Honestly RocksMillenium, this is my last post to you. You continue to ignore what I post, to contradict yourself, and to make irrational arguments and accusations. To answer your questions, the NBA is disproportionately african-american, relative to the US population as a whole. An overwhelming majority of NBA players are african-american. There are so many races of players in the NBA because of foreign influence. As I've stated before, foreign players do not grow up in an environment in which they are the weaker basketball culture. This is one of *many* contributing factors to why they have been successful in entering the ranks of the NBA. When I refer to making basketball a career, I'm very obviously referring to a playing career, not a coaching career -- nice try. GM's and management are hired from a broader pool of talent -- A pool of talent that does not require exceptional athletic ability, and therefore is more reflective of the general demographics of the US. This absolutely plays a role in there being less diversity in hockey. Without a support group (family, community, etc) encouraging young people to play the sport, the sport's demographics are likely to stay constant. As I've previously stated, in the US, this situation exists. Abroad, this situation does not exist -- and as a result you have a situation where every player feels as though they have a chance to make it -- which encourages diversity. What I'm saying with this quote is that the dominant culture in basketball is changing. I'm not saying the sport is being ruined. I'm not saying that blacks are ruining the sport. You have linked this comment to these two wild accusations several times now, and I continue to be amazed at your lack of understanding. Again, all I'm saying is that diversity is a good thing in the NBA, and benefits the sport. GAME, SET, MATCH -- thanks for playing, rookie
I'm just giving you an opinion, and when you questioned what I said about you I gave you the quotes YOU made, not made up quotes. But if you have to post game, set, match and call somebody a rookie to make it seem like "you won", be my guest. I think my posts and the quotes of yours I highlighted speak for themselves and make my points made fairly well. <i>GAME, SET, MATCH -- thanks for playing, rookie </i> And you said I had deep seeded issues! LOL! I'm sure Dr Ruth wouldn't mind a session with you as well.
<i>The "thug, gangsta, streetball" paradigm is being threatened by a return to sound, selfless, team basketball. While the black dominance of the sport in the US has essentially discouraged many white/hispanic/asian/other players from viewing it as a potential career opportunity, in Europe and abroad this is not the case. </i> "Wild" accusations, or honest response to an actual quote made? You make the call.
Just my 2 cent but I think that Trader is just pointing out that the basketball players of today has a "me" first metality and show over substance. That meaning "streetball". RockM was saying that its not right to say that black athletes are draging down the NBA. Two different issues so could be a misunderstanding but ... could be just me. Anyways, I do think the NBA needs to go back to fundamentals as a whole though because passing and team ball is what sells out arenas.
Exactly rocks4life, that's all I way saying. I agree with Trader's idea for diversity but not the reasons for it.
That's interesting! Funny but you NEVER heard that name announced for Kenny in the NBA like they use it on the air on TNT now. Thanks for the 411 Chris
gr8-1, I respect your posting. I've read your material before and I've seen some good ideas of yours posted on various threads. That being said... ANY EDUCATED person would not use the absolute term "white players." First off, there is no absolute other than the fact that there is no absolute. Mainly, your post depicts a bigot race of white players as a whole and I find that very offensive. Perhaps “some white players” would be a better phrase. Your comment undermines great players of all races that worked hard eliminate discrimination and stereotypes. Out of respect, please either edit your previous post or set the record strait. Respectfully, Subliminal Shot
I appreciate your comments. But, I would assume that alot of players during the initial integration period of blacks were probably bigotted to some extent. It was a sign of the times. When did the first African-American play in the NBA? How was he treated? I can research, but I would guess he wasn't welcome with open arms in the beginning. I'm sure there was a "this guy is taking one of our friends' job......" type attitude. Heck, I'm ashamed to say that my dear old University of Texas newspaper ran an ad against the integration of black athletes to UT. I think this was in the 50's. The text said something to the effect "one black player will cost us two white players. It's not worth it." What does this have to do with basketball? Reference the earlier "sign of the times..." remark. They just didn't know any better and were ignorant. That applies to integration in society and in sports. Heck, look at what some experts said about Yao. It seemed his race was the main concern of alot of analysts. I don't know why that has to be so. When Keith Van Horn first came in the league, everyone said "poor man's Larry Bird." Yet, he himself compared his game to Derrick McKey. It's just the way it was/is. Just my opnion. I could use "some white players" or "most white players" but I think, unfortunately, we may be picking hairs here. Hypothetical: what if hockey became popular in the inner cities and their was a mass surge of black players in the nhl? Would white players be immediately supportive of this? I don't know if they would have the choice, but some voices in the locker room would be opposed to this. And, I'm talking about 2002 here, not 1952. I think racism was more prevalent than.
I think the topic was discussed as a theme for the draft night, because I recollect it being mentioned more than once. So I think the whole draft crew is to blame. It probably just stuck with Kenny and Charles. Coming out of Charles mouth it's funny. Coming out of Kenny's mouth it wouldn't sound so funny. I don't think any harm was meant by any of this, I just think it got blown out of proportion.
Honestly, and I'm speaking out of ignorance on this point for not being knowledgeable about the NHL, I think the majority of American hockey players would embrase diversity. In staying objective, I do agree that there would be a pitiful attempt to degrade African players but the great minds of the sport would certainly set an example to be followed. I hate to base any discussion on what could be construde as nationalism, but American sports have gone through more racial growing pains than any other nation, and through tribulation, strength is accomplished. Basically, I do have to side with your opinion on this. Racism is still a problem in hockey. The NBA, on the other hand does not have major racial problems. (Sorry to disappoint anyone but idiots like Kenny Smith are not material enough to cause a problem.)
Sorry if I come across as a newbie with his thumb stuck up his ars.... I'm actually a poster from years ago but I threw away my computer about a year ago and upgraded computers, didn't visit for months, and forgot any logon info.. haha My intention was to encourage faith in the ability of our prize players of all races to set the example. PS: on a funnier, and less racial note, I talked to Yoa's mom at the terminal and she doesn't look like a player at all! just not right... LOL but I shaked Yoa's hand and I'm embarased to say that I firmly shook his index and middle fingers... Damn! those are some paws! LOL I even got on the ESPN real!
Not 100 % sure, but I think this is where the nickname came from: http://btrblues.home.att.net/voodoobluz/kennyacosta/kenbio.htm "He fronted his own band, Kenny and the Jets. " I thought there was also an Elton John song called "Kenny and the Jets", but I couldn't find it doing a quick search.
Okay, I was wrong, Elton John's song was "Bennie and the Jets" . http://www.eltonography.com/songs/bennie_and_the_jets.html
To be completely honest, Kenny doesn't bother me as much as some people, and I'm not gonna even attempt to get in the midst of stereotypes and assumptions.... but I think that Basketball is finally globalizing and uniting, most sports, mainly football (soccer) are already globalized with the many good players from all countries playing in club leagues all over the year untill the come together for the world cup and play for the whole caboose for their country. The world has never been apart of american culture in the last few decades, ever since Russia called it quits, we don't care, we've become ignorant of the world, and I think when you confront the information out their outside of your accepted sponge of experience, you have difficult questions to ask yourself, collapsing paradigms.... I think to be a true basketball fan you will make it on the other side, because the game is global. It starts now. I'm so excited! It will not only alter the game to a new heightened level, but it will serve as something so common to unite the world in love for the sport. The way I look at it these days, everything thats pro-earth, pro-love can't be half bad
Post counts mean nothing to me. I agree. I don't care if the player is polka-dotted (well, unless he ahada disease ), let the best player play.
I would hope so. But, if the NHL suddenly had an increase of sasy 10 to 15 African Americans a year, there would be silent grumblings, not outright hatred. The NHL has had a couple of black eyes i nthe last five years. I will say that I doubt that they would make fun of the names of the black players, like some have done to Yao. Growing up in south Texas, I kind of got used to stuff like that though. I suppose not. But, I've read articles of black players saying "don't let that white boy do that to you, that's embarassing" and comments like that. I'm sure alot of that stuff was said in jest though. What I don't want to hear is a "these guys are taking our jobs" mantra, and I haven't heard that from an intelligent source yet. May the best man win.
