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| Warren Moon |
There is no question racism continues to play a part in everyday American life. So however does sexism, classism and every other ism we can think off, that speaks to the unfortunate tendency for humans to either denegrade others different from them, or just flat-out annihilate them, as has happened over human history.
For the latter reason, I take any charges of racism quite seriously (and so must every well meaning human being), particulary since it (racism) has had the most insidious effects on humanity (victims of racism) and it must not be talked about lightly.
As an immigrant to this country, from Africa, I have experienced my own fair share of discrimination (continue to). While I will not to delve into my own personal experience, I was rather taken aback by a recent story from the sports world.
The story in question was a statement credited to Warren Moon, former NFL great and Hall of Famer, in which he accused those criticizing Cameron Newton, former Auburn University quarterback, who was essentially "pimped" by his father to the highest bidder (yes he was and I said it), of blatant racism.
Are you kidding me, I thought to myself! I was befuddled not only by the context in which he (Warren Moon) had arrived at his opinion, but more-so that such a comment would come from someone like him.
Let's be frank. If there is anyone that has earned the right to speak on issues of racism, where it actually obtains, it is Warren Moon (by virtue of his personal experience as one of the first black quarterbacks in the NFL), but this rant of his, particularly around a less-than-sterling character like Cameron Newton (with his antecedents), would serve to belie my earlier assertion on Moon's credibility.
Cameron Newton was kicked out of the University of Florida for multiple instances of academic dishonesty (cheating), shortly after he had also got himself in hot-water for stealing a fellow student's lap-top.
His father, then shops him around for close to $200,000 rather than ensure his son gets a solid education while playing football.
Then Newton compounds his own problems by calling himself an "entertainer and an icon" and not "just a student".... really?
When I heard that Cameron Newton had hired Warren Moon as his adviser, I was one of those that felt there could not have been a better move than that by anyone, since the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan in the 1984 NBA Draft.
Boy, was I wrong and I and a lot of folks are sure disappointed in Mr. Moon as he, like most other "Racial Industry" profiteers, has again be-littled an issue that actually affects genuinely decent, hard-working and extremely competent black and other minority professionals, who are the real victims of racism, on a daily basis.
That the real victims of racism must endure the incendiary balderdash of avowed racists, constantly referring to genuine race issues as someone "pulling the race card", can only be attributable to the misguided opportunism of the Al Sharptons, Jesse Jacksons and now, Warren Moons of the world.
It also seems Mr. Moon has conveniently forgotten the harsh treatment of Tim Tebow, Ryan Mallett, Jay Cutler and even Jeff George (from Mr. Moon's own playing days). Or, are they also vitims of racism? I guess not, since they are white and the same media he (Mr. Moon) villifies must have been doing their job.
Funny enough, Mr. Moon's charge of racism would serve to be rather hypocritical, in light of his own preferential treatment for a first degree negligent driving charge. One in which, yes you guessed it, he got off rather lightly.
Shame on you Mr. Moon and between you and Cecil Newton, one can only hope that Cameron Newton is able to avert the impending train-wreck that awaits him. I do wish him well, but somehow and one way, he sure will learn.... Life has a way of seeing to that.
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