Like an old school Mike Tyson fight, the election season circus in full swing. However instead of Don King waltzing around saying crazy and offensive statements, the ringleader role belongs to Donald “I am to offend every person who is not a white-American male” Trump. Back in November, when the black University of Missouri football players refused to suit up until then-UM System President Tim Wolfe resigned, Trump called the boycott “disgusting.” He also blasted Wolfe and Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin, who also announced he would resign, as “weak, ineffective people.”
Not wanting to be seen as weaklings, two Missouri legislators made a silly decision that could prove disastrous to Mizzou’s athletic recruiting for years to come. Rep. Rick Brattin (R, Harrisonville) and Rep. Kurt Bahr (R, O’Fallon) proposed House Bill 1743, a law that would have required any student-athlete in Missouri who refused to play in a game (besides injury) to have their scholarship revoked. The bill also called for any coach with the audacity to support their players to play to be fined.
Clearly these two representatives don’t quite understand that people, blacks and student-athletes included, are granted the rights to freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and are largely free to do, or not do, as they please. In a brazen showing of white privilege, Brattin and Bahr told students to shut up and entertain us – or else.
In yet another win for black student-athletes in Columbia, Brattin realized the foolishness of his bill and it was withdrawn on Tuesday. Maybe Brattin’s saw the light. More likely, his phone lit up like a Christmas tree with calls from concerned boosters. After all, if upsetting key figures from the football program was all it took to get Wolfe and Loftin punted down the road, Brattin’s retaliatory bill probably wasn’t a wise idea. Look at the way people are bending over backwards in order to get a billion dollar stadium built in downtown St. Louis to see how much power football carries.
Sadly the withdrawn bill could still hurt Mizzou’s ability to recruit quality players. If a down season, a retiring coach and Ferguson weren’t enough to warn players to stay away, the Mizzou protests and the political fallout will certainly become hot topics for recruits by rival schools. Why would any parent send their student to a campus that has shown a significant intolerant population and a state legislature that wants to punish student-athletes? Why would any high-profile athlete choose Mizzou knowing the racial divide in the state? You want to tell the players to put a sock in it? Be prepared to explain to the wealthy boosters, corporate sponsors and football supporters why the Tigers went from conference contenders to the Jayhawks East.
State Rep. Brandon Ellington (D, Kansas City), the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus chairman released the following statement after Brattin withdrew the bill:
“Representative Rick Brattin made the correct decision in withdrawing House Bill 1743, but this unconstitutional legislation never should have been filed in the first place. Seeking to punish those who peacefully take a stand against racial injustice violates not only the constitutional right to free speech but the values we hold as Missourians. Given the overwhelmingly negative response to his misguided and offensive proposal, I hope Representative Brattin finally understands that.”
I seriously doubt Brattin has been enlightened by the debacle. Before withdrawing the bill, he proved he has zero interest in improving race relations at the state’s largest university or hearing what the opinions of black students. According to 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City, Brattin claimed to have spoken to several students about racial tensions at Mizzou. When asked whether he spoke to even a single black student, the answer was “No.” At least Trump had the sense to buy invite some black preachers over for a faux discussion.
Though I’m sure the university hopes to avoid any future strikes or boycotts, changing the law is not the answer. The university has qualified coaches, athletic directors, chancellors and other trained professionals capable of dealing with discipline. Mizzou must change the hearts of those who discriminate and make things better for those who are discriminated against. I would suggest they start with Brattin and Bahr, but that might prove to be a waste of time, just like House Bill 1743.
Clutch or Nah?
Nah: The way the St. Louis Cardinals seem to whiff on big-name free-agents, I wasn’t surprised to see Jason Heyward jump ship. However, the fact that he and his traitor twin Jason Lackey both bolted to the Chicago Cubs is a slap in the face. Good thing for J-Hey that he got two early opt-out opportunities. As usual, the Cubs look great on paper. However, they always manage to crumble just as easy. Next season will be no exception.
Clutch: Congratulations to Serena Williams for being named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year. Williams went 53-3 for the year, including three Grand Slam titles. She was also ranked #1 in the WTA for the entire year. She is the first woman athlete to receive the honor in the past 30 years. People clamoring for American Pharoah, (a racehorse) to win the award need to have several seats.
Clutch: Kudos to LeBron James for taking time out to give props to a disabled fan during Tuesday’s game versus the Boston Celtics. The kid, Aaron Mills, was once thought to be paralyzed for life, but has overcome his struggles and was recently named Special Olympics MVP. James acknowledged Miller during the game and met with him afterwards and gave him some gifts. From greeting kids, to charitable contributions, to standing for justice, James almost always gets it right. We’ve officially forgiven him for the Miami debacle.
Nah: Garlon Green, brother of Miami Heat G-F Gerald Green, made waves when a video of his spectacular Michael Jordan-esque free-throw tip dunk went viral. The problem is that an opponent was shooting the free throw and Green’s dunk was in the wrong basket. Maybe that’s why Garlon is playing in Germany instead of stateside with his big brother.
Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk
