HBO's "Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel" returns Tuesday at 9 p.m. and features a segment with NFL legend Jim Brown and NBA legend Bill Russell.
Brown, especially, is concerned that the two biggest black sports figures of the moment, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, aren't socially active enough.
In a segment called "Legends," Real Sports host Bryant Gumbel sits down with two icons of the 1960s. Brown and Russell were hall of fame athletes who were outspoken figures in a turbulent period of racism, social activism and profound change.
Brown was asked if he was surprised or disappointed by a similar lack of activism in today's top athletes.
Bryant Gumbel: “Tiger and Michael?”
Jim Brown: “ Yeah, I know they both know better, okay. And I know they both can do better without hurting themselves.”
Jim Brown on Tiger Woods: “You know what’s so interesting about Tiger to me? If it was just a matter of me looking at an individual that's a monster competitor, this cat is a mamajama, he is a killer. He'll run over you, he'll kick your ass, but as an individual for social change, or any of that kind of (stuff). Terrible. Terrible. Because he can get away with teaching kids to play golf, and that's his contribution. And in the real world, man, I can't teach no kids to play golf and that's my contribution, if I got that kind of power.”
Bill Russell: “We’re losing a whole generation of kids. And, I for one, would not give up on them. And Jim will not give up on them because we know that when we were kids, there were certain influences that made our lives livable.”
Bryant Gumbel: “Why did you choose to get so intimately involved with helping young black men who were engaged in gang warfare?”
Jim Brown: “Because simply, it’s the most devastating culture to come along that affect black people in a long time. How can we act like we don’t see young black men killing each other? Rome is burning and so there can be no education, there can be no economic development, there can be no family structure. There can be nothing as long as we allow this particular culture to exist.”
Posts
58 comments:
It's a sad commentary, but in America I don't know too many people who care what goes on in inner city neighborhoods. Tiger and MJ do not have an obligation to anyone especially based on skin pigmentation. Mr. Brown, your generation is a dying breed and most of these kids today don't want to hear your stories and that is sad. Until that 12% of the population closes ranks like other minority groups and keeps it in the family, they will always be a fragmented group of a conquered people.
Maybe they're smart enough to know that athletes shouldn't be role models.
It's not that people don't care about these youngsters today, but what are they supposed to do that hasn't already been done? Why is it up to sports superstars to save this generation of blacks from inner city gangs and violence? That problem ain't going to go away without a spiritual awakening, period. Besides what they have already done over the years for young kids of all races, both Michael and Tiger say a whole lot by the way they've carried themselves over the years. Another thing about the young people of today is that their mindsets aren't dominated so much by race. Things have changed. A lot of us just want to move on. We need to quit making everything about color. I'm so sick of it. We've got a brother in the White House! What the hell else could we ask for? Can anybody feel me?
How can Jim Brown say that. He's established an educational fouindation, he's changed the face of golf, he's brought attention to inequities through his actions, not the combative rhetoric of Jim Brown.
What has Jim Brown done?
How about the BABY DADDIES instead of celebrities do something to help the black youth. Oh, that's right, most of these women have no idea who the daddy is to begin with, if the mother is even around.
Gee Jim, maybe their role models were their DADS. Always need to push blame on someone! Must be MJ and Tiger!!! Toss two great men under the bus since they made the right choices in life.
The sad thing is most of you don't get what Jim Brown is saying. He understands that Michael and Tiger are doing things to help our youth; but what he is asking them to be more socially active. Stand up for something and not simply sit by and let things idly by. Race should and is not the only thing most of our youth see, but as a nation we have to be able to address race, deal with it and move forward. Great statement Jim, the question is will they respond.
"Anonymous said...
What has Jim Brown done?"
June 22, 2009 7:45 PM
Ummm...he used drink too much and beat up on his wife.
I think it's more frustration by Jim that MJ and Tiger are more popluar than any athlete in black history other than Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali. Ali and Louis were able to make change based on their morals. As far as role models and things of that nature. it should be the fathers but the truth is most fathers don't stay around and a lot of them are these young gan bangers. If you live in the hood and are a hard working upstanding person that sees what's going on it does get frustrating because it is like no one cares. So from Jim Browns perspective, athletes can make a difference and MJ and Tiger have chosen to stay silent. It's their business to do so.. But if Jim Brown is in the trenches he has a right to call them out as well.
I don't think Jim is talking about any white people or making it about other races. he wants blacks to help blacks and who could be mad at that? Every other race does it!
Michael and Tiger are raising THEIR children. I look around my neighborhood and see these punks wandering the streets at all hours of the night, stealing anything not nailed down. Where are THEIR parents. That's who Mr. Brown and Mr. Russell should be preaching to.
Why is Tiger Woods considered BLACK? His mother is ASIAN! From Thailand if memory serves me correct. Why doe his ASIAN heritage go out the window everytime his "race" comes up? First BLACK athlete to do this or that. Why isn't he the first "THAI" athlete to do this or that? Why is Obama the first BLACK president to do this or that? Isn't his mother WHITE? Why isn't he the first "MIXED" President to do this or that? Why does BLACK take over for someone of mixed origin? Lest we forget these people have other blood running through their veins?
I don't see how Jim Brown can criticize anyone other than a convicted, incarcerated felon.
I understand where Jim Brown is coming from and very sadden by prior comments regarding the “Baby Daddies”. Its ignorant statements like that that fuels bad stereotypes regarding black youths of today. Absent fathers can be found in all race groups and I feel young people in general, race need not matter, should be of interest to all of us. I believe what Jim Brown was trying to express is that icons such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods should be willing to give back to the community youth just as the community has given to them by purchasing their gear time and time again. Like it or not they have been labeled celebrities and/or role models. Their fame like many other celebs out there comes with a price. Our media can’t seem to get enough of constantly praising sport figures, actors, singers, etc. for their accomplishments. Young people idolize this and cannot help but to want to be like these celebrities.
When was the last time you heard a teenager say they can’t wait to get the latest Bill Gates jersey or break their necks to get an autograph from Colin Powell? While on the other hand, they do seek to obtain these things from Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Jim Brown was attempting to bring awareness that today’s youths would benefit from more celebrity interaction given they already have the youths attention, and he emphasizes Black males because they are overlooked the most when compared to other races. I agree our role models should start at home, but the reality is a lot of stuff that should occur in the home first, simply does not, good or bad. If society continues to turn their backs on these troubled young people by assuming its someone else’s problem, then we all are in for a rude awakening because the affects will eventually trickle down and touch us all.
Jim Brown amazes me!! He always runs his mouth about what Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan should do. It starts with parents having kids they want and raising them.
Wow, someone asked why is President Obama and Tiger Woods considered Black. Hello if they were not successful would any non black person say hey they are part White or Asian nope. They would be just a normal Black person, so that's why Blacks consider them as Black, and besides whites started this whole 1 drop rule in the 1800's...Read your history books
Micheal Jordan, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, and a lot of other successful black people, should be criticized for their lack of action in the black community. If we do not help ourselves, how can we ask anyone else to step up to the plate. For all those that do not know what Jim Brown has done for Blacks got to L.A. California, and find out. Magic Johnson and Jim Brown are Legends in L.A. Folks read and learn before you point fingers, you only make yourself look like the fool you are.
If a white person only looked out for other white people, wouldn't that be considered racist? Is it ok for black people to only look out for black people?
I agree with Mark Anders. Stop making everything about race!!!
It is up to kids to take responsibility for their lives and save themselves!!
I am a black man. Jim Brown never changed my crappy baby diapers, never put food on the table, never drove me to ball games!! My mom did all of that!! I did not need a ballplayer to save me!!
The real problem with Tiger Woods is that he don't think he is of the black race. Micheal Jordan is so remove from the black race that he feel no attachment. Our youth need to be taught to give back. Look how many young people have purchased Jordan's tennis shoes instead of buying church shoes.
Hey Dumb azz Jim Brown isn't your DADDY...He should not be changing your diapers. THE point is he is the one of a few Black Male Figures actually trying to help dummies like you...SO how about getting your act together and making something out of yourself. THINK before you open that burger trap of a mouth.
ALSO it should not matter if they are removed from the black community or not...Every time they look in the mirror they are back in the black commmunity. Also if you are dating someone outside of your race it should not make you feel different, you should still do your part, because your children are still going to be considered black folks.
Good luck prying Micheal Jordan away from the resorts and the co-eds!
I am a white man and I don't care.
Good to know that a wife beater (Jim Brown) and one of the most irascible personalities in sports ever (Russell) are doling out advice to others.
FYI - Tiger Woods is NOT BLACK
Throw more money at the problem. That always helps.
hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!
What about Bryant Gumbel? He's the nearest nothing too, when it comes to helping us brothers.
How about they just support young athletes in general. It shouldn't be about whether they are black or white but for some reason it always is in the black population.
Is it me or this minority group always needing help. ALWAYS! Get a freaking handle on things. I'm in my late thirties and nothing ever changes except needing more help. My whole life its this that or the other. WE ARE SICK OF THE EXCUSES AND THE WHINING!!
MJ and Tiger both had father figures and role models...however, if it wasn't for African-American celebrities as well as some caucasian celebrities being outspoken and challenging racial, economic, and social injustices over the years...MJ and Tiger wouldn't have had and have the opportunity to be able to succeed in their sports field. So that is why they should and must do more. Just a successful doctors, sanitation worker, pilot, politician, actors/actress, lawyers, nurses, school teachers, pastors, bankers, etc. all must do more.
the big problem with inner city gangs is rectified because of the fact drugs are illegal...legalize drugs and street crime will take a dramatic drop...honestly...it's really that simple...it's not the end all...but it would make a real difference..
I still bes watin on mines 40 acres and a mule.
I love how you RACIST COWARDS hide behind "Anonymous'!!! And the sad thing is....you still don't get it.
NO ONE IS WHINING...but um, remember that thing called SLAVERY???? YEA, I'm pretty sure that set us back just a bit..Jim Crow ended only about 50 years ago so let's not act like we have been playing with a fair deck the whole game...thanks
Jim Brown is old school-this isn't the sixty's times have changed and vast improvements have been made for Blacks. Granted thiers still racism but if a young person isn't going to listen to thier parents they sure as HELL aren't going to listen to Tiger or Mike. The problem rests on parents not Athletes.
Scary how ignorant most of these people are... Especially the blacks that don't realize if people like Ali, Jabbar, Jim Brown and others that stepped out and stood up for black people.. instead of typing on this computer they could be waiting on some white persons table or their mothers could still be washing their clothes. As far as why they're considered black? Again ignorance... Racists determined that one drop of blood was considered black because they didn't want them considered equal even if it were half and half. As a matter of fact most blacks have white blood in them from slave masters raping the slaves... should they be considered white too?
And Jim Brown didn't say they should ONLY help blacks.. he stating a fact that they don't step out in public and help blacks the way he feels they should. That's his opinion and he's entitled to it. And if they don't want to do anything... they won't.
Well TEE GEE I don't know how expressing an opinion is racist or cowardly as if your screen name is any less anonymous. I'm glad that you broke out your crutches of slavery and jim crow laws and there is validity to your arguement, but that doesn't negate the fact that the "black youth" that Mr. Brown speaks of have a long history in this country of not doing themselves any favors by their own actions and attitudes. If anything I see a building fracture between the civil rights generation that truly endured some mess versus this generation of lazy entitled buffoons that most of society laughs at and avoids like cancer. It all starts at home because you cannot allow children to grow like weeds and it sure as hell isn't Tiger or MJ's responsibility.
Hey Jim, how about challenging the black race as a whole rather than singling out two individuals that happen to be SPORTS stars. How about challenging the black men of American to quit impregnating woman and not taking responsibility for their children? How about challenging the black communities across America to expect more of themselves rather than walking around like clowns with their pants falling down and speaking unintelligible English? How about challenging the black communities in America to embrace the idea of the family unit and be involved in their children’s lives Jim. Two men such as Tiger and Michael will never have the impact that a Childs father will have in their lives. Until you start expecting more from yourselves, others will not expect anything more, or less Jim. Way to completely blow this interview Jim. The crutch known as affirmative action was blown out of the water with the election of Obama, now it is time to quit making excuses for your failures and it is time to join the rest of society in contributing to the well being of our beloved America rather than being parasites off of her. How about spreading that message Jim?
PRICELESS
Tiger has 2 of his own. Is Jim Brown saying that blacks are not capable of raising thier own children? Sounds like he lacks faith in his own race.
Its a shame a bigot like Jim Brown can employ his fame to smear an athlete/activitst like Tiger Woods. He has dedicated his enegry to a single foundation, employing the values he believes will stregthen the youth, regardless of race, of this country. A step certainly more admirable than 14 major championship trophys.
http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org/about_us.php
What do Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Jim Brown all have in common? All three are bigots that make excuses for the black race rather than identifying the problems and issues within their own communities, addressing them so as not to repeat the dreaded cycle's that seem to perpetuate black communities across America.
Thank you Anonymous 12:25 AM. If you have any trace of African American you were considered black so I'm glad you brought up the 1 Drop Rule. Jim Brown is not throwing Tiger or Jordan under the bus. All he is simply stating is that people like Jackie Robinson, Muhamad Ali, Bill Russell and himself just to name a few used the platform of sports because it is one of the greatest. Others before you sacrificed so the future generations could benefit so it would be nice to give back in that sense. Neither Micheal or Tiger don't have to do anything to help the social change movement because that's within their rights as humans but it would help. Parents can with all their power provide and teach their children and they take the wrong path. One positive word from someone like Micheal Jordan could be the deciding factor which keeps that kid in school etc. So all of you need to stop looking at everything with such negativity and grasp what they are truly saying.
I have to say more, if you feel Jim Brown is a bad man then how did GWB get elected. George W. Bush he was a drunk, that became president. If he was poor and white it would not have happend. My point to this, GWB daddy gave him what we call "Benefits from your fore Fathers" just like most whites are reaping today...Benefits from past discrimination practices by your elders...NOW you all want to kick out all the Latinos...
I understand what Brown and Russell are talking about,,if you have never lived during these times they are talking about you have no idea, they are not saying they should only help black youth, but all youth, and understand your history people,,during slave time the black people built the USA,,working the fields, planting and building whatever the master told them,,black people were very strong and united in the 40's and 50's,,then the 60's had drugs, and wonder who put the drugs in the black areas,,correct Master,,it broke the familys,,and killing off MLK,JFK,RFK, X,,that set the races back 30 years, and i do think anyone who has done well in sports or anything else should help the youth of the USA, i've done that for the past 20 years, and i'm not well off, and you can't save all of them,,if only you save one,,i've coached and helped a lot of kids in 20 years,,not with just sports, but every day life,,you have to understand where Brown and Russell are coming from,,and if you haven't seen the things they have or lived their life you have no idea, non black people can never understand, because you haven't seen it, when RFK toured the south when he was running for Pres. and seen how those people were living, it changed him, again,,losing those 4 men hurt the USA by 30 years, my name is John Jeffries, i work 3 jobs, raised 2 sons,,myself, oldest is a school teacher, youngest is in his second year of college, i'm proud of them and it was tough, and i have been coaching youth for 20 years,,its a calling
Seems to be a lot of fake "Real Men" in the world. 1) Whites have for a long time considered ANYbody who was mixed with black...a "Negro". Didn't matter if they were Hispanic/Black, Oriental/Black....or White/Black. Whites even disowned other white women for having babies by black men. They were considered "Black"....until Obama and Tiger came along. Now, whites want to voice their issues with them being "Half White"?? Some of you really lack true history knowledge.
2) Times have changed. You got homes populated by single parents that have to work 2/3 jobs, keeping out of the homes and away from kids more than in the past. Which means they're losing the war of influence over say, a rapper, or an athlete etc...etc. We all know a "Man" should be able to stand up for himself, but a "Real Man" stands up for those that can't. These men have a lot of MONEY...which equals INFLUENCE in America. Not to mention they're both popular in the black community. It's a shame they can't see that times have changed and that they need to step up more so now, than men have been asked to in the past. Got a lot of "Momma's" boys that are 30+ walking around out here, expecting their woman to run behind them and do for them, just like their mother did....LOL IT's beginning to be sickening.
What is it about white people who think their race doesn't commit the same and WORSE crimes against humanity as black people or any other race? Is it just Charlotte-area idiots or what?
What is it about black people that makes them a burden wherever they go. United States, England, France, Germany and don't even get me started in the continent of Africa. If it is any consolation I am a white man born in Johannesburg therefore I really am an African American.
IT has never been about black people being a burden, its has always been about white people stealing land and enslaving blacks. Then calling blacks a burden, why create a problem and then ask why there is a problem. HELLO you are the reason for all problems associated with Afro-Americans in America...Last time I looked most Africans that came here by choice are doing fine..Example President Obama...His dad was African and not brought over on a slave ship. Blacks are not asking for anything they should not be given, when you enslave people it sometimes never heals. Just look at the Arabs and Jewish...
To the victor goes the spoils! Deal with it.
Yes that's why the Black man is still the victor and everyone else is trying to dethrone them. Now lets get real...there are problems in the black community...
Problems that only the black community can solve. I hope I'm wrong, but I believe twenty years from now it will be the same song and dance. Keep hope alive, stay strong, keep ya head up and the lord will make a way are not going to solve the problems, but closing ranks like other minority groups will help. Stop getting sociology and AA history degrees and focus on economics and technology because that is where the money is. Money is power in this country and working for Park and Rec. won't get you there. That is how wealth is handed down through hard work and compound interest not waiting and hoping something will change. If I had a dollar for every black kid that tells me he does music or is going to play in the NBA I could start my own non profit to educate these children in the ways of the real world.
"More than once I have tried to picture myself in the position of a boy or man with an honoured and distinguished ancestry which I could trace back through a period
of hundreds of years, and who had not only inherited a name, but fortune and a proud family homestead; and yet I have sometimes had the feeling that if I had inherited these, and had been a member of a more popular race, I should have been inclined to yield to the temptation of depending upon my ancestry and my colour to do that for me
which I should do for myself. Years ago I resolved that because I had no ancestry myself I would leave a record of which my children would be proud, and which might encourage them to still higher effort.
The world should not pass judgment upon the Negro, and especially the Negro
youth, too quickly or too harshly. The Negro boy has obstacles, discouragements, and temptations to battle with that are little know to those not situated as he is. When a white boy undertakes a task, it is taken for granted that he will succeed. On the
other hand, people are usually surprised if the Negro boy does not fail. In a word, the Negro youth starts out with the presumption against him.
The influence of ancestry, however, is important in helping forward any individual or race, if too much reliance is not placed upon it. Those who constantly
direct attention to the Negro youth's moral weaknesses, and compare his advancement
with that of white youths, do not consider the influence of the memories which cling
about the old family homesteads. I have no idea, as I have stated elsewhere, who my grandmother was. I have, or have had, uncles and aunts and cousins, but I have no
knowledge as to where most of them are. My case will illustrate that of hundreds of thousands of black people in every part of our country. The very fact that the white boy is conscious that, if he fails in life, he will disgrace the whole family record,
extending back through many
generations, is of tremendous value in helping him to
resist temptations. The fact that the individual has behind and surrounding him proud
family history and connection serves as a stimulus to help him to overcome obstacles
when striving for success."
-Booker T. Washingt
"Up from Slavery"
dont worry guys, barack obama is going to help these kids. all we have to do is pay for it
sad white people - too bad that you never learned to embrace that not one race is perfect and we all should learn to live together thorugh all of our individual ills(I guess better to be stubborn, racist hicks...) Sore losers! lol
This article must have fired up you all, because how many blogs does it take to say the same thing. I am contrite to the black youth problems of today, and more needs to be done from within our community.
YOU DAMN RIGHT I AM FIRED UP...Tiger and Jordan, are skirting their civic duties to their own community...How can anyone except so little from such great men.
JB HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD BUT HE NEEDS TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE OF ALL PRO ATHLETES IN GENERAL.
WHAT HAS MAGIC DONE OTHER THAN PROMOTE HIMSELF?
WHAT DID WILT EVER DO OTHER THAN BRAG ABOUT 20K FEMALES IN SLEPT WITH B4 HE DIED?
WHAT HAS BARKLEY DONE BUT GET CAUGHT FOR DWI ?
WHAT HAS DR J DONE BUT NOTHING?
WHAT HAS SHAQ DONE FOR ANYBODY BUT HIMSELF? KB?
THE LIST GOES ON AND ON ... THERE ARE 100S OF BLACK ATHELETES IN NBA NFL AND MLB WHO SEEM MORE INTERESTED WITH THEIR OWN GREEDY SELFISH MOTIVES THAN GIVING BACK AND HELPING YOUTH ...
WHAT DID BOB JOHNSON DO FOR ANYBODY BUT HIMSELF? ...
TRUTHFULLY THIS IS A RACE ISSUE BECAUSE THE FACT IS WHITES IN GENERAL HAVE DONE A TRILLION TIMES MORE FOR YOUTH OF ALL RACES WHETHER MONEY OR THEIR TIME.
GO TO ANY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OR ANY YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE Y IN ANY CITY IN AMERICA FOR PROOF ...
IT ALL COMES BACK. LIFE IS NOTHING IF YOU DONT HELP THOSE IN NEED OF HELP. ITS NEVER TOO LATE TO START...
JB TELLIN IT LIKE IT IS... HE HAS GIVEN BACK AND THEN SOME ...
excellent post I hope that everyone who will read your entry will pursue their work also. Likewise to the Latino Business they have to be included on the ranking of paginas amarilla so that their business will be successful and more services they need to provide.
Post a Comment