DC Talks

As I examine the state of professional sports in the United States, the situation with star Wide Receiver Terrell Owens and his suspension from the Philadelphia Eagles reminds me of what happens in America when a high profile Black man speaks his mind.

“T.O.” got in trouble because his wisdom, common sense, talent and his desire to win caused conflict with his quarterback Donovan McNabb, Eagles Coach Andy Reid and the Eagles organization.

Truth is, there is nothing wrong with speaking your mind and promoting your skills. I understand football is a team game, but penalizing a Black man for the white media's creation of a controversy is not right.

Owens made one apology, but that was only good enough to get him criticized and attacked by several Black teammates in the locker room who allegedly physically and verbally assaulted him for talking against “Old Master.” After making a second apology, Owen was blasted by Black commentators for not being sincere and those same Black commentators lined up against T.O. and questioned whether he should ever play again in the National Football League.

It appears that team owners expect all Black players in the NFL to take the pay and shut up and play. (And most apparently do shed their “Blackness”) It is a shame these same NFL owners want to see their “Good Negroes” run, jump, catch and throw footballs, score touchdowns, but are uneasy if one speaks out and stands up for himself. It is an even greater tragedy that the majority of African Americans playing in the NFL are too concerned with their “out of color” women, material goods and “personal economies” to even care about a fellow brother.

T.O.'s case proves that taking that big sports “blood” money means you do forfeit your rights to have your own voice and opinions. It also shows the hypocrisy of the American corporate system when you are penalized for not obeying the “company propaganda” line and using your own freedom of expression and exercising your First Amendment Rights as a U.S. citizen.

T.O. brought on the wrath of uncomfortable whites, who realize they can't control him and now have turned against him and are determined to destroy his career. He was set up by the elitist white media sports analysts, who are using other Blacks to sell him out and blast him with pre-baked Anglo commentaries.

What is disheartening is “Willie Lynch” Negroes and former players turned commentators Michael Irvin, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe and Chris Carter are speaking the white man's words and doing his dirty work and for a few extra bucks are helping bring T.O. down.

As I remember, Michael Irvin is no angel. He has spots and faults far worse than T.O.'s In 1996, Whites kept Irvin out of jail and prison after he pled no contest for his alleged “nose problem,” after being caught in a motel by police and charged with felony possession of cocaine and other drug use incidents while playing for the Dallas Cowboys. (Some people know what I am talking about). Irvin did not lose his job and he was supposed to be on America 's team and a “so-called role model for kids!!!

Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis was arrested for murder in 2000. He later copped a plea bargain wherein he pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice , and agreed to testify against two others involved in the case.

In 2005, Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams is still playing after admittedly smoking marijuana during his holdout year.

Other NFL stars have attended wild parties, cheated on their wives, and fathered children in and outside of wedlock. Some still don't pay child support.

People like Irvin, Davis , Sharp and Carter aren't focusing or talking about their personal failures in moral character or the negative behaviors and bad judgment of their colleagues.

What a double standard on the part of Black commentators, NFL players, owners and white sports media organizations to suspend, blast and banish Owens when many other players in the league have allegedly committed violent crimes, engaged in prostitution, used illegal substances or are in substance abuse programs on a regular basis. These “Willie Lynch” Negroes should know better than to allow themselves to be used by the white powers to help bring down a fellow African American brother.