It may seem ironic that racism still plagues the athletic realm and its fan bases when, after all, many sports greats are people of color. The NBA has elevated players like Michael Jordan and Lebron James to deity-like figures; the NFL has seen a huge rise in people of color (POC) as well, from all stars Cam Newton to Adrian Peterson. The world’s most popular sport, soccer (or futbol) also has its share of non-White/European players; perhaps the greatest player of all time, Pele, hails from Brazil.
While these POC superstars have either existed in the past or reign supreme today, racism in sports is still a problem. Late last week, Oklahoma State basketball player, Marcus Smart, gained national attention for shoving a fan in the stands at an away game against Texas Tech. Of course, everyone condemns players or coaches shoving fans, but what was later revealed is sad to say the least. Smart told the OSU staff that the fan he shoved, later identified as Jeff Orr, called him the N-word. Orr has had a bit of a rough past, even though Texas Tech has notfully acknowledged this. Orr can be seen on video and camera, giving a vile gesture to a Texas A&M player, who like Smart, is also black.
It is not ok to shove fans and Marcus Smart is not boasting about his actions; however, I can’t help but to mention how Smart has been called names like “thug” on Twitter and other social media since this incident. If Smart is a “thug” then what should an old man shouting degrading and offensive names at a young college athlete be called? Yes, sporting events should not get physical with players and fans, but like it or not, many young people might have reacted the same way Smart did in the heat of the moment. The hierarchy and introspective mindset of superiority that comes along with an older white male calling a young black man such an offensive term, would enrage almost anyone. While Smart’s actions cannot be condoned, if his version of events is true, Orr should feel hugely embarrassed and disgraced. The pressure collegiate athletes are under, especially in Division 1 Universities, is incomprehensible. Having gone to a university where basketball players are celebrities (The University of CT), the fame and money these young kids bring to their schools is hugely important. Subsequently, the need to succeed on the court can take over their minds and lives. The pressures that have fallen on Smart’s shoulders, plus the added egregious actions of Jeff Orr, made for an unfortunate event. The realities of racism were illustrated here and I am glad the nation has taken notice.
In other, less publicized news, an Italian soccer player, Mario Balotelli, was recently seen crying on the bench. His team, AC Milan, was taking on Napoli when Balotelli was substituted out of the game. What happened next might have made this soccer forward the butt of numerous jokes, but this was far from the case. Initial reports said Mario was crying from being subbed out, but it was revealed that he was shedding tears because of the racist abuse levied towards him from Italian soccer fans. This has not been the first time Balotelli has received such verbal abuse, but one could imagine that the culmination of numerous racist encounters, had became too much for him. The sight of a stellar athletic man, reduced to tears because of rude and hateful fans, almost brings tears to my own eyes. European sports have seen racist chants and attacks before, but the International entities such as FIFA (Federation International de Football Association), have clearly not done enough to help stop such behavior.
Both of these incidents beg the question, “what can be done?” Is it the responsibility of organizations like the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) or individual schools like Texas Tech, or international ones like FIFA, to help stop such harsh racism? While some say yes, it is unclear exactly the paths that could be taken to end these occurrences. Regardless, no one should have to be victim to racism while playing the games they love. While Marcus Smart and Mario Balotelli had two?completely?different reactions, their hurt is the same. This should not be tolerated and we all must realize the racism that still surrounds us all.
To read more and see video of Marcus Smart’s incident with a fan, go here.
To read more about Mario Balotelli and to see him crying on the bench, go here.
Edited/Published by: SB
