Toronto-Many rational Americans have proclaimed that societal progress is not a myth. Barack Obama is the President. The splendor of equality masks the indelible stains of segregation. Yet, Western culture, the so-called zenith of human goodness, continually reverts to its bigotry.
The All-American Basketball Alliance (AABA) underscores the survival of an old beast. Commissioner Don Lewis has revealed his plans to form a twelve-team, all-white basketball league in June. Said a statement from the AABA:
Only players that are natural born citizens with both parents of Caucasian race are eligible to play in the league.
Mr. Lewis, who announced the formation of the league one day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, rejects the notion that he is racist. According to the insensitive commissioner, he wants the AABA to focus on the “fundamentals of basketball.” He is displeased with the criminal behavior in the NBA and attributes that to a “black culture.” Kiddies, turn away when you see a black player, as he may “flip you off,” according to Commissioner Crow. Perhaps, a colored section will be needed to mitigate the spreading of “venom.”
But, that is not racism, according to Lewis’ twisted lexicon. Presumably, the Jim Crow Laws, which mandated segregation, were kosher.
If you are African American, Hispanic, Asian, European, Middle-Eastern, Canadian, et cetera, you are not wanted. You will not be accepted. You are inferior. Damn you and your poisonous influence.
Discontent with the state of modern professional sports is warranted. However, legal textbooks aside, the construction of the Jim Crow League ranks among the most heinous of all the recent crimes committed by those in sports.
In an interview with the Augusta Chronicle, Lewis attempted to justify the creation of this league, arguing, “white, American-born citizens are in the minority now.” Thankfully, Mr. Lewis is not a sociologist. His demographic knowledge is as extensive as a dog’s understanding of algebra and binary code.
Mayor Deke Copenhaver of Augusta eloquently expressed his abhorrence for the AABA, as he told the Augusta Chronicle:
As a sports enthusiast, I have always supported bringing more sporting activities to Augusta. However, in this instance I could not support in good conscience bringing in a team that did not fit with the spirit of inclusiveness that I, along with many others, have worked so hard to foster in our city.”
All mayors of prospective AABA cities ought to echo the sentiments of Mayor Copenhaver. The commissioner must not receive support.
Lewis entitled himself as the “spoken minority.” If we replace the word “minority” with “moron,” this label holds true.
Dwyane Wade had a tremendous week. The Miami Heat’s superstar averaged 33.3 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He shot to a 49.3 field goal percentage and a 35.7 clip from behind the three-point line. The twenty-eight year old recorded three double-doubles in as many games and Heat victories. For the season, Wade is averaging 26.4 points per game, fifth in the National Basketball Association. He is also fifth in steals, 1.83 SPG. Wade was named the Eastern Conference player of the week.
"“I’m excited that for the first time this season I was able to earn Player of the Week honors,” he told Miami Heat.com, “but I’m more excited by the fact our team played well and captured three wins during the week.”
You made some excellent points there. I did a look on the topic and discover most people will agree with you.
Roth: Thank you!
I don’t completely agree with you. I think that this league is wrong, but not racist. To be racist one has to say racist things, which this this lewis guy isnt.
Roth: Lewis’ words are, without question, racist. Blaming the problems of modern sports on a “black culture” is prejudicial and foolish. Besides, actions speak louder than words. Indeed, one can be racist through deeds.
You may very well be the first to expose this bigot since I have not read or heard of this league to this point. I commend you for jumping on this – this sort of action must never be allowed to gain traction.
Roth: The Augusta Chronicle was the first source, as far as I know, to expose the Crow League.
Your writing always amazes me……for good reasons
Roth: I appreciate that!
Masterful work!
Roth: Thanks!