That race card sure is getting old, Mr. Smith.

In his article in ESPN, The Magazine, June 30th issue (I know, this isn't exactly timely, but I just read these things in the bathroom from time to time), he writes that the NBA has just received another black eye (bad pun) regarding the Tim Donaghy conviction because the league is dominated by Afro-Americans. Sure Donaghy is white, acknowledges Smith, but the public perception of the NBA, spurred on by the racist media, is worse than other sports because of the largely black complexion of the league.

Then he orders the media to "Get off Chad Johnson's back", and chides Carson Palmer for responding less than fully supportive of Johnson when reporters question him about Ocho Cinco's team criticisms. Smith says that Johnson's complaining about his own team is about Cincy's poor defense so it's okay.

In an earlier article, Smith said the primary difference between Michael Jordon and Kobe Bryant, making Jordan a champion and Kobe an individual talent but lousey team player, is that Jordan made his teammates better whereas Kobe bitched about his teammates. (it was a good article - too bad Smith shows his hipocracy when talking about Chad Johnson)

Johnson bitches about his own team but its okay according to Smith. It is certainly not like Johnson is a humble, low-profile kind of guy. He constantly calls attention to himself and therefore should expect to be the target of the media when he acts a fool.

Do you think Smith would race (another bad pun) to Johnson's aide if Johnson were white?

Smith is quickly turning into the Al Sharpton of ESPN. His comments are devisive, ignorant and intended to portray Smith as another self-promoting, self-appointed "Black Leader."

If a white commentator disputed what Smith said, the white commentor would be condemned as a racist and probably removed from the commerical airways and join Don Imus on satelite radio.

Your song is getting old, Mr. Smith.

Well stated arguement. I've always felt there is a bit of hypocrisy when it comes to stating a "racist" opinion in that Stephen A can put down white athletes and support/promote black athletes regardless of their actions but if it was the other way around the analyst would be cast off into oblivion.

I'm interested to see what Stephen A has to say about Ron Artest's newest comments.

"Hopefully, he's not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands," is the Yao comment that got Artest freestyling. "I'm still ghetto," said Artest. "That's not going to change...Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about."

Artest does not represent a "culture" - he represents a "sub-culture". He seems proud to represent the black stereotypical gangbanger, and like Allen Iverson, Ludicris, and other slackers of that ilk, he glorifies the worst of that ridiculous, self-destructive, irresponsible, immature and sociopathic lifestyle which disproportionately increase our crime statistics and prison population.

It is a shame that too often these losers (perhaps wealthy, if athletically or musically gifted, but losers nonetheless) are permitted to carry on their antisocial behaviors without having been taught at an early age, by responsible parents, to reasonably conform their actions to society norms for the benefit of themselves, their families and their race.

Of course this goes for whites, asians and martians, but let's face it, this problem is overwhelmingly malignant within the Afro-American culture. Call me a racist (which I deny), but don't call me a liar.

I wish I knew the solution - but I do believe the answer must come from within the black community.

Liar! No, just kidding, Joe, actually I agree with you 150 percent.

It just goes to show that people write what they know. I refuse to read articles by Smith or Jemele Hill because they are both devisive, racist assholes. What really amazes me is how more blacks don't stand up and say "Hey Stephen A (or Jemele), shut the fuck up, because you don't represent me." or something like that. It's sad, actually. How the hell is ESPN allowed to foist this crap onto the public without being called out?

Ron's comments do not surprise me because he is too stupid to think outside the bun. I think it's time to change my avatar.

a moment of silence for the hook's old avatar, please.