The NFL has missed so many opportunities - many of them, easy decisions - in getting a handle of social justice responsibilities (or even public relations maneuvering) in the current climate. Some would say that the rise of Colin Kaepernick served as a catalyst for others to use sports as a platform to close the gaps seen in society - a rise the NFL allowed to happen through inaction. This episode takes a look at the NFL's latest attempt to "do better" and how the recent action of boos by its fanbase has exposed a fundamental conflict of a league trying to adhere to civil empathy, do good by its players, but still, serve the good ol' boy leadership of its league.
I said back in July when Kevin Durant rocked the NBA world with his trade request, that he "showed us who he was". It wasn't a negative comment, but one that encompasses his entire career being a product of our current sport climate - success and focus on legacy. We emphasize the value of a career on rings, and thus, Durant has too. Why wouldn't he?! Upon waking up and realizing that Durant will don the purple and orange for the Phoenix Suns in what is clearly now a team to watch come the NBA Playoffs, I find myself further pondering if Kevin Durant is the prime result of what we - yes, us! - have done to the modern athlete. Today, Durant is one of the greatest basketball players I've ever seen. EVER. The dude is rare. He's a seven-foot magician which makes defending him even more difficult based on how damn efficient he is on the basketball court. It's downright poetic and beautiful to watch Durant play. And yes, I'm romanticizing his game. I belie