Last week, I sent out a tweet commending NBA Commissioner David Stern for being “stern” and unequivocal about suspending Gilbert Arenas for bringing guns into the Washington Wizards locker room. In my eleven years as an NBA player, I never saw anyone bring weapons into our locker rooms. It is unthinkable and totally inappropriate.
The Arenas incident is particularly disturbing because if you are a young black male, your number one risk for death is violence, most often by guns. Youth across the country look up to NBA stars as their role models. Professional athletes have a responsibility to insure that their actions don’t encourage violence or permissive, illegal gun use. It is everyone’s responsibility, particularly to whom much is given, to keep our children safe!
Tom McMillen
I really enjoy your posting and look forward to your next story. Thanks alot keep up the great writing.
Great point, I completely agree. Basketball & sports are two of many outlets inner city youth can explore in an effort to minimize their risk of street and gun violence.