves far away?!
Last
but not least, are diversity and benevolence. The meaning of
Patriotism has officially been put on the water board. The question
of patriot, blackness, and respect have been placed on the forefront
of conversation weekly since San Francisco back up quarterback, Colin
Kaepernick was noticed sitting during the National Anthem, in a
preseason game. Before Colin had any opportunity to explain in
actions, and positions, the social media sites lit him up! It was as
if he received quite the virtual media lynching of his actions. I am
guilty myself of rashly reacting without knowing any background of
the situation. Many have questioned Kaepernicks' motive, reasoning,
and method. We all had input. Majority of our input quite false, and
juvenile. I have to give Kaepernick credit of starting a discussion
and opening up debate on an issue that is controversial and no one
wants to validate. We may not agree with his method of protesting
racial injustice in the United States. I keep hearing that the term
'injustice' must be further defined. In every one of
Kaepernick's press discussions, he's been quite clear in defining
injustice. One example would be a black college student found guilty
of stolen lap tops. He was sentenced to three years in jail, no
option for parole, early release; then there's the Stanford white
swimmer convicted of rape (found having sex with a passed out woman
in public) sentenced to six months, and then released three months
later for good behavior!!! That's an injustice example Mr. Kaepernick
and many other black athletes are protesting.
That's
just a dust bunny on the tip of examples around the country. Many are
upset that he is disrespecting military, and military service. Many
military members have come to the football players' defense, stating
the whole reason we defend the flag, and the constitution of the
United States, is the right for citizens to rise up ( or sit, take a
knee) and protest when there are 'injustices' happening marring the
whole reason of our land of supposed opportunity. I, myself may not
agree with his method of protest, but I agree his right to protest,
and hope to see action behind the words. I am aware there has been
significant financial promises to programs combating and working to
reverse and improve poverty and violence stricken communities; but
there has to be action. Professional athletes are in high profile
positions, and it's a great platform to impress and advocate change.
I personally do not reflect it as a distraction, or 'not doing your
job' reaction. If anything, it has improved, opening door to
communication between players, as well as everyone surrounding
professional sports.
The
beauty of sports and competition is its a complex arena. It involves
camaraderie, discipline, team work, and a choice to do the right
thing. Create positive choices, and change any deviant culture. The
game's always evolving. Its best to embrace change, and improve on
imperfection.
If
you haven't paid attention, please watch some clips:
