| Ethics in the Red Zone |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by A. Peter Bailey |
| Sunday, 01 July 2007 00:00 |
 One of the more popular truths for Americans is that the ends justify the means that principle and integrity should be preserved even at great individual risk. One often forgets that every action can create a multitude of reactions, the consequences of which might be more damaging than initially intended. It is a virtual truth in both the public and private sphere that African Americans are second class citizens. As a matter of course, Black men and women have had to learn how to deal with living in the proverbial shadows of their white counter parts. This unfortunate fact of life has infiltrated what modern civilization has always admired as being honorable and pure sport. One need only to look at the actions of three major American sports over the last several years to bear witness. In 2005, The National Basketball Association adopted a dress code. Players are required to wear business casual attire whenever they are engaged in team or league business. Violations for failing to follow this policy can include fines and suspensions. What this policy appears to create is an approach towards the game that showcases players in a dignified and tactful manner. This may appear well and good, but, let  s face it, such a policy is clearly aimed at annihilating the sub culture of basketball which is rooted in hip hop and urban selfexpression. The baggy clothing, gaudy jewelry, and blatant yet wholesome disregard for authority are essentially part of this, and nearly one to one with playing basketball in the modern era. However, NBA Commisioner Davis Stern seems to think hiphop culture has no place in the NBA. The National Football League s previous commissioner Paul Tagliabue stepped down this past year to make way for the younger and seemingly vigilant Roger Goodell. Commissioner Goodell has promised reform as he announced that the code of conduct would be tighter after several instances of players acting in an illegal or reckless manner. Goodell has already dropped the axe on several players, issuing unprecedented suspensions for erratic and embarrassing behavior. At the heart of this matter is a baffling crackdown against black athletes, showcasing them as thugs and criminals. We re made to believe that Pacman Jones is a vile man as he is now serving a one year suspension when in fact his only immediate crime was visiting a strip club and acting out of turn. The same is true for one Tank Johnson who was suspended for half a season after already serving time in prison for weapons charges. Presumably, is it not true that having paid those dues grants exoneration from wrong doing. Michael Vick is now at the heart of a witch hunt that alleges he is at the source of a dog fighting conspiracy in spite of a lack of concrete evidence and the fact that the allegation is supported only by anonymous informants. Major League Baseball has been part of unprecedented reforms as in the past few years there have been Congressional hearings to call to light the abuse of performance enhancing drugs. In addition, lifetime bans have been introduced into the game for repeat steroid violations. Some say this is too harsh and others claim this to be a necessary step towards cleaning up the game. But all it really seems to do is create targets for retribution.  Its no secret that the premier target in this matter is none other than Barry Bonds, who, by the liberal media, is labeled as perhaps the biggest cheater in all of baseball history. Never mind that steroids can at no point make any minor player hit 700+ homeruns or sustain a career for nearly 2 decades. Let s not kid ourselves. Not more then 10 years ago Mark Maguire was chasing the single season homerun record and was viewed by many to be a living legend. The steroid cloud over Maguire was perhaps not as heavy few, if any, would dare directly associate Marks feats with performance enhancing drugs. However baseball seems oddly unwilling to acknowledge Bonds in the same respect. Despite no hard evidence in either mans case, the general public seems profoundly interested in vilifying Bonds and merely slapping Maguire on the wrist. At its core, sport is about order and, in a sense, aims at rigidity consequently, those in control will justify targeting black athletes in order to protect values. It seems that in their furor, they have forgotten that the act of sportsmanship intends to embody what it is to be a model citizen unbiased, exhibition of good character, and a willingness to help those around you attain their goals. Not a single person living within this nation can ignore the very pragmatic and insensitive way in which things are ordained and devised by policy makers, corporate gurus, CEOs, and elites like commissioners of professional sport. So long as the bottom line is maintaining the values which preserve these sports industries that generate billions upon billions of dollars, many people are willing to accept or ignore the alienation of individuals who, whether they know it or not, represent a consistently trodden people. It would appear to be a necessary evil, but ultimately it weakens the potential for the playing field to be a testament to equality. |