by B. Austin
Tolerance in sports is directly correlated to the cost of production and the return a franchise or club receives. Meyers Leonard commands about $10,000,000 per season for 6 ppg, 4rpg, and I’m not sure what his defensive production looks like. He shoots over 36% from three, which gives him a slight bump in value. But, at $10 million he becomes expendable. Can’t tolerate the market/masses’ response for that production, at that cost. Kyrie Irving IS a superstar. At $15,000,000 per season, Kyrie will have 20 teams interested. Kyrie, by talent and on court ability is looking for a max deal that would go from 4-years/$192,000,000 to 5-years/$240,000,000. Based on who feels insulted, Willie becomes correct because Kyrie, based on pride, ability, and talent, won’t consider playing for much less than a max deal, considering the production he is putting out. And the group he insulted are woven into the fabric of American sports, media, and banking. If Kyrie won’t accept a number underneath $20,000,000 per season (maybe less), he won’t get a job. Their power is that they control and manipulate the institutional power structures – they perceive that you insult them, your net worth can go from $6 billion to $400 million in a week.
I believe said community is well-positioned within American business and financial infrastructure. I say that with no malice or hatred. I say that being completely open to dialog and discourse on whether or not that is factual or fallacy. As a black person, an African diaspora – a descendant of slaves, I am well aware of the impact of racism, bigotry, and the derogatory words that come with that. Hell, I am insulted by the Star-Spangled Banner when it plays. I am insulted by a system that can rob a man of a job based on him kneeling as a sign of protest against systemic racism. If the Semitic community has the ability to lead the charge and punish people who they feel insult, demean, or harm them – using the tools afforded them – I am not mad. I wish Black people in America had that power to exercise that retribution in tandem with reparations.
Personally, I feel as though Kyrie’s post was irresponsible and without context surrounding the specific thoughts and feelings he had on the content posted. The backlash received is understandable. A messenger is responsible for clear, effective, efficient articulation – or, suffer consequences.
Meyers Leonard used a racial epithet. The consequences are, whether he is a bigot, racist, or “innocently” using a derogatory term, the consequences of his actions are his NBA career is in jeopardy. Kyrie, may be in the same boat, as far as his career is concerned. Not for using a slur, but posting something that he didn’t take the time to provide context on, research, or ask questions about.
I have not yet watched the movie or read the book. If it denies the Holocaust, celebrates a certain German dictator, or quotes KKK members, then at best it is historically inaccurate and demeaning. At worst it IS perpetuating something hurtful. I will also say this; Because something “HAS SOME TRUTH to it”, doesn’t make it right or righteous as a whole. Three or four drops of mercury contaminates a million gallons of water.
