Money Players

ESPN's Black Magic

The viewed the second installment of "Black Magic," a powerful documentary which is receiving critical acclaim. Very powerful, but it also left me sad. It was great to learn more about hoops legends like Dick Barnett, Earl Lloyd, Bobby Dandridge, Pee Wee Kirkland, Bob Love and Al Attles. These guys broke barriers in college and professional basketball. The documentary also highlighted some of the great coaches at HBCUs, including Dave Robbins, a white coach who has won over 700 game at Virginia Union. Racial barriers are coming down in all aspects of society, not just sports. However, the one area that has lagged is minority opportunities in coaching at the collegiate level, particularly in D1-A football.

I have said before that just like the "Steroid Era" in MLB is getting labeled with an asterisk, so should entire eras of professional and college sports when blacks were systemically denied the right to play. If today's numbers are distorted because guys were juicing, so is every statistic ever recorded in white-only professional leagues. How many home runs would Josh Gibson have hit had he played in the Majors? Or how many fewer home runs would Babe Ruth have knocked had he regularly faced Satchell Paige, who Joe DiMaggio called "the best and fastest pitcher I've ever faced," and other great Negro League pitchers? I think we can all agree that players today are judged on their abilities, not the color of their skin. If you can play, you will get the opportunity to play at whatever level your ability allows. It's an efficient market. But if a black coach can coach, he will not automatically get the same opportunities that his white colleagues might. And that TODAY! The colorscape (if that's a word) in college basketball and more so in the NBA is showing definite improvement, but the number of African American coaches still does not reflect the proportion of black players. (See related post: The odds of two African American coaches meeting in the Super Bowl and college championship)

It was interesting to learn the history of John McLendon, Clarence "Big House" Gaines and Ben Jobe, all tremendous coaches who achieved phenomenal success at HBCU's (In 1966 McLendon became the first black coach hired by a predominantly white school). Ben Jobe, former assistant coach at University of South Carolina and Georgia Tech became head coach at HBCU Southern University. In 1993 the Southern Jaguars played Georgia Tech, coached by Jobe's close friend Bobby Cremins, in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Southern won by 15. Cremins on Jobe's ability to coach at bigger schools like Duke and UNC: "He would have been the perfect coach. Anywhere."

While college basketball and football today is pretty darn good, how much better would it be if the very best players were coached by the very best coaches?

--Marc Isenberg

Remembering Dr. King

I thought MLK Day would be a good day to retell an incredible story that you might not know .

Reverend Martin Luther King gives a speech in Washington, DC.  The date was August 28, 1963, 200,000 show up, and King's "I have a dream"  goes down in history as one of the most important, famous speeches in American history. After King spoke, a young man asks Dr. King if he can have his speech notes. Dr. King obliges. What 24-year old had the foresight and the gumption to ask? Former college basketball coach and current Nike exec George Raveling. For nearly 45 years George Raveling has been the proud guardian of the original typewritten "I have a dream" speech.

Read Time magazine article, "Guardian of The Dream" (Aug. 28, 2003)

Stupid comment by Golf Channel anchor

Last Friday, Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman suggested that today's young players should "lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley." Wow. I consider myself pretty tolerant when it comes to humor (or even attempts to be funny). But, IMO, this is pretty bad. Tilghman has issued an apology.

Country clubs have a long, unfortunate association with narrow-minded thinking, mostly by wealthy, white men. Tilghman is female, which makes this is even more troubling, since blacks, Jews, and women have historically been denied memberships at euphemistically named "elite" country clubs.(My grandparents where charter members of Hillcrest Country Club, in Long Grove, IL, which was founded in the 1960s because Jews had a hard time joining other local Chicagoland clubs.)

Lynching brings back bad memories, not just for blacks, but pretty much all humans horrified by what took place in our country. Lynch black people. Exterminate Jews. Even today it's not easy to bring up such sensitive subjects, even in jest...and especially not for a white person who grew up in the South. When Tilghman "narrowcast" comments like this among her own kind, she might get a laugh. Sad, but even in "Obama for President" times, this is true. But when she BROADCASTS racially-charged comments, she offends a lot of people.

I think people can still poke fun at Tiger's dominance and how one might (figuratively) go about taming him. For example, PGA Tour pro Stuart Appleby was once asked what he needs to shoot to beat Tiger. His response: Tiger. I think that's funny. You may disagree.

The meaning of life and death

Reading accounts of the life and tragic death of Sean Taylor is both heartwarming and depressing. From a troubled, violent and dangerous past, emerged a thoughtful, caring family man, teammate and friend. A real team leader. Taylor had so much to live for -- a baby daughter, a career in the NFL -- yet he died so unnecessarily.

Death is never an easy subject. Not only do we have a young, professional athlete cut down in his absolute prime, we're dealing with many other related issues (fame, money, violence, race). Perhaps Taylor's murder is a senseless, random tragedy. Mike Wilbon offers a very different view, first offered in a WashPost.com chat:

I know how I feel about Taylor, and this latest news isn’t surprising in the least, not to me. Whether this incident is or isn’t random, Taylor grew up in a violent world, embraced it, claimed it, loved to run in it and refused to divorce himself from it. He ain’t the first and won’t be the last. We have no idea what happened, or if what we know now will be revised later. It’s sad, yes, but hardly surprising.

Chris Mottram, who blogs Mr. Irrelevant, reacted to Wilbon's comments: "Sure, Taylor’s had some troubles in the past, but that’s like suggesting the slutty girl from high school deserved to be raped."

If you want to believe Sean Taylor's murder was completely senseless and random, that's fine. There's nothing that will bring Taylor back, so there's not much value in playing Monday morning quarterback (or Tues, Wed, Thur, etc. for that matter). Just reduce the talking points to: "It was a senseless tragedy." And, "God had other plans for this young man." On the other hand, if you believe there's a pattern here, this might be an opportunity to have an important, constructive dialog. Wilbon's initial chatter was probably a bit raw, but in the more measured world of column writing (a craft he happens to still be very good at) he expanded on his views. He also points out some of the similaries to Len Bias's tragic death.

Wilbon writes:

The issue of separating yourself from a harmful environment is a recurring theme in the life of black men. It has nothing to do with football, or Sean Taylor or even sports. To frame it as a sports issue is as insulting as it is naive. Most of us, perhaps even the great majority of us who grew up in big urban communities, have to make a decision at some point to hang out or get out.

The kid who becomes a pharmaceutical rep has the same call to make as the lawyer or delivery guy or accountant or sportswriter or football player: Cut off anybody who might do harm, even those who have been friends from the sandbox, or go along to get along.

What we have here is another one of those Rorschach Ink Blot tests, where the meaning of Sean Talyor's murder is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. Sean Taylor, RIP.

--Marc Isenberg

Charity begins at home

By Marc Isenberg

Last night Paul Pierce and Baron Davis, two of LA's favorite basketball sons, hosted a party to promote the LA Stars foundation and its 2nd Annual Celebrity and All-Star Charity Weekend that takes place August 3-5, 2007.

LA Stars began as Magic Johnson's Midsummer Night's Dream. Last year Magic passed the torch to Baron and Paul. This year, Baron and Paul add Agent 0, another LA product, to the LA Stars team. 

Athletes gone wild gets a lot of press these days. Even much of the positive press athletes receive is manufactured, which is fine, but sometimes you do wonder how athletes act when the cameras aren't rolling. I thought it was worth pointing out that Baron and Paul didn't just show up last night's event, but really showed how much they care about their community.

When Paul and Baron spoke to the group they weren't reading what someone else wrote, but spoke eloquently about the mission of LA Stars' and their goals of improving the lives of Los Angeles children. Baron added something that was both classy and instructive, "There's a lot of people here tonight, so if I don't get a chance to talk to everybody, I apologize. I do want to meet everyone, so either pull me aside tonight or hopefully you'll be with us for the LA Stars events and we get a chance to hang out then. I love to talk."

With Baron, you know he means it. Baron and Paul have a lot of great basketball left. But more importantly, they are great, approachable guys who have the ability to reach a lot of people in Los Angeles and beyond.

Baron, along with former UCLA student and current Chicago Bear Brendon Ayanbadejo, also founded We Should Not Be the Only Ones, a campaign to draw attention to underrepresentation of African-Americans at UCLA and other universities.

The only down moment of the evening was the Draft Lottery. When it was announced that the Celtics dropped to No. 5 in this year's NBA Draft bonanza, Paul had to sit down and regain his composure. (The Celtics had an 88% chance of doing better than the 5th pick). "Apart from that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?"

Hating (and loving) Tim Hardaway

By Marc Isenberg

Last week John Amaechi announced, er published, he is gay. This turned out to be a spot check for our nation to see if we're okay with the subject of homosexuality. Most passed. A few were stupid enough to express their true feelings. Tim Hardaway let it be known: "I HATE GAY PEOPLE."

There are places in our society, unfortunately, where comments like this are still acceptable..like at a KKK rally, for example...assuming Tim kept his hood on. Of course, Dave Chappelle, who reappeared courtside at last night's NBA's All-Star Game, already did this bit.

Hardaway apparently never saw the connection between hatred of gays and African Americans. Blacks were banned from many professional sports leagues and denied entrance into many schools simply because of the color of their skin. Now Hardaway would like to impose a similar ban on gays. Hardaway should be reminded that every million that he ever earned in his NBA career is the direct result of our society coming to its senses that equality and tolerance mattered.

Related articles

Hardaway has offered his apologies.
David Zirin on reactions to Amaechi.
Mitch Albom on homophobic locker rooms.

UPDATE: ESPN.com columnist Mary Buckheit writes her "coming out" column, even if she swore she never would.

This is a University of Arizona and Tim Hardaway fan.
Guess he felt safe that no one would clock him.

Deconstructing Nick Saban's "off the record" remarks

By Marc Isenberg

Nick Saban made a racially insensitive remark to a reporter. It was far from worst racial comment ever made, but still a stupid comment. I was going to let this pass without comment, until he tried to apologize.

For starters, listen to Saban's remarks.

I think it's a great case study for athletes and others when it comes to dealing with the media, making "off the record" comments, and issuing public apologies. It should be common sense, but let's review.

"Off the record" is dicey
It's generally not smart for high profile people to make insensitive remarks to reporters, even if just to repeat what someone else said, and then assume "off the record" is some kind of legally protected privilege.

"Off the record" is basically used by the media to corroborate a story or to provide background information. The anecdote told by Saban was clearly for entertainment purposes only.

Most athletes and coaches have been well trained to deal with the media. Too well. Show respect, show humility, use eye contact, say little.

Sorry, not sorry excuses
Now that the story (and the audio) is all over the Internet, Saban had to issue an apology. He said the word he used "can be taken as derogatory by some people."

By some people? Visualize a Venn diagram. According to Saban, not all people think "coonass" is derogatory. And these people (including the one who has Saban on speed dial) are qualified to decide what is and what isn't acceptable? Saban is a little slow getting started with his apology. Onward.

Saban continues: "Those comments need to be placed in the proper context, so as to understand the meaning of what was said. The words were used in paraphrasing a story told to me by a friend. I was simply using the same wording used by the person who told me the story."

This is the Brady Bunch defense. It's not me who has the problem, it's my good friend...who happens to be a LSU trustee...who takes time out of his busy schedule to tell the story equating Saban taking the Alabama job to a wife "f&%$#ing" another man. Ironic that the story is about a man who digs ditches.

And finally:

"The term in question is not language that I use or condone, and I can understand how some would take offense. However, I think it must be noted that those comments were made 'off the record' and the words merely reflected an anecdote that was told to me using that language."

So the reporter is at fault for publishing the tapes? Blaming the media is never a good defense.

In my upcoming book, Money Players: A Pro Athlete's Guide to Success in Sports, Business, & Life, I have a chapter that offers advice when it comes to dealing with the media. I asked athletes and journalists to tell short anecdotes. My favorite is from Fred Claire, former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager:

"One time, there was something written about our team which I thought was completely unfair. My first reaction was to respond immediately in order set the record straight. But Walter [O’Malley, then owner of the Dodgers] stopped me. He did not want me to get involved in things which ultimately had no bearing on our team and its performance. His line, which I’ve repeated often, was, 'Don’t argue with people who buy ink by the barrel.' Stay focused on your objectives. Ultimately, you’ll be judged by your accomplishments or lack of accomplishments, but don’t let the media determine your fate."

Saban should just take responsibility, say he's sorry, and be quiet.

(UPDATE: Miami Herald reporter apologizes for sharing recording.)

© 2007 Marc Isenberg. All rights reserved.

Not so great moments in pretending to be black

By Marc Isenberg

White students at Clemson apparently thought it would be a good idea to party in blackface, drink malt liquor, and generally make big asses of themselves. This was their way to commemorate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Not that anyone should be shocked. This kind of behavior has been going for centuries, but courtesy of Facebook.com we just have more visual evidence. Let's hope most people at Clemson today do not condone this type of behavior, but the latest incident does not reflect well on the entire school.

The OG fake black party
Clemson has an interesting history of throwing parties that cannot be excused with a simple case of Halloween. From 1970 to 1975, Clemson basketball was coached by Tates Locke. In his book (co-authored by Bob Ibach) "Caught in the Net," Locke recalled his over-the-top recruitment of Phil Ford, Tree Rollins, and other talented black players. Problem: How do you get blacks to feel comfortable attending an almost all-white institution that was slow to integrate? Solution: Set up a fictitious black fraternity. Then hire black students, including females (shocking!), from an historically black university to create the appearance that Clemson was a comfortable place for really good black basketball players. In his book Locke also admits he knew about under-the-table payments booster payments and academic dishonesty. All in all, Locke exhibited predictable behaviorof a coach desperate to stay employed. Pure comedy.

Clemson literati
Can't mention Clemson without invoking one of my all-time favorite comments regarding academic integrity in college athletics. It was said by Clemson titular grad and former NBA player Elden Campbell. When asked if he earned a college degree, Campbell replied, "No, but they gave me one anyway." At least he was honest.

Another great moment in Clemson literary fantasy was depicted in Dan Jenkins's book, "You Gotta Play Hurt." Climpson, as Jenkins calls them, led by center Potatus Fry made it all the way to the Final Four in Atlanta. Potatus Fry (typing his name makes proofing more fun!) majored in Weightroom Management.

© 2007 Marc Isenberg. All rights reserved.

The odds of two African American coaches meeting in the Super Bowl and college championship

By Marc Isenberg

As an MBA grad and co-author of "The Truth about  Gambling," I enjoy examining the odds of pretty much everything...sports, gambling, investing, decision making, and life. Now that the Super Bowl matches two teams coached by African Americans, I started thinking about the odds of this event taking place.

Is this a statistical anomaly or predictable occurrence? Given 6 African American NFL head coaches out of 32 teams (at the start of the 2006 season), the odds of two African American coaches meeting in the Super Bowl were actually better than your favorite team making it. The event of two African American NFL head football coaches meeting again in the Super Bowl is likely to occur for the second time in the next 25 years. So how many years is it probable that two African American college coaches will meet in the national championship game for the first time? Based on today's numbers, this event should occur by 2475 A.D., hopefully a little sooner.

The Probability of Two African American Coaches Meeting in Super Bowl

Number of NFL African American head coaches at start of the 2006 season: 7

NFC
Lovie Smith
Dennis Green (fired)

AFC
Tony Dungy
Herman Edwards
Romeo Crennell
Marvin Lewis
Art Shell (fired)

At present, there are five African American AFC coaches (now that the Steelers hired Mike Timlin) versus only one in the NFC. Wonder if this has anything to do with fact that AFC is comprised mostly of old AFL teams, which was the "upstart" league? Also would be interesting to look at length of ownership and diversity of city to see if there's any correlation.

Chance of one African American head coach in Super Bowl: 21.88%
Chance of two African American head coaches in Super Bowl: 3.9% (Note 1)
Number of years it would take (assuming everything is held constant, including number of teams and number of African American head coaches) to have two black head coaches again: 25.6 years (Note 2)

Given that there are fewer African American coaches at the collegiate level, I thought it would be interesting to make the same calculations.

Number of African American D1-A head coaches: 6
Number of D1-A teams: 119
Chance of one black head coach in D1-A "championship game": 5.04%
Chance of two black head coaches in "championship game": .2136% (Note 3)
Number of years it would take (assuming everything is held constant, including number of D1-A teams and number of African American head coaches) to have two African American head coaches meet in the championship game: 468.2 years! I was taught to use exclamation points sparingly, but in this case it's appropriate!! (Note 4)

As the number of African American college football coaches increases so does the likelihood that two will meet in the championship game in the 21st century.

Calculations
Note 1: Since only one team represents each conference, the calculation is (2/16) * (5/16) or 3.9%.
Note 2: 100/3.9 = 25.6
Note 3: (6/119) * (5/118) = .002136
Note 4: 100/.2136 = 468.2