Good for the University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi has shortened its fight song, hoping to discourage fans from responding to the song with a traditional chant of “the South will rise again,” the Associated Press reported. The student government has been trying to change the chant to “to hell with LSU,” citing the way the phrase about the South [...]

Social Conditioning?

I am not sure what environmental factors permit an individual to cost himself millions of dollars in the NFL and jeopardize an education, but the University of Oregon’s Blount discovered his plight yesterday after punching a player in the face after a defeat from Boise State University. It would be nice to defend him and [...]

Out of the Office Part III:Trekking

We are spending tonight with family in Austin, then we are off to Paris, Arkansas to conduct a 40-mile hike starting at Mt. Magazine; I have invested a great deal in building my climbing and trekking equipment. Above is a picture of my $500 mountain tent; it is supposed to withstand high winds and low [...]

Coach K on Obama

I did not get my brackets filled out; I wanted to participate in Mark Elrod’s ESPN brackets, but could not get the darn thing to accept  my pass word. Let us see how Obama does.
Mike Krzyzewski doesn’t like it when his Duke team gets disrespected by referees, poll voters or the media. Now he can [...]

Thinking Boston

Above: Carson in the final meters of a road race.
I have not blogged much on my training. Because it is going so well, I have decided to make an attempt at qualifying for 2009 Boston; sure, I will need to shave 40 minutes off my current marathon time, but I am feeling very confident. I [...]

I am a Fantasy Nerd, Not Just An Academic

Above: Carson and his fantasy league friends at the Hampton INN
For the 15th year, the Fantasy Football League I am a member of met for our annual draft; we tend to spend a day or so hanging out and talking about life; on draft day, we conduct a pre-draft order so that each of us [...]

Real Olympic Heros

” “Black Power Salute” was the moment during the 1968 Olympics, in which African-Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos exultantly gestured skyward, effectively leveling the playing field for civil rights. During the Mexico City games, Smith won the 200-meter race, setting a world record, and Carlos placed third. On the podium, they made a statement for [...]

The L Word Part II

Jemele Hill, who is one of my favorite sports journalist, writes about why Kelly Tilghman should not be fired for using the “L” word. Here is her introduction:
Kelly Tilghman should not be fired.
She should be suspended. She should be criticized. And, no, we should not buy the excuse that a 38-year-old woman from the South (grew up in South [...]

The L Word

I am not talking about Showtimes L Word here; I am talking about the other one. “Kelly Tilghman, the Golf Channel anchor who during Friday’s broadcast from the Mercedes-Benz Championship said while discussing Tiger Woods‘ dominance that young players on the PGA Tour should ‘lynch him in a back alley’.” Is it me or does [...]

Black on Black Crime and the Death of Sean Taylor by Jaylon Williams

Black on black crime has become an institutional problem over the past 30 years. Black liberals and conservatives blame the problem on a failed government. However, unlike liberals, conservatives contend that past policies of government assistance such as affirmative action, welfare, and subsidized housing have contributed to the concept of ghettoization and the decline of [...]

NASCAR Still Making History

Yes, it is true, I am a big NASCAR fan. Over the past six years I have watched my interest in a sport dominated by whites increase. I do not see why some find this hard to understand. Think of the number of whites who are fans of the NBA, a league that is becoming [...]

Same Rules: No Letters of Recommendation For Students Applying to PCC & Bob Jones

Sam Pilkington, one of my top AP history students fired an e-mail at me today about the college letter of recommendation I finished writing for her a few weeks ago. I recall telling students that I do not write bad letters; however, I will hint to a student if I think he or she will receive a stronger letter from [...]

Michael Jordan the Capitalist

I have always wondered why Michael Jordan never did more with his wealth and fame. He is arguably the greatest celebrity in modern times, but his lack of interest in promoting causes other than his name and his bank account are questionable at best. As great as the late Arthur Ashe was to fighting racism and [...]

John Carlos Set to Speak at Democratic Socialism 2007

John Carlos (right) and Tommie Smith (center) showing the Black Power salute in the 1968 Summer Olympics while silver medalist Peter Norman (left) wears an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge to show his [...]

Would You Serve O.J. Simpson?

My AP United States History classes are reviewing the economic conditions under Ronald Reagan during the mid 80s. One of the things that emerged during this period was the rise of gangster rap. This realist genre illustrated the urban frustrations blacks were feeling as they witnessed the shrinking of the welfare state. Rappers such [...]

Imus’ “Nappy-Headed” Comment

I watched some of the women’s NCAA basketball national championship game this past week. Congratulation to Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Vols for winning their 7th national title. What I remember the most about this game, unfortunately, was Don Imus morning radio comment where he called the black Rutgers female players “nappy-headed hos.” I [...]

Is Kobe Bryant better than Michael Jordan?

I am convinced that MJ and Kobe are more alike than most people think; I do believe Kobe is a better basketball player than MJ. For the most part, Kobe is doing things MJ did on the court, but better. When MJ retired from the Bulls, a number of books and articles were published discussing [...]

Fantasy Football Draft Rules

Now that our FFL’s season is over, we are already talking about next season’s draft. For those who do not know, next season will be our 14th season. Most of us went to college together and still travel from various parts of the country to meet for our draft. Our league has become a fraternity of [...]

Rocky!!!!

Bill Simmons writes another great piece on the nature of sports and how it has transformed our everyday emotions. He reflects on his childhood and discusses the emotions he felt when he first saw what many believe to be the BEST sports saga ever told. Rocky is like the artists Prince and Michael Jackson to [...]

Carson’s High School Football Days

You know the drill: While cleaning your home office, you find that it is difficult to stay away from those old high school albums and annuals.The above pictures are a part of my “football glory days.”
I started three years of varsity football while in high school, primarily as a defensive player; however, during my senior [...]