Yeah, but I can't afford the premium stuff.

The N Word ...
 

Riddle me this? What if two African American teammates use the n word between themselves, not in anger, but as some type of cultural urban greeting, not whispered, not yelled, but loud enough so that an official, a few players, a few fans, and a coach can hear it?

It wasn't during the game, but the n word was used by Kemba Walker as he was being interviewed, surrounded by his teammates, after Connecticut won their most recent national championship. We all heard it. It's not too far of a stretch to think that we could hear something similar during our high school games.

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Context matters. In the case you bring up BillMac, not being used in deragatory manner or as racial slur, so I wouldnt touch in that situation.

I will tell you the difference. Go to the Southside of Chicago as a white person, Hispanic or someone clearly not apart of that group and see how many *** whoopins you have to avoid. Let me do the same thing and no one would bat an eye. It is really that simple.

Now I am not saying I like the usage fo the word and do not use it in mixed company, let alone inside people I like (I was raised by someone that did not like the word in any context). I often tell players not to use that word around me and I do not care if they are saying it to each other. But they will not use that word in my presence. Usually that sends a message and I do not hear it much. Also that is very rare and most players know that is not acceptable in many circles. They likely do not say that in a classroom. I use it as a teaching moment.

Peace

That's a tough one but as JRut mentioned in his most recent post we just establish ground rules. I guess the main difference is he and I go into games knowing it might be used so it's not a major shock. We're both the same in that neither of us likes the word that much so making the kids aware of it - or more aware - is key. Usually a hard stare or a, "Young men, not today" clears up the problems if they're saying it - but not yelling it - to one another.

I've mentioned in other posts we have a "no profanity" policy in the NYC Public Schools (another debate for another time) so when we give a quick mention about sportsmanship in the pre-game meeting we'll remind players in schools where it may be an issue "that includes the N-word." I can say I've yet to have a problem.

I like the announcers in this video:

Renaldo Balkman banned for chokingteammate | SI Tracking Blog ? Tracking MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA On Twitter

While I don't like it, it is public knowledge as their pictures and towns are listed in the programs for sale at the arena (which I'm sure media get a [free?] copy).

If that's what was said... this is an ejection, period.

For what it's worth I was at the game.

Becoming even bigger
 

This story has now gotten national attention.

Y! SPORTS

I hope you are not surprised.

That's not a good idea, either. I would hope that's a practice the IHSA would reconsider since there's really nothing positive that come come of it.

Why shouldn't the officials get recognized for their accomplishments the same way as the players and coaches do?

Because situations such as this may happen. We can acknowledge each other within our own associations.

I'll take that chance, thank you. I've had my name and photo in various programs over the course of my career and have never had my life threatened and it doesn't concern me that someday it may happen, either.

I don't see anything wrong with this as we are a big part of the game.

While I don't mind publicizing names and even pictures; addresses and phone numbers? Really?