Kaep calls for radical - and stupid - solution
Colin Kaepernick has, for the most part, remained silent during this summer of social unrest.
The sports-protest-equality triangle he started four years ago that reached every level of the country - from the White House to slowing the biggest monolith in American sports to everywhere in between - has become commonplace these days.
Commonplace in that "Black Lives Matter" is on the playoff court in the NBA bubble. Commonplace in that uniforms are anything but uniform, carrying messages of black victims - justly and not at times. Commonplace in that the NFL, which apologized to Kaepernick and played the Black national anthem before each of the Week 1 kickoffs.
Commonplace, too, in that the events and the transitions since have strengthen Kaepernick's reasons for protesting and his place in the historical conversation, and that's regardless of the opinions about his decision to kneel during the anthem.
So, Kaepernick has become a central figure in this, and considering he was willing to sacrifice his seven-figure salary as an NFL quarterback, that's understandable.
He has shunned the platform and the spotlight for the most part, be it interviews or his social media portals.
Then the emotion and angst of Wednesday happened about what many felt was an inadequate indictment against a Louisville officer in the Breonna Taylor. The protests erupted, which included two Louisville officers getting shot in the exchanges.
The Taylor incident was a tragedy, and I understand the extreme frustration and emotional pain, especially for the family. But, first, do we ever want to manipulate judicial matters or legal outcomes because of looming protests? Of course not.
But the protests certainly had to be expected. Heck, you could even believe the protests were choreographed, since there are videos of U-Haul vans rolling into downtown Louisville supplying signs and banners to the unprepared protestors as they walked the streets. (I almost said unarmed protestors, but, well, we need to make sure our diction is accurate.)
Amid the sea of social unrest and the avalanche of angst, many of us have wondered if Kaepernick would get back into the conversation and where on the leadership ladder would he rest.
Remember he had not posted a Tweet since Sept. 13, and that was a comment on a Retweet about his friend Eric Reid being blackballed from the NFL. Everything else since a July 6 Tweet has been Likes, Retweets or emojis.
And that July 6 retweet was directly about his personal business: "I am excited for this partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers & producers. I look forward to sharing culturally impactful and inspiring projects."
So his silence naturally was going to magnify his next statement and sentiments because of the vacuum and the build up.
Well, he broke that silence and he chose to do it in the most divisive and controversial way possible.
I can't speak for anyone but me and my family, but I firmly and wholeheartedly believe that my view is shared by millions of white Americans trying to find our role in this struggle for equality and for better treatment of Blacks by a very small minority of police officers.
At roughly 8 p.m. Wednesday night, Kaepernick Tweeted: "The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor's life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people. #BreonnaTaylor #SayHerName #AbolishThePolice"
We have had this conversation around these parts before. They are layered and difficult and there are shades and degrees.
But if this is where Kaepernick is leading, then his silence was far better. I can't think of a worse philosophical solution than abolishing - please note the hashtag, this is not defunding or moving budgetary resources, this is doing away with the police department - the police department.
So disappointing in so many ways for so many of us who were open to ways to help.
Worse than that, it's downright dangerous and begs the all-important question amid these protests and right-minded attempts for equality of who is driving this movement?
Man, John Lewis, we could certainly use your presence and wisdom right about now.
Fab 4 picks
Well, that got long and took some time because I needed to choose my words wisely.
But let's turn back to sports. It's Thursday in the fall. That means Donnan's going to be on Press Row and the Fab 4 picks return.
I don't need to hit you with my bona fides. You know how we roll here.
But a couple of picks rolled off the rails. Tulane blowing a 24-0 lead with the ball to a Navy team that was tossed and turned. Like SS Minnow trouble. We watched as Duke turned the ball over time and time again. We forgot one of our guidelines - the rules are the rules, the guidelines are more suggestions - of being extremely wary of teams who have spent multiple days celebrating and hearing how great they are. That should have been a clear red flag for Louisiana Lafayette against Georgia State.
So it goes, and the truth of the matter remains that if you hit 56-plus percent at this, you're headed for the Hall. And easy street.
Of course, we aim for 60 percent - a number we have hovered around for the 10 or so years we've done this.
As always, pickers gotta pick. (With that in mind, here's personal favorite Kris Kristofferson and the classic "Sunday Morning Coming Down.") https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbqGWTxwZEA
UTSA minus-6.5 over MTSU. Remember the rules, gang. Rule 4: Picking losers is every bit as entertaining as picking winners. We are riding against the Blue Raiders until new information presents itself. Research alert: Sincere McCormick leads the nation in rushing with 295 yards in two games, and he averages more than 6 yards a carry. MTSU, in two lopsided losses, has allowed 290 yards rushing per game, which is third-worst in the country.
Tennessee minus-3 over South Carolina. Buy the half, and I believe Jeremy Pruitt's bunch is a) ready, and b) very cognizant of the importance of the moment and this opportunity.
Alabama minus-26 over Missouri. Simply do not over think this one friends. Yes, Nick Saban normally pulls off the accelerator in mismatches. But those games are a) money games against directional schools or alphabet combinations; b) are at home and Saban has a roster of more than 100 at his disposal; and c) has a season depending on freshman contributions, so those freshmen are going to get a lot of run this week. There is no way Missouri can prep for anything close to the Tide's speed. Alabama is taking just 70 players to Columbia on Saturday night, and you have to ask yourself, how many of those 70 would Saban trade for any Missouri player?
Texas A&M minus-30 over Vandy. Keep your head on a swivel here for a lot of numbers that do not add up. A&M returns 19 starters from last year, and there is no better quality in this season of unknown than experience and familiarity. The over/under is in the 40s, which means Vegas thinks Vandy will be lucky to get a single score. Vandy's over/under win total is 1, and that was set before the Commodores lost four of their best five players to opt-out decisions. Aggies a million, Vandy negative 4.
Tulane minus-3 over Southern Miss. If this was not a season of complete unforeseen hardships, the month of September Southern Miss has endured in terms of football potholes and speed bumps would be a big headline. Lose the home opener as a double-digit favorite. Head coach resigns in the aftermath. Two weeks to prep for a possible season-saving home game against a rival, and you lose that one 31-30 on a fourth-down TD with seconds to go. This could be a team about ready to crumble. Yes, Tulane imploded against Navy, but the stability of Willie Fritz and his staff is worth way more than 3. (But buy the half for sure.)
Georgia-Arkansas and under 52. I don't think Arkansas scores. I don't think Georgia wants to show a whole lot to Auburn before next week. I don't think Kirby Smart will run up the number against friend Sam Pittman. I don't think Arkansas will keep it close, but I like the under 52 way more because I don't think Arkansas scores.
Side note: There are several games looming that I may add in the next few hours. Ran out of time this morning.
Last week 3-3 (.500 against the spread)
This season: 8-8 (.500 against the spread)
Wow, we got a Herro
The Miami Heat win over Boston last night was fun. Well, not for Spy, but for just hoop watching it was a treat.
And a big reason why was Tyler Herro, the former UK star and Miami rookie who simply could not miss and could not be guarded, especially in the fourth quarter.
Hero scored 37 as Miami grabbed a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the most by an NBA who can't legally buy a cocktail in play-off game since Magic's 40 in the 1980 NBA Finals.
Yeah, that's pretty good company.
The Heat are loaded with young talent, which a) is fun to watch and b) begs the question about why do we undervalue the culture and decision-making of truly great minds in sports.
Because we all have to agree that Pat Riley turning over a roster again and again and getting three different cores to the NBA Finals - provided the Heat does not gag this series - is downright staggering.
Has anyone been able to do that in the free agent days, get three different core groups in position to win a title? Now has anyone done it as quickly as the Heat have?
Kudos Mr. Riley. You truly are the Godfather.
This and that
- Speaking of Tyler Herro, well dude gave himself the nickname "Ima Bucket' and yes, I love that kind of confidence.
- Rest easy Kansas Comet.
- You know the rules, and yes, it was another busy day for TFP college football guru David Paschall, who opined about UT players embracing a game week unlike any other, Georgia's star wideout, and his weekly picks column.
- Braves played. Braves won. But let's make sure Max Fried is A-OK after leaving with an ankle tweak.
Today's questions
Well, lots to get to today.
As for this day, well, not a lot of notable birthdays, and in some ways that's OK.
How about this one: 60 Minutes debuted on this day in 1968.
Rushmore of TV shows with a number in the title. Go, and remember the mailbag and the Intimidator Poll if you are still alive.