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As a life-long Bullets/Wizards fan, Gilbert Arenas will always hold a special place in my heart. After watching Ledell Eackles, Pervis Ellison, and Harvey Grant impersonate the Washington Generals for years, only to have Bullets Hall of Famer slash worse GM ever trade a still in his prime Chris Webber for Mitch Richmond, Gilbert Arenas was the last bastion of hope until this past NBA season.
In addition to his on the court contributions, Gilbert Arenas was a pioneering social media presence before Joel Embiid picked up a basketball, and long before what is commonly referred to as “Black Twitter” galvanized into what it is today. Never known for being gun shy (badum-bum), the former baller took aim at activist and television personality Al Sharpton and his participation in the protests for recently murdered black men Eric Garner and Mike Brown.
In a lengthy Instagram caption that’s now been deleted, the former Wizard criticized the rioters and looters in St. Louis for destroying their own communities, and referred to the famously coiffed-preacher as a “coon,” described his behavior as “#THOT” like, and cited the Trayvon Martin and Jena 6 verdicts as examples of the activist making similar situations worse.
“FAMILiES of the victims pleaseeeeee stop asking #alsharpton to speak or ur behalf,you have a better chance having #caesar the monkey from #planetoftheapes to get justice for you..the stats also show AL coon sharpton has not helped one situation he has protested at,he actually made it worst and because of him the jury goes the other way..(think about it) Jena six,trayvon and the list goes back way back..#AL ur like a #THOT in the club,lookn for attention”
We should note that the pair do have some history, as in 2010 Sharpton spoke out harshly against Arenas during his guns in the locker room flap, and called for then Commissioner Stern to issue a severe punishment. Gilbert’s words may reflect his true feelings, but the harshness of his statement may be attributed to some still lingering personal issues with the good reverend. We’ve included the entire rant below, and while Gil hasn’t been on an NBA court in a while, it seems he still has the ability to break an opponent down when he’s in the mood.
See Arenas’ full comments below:
“I would like to start off by saying too the family of the victim GOD BLESS#RIPmichealbrown you will be missed: too EVERY African American out there..how dumb are we really???every time we hear some bad news, the first thing we do is #RIOT #ROB #STEAL #BURN sh-t in our OWN neighborhoods..this racism fight has never been #blackvswhite, it’s ALWAYS been #blackvsblack from what the stats.. About 10 riots from the black community over the years and the only thing damaged ,was the BLACK COMMUNITY by The BLACK COMMUNITY..only reason they issue riot police isssss just in case you actually got smart enough to walk 6 blocks ,YALL ain’t f-cking up white rich sh-t smdh”
“FAMILiES of the victims pleaseeeeee stop asking #alsharpton to speak or ur behalf,you have a better chance having #caesar the monkey from #planetoftheapes to get justice for you..the stats also show AL coon sharpton has not helped one situation he has protested at,he actually made it worst and because of him the jury goes the other way..(think about it) Jena six,trayvon and the list goes back way back..#AL ur like a #THOT in the club,lookn for attention what u said at trayvons rally #enoughisenough ur right were tired of u PRETENDING”
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Where is Jay Electronica
How eloquent.
Pet Peeve: Grown ass people who can’t write properly. If you’re too dumb or lazy to write and spell and construct sentences properly, then your opinion don’t count. Shit has become a phenomenon. Im seeing more and more people writing like dumb asses and its just sad. They’re both idiots btw.
So we should dwell on grammar and disregard the bigger matter at hand? So what if his punctuation wasn’t proper? You got what he was saying did you not? I can agree that bad grammar and punctuation is unacceptable but this not the time or place to be focusing on that.
I’m saying man, how can you be taken seriously when you communicate and present yourself like this. Perception is everything. If people perceive you as being ignorant, it doesn’t matter if what your saying is the truth. They’ll just dismiss it.
Completely agree with Gilbert. Will never understand why he is called in (or maybe he just shows up and turns it into a money opportunity). People see him (i.e. the “other side”) and discredit immediately appears.
i think the issue is if you don’t call him, who do you call? (i have my own answers but would like to hear responses from others first)
Didnt Nas says something “Fuck black leaders, cuz white aint got none leading them”.
@John Gotty I like the Dream Defenders from Florida. They occupied the state house prior to the Trayvon Martin trial. They’re young, smart, peaceful, and have a good grasp of how to utilize technology to spread their message. I’m not sure how involved they are with this case, but I would love to hear them continue to speak out, teach others their methods, and build a national organization.
I think (actually, almost know) Black folks are too lazy to figure that answer out Gotty. There are so (so) many highly intelligent, articulate, Black men and women who could do a much better job (and do it in a way where no one could say they were playing the ‘race card’ – masters at it). The real problem is, no one stepped up once the effective leaders in the Black community were assassinated – minus the two big names we all now so famously know and see every single time there is a chance to make money – I mean… a travesty or injustice.
Hate to equate it to Rap/Hip-Hop, but a very big reason JAY was ever on top is because he was the only one willing to immediately step into the vacant throne Biggie left. No one in the west was willing to do it once Pac was murdered. S. Carter became “interim” King by default and it simply stayed that way – no one really questioned it – same here.
These men are rich precisely because Blacks see them as the only option. Al flew into a city near mine and “put together” a march (if you can call it that – it was VERY poorly organized and thrown together on what appeared to be, a whim). The reason was good enough and people of all races were seeing it rationally. As soon as he stepped back on his plane… others stance on the topic, immediately changed.
The man did more harm than good in a few (literal) steps. Which seems to always be the case.
And yes, I have had this discussion over the course of my life so many times that I have lost count – why destroy and steal from your own neighborhoods – tell me, what exactly does that accomplish (beyond the ones whom hate your race pointing at the television, laughing, and calling you ignorant, stupid, dumb, the N-word, etc., etc.)? It is like stealing your own television. Someone gave me a great clarity on this subject once… but I forgot the rationalization.
The point was excellent and based upon fact… so I look(ed) past the terrible grammar, spelling, and conveyance. Comprehension was key – even if the agenda was his own.
P.S. Anyone who made sense, was effective, and could lead… would immediately be assassinated (our government is not one to be trusted). Al and Jesse are no threat. And that is why they are allowed to live. You want a problem to take care of itself (with negative outcomes and no true resolve)? Just call those two men in. They will make certain a serious problem is immediately deflated, swept aside, quickly forgotten about… and not seen as a crisis by anyone but Blacks.
I don’t understand why people are view riots as some new phenomenon. Again, I don’t remember this much outrage when people were rioting in Vancouver over a HOCKEY game, but now we ask the question “Why do people riot?” People never questioned the riotting during the Arab spring, despite historical places getting looted.
@John Gotty Cornel West. Tavis Smiley.
@Cell. I’m cosigning Tavis Smiley. People give him flack for his criticisms about Obama, but a lot of it was completely justified. Hell Michael Eric Dyson would be a great person to call on as well as the two you mentioned. I’m thinking of a woman as well, but for the life of I can’t remember he name.
YES Cell! I’ve been so inspired by Dr. West, when I saw Gotty’s question, he was the first person who came to my mind. He and Tavis are great men who I think we can all look to for guidance and knowledge
@John Gotty
I think someone like Micheal Eric Dyson , could be someone that this generation could relate to and vice versa
@Athrin Zala maybe Melissa Harris Perry? or Grace Lee Boggs, she’s pretty old but still a strong voice for justice.
Totally agree. Maybe not the most eloquent message from Gilbert, but he’s not wrong. Al Sharpton is a guaranteed turn off the tv face & voice for me.
@Gotty in essence you would call no one, because Black people are not one monolithic group that can be represented by single person or statement. Defining what it means to be Black in America is a waste of time, energy, is extremely divisive and probably the greatest trick “The Devil” ever pulled…word to Keyser Soze.
If you are upset by the riots in Ferguson, or upset by the lack of “action” in Ferguson…My $0.02 is that both of your armchair revolutionary positions are correct but neither are a representation of what “Blacks” do or what it means to be “Black”.
Honestly legislative action is the best way to solve problems in America, get into local/community politics, and make your community a representation of what you want. But when those avenues have failed and protest is necessary (peaceful or otherwise) by all means do that!
[www.change.org]
Anyone who made sense, was effective, and could lead
————————————————————————————————————————–
Minister Farrakhan. He’s been telling the truth for almost 50 years now. He’s gotten a few million blacks together peacefully on a couple of different occasions. Black people are afraid of his religion, not his politics.
“Black people are afraid of his religion, not his politics.”
Yep.
I would go with Michael eric dyson or tavis. Dyson directly speaks my language. Cornel West comes off as kook to ppl that don’t know him or take the time to hear what he has to say. And religion plays a huge part in that as well, these individuals should leave their religion at the door when speaking about these things.
But I don’t think it can be one person, every city has someone that is young, gifted and ready, I do think that once rev al touches down that person voice is ignored. Just watching real time with bill maher he has had so many young black men and women that I have never heard of on his show, he’s brought those folks to my attention.
Y’know, The Boondocks did an episode about this exact same situation.
And it was so plain to see just whom
Rollo Goodlove was meant to be satirizing.
Jesse and Al do more harm than good when they show up. It’s past time they retired.
I would also like to nominate Marc Lamont Hill.
Also Antonio French from alderman from 21st ward in St.Louis has some great stuff right now, looks like shit is starting back up again. Children singing for justice and fucking swat teams locked and loaded facing the crowd. Pics and video.
@Chuck_You since Farrakhan is responsible (directly or indirectly depending on what you choose to believe) for the murder of Malcolm X, arguably the greatest civil rights leader of the 20th century, I think he should be disqualified, I don’t care how many million man marches he organizes. I agree with Michael Eric Dyson because he knows how to connect with the youth, he stays quoting hot bars from mainstream rappers.
Ghostbusters?
Can’t call Jesse or his son anymore, if ever anybody called Jr. in the first place. There simply aren’t anymore black leaders we can look to anymore to speak for us during times like these. You would think Barack is the person to call on but you see the statement he gave on this. There just aren’t anymore black leaders of note who can stand for us and not make us look like coons or THOTs
Cosign the Al Sharpton (I don’t understand why people call him) talk, but Agent 0 following the trend on blaming black people, as if the riots in Vancouver wasn’t destroying businesses as well. Like seriously, it’s been black vs black? I got love for you for the success you brought the Wizards, but be serious. He’s talking as if all those businesses are owned by black people.
+100,000,000
this “#blackvsblack thing he’s brought up is completely irrelevant to the situation in MO right now. C’mon fam.
He’s right but gilbert is the wrong messenger
Those jerseys were so ugly. I have no idea why Ted Leonsis chose those colors.
I’m trying to figure out how he’s wearing #9 in that first pic. Wasn’t he agent 0? I’m so confused.
The boondocks did a great job depiction of Al Sharpton with Reverend Ralo Goodlove.
Last time I checked niggaz don’t own the liquor store, chinese store, discount store, corner store etc…That magical negro lead us to the promise land shit is not the move…Nas truest words was on Black Zombies People say don’t bang out because that will lead to more violence…At the same time all the cow towing and stuff hasn’t exactly slowed shit down….fuck you going to do? I also think when situations like this happen people like to put everything under a microscope..change is gradual b Lincoln freed the slaves right into Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Heroin/Crack and now we are living with the after effects A lot of people still doing stretches from the 80s when Bush switched the laws up. Chiraq/D Town was once Brooknam/CPT and yet still there has been progression. Not to say that its acceptable on any level..I also feel like subconsciously niggaz love the approval of whitey and yearn to exist within their play land instead of being more in house motivated OH WELL
“This nation is built on stolen property, destruction & slave labor.”
Liberate goods, rebell do whatever you want. These “communities” are not owned by those who live within them. We chastise gangs for dying over blocks they down own, the same sentiment for these “communities”. It’s not like they’re burning down Black Wall Street. Fuck the gas stations, the sneaker spots, and any other business that can be rebuilt like Sals Pizza because of the insurance they businesses have. Ain’t no insurance on the lives taken.
And currently, like right now, during the daytime, with sunlight out Ferguson has Swat teams, and militarized police squads aiming weapons at peacefully protesting citizens.
There’s no such thing as a non-violent revolution. So fuck attempting to tell angered, saddened and people clearly in pain, to rebel in a fashion that suits the beliefs of those unwilling to so anything. Rebel as you see fit, because we’ve been left leaderless and this is the result of this nation, tampering with a people, a culture who at one time had leaders. Fuck the law. Fuck the police. Fuck the government. Straight up.
There are tons of young black men and women who have a following and have great voices in the media. I don’t know why Al is called.
But part of me wonders, does anyone call Al? Or does he just show up? And when he shows up he doesn’t really need the family’s permission for the media to discuss his presence on the scene and once it’s been announced that sharpton is on the scene that’s pretty much a wrap for anyone else.
The idiocyof it. If Al was about helping black ppl, his network or whatever he calls it would have passed the torch already to another young brother or sister cuz he knows it can’t be him forever. Has he put anyone in place to succeed him? If not that shows his true agenda.
I 4-1 can speak for my damm self
And I say time to choose a group of people to represent the many interest of us black people… The Black Party
Didnt Nas says something “Fuck black leaders, cuz white aint got none leading them”.
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One of the dumbest things Nas ever spit in life. It’s something Rush Limbaugh would say. Whites have had de facto leaders at every level of every sector of society going back to the formation of the 13 colonies.
Secondly, GIlbert Arenas is a fool. I loved his game—he’s still a career 19.7 ppg player, I loved his quirky personality—”Agent Zero” was so meta and so “proto social media star” he’ll never get his due as for embracing digital platforms in the way he did.
But when it comes to social issues and understanding larger implications he is an outright fool in the worst sense of the word “fool”.
I don’t know Al Sharpton and Jesse personally, but I’ve been plugged into Civil Rights and social activism since high school which was—lets just say Al still had a track suit and a fat perm.
During my time, I’ve learned 2 things about them from folks who know them: Al and Jesse don’t come unless called. They will reach out to victims and orgs and offer their services on the low, but they don’t take to the airwaves or the streets unless someone calls them and tells them to do so.
Second thing I’ve learned: the thing that gets rid of them is not them asking for bribes, but people offering them stuff to back down. I’ve seen corporations try to bribe Jesse Jackson to get him to back off. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But companies and orgs that offer them money are companies who have legit discriminatory practices and instances of injustice and rather than fix the problems, they try to buy off whoever the black voice is in order to do nothing.
But whenever we get the sense that someone paid Al, we never get mad at the folks who cut the checks, only him which solves nothing.
Another issue I’ve seen 1st hand with Al and Jesse and other leaders is they’re often asked to come in as outsiders and fight causes that they’re not informed about—not because they’re stoopid or lazy—but because they’d have to have worked on these issues firsthand and they haven’t. I’ve seen them called into combat discriminatory hiring in industries they’ve never worked in—which isn’t their fault because the whistle blowers in said industry would get fired and blackballed for speaking out. But because they haven’t worked in those industries they don’t toally understand how things work so they don’t always get what the solutions are. But they’re the only ones who can speak on those problem without retaliation from those in charge.
If Gilbert Arenas wanted to do something constructive here, he’d take his ass down to Ferguson and see what’s going on firsthand. He got paid $22.8 million in 2013 by the Wizards in the 2nd to last year of his $111 million contract. So it’s not like he can’t put money where his mouth is.
Talking slick is fun, it’s great for clicks and eyeballs. But it helps to know what you’re talking about.
To the larger point of do we as Black folks need leadership? Sure. Every community does. But obviously there’s no single leader, no single entity, nor should there be. We need coalitions of leaders at multiple levels. The Dream Defenders are great, sectors of Anonymous can be valuable, some in Hiphop can be valuable as well.
But for whatever reason, the endless rush of those under 30 to blow off older folks and pastors as if they have no worth in the struggle is childish ill-informed and ultimately dangerous.
I’m not caping for Sharpton or Jesse—they’ve been wrong about a number of cases they got called into champion. But they’ve done a lot of good—too much good to be so dismissive of them.
That’s my thing BC. We have waaaay more black thousandaire/millionaires, how have we not built something new? A new organization and new party for self defense? We have the funds, and many of these people have the followings to get people to listen to what they have to say.
We’re a lost people, leaderless, wandering aimlessly, unaware of what to do. All by design.
We have waaaay more Black millionaires but that only means they become successful in a white world. Where there is money, there is a white man…especially if there is heaps of it.
Sharpton forever tarnished himself with the Tawana Brawley case i think.
Unnecessary disrespect. Don’t be divisive in front of them and the youth that can’t comprehend everything. Gil needs to put his money and his inactive feet where his mouth is. Al and Jeese don’t have the ears of black kids and they’re from a generation of tougher times. Our level headed, financially stable, educated athletes and entertainers shouldn’t only be activists for the Gram and Twitter. Shout out to Chuck D for continually requesting their leadership.
Gilbert Arenas couldn’t lead a basketball team, and y’all dignify his criticism of Al and Jesse by printing it? Jesse marched with King, Al turned Trayvon into a story by pumping it with his TV show and radio show when no one outside of black folks cared. This is a rare misstep by TSS, you guys are typically smarter than this.
The reason why you call Al is because Al is the only connection Barack has to the community outside of Michelle. The reason why Obama gave his speech on Trayvon was Al. The reason why you have the Brotherhood Initiative (or whatever it’s called) is Al. Al has access, that’s why. Don’t let these white folks gas you up about your leadership, they crappy, but take the time to learn the facts.
Gilbert Arenas isn’t even qualified to talk about himself intelligently, much less give advice to the black community about leadership.
To be honest I was going to defend Gilbert Arenas,but the way that you put it I don’t really know much about what AL has done behind the scene,but it’s kind of funny I seen more people like me who feel the way Gilbert Arenas does and im glad he said something about it to bring to Al attention because nobody would pay attention if a regular person said it
Gilbert Arenas gonna pull another $20 mill next season. Hope he buys some sense.
And that right there is why we had a lockout in 2011, the most irresponsible contract maybe in NBA history…
It’s baffling that Sharpton retained even a tattered shred of credibility after the Tawana Brawley situation.
[www.youtube.com]
I’m just gonna leave this here…
I think Barry would be a good choice to call after his term is up. As the Prez he’s locked into what he can do and say due to politics but wait until he’s out the house. He’ll have his freedom of speech back and some connects to use.
P.s. anyone else feel that the cop movie that came out should be pulled. Doesn’t seem right with what’s going on now.
Isn’t it amazing dumb people call others out and have no point of LIFE references!! God how I wish
this millionaire would move to Jefferson and become a spokesman for the young blacbk men who
are in need of guidance, employment, transporation, food, housing etc.
Gilbert , when was the last time you reached out to any family in distress???????????????
SHUT THE HELL UP until you do!!!
RIGHT ON!
I’ve seen THOT written out plenty of times, but have never once heard someone actually say it. Is it something that is actually spoken? Do you pronounce it as one single word, or do you say each individual letter?
Gotty asked the right question. BC broke the whole narrative down pretty well. I cannot remember which one of you, but someone said what my mind was screaming when I read Gotty’s question….”Stand up for your damn self!!!” Blacks have a large number of intelligent folk who know how to speak to the media, defend ourselves in court…look around in your neighborhoods…wow. Shelia Williams-Russell summed it all up real good about Agent Zero, don’t talk about it..be about it!!! BAM!!!