Disappointment doesn't begin to describe my feelings towards the fall out from Friday's episode of ESPN's First Take. but not surprised by the negative attention that Michelle Beadle brought Stephen A. Smith’s comments. This provides another classic example of how genuine urban black views are strictly prohibited according to American mainstream television. Although Stephen A. Smith must tiptoe around his points within the framework of this topic (from hereafter as well), we here at hiphopandhomeruns.com are not restricted with the same company code of conduct when it comes to being real. We will attempt to methodically clarify for Ms. Beadle exactly what Stephen A was trying to do so eloquently.

Lets start with the facts

This is what Stephen A Smith did say

• Ray Rice deserved a longer suspension
  
• He in no way agrees with domestic violence
  
• Mentioned that he “took care” of someone who did display domestic violence towards a member of his family
  
• Women can sometimes provoke actions*
  

The first three statements were totally ignored, and Michelle Beadle co-host of ESPN’s “Sportsnation” decided that this would be an appropriate time to slander one of her acclaimed ESPN colleagues. Not only was she totally out of line in her response and interpretation to his comments, by doing so she also put his endorsements in jeopardy. Here was her response:




Sorry to disrupt the general belief but women sometimes however do indeed provoke actions and all that Stephen A was trying to explain is how he advises his female family members to restrain from conflict to the best of their ability, by not behaving as a catalyst to domestic disputes. The same reason why Michelle Beadle did not understand his comments provides the platform for the same ignorance that separates the upbringing of children in the urban community versus the White american family, particularly raising white females.

What Stephen A touched on is a consistent message from many black fathers and role models to their daughters in our urban communities. The theory of “not placing yourself in harm’s way” rings loud and clear. Many themes and messages are preached during our upbringing, but one message in particular is repeated in the young urban household mainly because of past unfair prejudices and our constant struggle to play catch up in American societal norms. We preach to our youth the message of discretion. Part of knowing and behaving with discretion is the ability to comprehend the things that will hurt you so you can avoid them. We do not try to pretend that domestic violence is not real or prevalent in our community. But we do accept the notion that there are people who know how to psychologically trigger certain emotions. Some women can induce certain outbursts based on the history of the relationship. The notion that women can be manipulative is one that should not be censored from mainstream television, but Michelle Beadle along with countless others are naive to believe that the female gender exercises silence and peaceful protests when it comes to domestic disputes. Is this not the same theory of “being in the nightclub after 12am..”. Is it fair or right for an athlete to become physically assaulted, shot, or stabbed because he chooses to club late? No, of course not. But the question remains are they putting themselves at risk?” Well, yes they are. Here is a similar analogy, you may be a great driver but you cannot assume those driving around you are. As a result in order to mitigate risk it is best to be a defensive driver. In this instance, defensive driving is what we preach in our communities and neighborhoods. Don’t condemn a positive black role model in our community for sharing intimate urban views. Maybe if we took the time to educate our youths on the cultural differences amongst our communities we would have better comprehension and an open mind towards breaking social barriers.

Some people spread messages, others move social change and Stephen A. Smith is one that impacts social change. No matter if you are white or black, or any race for that matter. We must band together when the ignorance of society attempts to bring down our powerful leaders, especially when they are minorities.

           The talk of the NBA since Lebron’s announcement has been “Will Kevin Love be traded?” Though many have accredited the wit and stubbornness of Flip Saunders and his ability to hold for the best available assets in return, the real card holders are not the players but the Brand Executives.

Why the Trade Will happen

Wiggins can be a star, and Adidas has dibs on him for the next few years. What they will not sign for a quarter billion dollars is a player who emerges in the league as a spark plug off of the bench a la Jamal Crawford if best down the road. But if Adam Silver does his best David Stern deceptive puppet impression and allows the move to Minnesota, Wiggins will be marketed as a northern international superstar and become the best young Timberwolf since Latrell Sprewell and Kevin Garnett. Meanwhile in the buckeye state, Ohio will become the northeast Hollywood. Imagine putting Uncle Drew’s nike co-star to side kick along Lebron, along with the momentum of his return to Cleveland and the desire to keep him there. Plus you have Johnny Football mania going on in Berea, Ohio until September. Nike capitalizes big time; the Kevin and Kyrie storyline explodes not to mention Lebron building his own Nike empire in Akron. Adidas will capitalize with the marketing of Wiggins as a star by himself, with the potential to take over the northeast international market and Minnesota finally has a young core to build on with Rubio, Wiggins, and Pekovic. I am assuming that the trade would also consist of Minnesota dumping Kevin Martin’s contract and another subsidiary victim such as Ronny Turiaf or JJ Barea, both who could be great off the bench for the Cav’s. In exchange for Wiggins; and a combination of Anthony Bennet, Tristan Thompson or Dion Waters.


Why this Trade Won’t happen


As a result of Flip Saunders preventing Kevin Love from having his way he either a) keeps him in Minnesota for another grueling year and loses him in free agency for nothing which would be an epic failure for a franchise that continues to be the cellar dwellars of the west. B) Glen Taylor welcomes another proven young veteran as the next star alongside his spanish ball handler such as Klay Thompson, and they build a bench out of the bread crums. Andrew Wiggins takes a seat on a now deep bench, coming in for either Lebron or Dion Waiters. But he will still have to share a majority of team shots with Mike Miller, Thompson, Kyrie, Waiters and whoever else signs to join James. At best he finishes 4th in rookie of the year voting, and 5th in Sixth man voting after averaging 13.2 pts per game and 4.8 rebounds.



What will likely happen


Steve Kerr is working overnight to make this trade happen. Golden State believes that if they can pair Kevin Love with Steph Curry and Harrison Barnes that will be enough to elevate them in the wild wild west. News flash--it won’t and they will likely take a step backing making the playoffs as an 8th seed. In the east, Lebron will not accept mediocrity regardless if Love is his teammate or not, which means Dan Gilbert will be hard at work again. Look for Cleveland to continue to dangle Andrew Wiggins as bait for potential trades until October. Lebron does not wanting to take a physical beating during this next contract and as a result is in high pursuit of a big rebounding forward/center. If Love becomes unavailable look for GM James to orchestrate a transaction that would bring the likes of potentially Brook Lopez or LaMarcus Aldridge.