Let Me Say This

(S) Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins, and the NFL have made national news this past week after Thursday night’s prime time game, where Tua was carted off the field after receiving a hit by a Bengals defender. The immediate bodily response by Tua was not just concerning, but rather disturbing. The reaction during and after the game sent a buzz around the NFL, and not too long after, media outlets and others commented on the play, as well as the decision to allow him to play after questionable health stemming from the game prior. (E) Kanye is in the news again. After being praised for his surprise appearance at the music festival Rolling Loud in New York just ten days prior, is making headlines about his recent fashion event and the choice clothing that some of the models were wearing, clothing which he himself wore along with notable republican talking-figure Candace Owens. (T) And NASA is revisiting Yellowstone National Park, which although known for its scenic views and housing a variety of plant and animal life, has the potential to alter the way we live on a global scale. Puerto Rico, as it currently stands, allows abortion at any point during a pregnancy, legal. But with the proceedings that took place against Roe vs. Wade, we may see changes take place.

John Gruden’s closest is being cleaned out. Dave Chappelle is under his yearly cycle of criticism. What do these two men have in common? How do their situations differ? Where did they go wrong? Both reflect different aspects of what we come to know as the American way. It’s much deeper than a coaching job or a stand up special. Cancel Culture is the new appointed term for carrying out social judgment. For those who have a basic understanding of our history , the concept of cancelling is not new. Other cultures across time and space have carried out some form of cancellation—be it exile, banishment, shunning, Scarlett letters you name it. Why is cancel culture something that will never go away, shouldn’t go away, and how it re-corrects itself naturally? I’ll explain all of it.

NY Times article reports that research confirms of an approved Malaria vaccination— has the potential to save the lives of thousands of children each year. Paired with prior treatments, the centuries long killer looks like it can be put to rest. How should Americans re-look at their views on vaccinations? The Summer of 2020 brought great pressure to open yourself up to social issues and commentary. Some may have saw the uptick in protests, rise in awareness, and change in corporate messaging as a win. But have times really changed that much? One story in Virginia Beach may put a damper on your perspectives around the “progress” we’ve made. Art comes in different sizes and shapes. Some strike us with great force, others may not earn even a flinch from us. So one could say, art is subjective.. So when I say this artists choice of art will leave you speechless, I truly mean it.

His season was storybook like, just like his life. Giannis is now a 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, 4x All Defensive Team, NBA Most Improved Player, 2x MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, a Finals MVP, & leading member of the current NBA champion the Milwaukee Bucks.. From sleeping in the gym to putting teams to bed. Giannis has seen legendary on the court acclaim. But his off the court victories seem to surpass that! Forbes put out an article highlighting Olympic Soccer star Megan Rapinoe and others who have taken the non-psychoactive component of cannabis ( CBD ) as a routine part of their training. Twitter has taken outrage. Just a month earlier Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended for her positive drug test showing her marijuana usage. Some are pointing out the small, and insignificant differences between the two. Most are understanding just how different our lenses still are. My bro Jaden has been skating heavy these past 6 weeks. And he’s improving by the day. Literally. I’ve been lucky to see him as often as I do, and meet some of the cool and talented skaters (young & old, men, women, and people with all different backgrounds!

The NCAA’s monopoly got shaken up earlier this week with the news of the NIL and athletes having the luxury to profit of their own name, image, and likeness.. along with cooperate and engage with outside bodies like sports agents and sponsorships/business partnerships. There may be some confusion around the phrase “college athletes will get paid”. Let’s better understand what this new rule really means, future problems/promises, and the extent of their power. Because let’s remember .. the NCAA has had the luxury of hoarding a one-sided billion dollar leverage over their athletes.. and that won’t be given up so easily. Sha'Carri Richardson recently tested positive for Marijuana, which is considered a “banned substance” by the Olympic board and committee and has been suspended from competing in this years Olympic Games. A top notch competitor recognized on a global level has been turned away because legislation in other governing bodies have been slow to update their restrictions on what is regarded in most states (including the one she used marijuana in) as legal and in no way a violation on any local or federal level. This highlights what bureaucracy’s and companies of the past have done in several communities, typically black and brown ones. Vilify the same people who created the actions used to help stir profits. I have given this concept a “name”. Deplete, punish , then copy. Deplete a persons resources and ability to continue their work/creations, punish them for these behaviors, then copy the same methodology or principles in other ways to profit off of it. Sha’Carri isn’t the first to be subjected or be impacted by this exploitation and hypocrisy, and she won’t be the last.