“For What It’s Worth” … There’s Something Happening Here

Muhammad Ali, Billy Jean King, Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Walton... in the 1960's and 70's professional athletes were on the front lines of political protests and political action.  But since the early 80's — with the exception of Martina Navratilova — athletes haven't even been standing in the rear.  The reason?  In the immortal word of famed television producer Don Ohlmeyer, "The answer to most of your questions is:  Money."

Or, as Michael Jordan is said to have replied when asked why he wasn't endorsing Harvey Gantt in his race 1990 race against Jessie Helms — despite the fact that Helms had been a staunch segregationist, while Gantt, before becoming mayor of Charlotte, NC, had been the first black student admitted to Clemson University (prior to going onto get a Masters at MIT) — quote the Jordan:  "Republicans buy sneakers, too."

So it's interesting to watch the effect of the Era of First-Person Communication, and the era of Obama, on The Jockosphere.  There just may be something happening here.  Most recent case in point:  the Timberwolves Mark Madsen's blog on Wednesday about the United States torture policies during the Bush administration:

I want to know why the CIA and Congress have different stories and I want to know what is going on with our National Security/Intelligence committee which was put in place to protect us and to help us maintain our worldwide leadership position on humane treatment of all people, prisoners included.  If there is a problem here we need to fix it.  But first we have to know if there really is a problem.

Steroids vs. Torture:  Many people really want to know what happened.  If we are going to spend millions of dollars on Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, we must absolutely spend some time and money on the issue of water-boarding. Alternatively, I think a simple apology from someone, from anyone, would be enough.  But someone has to come forward and tell all of us what really happened.

Nobody from The Jockosphere is out there marching to The Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," but there is something happening here.

And speaking of Buffalo Springfield — and Steven Stills and Neil Young — check out the below.  Priceless.  (And the introduction: Double-Priceless.)

Share This