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Quick thoughts on the 2013 Champions League Final

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

by Veree Bampoe-Addo

 

Saturday will mark the first time two German Clubs are meeting in the Champions League Final.  Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund. These two clubs meeting in the CL final is in no way a fluke – let’s take a quick look at each of their paths:

Bayern for one finds itself in the title game for the third time in the past four seasons.  They came up short in 2010 vs. Inter Milan when Diego Milito managed to find the net twice in a fairly boring match.  Then just last year when it seemed they had the deal sealed vs. Chelsea with a Thomas Muller goal in the 83rd minute, Didier Drogba equalized 5 minutes later to force extra time and an eventual PK shoot out ending in a heartbreaker.  In this year’s tournament, Bayern defeated Arsenal, Juventus, and European League Super Power Barcelona in the knockout stages.  The aggregate of the two games with Barcelona was 7-0; it doesn’t get any more impressive than that.

Shifting gears to Dortmund – I’d be lying if I said I’ve seen more than a handful of their games, but if you’re able to top a group that includes 2012 Premier League Champ Manchester City and Spanish League Giant Real Madrid, chances are it’s your year.  Not only did they win their group that included RM, but when the two teams met in the Semi-Finals they advanced courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate (they smashed Madrid 4-1 in the first leg).

Now to my prediction:

Wembley Stadium will be rocking on Saturday night, let’s dub it the “German Takeover”.  Two Rival German clubs both with a rich history.  Bayern of course the more notable club of the two, considering the amount of success they’ve had in the German League (all-time leader with 23 titles) and are coming into this Champions League title game on a high as newly crowned German Champs, dethroning who else – Borussia Dortmund who had held the title for the previous two seasons.  I’m picking Bayern because they’re a lot more experienced and even though they’ve come up short in their last two tries; they’re accustomed to being in this spot.  From a talent standpoint, Bayern has the better roster top to bottom.  German National Team superstars Mario Gomez, Bastian Schweinstagger, Thomas Muller, and Phillip Lahm might be too much for Dortmund to handle.  These guys were part of the National Team that finished third in the last World Cup (2010).  Throw in French National star Franck Ribery and Dutch icon Arjen Robben and Dortmund may be overwhelmed.  We can’t overlook the fact that Dortmund has had Bayern’s number in recent years – Bayern hasn’t defeated Borussia Dortmund over the past 3 seasons (6 games total).  Hopefully all of this build up leads to a thriller of a CL Final like we saw last year.  Bayern Munich wins 3-1 to claim their first CL Title since 2001.

 

Veree Bampoe-Addo of The Sports Forum, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles: Chip Kelly testing players’ versatility

Monday, May 20th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

WR Jason Avant is happy to play wherever his team needs him.
(Image via Sports-Kings.com)

We’ve heard much about Chip Kelly’s energetic and efficient style of running Philadelphia Eagles practice: the loud music, the nonstop pace.  But Kelly has more tricks up his sleeve and is having his offensive players try their hand on defense in practice.

So far, TE Clay Harbor has taken turns at linebacker, “to be more versatile.”  Harbor says that practice at the position is only for “emergency situations,” but could Kelly be trying to find other possibilities for Harbor to remain on the roster with three other tight ends on the Eagles’ roster, including Brent Celek and 2nd-round draft pick and Stanford standout Zach Ertz?

If we know anything about Kelly at this stage, it’s that he continues to keep us guessing.

WR Jason Avant took turns in the defensive backfield last week and is pleased to be considered in other aspects of the game.  Avant has already demonstrated his versatility with his contributions to special teams and serving as an emergency quarterback for the Eagles.

“It’s one of those things that I work hard, and whatever that may be, and whatever the team wants me to do, I’ll do it.  Whatever that is – special teams, offense – whatever it may bring.  I’m going to do it the best I can. I don’t necessarily think it’s a clouded future.  I think it’s an honor, in any way, for any coach to think you can do other things.”

If these practice moves are keeping us guessing, they will likely do so to the Birds’ opponents, should Kelly wish to roll them out during games.  The Inquirer’s Zach Berman notes,

“New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, a friend of Kelly’s, has done similar things in the past.  Receivers Troy Brown and Julian Edelman have played defensive back in games.  Linebacker Mike Vrabel caught 10 career passes as a red-zone tight end.  The Eagles’ experimentation is not unprecedented, although it is uncommon at the NFL level.”

In a practice move not as dramatically different as his teammates’ turns on the opposite side of the ball, WR Jeremy Maclin has practiced punt returns.  This change can be chalked up to Kelly wanting to fully evaluate the abilities he has on each player on Philadelphia’s roster.  The 2012 season is the first that Maclin did not have punt return duties in his professional career, but it’s an option the new Eagles coach wants to keep open.

“Yeah, we’ll look at Mac back there.  Again, it’s May, so we’re going to take a look at him and Damaris [Johnson] and DeSean and [receiver] Nick Miller.  Russell Shepard is a guy that’s returned punts before, one of the rookies that’s out here.  So we’ll get a bunch of those guys because you never know in a game; all of a sudden two guys are hurt.

When you’ve only got a 46-man [game] roster, someone has got to go back there, and hopefully it’s someone that’s fielded punts before.  [Maclin] has got some experience at it, but we’ll take a look at him.  But does that mean he’s going to be our starting punt returner?  I have absolutely no idea right now.”

Kelly is testing the mental and physical prowess to their fullest as his players begin to settle in to his style of practice and leadership.  At this early stage in Kelly’s tenure, nothing is routine.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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LeSean McCoy sued for alleged assault in party bus incident

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Eagles RB LeSean McCoy is definitely not cheering the allegations made in the lawsuit against him.

For anyone  in the public eye, it’s probably a good rule of thumb to try to stay off the pages of TMZ.  Not all news on the notorious gossip website is bad, but really, when is it ever truly positive?

If that was a goal of Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, then he has failed at his mission.  Shady was headline news on TMZ on Tuesday over an assault allegation filed against the star athlete.

The claims stem from an incident on a party bus from Philadelphia to New York City this past December.

The details of the suit, per TMZ, are as follows:

According to the lawsuit filed by a woman using the alias “Mary Roe” … the Philadelphia Eagles RB had invited 15 women to join him on a party bus that went from Philly to a NYC nightclub on December 18, 2012.

During the trip, the lawsuit alleges, McCoy, along with his bodyguard and a couple of other guys, began to spray some of the women with water.

Roe claims she protested the water spraying … so McCoy ordered his bodyguard Big John to “get her.”

In the suit, filed May 10 in Philadelphia, the woman claims McCoy and/or Big John proceeded to hit her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.

While she was on the floor, the men allegedly physically restrained her and poured a beverage onto her hair, clothes and body.

And if things couldn’t get worse … the woman claims McCoy and Big John then forcibly ejected her from the party bus on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike.

But some of the women allegedly complained to McCoy about Roe getting the boot — so she was snatched back up from the side of the road and placed back on the bus.

The woman claims she was taken to a nearby rest stop — where the football player once again ditched her — and continued on with his party trip.

Roe is now suing for more than $50,000 in damages for assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment and negligence.  Roe says she suffered head trauma, a disc protrusion on her spine, bad sprains, contusions and bruises all over her body, and severe shock.

At the time of writing neither McCoy nor the Philadelphia Eagles had commented on the story.  However, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported the following via Twitter:

Just asked LeSean McCoy to comment about allegations, he said, “I got to go” before he jumped into the passenger seat of a Porsche and left.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 14, 2013

 

RE: TMZ LeSean McCoy report, source close to RB said he does not dispute kicking woman off bus, but that rest of allegations are false.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 14, 2013

McCoy’s attorney, Andrew Smith, issued the following statement on the running back’s behalf:

“The allegations against LeSean McCoy are completely, unequivocally false.  There are no criminal charges pending and no probable cause was ever found.  This is sadly an attempt to extract money, and LeSean will vigorously defend any attempt to collect money through a personal-injury claim.”

The alleged victim filed a police report about the incident in New Jersey, before taking two trains to get back to Philadelphia, per the Philadelphia Inquirer.

These are only allegations and as none of us were there, there is no way to know the truth.  Unfortunately, this story comes just months after the ugly Baby Mama Twitter drama that unfolded between McCoy and his son’s mother this January.  Prior to that unfolding, Shady had a squeaky clean, unscathed image in the public eye.  Even if this story  proves to be untrue, the speculation is another hit to the once immaculate reputation of the tremendously talented player.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Donovan McNabb to retire as a Philadelphia Eagle in September

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Donovan McNabb will retire as a Philadelphia Eagle in September

Donovan McNabb will retire as a Philadelphia Eagle this fall.

Though no official announcement has been made by the Eagles organization, McNabb announced the news while conducting an interview on NBC Sports Radio on Monday.  The ceremony will likely take place on September 19, when his former coach Andy Reid will be present at the Linc with his new team, the Kansas City Chiefs.

It seems these days that McNabb has a healthy outlook on the many fans who loved him in Philadelphia versus those who were outspoken about their dislike of the former Eagles quarterback.

“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans.  The handful of fans that are the ones that are kind of being seen, they’re not a high percentage of fans who truly appreciate what you were able to do while you were there.  I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way.  I can’t get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive.  That’s what quarterbacking is all about.”

While McNabb was never able to bring the ultimate win home for Philadelphia fans, this move is a no-brainer.  He led the Eagles to a level of success that we all now long to reach once again.  Love him or hate him, McNabb deserves for his football career to formally come to a close in the place he called home for 11 seasons.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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A sensory experience: Speed, music and energy the new norms at Philadelphia Eagles practice

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

The first Chip Kelly-led practice with the Philadelphia Eagles held under the watchful eye of the media is in the books, and

(Image via NFL.com)

the sentiment was unanimous: it didn’t disappointment.

It was a sensory experience.  The loud music and the playlists (featuring the likes of Duran Duran, Tupac, Flo Rida, Ozzy Osbourne, and the Dropkick Murphys, to name a few).  The speed at which plays were conducted, with only 10 seconds “down” time.  Where to look?  What to watch for?

The Daily News’ Les Bowen, like many in attendance,  went to where much ink already has been and will continue to focus in the next several months: the quarterbacks.

As far as the QBs went, there were no real surprises.  The read-option was brought out from the beginning and Mike Vick got the  most snaps with the first team, but only just – Nick Foles got almost the same amount.  Oh Chip, always keeping us guessing.  Then there is Dennis Dixon, brought to the team from the Ravens’ practice squad, who has the distinction of being the only quarterback in the league with experience under Chip Kelly from their days together at Oregon.  Not surprisingly, Dixon performed smoothly at practice, according to reports, familiar with the sign language being used on the sidelines.  Matt Barkley seems to be a quick learner, connecting with receivers when given the opportunity.  G.J. Kinney, the oft-forgotten fifth quarterback on the Eagles’ roster, was largely forgotten at this practice as well.

On defense, Trent Cole and Connor Barwin lined up as the first-team outside linebackers, while DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks were on the inside.  The other big area of curiosity, the secondary, didn’t provide much insight into how things may actually play out as offseason signing Cary Williams was absent from practice, having married over the weekend.  Curtis Marsh got a number of reps, presumably in Williams’ sted, along with Bradley Fletcher.  The starting safeties were Patrick Chung and Nate Allen.

Kelly was asked specifically about Dennis Kelly at right tackle, but he gave words of caution that can and should be used with anything read into practice this early on:

“It’s May 13th, so I would make that of it.  I don’t think we play the Washington Redskins until sometime in September.”

Sheil Kapadia put together an excellent timeline of what it was like inside practice on Birds 24/7.  You should definitely take a look.  One of many interesting tidbits from Kapadia:

“We begin to see the new play-call structure.  Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur stands on the sideline with a walkie-talkie and calls the play into the quarterback’s helmet.  But before each snap, every offensive player looks over to the sideline.  An offensive assistant plays the role of third-base coach and runs through a variety of hand signals that relay personnel grouping and formation.”

Exciting times in Eagles-land.  It’s only May 13 but ever so slowly, the pieces to the puzzle of what the Birds will look like in the 2013 season have begun to be assembled.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Get ready for a look inside Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles practice

Monday, May 13th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

(Image via GCobb.com)

Today is big day for the Philadelphia Eagles.  It will be the first time that Chip Kelly will lead a full-team practice via OTAs, and it’s the first opportunity media will have to observe first-hand what they’ve heard about.

The super-fast pace of practices.  The communications that will change the league, at least according to Brent Celek.

This comes right on the heels of this weekend’s three-day rookie minicamp.  Philadelphia’s youngest members will be tired after their crash course but will also be enlivened at the opportunity to now practice alongside their more seasoned teammates.

Two of the Birds’ drafted rookies will be absent, however — TE Zach Ertz and DB Jordan Poyer.  No, they don’t need a rest after the intense weekend.  They will be out of action until they graduate from college, adhering to an NFL rule that permits participation in only one minicamp until the completion of finals.  Ertz will graduate from Stanford on June 16, and Poyner from Oregon State on June 10.  Each will miss a total of seven practices between then and now.

Aside from Ertz and Poyer, the rest of the Eagles had better be well-rested  to compete in Kelly’s “track meet.”  In addition to the excitement of seeing the new normal for Eagles practice, much attention will be payed to how players are used in these practices, first and foremost in the quarterback competition.  How will reps be split between the five QBs currently on the Eagles roster, and how will former USC quarterback Matt Barkley perform in initial competition against Nick Foles and Mike Vick?  1st-round selection Lane Johnson lined up at right tackle over the weekend — will that remain the case, and what will that mean for the rest of the offensive line?  And who will line up in the first team defensive backfield for the Eagles, an area that remains a concern?

While the final answers to these questions won’t be revealed for some time, we’re getting closer.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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The 8 Famous Mommies In Sports

Monday, May 13th, 2013

by LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

allenandAnneIverson35

courtesy of hitemwheretheyaint.com

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommies all over the world.  Moms are famous for several reasons: For their nurturing, being a tad bit on the crazy side, and well, you know…“MILF”.  I wanted to take the opportunity of the occasion to shed light on The 8 Famous Mommies In Sports.

 

8. Wilma McNabb: Mother of former NFL QB Donovan McNabb

mcnabb-mom

courtesy of nextimpulsesports

Wilma McNabb is better known as America’s Favorite Sports Mom.  She became famous in her own right thanks to the Chunky Soup commercials, where she fed her son and teammates.  She put an end to the fake mom on the commercial as it only made sense for her to play the role of Donovan’s mom, since in fact she is his real mom!

 

7. Gloria James: Mother of NBA Superstar LeBron James

Gloria James, the proud mother of LeBron; you’re talking about someone who hit the lottery!  I don’t know who really is the parent here, her or LeBron.  It’s amazing that LeBron turned out to be spectacular on and off the court, because the antics his mother puts him through are disturbing.  Slapping a hotel valet attendant while intoxicated, mouthing off with Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce after he fouled James hard during LeBron’s Cleveland days, and of course the rumors of her and Delonte West!

 

6. Sonya Curry:  Golden State Warrior’s Superstar Steph & former Duke standout Seth Curry

The MILF; the most talked about mom in college basketball.  I sure hope she starts showing up to some of these NBA games now, since both of her kids are done with the NCAA.  There have been countless times that she is compared to the beautiful actress, Thandie Newton.  Sonya, also was an athlete.  She was a volleyball player at Virginia Tech, same place where she met her husband, former NBA player Dell Curry.

 

5. Ann Iverson: Mother of former 76ers great Allen Iverson

If you were an Allen Iverson fan, then you knew his mother quite well.  She was trying to be just as hip as her trendsetting son.  Then again, she was just a baby herself as the mom and son duo are only fifteen years apart.  When the initials A.I. came about, one would wonder who you were talking about, Allen or Ann!  Ann Iverson has to be at the top of the list of moms who defends their son whether he is right or wrong.  Sometimes it’s better if mom just stays out of it.

 

4. April Justin: Mother of Alabama recruit Landon Collins

Who says that mothers always know best?  Well Ms. Justin will tell you she does.  Her son, Landon Collins, one of the most coveted high school seniors in the country, chose to play football at Alabama next season.  No-brainer right…playing for Nick Saban and the national champions, Alabama Crimson Tide?  Only problem was mommy didn’t approve.  Let’s see how she felt about his decision and what she wants him to do.

 

3. Pamela Bryant:  Mother of 5-time L.A. Lakers Champ Kobe Bryant

0503-kobe-pam-bryant-tmz-getty-3

courtesy of tmz

No child should ever think about putting his or her hands on their mom.  Especially her neck, and NO Kobe did no such thing, but he was probably thinking it.  I suppose that Mother’s Day wasn’t celebrated on Kobe’s end as he is engaged in an ugly lawsuit over his childhood memorabilia.  I guess since Kobe won’t front mommy with more money for a new home, Pamela Bryant is taking matters into her own hands by selling items of her beloved son, all the way back from his high school days.  I have to say, MY LAMB!

2. Pamela McGee:  Mother of Denver Nuggets Javale McGee

pam mcgee

courtesy of NBA Mistress

Pamela was the first WNBA player to have a child play in the NBA.  Pam is the overprotective mom who manages Javale’s career.  Lord knows what she may be doing to Javale’s social life when it comes to women!  Fortunately we may soon see a reality show called Millionaire Mama’s Boy, starring Javale and Pam, which will be airing on Oprah’s network real soon.

1. Janet Hill:  Mother of L.A. Clippers’ Grant Hill

janet

courtesy of www.diversity.duke.edu

The Hill family were compared to the Cosby show (Heathcliff & Claire) because it was rare to see an African-American couple, both having professional careers.  She married Yale graduate and former Dallas Cowboys running back, Calvin Hill.  Mrs. Hill raised one of the most elegant, respectable gentleman that the NBA has ever had in Grant Hill.  Oh by the way Janet Hill will always be linked with Hilary Clinton because they were roommates in college.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

LeRoy McConnell II of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

 

 

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How to Boost Your Immune System

Friday, May 10th, 2013

by Maggie Mangiel

 

 

 

We live in a polluted world filled with large hazards, and also smaller dangerous ones which we cannot see with the naked eye.  Learn how to make your body resistant to disease causing germs so you can live a healthier and longer life.  Studies have shown that by adopting healthy habits and living the fitness lifestyle, you can boost the immune system and help your body fight off little invaders called germs.

 

The father of medicine, Hippocrates, said, “let your food be your medicine”.  What you put in your body is the corner stone of your health.  It can heal you or kill you.  So control what’s on your plate by following these rules and work on boosting your immune system.

1.  Eat alkalizing food like green leafy veggies.

2.  Eat less acid producing food like sugar, processed flour and drink less alcohol and coffee.

3.  Eat super food such as spinach, kale and berries.

4.  Add coconut oil to your diet.  It has anti-viral properties.

5.  Take your vitamins; especially vitamins D and C.

7.  Drink plenty of water

8.  Eat food rich in antioxidants or take them in supplement forms; they help neutralize free radicals that cause damage to the cells in your body.

 

Other factors to keep in mind are getting proper sleep, reducing stress and exercising regularly.  Sleep has a vital role in the function of the immune system.  It benefits your heart, weight, mind and more.  Try to at least get about 6-8 hours of sleep in a comfortable setting, nightly.  In addition, reducing stress is very important.  When you are stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced.  The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system by lowering the number of lymphocytes.  Chronic stress exposes your body to a steady cascade of the stress hormones cortisol, which is responsible for the mid-section fat.  Stress is also linked to headaches, infectious illness, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and gastric ulcers.  So de-clutter your life and eliminate your stress by finding ways to induce relaxation such as meditation and participating in any form of physical exercise.  Exercise about 3 to 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes a day.  Physical activity has been shown to produce positive changes in a number of areas, such as increased work capacity, improved cardiovascular efficiency, and increased muscular strength, flexibility, power and endurance.  Exercise is associated with increased release of endorphins, natural hormones that pump your sense of well being and promotes a good night sleep.

 

You have one body for life.  Ensure it is in its best possible condition and laugh because laughter is the best medicine.

 

Maggie Mangiel, for War Room Sports

 

 

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Evan Mathis undergoes ankle procedure; Will his recovery period buy Danny Watkins more time on the Eagles?

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line was decimated by injuries in the 2012 season.  Could those woes be spreading into the 2013 season already?

Not so fast.  Guard Evan Mathis confirmed that he has undergone an ankle “cleanout” (I believe that is the technical term) that will keep him out of spring workouts.  However, he expects to be ready to go in time for training camp this summer.

Mathis underwent a minor procedure that was described by CSNPhilly as

“a ‘clean out’ and said it wasn’t to repair any specific injury but just to address swelling and discomfort Mathis had been experiencing.”

Soon after Lane Johnson was drafted as the fourth overall pick by the Birds in last month’s draft, speculation began about the future of Danny Watkins, himself a first round pick in 2011 that has performed nowhere near expectations.  In short, it was believed that, if Watkins has any future in professional football, it will be north of the border in the CFL.

That move may come eventually but it will likely be delayed by Mathis’ recovery, as Watkins is now anticipated to take first team reps in Mathis’ place.

It’s not certain at this stage where Johnson will lineup.  If he plays at right tackle, then Todd Herremans will presumably return to his former position of left guard with Mathis switching to the right side.  Where would that leave Watkins?  That’s a very good question.

If anything, this serves as a reminder of how nothing is a done deal this early in the offseason.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Acceptance, Sports, and Coming Out: What’s the Real Issue?

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

by Nwaji Jibunoh

 

 

 

 

Jason Collins’ Sports Illustrated Cover

 

Earlier this week, the world, and I literally mean the world, was hit with the news that the first professional athlete in a major sport in the US has come out to say that he is gay.

My initial response was, “Who is he”?  When I found out it was Jason Collins, the first thing that came to my mind was, “Oh right, he’s one of those twins that played for Stanford”.  Then the ensuing tsunami came afterwards with various tweets, blogs, Facebook status updates, and responses in the media about the coming out of this man.  The one thing that was quite resounding for me was how nobody was talking about the fact that Jason Collins only averages 2 points per game, barely gets any playing time, and is one injury away from retirement.  Everyone kept referring to how this “high profile athlete” has now made it easier for other gay athletes to come out.  Then in addition to that, the religious arguments came in, given that he called himself a Christian, and how he cannot be a Christian given that homosexuality according to that particular doctrine is a sin, etc.

It has been a whirlwind of a week, and the ensuing discourses that have followed have been incredible.  As I think about the playing career of Jason Collins, there is nothing too memorable about him from a statistics perspective that shouts out.  So, by me now knowing he is gay, does what exactly?

Any sport is a deeply intimate situation where formidable relationships are created.  You will often hear analysts talk about disharmony in the locker room leading to disharmony on the field/court/diamond etc.  The real question I want to ask is, gay or not, does Jason Collins have that spirit of camaraderie in the locker room?  Does he understand what it means to “take one for the team”?  Is he a good person?  What are his moral values? (After all, his own twin brother was unaware of him being gay and so was the woman he was once engaged to marry)  How does he inspire and work with younger athletes and what are his contributions to society at large?  The reason I ask these questions is because I am more interested in the total athlete of Jason Collins than his sexual preference.

I can already hear the responses now; “Oh, he has had to hide this for so long”…”He has had to live in fear”…”He is so brave for coming out”.  But my retort to that is, what has changed exactly except for the fact that we now know which gender he prefers to sleep with?  Will this, or not, land him a new contract given that he is now a free agent?  Are other athletes now going to be more accepting of homosexuality and refrain from derogatory language in the locker room?  Or will everything simply go back to normal?  Has the world become so convoluted that people actually believe that one way or another, the majority of folks actually care whether someone is gay or not?

In life, true wisdom and intellect comes from knowing that no matter what you do or what you say, certain groups of people will always disagree with you.  It is not a MUST that we all accept you for whatever you claim it is that you are.  The only collective responsibility we have as a society is ensuring that your fundamental rights as a human being are not infringed upon; such as those human rights being specifically discriminated against for who you are and/or being targeted in a hate crime.  If people are going to disagree with you for your lifestyle choices that you have made public, or even your personal belief that you were born this way, then grant those same people the same tolerance that you eagerly seek from others.

The NBA playoffs are currently on, and Jason Collins is not one of the athletes playing for one of the top 16 teams in the league.  It would be nice to get back to the business of sports, the analysis of LeBron James as he and the Miami Heat pursue their second consecutive championship, and not necessarily have to worry about getting attacked by the status quo for opinions that go against the grain of what’s considered popular.

True acceptance comes in the form of being comfortable in one’s own skin.  Making it everyone’s business and demanding approval and acceptance does not achieve such a goal.

Jason Collins, live your life according to what makes you happy.  To society at large, we must all learn to agree to disagree.

 

Nwaji Jibunoh, International Correspondent for War Room Sports

Located in Lagos, Nigeria, Nwaji Jibunoh is War Room Sports’ International Soccer Contributor.  Nwaji also contributes commentary on U.S. sports from an international perspective.  He’s an Atlanta Falcons fan, Howard University alum, and former tight end for the North Atlanta High School Warriors.

 

 

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