ESPN's Scoop Jackson recently cobbled together a few words about the engine that drives the Pistons...
LKS, you are right...Wiley is missed...there are a number of places Scoop could have with this, but does not bring it home because...
he argues that Wallace makes white America comfortable in ways that Iverson never could, but says that his look (ostensibly the same as Iverson's) is what America and the NBA are afraid of...I don't think so (more below). I don't know that black folks aren't offended by white people wearing afros. The fact that white folks haven't caught a beat down in the Palace doesn't mean they won't catch a beat down in Greek Town or rolling out of The Joe. The Palace is a LOOONG way from the D. Still, Wallace's popularity does tug at the mythical American work ethic...
but, here again, how does Scoop J reference African labor in America without mentioning slavery explicitly. Jackson writes, "America, also, is a country built by black folk. From the cotton woven into the shirts we wear down to the concrete laid on the roads we travel, this country in large part was built on the backs of people like the ancestors who gave birth to Ben Wallace." The issue is not labor, but uncompensated labor, state-sponsored terrorism, and institutionalized practices to preclude capital formation or land tenure by Africans. Perhaps this was simply a stylistic choice by Scoop. Maybe. Nonetheless, this topic presents an opportunity to link Michigan's own John Conyers calling for reparations? 'Cause there's more to this than meets the eye. After all, it is the salary of athletes and entertainers that stands as one of white America's loudest, albeit weakest, counters to Conyers' appeal.
From a political standpoint, Big Ben is the strong, silent type. Contrast him with a guy like Mahmoud Abdur-Rouf (birth name Chris Jackson). He rose to national prominence for refusing to stand or face the flag during the national anthem. Since being white listed from the league, his house was firebombed and he has had no opportunity to restore himself to the NBA. He was absolutely the BEST scoring guard the NCAA has seen in decades...Prior to his embrace of Islam (fasting for Ramadan), and evolving Tourrette's Syndrome, he was an unbelievable on-court talent. He had "in the gym" range on the jumper (good out to 30+ feet), the quickest release in the game, a sick handle, and he was a good on the ball defender. So, his legacy is significantly different than that of Iverson or any other player still in the league.
His article got me to thinking about cats who are persona non grata in the NBA. Aside from Mahmoud Abdur Rouf, I came up with Craig Hodges (also Muslim), Kermit Washington (KO of Rudy T - back in the day...and I will say that had Rudy T grown up in any hood - he would know better than to run up behind someone engaged in a fight, regardless of his intentions...ya just don't do it...hell, I knew that in 2nd grade), Kareem Abdul Jabbar...and that's about it...the rest of the outsiders linked to drugs (usually given an infinite number of rehab shots). It's interesting that this league with so many Africans in its employ has taken such a neo-Bull Connor approach to these four men. Rick Barry is a fifth outsider worthy of mention. It seems the story on him is that his ego precluded folks from wanting to work with him...
Wallace doesn't really make white folks comfortable in a way that Iverson never could. Rodman makes white folks comfortable in a way that Iverson never could. From wearing a dress to kicking black cameramen in the balls to the creative hair coloring, Rodman epitomized the Black man posing the smallest threat to white folks. Ben Wallace is hardly that. Ben Wallace could well be "the spook who sat by the door." And, so, insecure, absurd white folks can wear Afro wigs and root and cheer, but beyond the confines of the hoop and the hardwood, Wallace is his own man - with his own mind.
The media would have us believe that anyone wearing tattoos and cornrows is a thug - and yet, the two hardest working men in the league (Wallace and Iverson) have embraced this look. Iverson is as popular in Philadelphia as Wallace is in Detroit. Iverson may not be popular with certain members of the media, but he is certainly a draw across the league. Until D'Wade's emergence in Miami, Iverson's jersey was a top-seller. Hard work is it's own reward and only small minds really believe America is really afraid of tattoos and cornrows. After all, in how many arenas of public/private/incarcerated life do tattoos and cornrows hold sway? It is limited by any measure. All of this notwithstanding, Big Ben is attractive to national and regional firms: EA Sports NBA 2K5, Ford...and more sure to follow - if he wants that - which is a question.
Is it the symbol or the substance? After all, tattoos and cornrows (or even a wedding dress)won't get your house firebombed and it won't get you banned from the league.
A couple things should be mention one Rudy T grew up in the hood played on a fine Hantramck high school team with the Brisker bro., John and Ralph,John played in the ABA with Pittsburg,was last seen in Uganda believe dead fron Idi Aman regime.Second the tri county area Wayne ,Oakland,and Macomb is the most segregated in America.The owner Davidson at one time fire Ray Scott who was coach of the year and hired Larry Brown bro.Herb to coach the team who only expierence at the time he coach the Israli national team and soon bolted from Detroit to white Auburn Hills.Your right Wiley is miss
Posted by: tootsie | June 19, 2005 at 11:29 AM