WHY I STOPPED WATCHING (PART I OF III)

     First of all, reading sports articles with the term "post-racial" would give the idea that race doesn't matter anymore in pro sports.  After all, that is what "post-racial" indicates; however, although I read article after article that uses that term, authors just cannot help themselves but turn their article into the exact opposite of what point they want to make.

     Regardless, pro sports are not post-racial.  It will only be such, when the media decides that it is.  It no longer requires equal opportunity for all or what fans want to read about, instead the media obsesses about race and about gender because they can make another story about it. 

     The real motivation behind this post is why I stopped watching pro football and pro basketball.  Sick of the incessant concentration of the media, the players and the owners on race.  Success in today's sports is dependent on two things; smarts and physical ability.  Therefore, to even mention color of skin or gender in my opinion is a waste of breath.  Save your breath and talk about the talent.  (

The second reason will be revealed in part II)

     What has recently sent me over the edge on this subject is the new kid on the block in the NFL, Robert Griffin III.  I have seen article after article referring to how finally the NFL has a black quarterback that is both smart AND fast.  Of course, the recent comments from an ESPN commentator saying RG was "not one of us."  He is just one commentator (and was suspended for his comments), but the incessant concentration on race is absolutely ridiculous. 

To give an example, here are just a few titles of articles written recently in reference to the new kid on the block (references will follow the post):

"African-American Quarterbacks such as  Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III had road to NFL paved for them by many pioneers"

"Media OK with NFL's New 'Black Jesus' Quarterback "

"The Plight Of The African-American Quarterback In The NFL"

And this gem:  "The Black Quarterback Is Dead - The NFL quarterback position is post-racial"

     The real problem with sports, politics and even in the private industry is that focus on race takes away from the more important factor of performance. 

     Why, in 2012, this focus on a kid who worked hard in school and on the field?  Because he is black?  RG is coming into a sport and a position on the field that has had numerous talented and successful black quarterbacks.  RG is coming in TWENTY-EIGHT years after the well known Warren Moon stepped on the field to play for the Houston Oilers. I watched Warren Moon play as a ten year old on ESPN numerous times.  That was a time I was encapsulated with all pro sports.  NOT ONCE do I remember ANY commentator referring to race...not once.  But today, in the "post racial" atmosphere...talent is overshadowed by what color a kid's skin is. 

     There are no racial barriers...unless the media is really going to focus on each position on the field and court down to water/towel boys to see when a barrier is broken.  Most people that even casually watch sports can easily name many present and past black quarterbacks---where is the barrier? 

Where is the story? 

Next:  Overpaid, Underplayed, and Spoiled Pro Sports