Boiling Hot with Boyce Watkins

Friday, July 9, 2010

Why Would the Cavs Owner Call LeBron a Coward?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

The world stopped spinning for just a few minutes last night, as it was announced that LeBron James will now become a member of the Miami Heat. The move didn't surprise hardly anyone, but everyone seemed to keep hope that perhaps he might choose their city. I am sure James lost sleep over this move, as the humble athlete seems like the kind of guy who remains very loyal to his friends. The problem is that some seem to mistake his kindness for weakness.
In an open letter about the signing, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert calls LeBron James' move "a shocking act of disloyalty." He even goes further to say that LeBron's decision to move to Miami was "the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn."
Gilbert, give me a break. Are you a businessman who understands how this all works, or are you a whining three-year old who gets angry because he doesn't get his own way? The truth is that LeBron had to make a business decision, and you are showing your own immaturity and lack of loyalty by bashing a guy who gave you seven years of his life. He should never have been in your city in the first place, since we all knew that LeBron's talent has always been meant for a bigger stage. In fact, LeBron gave up at least $100 million dollars in endorsement deals by staying in the city of Cleveland.

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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Woman Eats Her Child's Brain? Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems Failed Her

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

This week, a woman in Texas cut off the head of her three week old baby and ate part of his brain. What’s even more shocking about this terrible story is that she won’t get any jail time for it.

Otty Sanchez, a 34-year old, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the death of her child, Scott Wesley Buchholz-Sanchez. Prosecutors accepted the plea deal after learning that the woman thought that the devil made her kill her child.

The baby was found in a bedroom with three of his toes chewed off, his head severed and his brain ripped out. Police are saying that the child’s mother ate the boy’s toes and a piece of the brain before stabbing herself in the chest and throat. In the 911 call made by her sister, Sanchez can be heard in the background screaming, “I didn't wanna do it! He told me to!"

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Why Lebron James Needs to Go to Miami

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

I wanted to make a quick note on why LeBron James should and probably will end up playing for the Miami Heat. Now that his homeboys Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade have decided to play together, LeBron has a choice of either joining the club or fighting it. While Chicago, New York and New Jersey provide viable options for James, the truth is that James probably sees the kind of empire he could build in Miami with two great players who are equally committed to winning.

Chris Bosh reportedly gave up $30 million to play in Miami, which argues that he is a man of principle. Wade is also a proven winner, known for going above and beyond when necessary to find a way to win. These are the guys that LeBron would want to play with, and these are NOT the guys he'd like to play against.

My prediction? LeBron ends up in Miami and a dynasty begins.

Here are a couple of other possibilities:

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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Why I Wouldn't Keep Michael Vick on My Team

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

I've always defended Michael Vick . I've never supported him because I liked him as a human being or thought he was a good person. Most of my support for Vick has been driven by my commitment to fairness, and the fact that the punishment must fit the crime. When you go back in time, it's not uncommon for black male athletes to be treated like animals when they make the same mistakes that are made by the rest of us, and I just won't have it. When Michael Vick did his time for dog fighting, I was convinced that he'd learned his lesson and was ready to become one of the great comeback stories in all of sport.

I'm not yet sure, but I think I might be wrong. The shooting that took place at Michael Vick's recent birthday bash was disturbing for a number of reasons. Most disturbing were the reports that Vick had not yet been ruled out as a suspect in the shooting. I was hopeful that it wasn't the case that he'd be dumb enough to get involved in something so foolish, especially since he has $5.2 million coming this year if he can stay out of trouble. But even if Vick is not a suspect, there is also the fact that he simply put himself in a situation that he should never have been a part of in the first place. By holding a bash and inviting people who might do things to jeopardize his future, Vick has made himself appear both ignorant and audacious. The rule of thumb for black men in America is that your own behavior is not always the determinant of your fate; the behavior of others can play a role in your personal outcomes as well. Michael Vick must find a way to let go of at least a part of his past if he is going to have a chance to embrace a positive and productive future.

If I were the management of the Philadelphia Eagles, I would consider cutting Michael Vick. By having such a willingness to put himself in harm's way, he is jeopardizing his own life and the brand of the Eagles. If Vick were to be killed or imprisoned again, it would lead to millions in losses for the team, as well as the challenge of having to clean up a mess that might be unmanageable. Michael Vick needs to grow up.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the initiator of the National Conversation on Race. He is also the author of the book, "Black American Money. For more information, please visit BoyceWatkins.com.