African American Officials in the NCAA Tourney

[stripes]

Originally Posted by Cmoore

It was very interesting and noteworthy that the lack of a fair number of African American officials in the 2009 NCAA men's division I tourney prompted Larry Rose, supervisor of the MEAC to send a note of concern to John Adams, the National Coordinator of Officials.

In response to Larry Rose's letter, Adams encouraged African American officials who also felt that this was a concern, to voice their opinions in writing. I wonder how many will actually put their feelings in writing.

There was an obvious lack of an African American presence in the Sweet 16 for sure. As many African Americans that play basketball, there should be greater representation of African American officials...especially since there are a very high number of QUALIFIED African American officials, who simply have not received their chance yet.

This is not a post to stir any racist comments...just a true reporting of what took place and hopefully a post that will stimulate good conversation and thoughts...

This is my first post...my next will be my letter to Adams (of course without my name). I think if any change will come about, it will be because of people like Larry Rose or other BIG TIME, BIG NAME African American officials. Hopefully, they realize that they have more influence than an African American official who has few years in division I or may not have the "name" yet. We'll see how much we (AA) stick together on this one...

With an issue that is this important, why would you send an anonymous letter? Letters without signatures are rarely taken seriously. Are you afraid that speaking out without the mask of anonimity is the wrong thing to do?

[JRutledge]

Eric Holder was right.

Peace

[ronald]

Life ain't fair. Get over it. Take up your cross. That is the real path, that is real compassion (greek significance). That will provide you with real peace.

Jesus Christ

[Cmoore]

So, I guess I was the ONLY person who noted this issue? No one on here commented on the FACT that LARRY ROSE initiated the letter to ADAMS. Obviously HE felt it was an important issue and one that MANY people discuss in closed circles. How come no one has commented on that? I am sorry that my post has struck many of you in the wrong way and caused you to attack me. I will offer no further comments or threads regarding this issue.

Out...

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Cmoore

So, I guess I was the ONLY person who noted this issue? No one on here commented on the FACT that LARRY ROSE initiated the letter to ADAMS. Obviously HE felt it was an important issue and one that MANY people discuss in closed circles. How come no one has commented on that? I am sorry that my post has struck many of you in the wrong way and caused you to attack me. I will offer no further comments or threads regarding this issue.

Out...

No, you just cannot have this discussion here. Serious conversations that deal with this issue are not accepted. I should have put the over-under when someone was going to reference Martin Luther King Jr.

Peace

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

No, you just cannot have this discussion here. Serious conversations that deal with this issue are not accepted. I should have put the over-under when someone was going to reference Martin Luther King Jr.

Peace

Sure they are....but this one is simply ridiculous. The real numbers, based on the whole population, not just a carefully selected slice that skew the appearance, just don't support the premise this thread suggests.

[Raymond]

It would not surprise me if Mr. Adams formally addressed this issue via a memo or bulletin. He does not strike me as someone to shy away from any issue.

Originally Posted by ronald

Life ain't fair. Get over it. Take up your cross.

That always tends to be a very easy statement to make when coming from beneficiaries who reap benefits/perks as a birth right, while others have to fight for them.

Most people don’t understand things unless it affects them directly. Walk with me…

Let’s say for instance that an Underworld Caucasian Group were selling other Caucasians to a “new found land” on Mars.
During their stay the use of the English language, common names & praying to God/Jesus was not tolerated. They were even taught to hate each other, blonde vs. brunette, blue eyes vs. green eyes, old vs. young, etc. The men were made an example of for all women & children to see. After hundreds of years of this treatment, all of a sudden they were free & able to live amongst their former master. During the course of trying to live the same type of lifestyle as their ex-masters, opportunities (work, school, homes, etc) just didn’t come that easy for them as they were still a hated people. When they spoke about unequal opportunities

Originally Posted by ronald

Life ain't fair. Get over it. Take up your cross.

would often be the response.

Unless you or your family has experienced this scenario, you probably have no idea. Get it?

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

The Final Four is 3 games. It is pretty clear that black referees have had a fair share of assignments at this level for the past 10 years.

Even though the letter specifically addressed the Sweet Sixteen, we will still go with your numbers:

3 games
9 slots (1 Black per game)
1/3

Now where have I heard this 1/3 reasoning before? It wasn’t too fair back then either.

Oh that’s right, life ain’t fair (for some of us) get over it & do the best ya can.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Sure they are....but this one is simply ridiculous. The real numbers, based on the whole population, not just a carefully selected slice that skew the appearance, just don't support the premise this thread suggests.

Of course it is all because you say so. I think Larry Rose not only has the credibility (than anyone here) to make such a claim based on his background and his current job. Rose is involved with institutions that deal with African-Americans on a much more intimate level. I have relatives that are alumni of one of his schools and a cousin going to another from his conference. And considering that I was at the commencement of one of those schools in the spring of 2008, they probably do not feel the same way you do about the issue. These institutions feelings about equality are not like those here considering their students are mostly African-American. Now I am sure there is more to this topic than what was posted. But this is the very reason we cannot discuss these things here.

Peace

[SWMOzebra]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I should have put the over-under when someone was going to reference Martin Luther King Jr.

My use of Dr. King's powerful words was meant to show my belief that African-American officials should be judged by their skills and not held back because of the color of their skin or any other reason.

It was not my intention to offend you or anyone else, Rut. I think any rational person recognizes that the dream has not yet been achieved.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by SWMOzebra

My use of Dr. King's powerful words was meant to show my belief that African-American officials should be judged by their skills and not held back because of the color of their skin or any other reason.

It was not my intention to offend you or anyone else, Rut. I think any rational person recognizes that the dream has not yet been achieved.

This must be the Twilight Zone.

It was a joke because anytime we get in these discussions, someone quotes MLK. IT WAS A JOKE!!!!

Peace

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Cmoore

So, I guess I was the ONLY person who noted this issue? No one on here commented on the FACT that LARRY ROSE initiated the letter to ADAMS. Obviously HE felt it was an important issue and one that MANY people discuss in closed circles. How come no one has commented on that? I am sorry that my post has struck many of you in the wrong way and caused you to attack me. I will offer no further comments or threads regarding this issue.

Out...

I know someone who sent Mr. Adams an email on this subject. It was not sent anonymously. And Mr. Adams responded right away. My friend was satisfied by Mr. Adams response.

[jeffpea]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I know someone who sent Mr. Adams an email on this subject. It was not sent anonymously. And Mr. Adams responded right away. My friend was satisfied by Mr. Adams response.

While I know John Adams a little (very little in fact), it strikes me that he IS interested in "grooming" younger/newer/other (how ever you want to phase it) officials. Evidence of that is the lack of some long-time, big name officials in this years' tournament (see the previous thread about the "Notable Abscences"). John does not sugar-coat things...if you can work, he'll use you.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by jeffpea

While I know John Adams a little (very little in fact), it strikes me that he IS interested in "grooming" younger/newer/other (how ever you want to phase it) officials. Evidence of that is the lack of some long-time, big name officials in this years' tournament (see the previous thread about the "Notable Abscences"). John does not sugar-coat things...if you can work, he'll use you.

Yep.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Eric Holder was right.

Peace

Mark your calendar, it won't happen often.