Current events & more of my thoughts (yay!)

KAS
Jul 27, 2016
4 min read

The realm of sports has been pretty exciting lately so instead of posting on just one topic or event, I'll be breaking down a handful right now. You're welcome.

First thing's first: Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors.

LeBron returned home to Cleveland and brought that poor midwestern city a championship, effectively erasing his title as the designated NBA villain - but not to worry, Kevin Durant left OKC in search of greener pastures, finding one in Golden State and claiming that new villain role.

They say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, and I think KD took that a little too seriously with his free agency. He was part of a good Thunder team that consistently participated in the playoffs. He was the star focal point of a competitive team but never quite won a championship, so he then chased after a ring and landed a contract with GSW. Now, I'm no hater and I understand sports are businesses and athletes have careers, BUT personally it seems I'm the only one who still believes in the concept of loyalty.

Sadly, gone are the days of players sticking with one team through wins and losses. Look at LaMarcus Aldridge - playoff runs weren't happening and his status as Rip City's "star" was fading while the team became centered around play-maker Damian Lillard. So Aldridge chose to play a smaller role with the more competitive Spurs.

Time and time again. It's a damn shame.

The ESPYs.

This year the sports award program was centered around a call to action. In the wake of recent tragedies (i.e. the deaths of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and Dallas police officers), four major NBA talents first addressed the crowd, citing powerfully outspoken athletes throughout history who capitalized upon their platform during times of social unrest and injustice. Carmelo Anthony called the system "broken" and LeBron James claimed "we all need to do better," in a unique and powerful opening act.

Later in the show Zaevion Dobson was awarded the Arthur Ashe award for courage. Caitlyn Jenner won last year for courageously living her truth but this year's 15-year-old winner demonstrated courage on an entirely different level when he died shielding three friends from gunfire. In a time of so much tragedy, senseless violence and racial profiling, it was moving to see a young Black man honored for saving lives.

Finally a Muhammad Ali tribute was given, ultimately calling upon athletes once again to speak out and incite change. I can't give enough thank you's to the ESPY crew who not only allowed this to happen, they decided it all was necessary.

Muhammad Ali's passing.

I don't think I have enough words to describe how sad this news made me. Yeah, okay, everyone has to die at some point and we all know the man was ill, but damn... it's just sad.

Ali was loved because he truly lived authentically. He thought himself to be the best competitor ever - and he let the world know. He fought "the system", opposing the war for religious and racial reasons - and he let the world know. He was proud to be a Black, Islamic man - and yes, he let the world know this also.

Rest in peace to the greatest.

Russell Wilson and Ciara got married.

Congrats.

But for the love of God keep that man focused and away from Future so he can bring Seattle another trophy.

The Basketball Tournament.

This tournament is open to the public with a $2 million winning prize. It's not quite on the level of March Madness and it's still fairly new, but the competition runs deep. We've reached the "final four" and a team full of former CU hoopers is still in the mix!

For those who don't know, I attended the University of Colorado and made a few friends, some of whom were student athletes. I've followed my friends games and careers and can't wait to see Team Colorado split that $2 million check.

richard roby university of colorado the basketball tournament

Aldon Smith is an idiot.

The 26-year-old Oakland Raiders linebacker has currently been serving a one year NFL-issued suspension for illegal substances. He was set to be reinstated sometime in November 2016, however the athlete is now under reinvestigation after recently posting a video featuring a female and a blunt.

Although Smith's video never shows the recorder's face, it is believed to be himself holding the lit blunt and asking for an ashtray. The female is recorded telling Smith he's an idiot for making the video, but he claims that his small amount of followers won't be able to tell who it is.

Lol still think so Aldon?

Ezekiel Elliot and domestic violence accusations.

Let me just start off by saying how uneasy this situation makes me. Domestic violence and abuse of any kind are serious matters that have devastating effects on the victims, many of whom face troubles in coming forward and receiving proper justice.

So the fact that Ezekiel Elliot's ex-girlfriend threatened to "ruin" his career post-breakup, and then accused him of domestic violence, leave me extremely irritated. In her defense, she doesn't have the platform to share her story in the same way the Dallas Cowboys' rookie does to defend his. We're bombarded with his side and aren't able to get full details from her but from what we can gather, somethin' ain't addin' up.

Now, I don't know for sure she was lying but her threatening texts sent to Elliot, the witnesses' non-corroborating stories, a lack of police action and Elliot's denial seem to imply this violent act never happened.

This is funky. Idk.