Once again, humanity has let me down in terms of race relations. I am talking about the incident between college basketball player, Marcus Smart, and the racist fan Jeff Orr. Mr. Orr claims he just called Mr. Smart "a piece of crap" (He is a damn lie, but I will get to that in a little bit).
But like the American court system and the court of public opinion, the black man will get no justice, and even though the victim, will somehow become the perpetrator.
Marcus is the one who the recipient of the racist insult, while his perpetrator stuck his finger in his face, but because he "shoved" him, Marcus got suspended for three games for unsportsmanlike behavior (which is code for "little darkie" you got out of your place, and we have to show you who is boss). But Mr. Orr got to tell his side of the story aka lie, and offered his own punishment of not attending anymore games for the remainder of the season. Isn't Amerikkka (purposely spelled that way) grand?
What message does this send? As a black male, it sends two messages: a black man's worth rest solely on the fact that he is making someone laugh, or he has a ball in his hands; our lives are meaningful only if we stay in our places, once we venture out, we will be punished, and if we stray too far, murdered (Read up on Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Oscar Grant, Jonathan Ferrell, Kendrick Johnson, and the list goes on and on).
If you have uttered the following, "Jeff Orr was wrong, but....you are part of the problem. There is nobody who has an ounce of self-respect or dignity, who would hold a 19 year old more responsible than a grown ass 51 year old man. At that point in life, you should know how to attend a sporting event, enjoy the game, and sit your ass down somewhere and then go home. You should not be heckling the players, get so involved like someone is giving you money for the game, that you allow it to make you lose your cool, and you shouldn't be lying to save face.
Yes, I said he is lying. Do you really think Marcus Smart shoved a man for calling him a "piece of crap'? If you believe that, I have a New Jersey bridge to sell you (Sorry, Chris Christie, you are such an easy target). Jeff Orr did the proverbial no, no in the black community: call us a racial slur, while putting your hands in our faces. He is very fortunate that all he received was a shove.
Those young players risk life and limb to bring championships home and to entertain millions, so can they get some respect and protection?
This will happen again. Some other overzealous fan will not only heckle, but do worse, because this episode taught them that keeping the "darkies in line" is more important than telling the truth or acting like you have some sense.
To Marcus Smart, young brother keep your head up. If playing basketball is your passion, don't let anyone take that from you. But FYI, you might want to change teams, because it is evident that yours is not invested in your protection or your worth.
To Jeff Orr, you know your punk ass said nigger or some other innocuous racial slur. Bring your fat ass to me. Call me a racial slur, and put your finger in my face. I am an almost 38 year old, twice degreed male, with over 16 years in my profession, and I will beat your ass, for Marcus Smart and millions of others who get disrespected each day.
Until next time.....
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