Is Bill Simmons Prejudiced against black athletes?

 

In his diary of the 2011 NBA Draft, Bill Simmons talked about how forgettable and awful the draft was. But he also made some controversial statements about black athletes when it comes to relationships.

Simmons thought Mark Jones, the ESPN reporter interviewing the draft selections, should have asked a few more questions to the mother of the Markieff and Marcus Morris.

One was about why their mother had decided on the name Markieff?

Ok. Fair enough. Markief is a weird and unconventional name to me.

Then the second question was:  "Which twin is more likely to retire early and have a failed broadcasting career, only to come back later unsuccessfully, but only after leaving his pregnant wife for a 21 year old blonde and turning the nation against him? Maybe … Markieff?"

Now if that doesnt spell out prejudice to you, then I don't know what does.

While it is true that some black athletes date young blondes, it is also true that some white athletes date black girls. Black men are not the only ones who cross the racial boundaries. 

The only difference is that because black man are still seen as inferior aside from their athletic talent, the media puts a bigger spotlight on how black superstars go for blondes.

The more upsetting thing is, it seems Simmons is taking a shot at another black athlete Tiki Barber, the former Giants running back. Barber had a pregnant wife before announcing that he was leaving her for a former intern at NBC who was blonde. 

Now there are questions of when the two started dating or hooking up and  if it occurred  when Barber was  still married, but the point is that is not how all black athletes are. 

The concern I have here is that if acclaimed white writers like Simmons are writing these pieces, it can affect what people thinks about black men and black people. 

It is unfortunate that someone who is an extremely talented writer, is prejudiced against blacks.

We can not have that in this industry if we are to overcome racism, stereotypes, and discrimination.

 

Comments

[Conrad]

I think he is making that joke because Tiki Barber is also a twin brother, professional athlete. Not because of the race of anyone involved. It's hard to believe someone who champions NBA basketball is prejudiced against blacks, albeit insensitive to some that might not pick up certain inside references and to his often mocking tone.

[Cwilli12]

Right. That is a good point I didn't see that it way in terms of Tiki being a twin also. But ya you make a very good point and I should say that he is not prejudiced but what he said could be deemed prejudice because after all I based this off of one quote.

[Darnell]

Christopher, all respect, but I think you're going a little too far to call this prejudice, or even a little bit of prejudice. There are bigger fights to fight.