Of Blacks & Blues

Of Blacks & Blues
By Michael-Louis Ingram-Associate Editor-Football Reporters Online/BASN Contributing Writer

 
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): It is an incontrovertible truth; there are two songs that arguably every female on Planet Earth know the opening lyrics to…
 
The first would be Gloria Gaynor singing “I Will Survive” (first I was afraid; I was petrified…); but the best, in my humble opinion, is Aretha Franklin singing “Respect…”
 
Interesting in that while everyone knows the Queen of Soul is singing it, many don’t know who wrote it. The late, great Otis Redding gets the credit (“Otis Blue” is among my favorite albums/CDs – and greatest blues efforts of all time), but Aretha gets the fame.
 
In this fishbowl world of sports journalism, that parable fits the script. Fame, or better said, infamy and credit for same are served up on a nightly basis on that bastion of bullshit, ESPIN - aka the Muthafuckin’ Mouse; whose idea of pest control is to trash Black athletes as animalistic circus performers, one step away from prison.
 
As they segue into their somnambulistic soliloquies, simpering over soup-cooling stereotypes, the straight faces belie a seething resentment between the stale jokes and attempts to fuse popular culture within who beat whom at what…
 
But without a doubt, the cruelest turn is when these totalitarian turds wipe away their fake tears in a moment of contrition - the latest being the death of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry.
 
Within hours, the daily assault on darkies subsides briefly for the stern face and measured speech; but even in death there is no peace from the six o’clock “suspect is a Black male” sensibilities of these scumbags.
 
While it was clear Ole Man Trouble had been around young Henry for a spell, in The Mouse’s attempts to chronicle Henry’s run-ins with the law, one would-be reporter recalled Henry being a “one-man crime wave.”
 
Never mind that the man did more damage to himself than anyone else; it just had to be said (for accuracy purposes, I’m sure); and these rancid rapscallions ramble on as if they need to scratch their jock itch by landing a last jibe or two over a dead man’s body.
 
And as more details as to how he died come out, the efforts to bury and loved ones to grieve are further compromised by manipulative maggots bent on muff-diving into a young Black man’s misery…
 
It’s real easy for these Bastards to jump into someone’s shit; but what I wouldn’t give if an athlete who ESPIN wanted to pimp off of would flip the script. You know, something like:
 
Hey Dana Jacobson - are you still down with “Fuck Notre Dame, fuck Touchdown Jesus – and fuck Jesus?”  How would you like to be reminded for that crap every other night, you twit? Like when you Bastards constantly scream on someone like Terrell Owens being a diva and criminal in spite of the fact he has never committed a crime, and, unlike you, excels at what he does?
 
Or, Bonnie Bernstein, why are you still working at The Mouse after that bullshit you offered regarding land Niggers and sand Niggers:
 
“It’s sort of like, you know, and this isn’t — I’m prefacing this by saying this is in no way an analogy to sports because I know we live in a hypersensitive society — but I remember a while ago I was reading an article in the New York Times about Palestinian suicide bombers and I just remember being struck by the notion that from the point of birth, people in Palestine are taught to think that dying in the name of God is a good thing.
They grow up wanting to be suicide bombers. So bringing it back to sports — and again, I’m not making the comparison or the analogy — if a young talented basketball player is being told at an early age that they are destined, it is a good thing to focus on basketball and not worry about what’s going on in the classroom, why are any kids going to be worried about what’s going on in the classroom?”
 
Or be worried about what sports reporters say about those young talents; no need wondering where this mindset comes from…
 
Hypersensitive? You vainglorious cow - if something like that had been said about Jews, you would be front and center trying to call whomever on it; you have a lot of fucking nerve here!
 
While we’re at it, let’s constantly remind everyone about Jemele Hill’s Hitler statement; and the fact Lou Holtz said essentially the same thing, but wasn’t suspended like Hill was; yet Hill will still make the silly-ass asides to be one with The Mouse…
 
So even in the midst of The Mouse, certain mice aren’t treated as nice.
 
But whether you are lab rat or hood rat, the formula is the same, and it ain’t rocket science: defame, decry, dehumanize – and make insignificant whatever positives the Black athlete brings to their respective sport.
 
Unless, of course The Mouse is sucking the dick of the current Negro du jour; and as they spit, swallow and gargle their way to accommodate him, their crumbling cerebellums hope a skeleton or two will soon be rattling in his or her closet very soon…
 
Well, with hope after Chris Henry has been laid to rest, some of the athletes observing the Mouse mess will think twice before indulging these talking idiots; and insist on being respected -  like Otis did.
 
Because once Chris Henry was no longer a story, it was on to the next Nigger – and that Nigger (based on the day’s highlights) could well be you.
 
Rest in peace, Mr. Henry – you deserved better than this, regardless of circumstances.
 
michaelingram@blackahtlete.com
mike@footballreportersonline.com
 

Football Diary

Football Diary-By David Ortega for Football Reporters Online
[Saturday Edition]

Dear Diary

The Pursuit of Excellence

One down and one more to go this week. Earlier on Thursday night the Colts continued their pursuit of excellence remaining undefeated. It took a late 4th quarter drive by Peyton Manning the Colts to hold off the upstart Jaguars, but that has been characteristic of this team all season long. Now tonight we'll get to see act two with the Saints and the Cowboys.

Like the Colts the New Orleans Saints have been making it fashionable to pull out late game comebacks and rallys, and for fantasy owners it has truly been a committee responsible for the work. Drew Brees (3,832-yards, 32 touchdowns) is the only constant in the Saints offensive attack and has proven to be one of the best fantasy players the past couple of seasons. This season in the team's run for perfection, Brees has used a committee of receivers to get the job done that include' Marques Colston (9 touchdowns), Robert Meachem (8 touchdowns), Devery Henderson (43 receptions), Jeremy Shockey (48 receptions), Dave Thomas (22 receptions), and Reggie Bush (39 receptions).

The committee does not stop there with both running backs Mike Bell (598 yards rushing) and Pierre Thomas (713 yards rushing) being significant contributors on the ground this season. Not only is it difficult for fantasy owners to know which Saints dice to roll, but tonight for the Dallas Cowboys their defense will face a monumental task in trying to stop this Saints offense.

Brees has been spectacular that past couple of weeks, passing for 296-yards, 419-yards, and 371-yards, while throwing a total of 10 touchdowns. The Cowboys secondary had fits trying to cover the Charger's receivers last week and they won't catch any kind of a break this week. This one could get ugly fast.
(Editors note: this was written prior to last night's Late result: Dallas Beat New Orleans)

Fantasy Notes:

The Broncos super-stud receiver Brandon Marshall has gone from the doghouse to the outhouse and has now arrived in the penthouse. In his last three starts he has 34 receptions for 380 yards and three touchdowns and will have a good matchup on Sunday against the Raiders. In the first meeting Marshall caught five balls for 67 yards and a score.

The Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has been running the ball well over the past month. In his last five games Charles is averaging 91 yards rushing and over five yards a carry. He has also scored a touchdown in his last three starts and has five total in his last five starts. He has a favorable matchup this week against the Browns 29th ranked run defense.


10 Things on
My Sunday Watch-List

1. The only chance the Bills will have Sunday, they have to get the ball into the hands of Terrell Ownes, can they?
2. Last week against the Steelers Josh Cribbs and Chris Jennings combined for 160 yards on the ground; how will they do against the Chiefs?
3. The Jets running back Thomas Jones has been solid in 2009 and will undoubtedly be featured on Sunday against the Falcons; will he top 100-yards for the sixth time this season?
4. Last week an injured Matt Schaub stepped up and tossed for 365 yards. Can the Texans quarterback do it again?
5. The Titans running back Chris Johnson has been on a tear with Vince Young under center. Young will play Sunday and I will be watching Mr. Johnson.
6. On Monday night Kurt Warner and the Cardinals passing game could not get off the ground. I expect to see great redemption on Sunday against the Lions 32nd (last) ranked pass defense.
7. The Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno has yet to top 100-yards this season; he should get plenty of carries to do just that on Sunday against the Raiders.
8. With Westbrook and Maclin, can McNabb and Jackson light up the Niners secondary just as they did the Giants last week?
9. Last week the Steelers dropped their five game in a row, can Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense make it a six-Pack!
10. And like all of the NFL nation I too will be watching Ochocinco and the Bengals on Sunday as we all remember Slim!!

COWBOYS VS. SAINTS: IN-DEPTH RECAP OF ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR

COWBOYS VS. SAINTS: IN-DEPTH RECAP OF ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
By William Queen-Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
 
Jumping the gun, the Cowboys defense came out and were clearly faster than they had been in previous weeks. They stopped the Saints first drive and, in response, centered the ball around their main talent Marion Barber and Miles Austin, leading them to the end zone.
 
7-0 Cowboys
 
On the ensuing possession, Dallas held New Orleans yet again and, thanks to a nice punt return and phenomenal play-calling, the Cowboys took a little more demanding 14-0 lead.
 
14-0 Cowboys
 
New Orleans took over and, though Reggie Bush broke a 25-yard run, their drive ended in a questionable defensive play on a good ol fashioned Drew Brees bomb. Yet, the game continues.
 
Dallas picks up right back where they left off, as quarterback Tony Romo probably could have taken a nap in the pocket and still would’ve had time to throw a strike to Miles Austin. However, somebody forgot to tell Cowboys coach Wade Phillips that your expose to kick field goals on 4th down, as they attempted a 4-yard first down. He got lucky; the refs got flag happy on the saints secondary and the drive was extended. This did not turn out being a good thing for the Cowboys though; two of the next three snaps resulted in Tony Romo eating dirt. So, the Boys’ were forced to punt.
 
Following the defensive stand, the Saints drove down the field, ultimately resulting in a Garrett Hartley field goal.
 
14-3 Cowboys
 
Dallas was then plagued by penalties their next drive and the Saints took over at their own 9-yard line with just under four minutes left in the half. That’s when Drew Brees, well, showed why he’s being considered in the league’s MVP voting, driving the Saints all the way down near field; but that’s as far as they would get. Brees threw interception the following play, which completely erases the whole “being considered for the MVP” statement a few sentences ago.
 
But, thanks to the stupidity of Wade Phillips and the Dallas play-calling, they passed the ball two of the next three plays from scrimmage, as opposed to winding the clock down, which ultimately gave Brees and company another shot at scoring with a little more than 1:15 left.
 
Then, another twist was added to the game, as Drew Brees fumbled the ball and was recovered by the Cowboys with 45 seconds left. This time, the Cowboys took a shot at the field goal and went up 17-3 at the half.
 
17-3 Cowboys
 
Halftime Numbers Report:
The Cowboys are four for eight on third downs, as the Saints are maintaining a big fat 0 under third down conversions. Numbers remain close offensively, the only difference being two New Orleans turnovers; holding the Saints to a mere 3 points. New Orleans looks to be picking it up in the 2nd quarter offensively, out gaining their 1st quarter offensive yards total 35-101. For the Cowboys, almost the opposite; their 1st to 2nd quarter ratio being 101-28.
 
Miles Austin started off the half with a dropped pass. But, it seems that every time he drops one he’ll make up for it with a first down; he converted two plays later. Later in the drive, Marion Barber ran one in from three yards out to finish of Dallas’ stoic drive.
 
24-3 Cowboys
 
New Orleans responded with a heck of a kick return, bringing it all the way back to the 36-yard line. However, a dropped ball in the end zone and a Cowboys sack left the Saints offense to a self-destruct-like drive. Yet, a 10-yard holding penalty dug them out of their own hole, giving the Saints a fresh set of downs. But, nothing doing, as the Saints just ended up right back where they started; 4th and 18.
 
Leading 24-3 with just less than minutes left in the 3rd, Dallas looked to put the game out of reach early with another touchdown. They made it all the way down to the 50-yard line before the Saints decided they wanted to play defense and forced them to a punt.
 
The next drive, Brees looked like a brand new quarterback; the one we’ve been used to seeing the last 13 weeks. He started to relax more in the pocket and throw more accurate passes, thus resulting in their first touchdown of the game, ran in by Mike Bell from a yard out.
 
24-10 Cowboys
 
With the score 24-10 now, the Saints 12th man came back to life, helping the Saints defense hold Dallas to back-to-back punts; giving them another chance at the comeback.
 
They didn’t disappoint. Driving the ball all the way down the field Drew Brees style, the Saints scored on a seven-yard wide receiver screen pass and, more importantly, cutting the lead to seven and giving them a better shot at what has the potential to be the best comeback of the decade.
 
24-17 Cowboys
 
Though the Saints didn’t fare as well as before, as the Superdome watched in grief as Romo led the Cowboys down the field on a time-consuming drive that ultimately ended in a cowboys field goal attempt. Dallas looked to take a game-securing ten-point lead off a chip shot of a field goal from 24 yards out. But hold the phone! They missed it! Hitting off the right crossbar, the ball fell short in the endzone, adding even more drama to the Saints pursuit of an undefeated season.
 
The offense took the field and nothing went their way the first three plays. Nothing. Facing a 4th and 10 with just over a minute left, this was perhaps the most nerve-racking moment of the season thus far. Yet, the magic Carries on, as Drew Brees converted to Marques Colston. Flirting with the clock, Brees carefully tiptoed down the field, using every break he could find. It took nine plays to get 38 yards and suckin up two minutes and four seconds. Later in the drive, on first and ten from the Cowboys 42, Drew Brees was hit as he threw and was ruled an incomplete pass, bringing the clock down to a lonesome twelve seconds. Second and ten, Brees dropped back and was hit by Cowboys defender DeMarcus Ware and fumbled the ball, recovered by Dallas with six seconds left; sealing off the game and the hopes of New Orleans undefeated season.
 
Final Score: 24-17 Cowboys
 
What This Means:
For one of the first times ever, the real story is how this affects the losing team in the New Orleans Saints. Expectations aren’t very high for the Saints; they’ve only been to the playoffs three times in their 42-year history. But, maintaining a 13-0 undefeated record up to this point, it was all or nothing. Iff they win, the spirit lives on. And if the lose, it just brings back memories of their losing history. Though it shouldn’t be that way, that’s how it is.
 
Losing this game takes an enormous amount of pressure off the Saints as they advance into the postseason. I mean, just look at the Vikings, nobodys talked about them ever since ending their six-game streak to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season; they’re 11-2! But in the end, this shows us a lot about this thriving Saints team. Being able to overcome a 21-point deficit in the second half and rally all the way back to within seven points and have the game coming down to the final play; this is a tough football team. Their star tight end was even out. The defense turned their game around and the offense picked it up. And though they lost, this teams knows how to fight.