Nunnie on the Sideline
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Recent SCOTUS decisions abolishing Affirmative Action, allowing public entities to discriminate against the LGBTQ community (ruling on a fictional, bogus case that shouldn’t have been heard), and prohibiting President Biden from offering relief to students burden with college debt simply fortifies my contention that conscientious student/athletes should strongly consider selecting and attending universities in states that believe in democracy, DEI – diversity, equity and inclusion – and the American dream for all juxtaposed to states with governors, senators, congress persons and politicians who consistently and insidiously vote against minority interests.
Speculation about the Heat’s interest in former Florida Gator and present Washington Wizards superstar Bradley Beal was slightly exaggerated. The Phoenix Suns apparently had the draft picks and veteran players like Chris Paul to consummate a deal which satisfied the needs of both organizations. According to ESPN the Heat has turned their attention to shooting guard Damon Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers. The Heat brass, led by Pat Riley, should never be doubted or underestimated.
Not winning a game in Miami placed the Heat in an untenable, desperate situation that required a must win – win or go home. I observed two combatants willingly put it all on the line, leaving nothing in reserve. Last night in Denver the better team won: more talented, more athletic, and more driven.
In America today with the proliferation of gun violence, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to write about sports. The Mississippi governor shamelessly participated in an ad parodying a Clint Eastwood movie celebrating and promoting gun violence, and a young lady playing hide and seek in her yard was shot in the head with a 22 pistol by an angry neighbor. America has lost its moral compass if it ever had one. Disrespect, distrust, fear, and hatred for anyone different in all manner of life rule the day. Pardon me for digressing.
We begin this week by introducing the first of a series of articles related to some of the great HBCU coaches prior to integration. The concept was originally broached to publisher Bobby Henry by former Dillard and Miami Jackson Coach, Joe Redmond. I was immediately fascinated by the idea because, like him, I am a product of that era – 50s & 60s. Black college football was replete with great coaches, players, pageantry and tradition. We begin with Big John Merritt and his impact on the game. We welcome your participation and contributions through questions and comments. I am especially appealing to JSU, TSU & HBCUS generally from that time frame, people like Dr. Malcom Black, a JSU grad.
Nunnie on the Sideline
In last week’s segment I incorrectly referred to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach as Mike Thomas instead of Tomlin – my sincere apologies – as I listed the two identifiable Black NFL head coaches when addressing my perception of the gravely ineffective Rooney Rule.