Easy Targets

Over the past couple of weeks, we have witnessed two disturbing events involving black professional athletes. First was the death of Washington Redskins cornerback Sean Taylor following a break-in at his home. And last week in Indianapolis, Indiana Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley and a group of associates were shot at while out partying. A member of the Pacers staff was shot in both elbows during the attack. These tragic events are a reminder of the targets that many black professional athletes have on their backs.

For years, there have been numerous media reports of black pro athletes being robbed, attacked or shot at while at their homes or out for a night on the town. Many athletes have brought unneeded attention to themselves by flaunting their wealth while others have been targets based solely on their status. This seems to be a very prevalent issue primarily when it comes to black professional basketball and football players.

Many are quick to blame the athletes for being too flashy with their money, cars, jewelry.etc. Also, black athletes are criticized for their entourages and their inability to cut ties with troublesome friends from their past. Some like to put black pro athletes and rappers in the same category as being magnets for trouble because of their perceived flashiness and love of “the good life.”

While all of these factors contribute to this problem, it ultimately is unfair to solely blame the athletes for enjoying the fruits of their labor.


Majority Mind Question

Are the problems black professional athletes face a reflection of the cultural issues that African-Americans face as a whole or is it a problem solely within itself?