Our local media commentators are still trapped in the dimension of describing a batsman scoring a brilliant 25 or 30. This defines the similar level of argument as to whether B should have been picked instead of A to play for the Windward Islands, when both players are equally guilty of non-performance and indiscipline. Meanwhile, the world of sports moves on, leaving us behind stranded and marginalized.
Too very often teams go abroad accompanied by coach and/or management. In the case of the Olympics we see a situation whereby there may be more "officials" than athletes. So the trip becomes the end in itself.
The media-man puts the usual question, what are the prospects for the team? The response is similarly usual, that the team is prepared and is expected to do well. We come back defeated; not to say humiliated. Humiliation assumes we have "shame" which we have not. Team leaders or officials come up with equally usual piss-poor excuses for our piss-poor performance.
Because it is the calypso season and thanks to the nature of the subject, I am reminded that most of the best songs done in the Caribbean die when the carnival is over. One such calypso was entitled "THE APOLOGY," composed and performed by PINK PANTHER of Trinidad. It was 1999. The West Indies cricketers had just been white-washed in South Africa.
Of course, Panther put the words in the mouth of Captain Brian Lara:
He says that he's very disappointedIronically, the young Caribbean batsmen showed signs of beginning to find a solution in India in 2002, in the absence of Lara. Whether they shall remain consistent remains to be seen. One thing is certain, an apology would be received in better spirit than do the untenable excuses with which we are inundated.
The team did not play as well as expected
He says he cannot remember when last
The great West Indies got such a cutassHowever, as his favourite calypsonian
Brian would like me to inform the nation
He says "Panther, tell them that for losing
The whole series - FIVE TO NOTHING -I am sorry ….sorry….
For that poor bowling and fielding
And that inconsistent batting
I am sorry … sorry …But tell them please not to worry
The comeback will not be easy
But with their cooperation
We are going to find a solutionBut please do not despise …
The West Indies going to rise.
But for now," Brian say,
"I humbly apologize."
While we pardon, even flaunt or own foibles, world sports move on without us. Today, those in authority can begin making a difference by levelling the Windsor Park and giving it back to sports, because we cannot now afford the stadium; never could.
Last July I wrote "Race and Sports" from Miami. The sisters Williams were very much part of the subject. Before attempting an update, let me cite another Williams; Steve Williams.
He was a talented American sprinter. About 1976 he ran by invitation in Trinidad. It was all preparation for the Montreal Olympics. In one of the races, Steve Williams beat Hasley Crawford who later won the 100 metres gold medal at the 1976 Olympics. After that particular victory in Trinidad, Williams was interviewed by a local sportscaster.
The newsman suggested that Steve's win was good for the United States. "I do not know about the United States," William retorted. "I am happy for me." It was a total disregard for political correctitude; just simple rectitude and indictment of racism in the United States.
What is it that has changed since 1976? Sportscenter T.V. on early superbowl Sunday, 26/1/2003, reports that a college coach at Western New Mexico University has just been fired for using racially charged language against six black basketballers. This is just days after it was announced that Australian cricketer, one D. Lehman was punished for similar bad behaviour against some Sri Lankan(s). The same NIGGER word was cast at Tiger Woods when he exploded on the golf scene some years ago. This is so even if millions of us all over the world were not even vaguely interested in golf prior to the advent of the phenomenal Tiger.
Racism in sports transcends nationality. We saw it in the attitude of most American commentators on duty during the Australian Open at Melbourne recently. At times they seemed to forget that Serena and Venus Williams were Americans. Fortunately, we do not have to suffer commentators gladly. We can always "mute" the T.V., watch the game and come to our own conclusions.
Serena Williams blasted her way into trouble in the semi-finals and was serving at 1 to 5. The commentators praised the camera work that showed the worst blister they had ever seen on the foot of any player in any match. That is by their own admission. But the same commentators suggest gamesmanship on her part when Serena takes legal times -out to get that and a couple of other blisters bandaged. How can those people be so mischievous?
Be that as it may, not for nothing is Serena champion of the world. This is precisely where we Caribbean sportspeople, lovers and commentators, should learn a thing or three:
This is being penned on Superbowl (37) Sunday. 71,000 people will fill the stadium to watch the game between the Raiders and the Buccaneers. I mention this for a couple of reasons.
Finally, there is another aspect of superpower sports. Permit me to introduce it this way: That sophisticated lady was asked whether she would go to bed for $1 million. "Of course," she said. "Would you go to bed for $5.??"… "Who do you think I am?" she replied… "We have already established who you are…. We are trying to determine the price."
I have a problem understanding how a man or woman can OWN a team… and TRADE the team in part or whole. Should a few people own other people, and trade them? Why cannot the team, or even the community own the team? As in the old story, the price paid is a side-issue.