Racism in Professional Sports

racialism is a conundrum that has outliveed in our society for more divisions. The roots of racial discrimination date guts to when slavery was considered normal, and even boost back whence that. Racism happens on the whole the time, every twenty-four hour period and everywhere. It is a interwoven outcome which numbers at m each different levels. In the beingness of versions racism is happening more often and becoming more of a concern. The offset major font is of Jackie Robinson. Robinson is considered a leader in the black community of interests for breaking the color barrier in the sport of baseb either.Although Robinson went through a great deal of prejudice, many black athletes directly face convertible problems. The National field hockey unite, Major League baseball game, and many other associations be dealing with this problem even serene nowadays. Racism doesnt only occur on the field. Today the management side of sports is more racist then the on fi eld part. Racism is a problem that existed in sport when it first originated and continues to exist even in the origination of sport nowadays. Racism started in the beginning of sport when there were cardinal separate leagues, the discolor league and the black league.It was in 1947, when Jackie Robinson stepped into the white world of baseball, that people notice this was occurring. At the time no one was concerned with this because everything was segregated back then. The verbal taunting, physical abuse, and death threats unleashed on him and his family had the 27 year hoar on the verge of mental breakdown (Guss, 1997). Robinson got through it by ignoring all those comments and using it as the reason he would play, to prove everyone wrong.He cognise that he represented an built-in race of people and if he were to break loose he would condemn himself and his entire race. I suffered then because I hoped to cater a better future for my children and for young black people eve rywhere, and because I naively entrustd that my sacrifices might help a little to make the States the kind of country it was supposed to be(Guss, 1997). Despite all the negativity, Robinson excelled in the majors by winning the 1947 Rookie of the Year award and dowery lead his team to the World Series.Robinsons perseverance passim his c argoner is what coat the way for black athletes to make a stand and prove to the world that they can compete with white athletes. After Robinsons career was over the probability for black athletes to play on the same level as whites athletes had change magnitude greatly. Although Jackie Robinson was discriminated upon half a century ago many black athletes today retain to go through similar racism. In Major League Baseball racism is still a concern.Even though today African Americans are condition an equal opportunity to compete, there are still certain people and players that disagree with this. In the same day and age that Albert Belle can e arn $10 million per year, indicating that players are remunerative based on talent rather than skin color or personality, African Americans failed to make any progress (Guss, 1997). A big line of reasoning that occurred during the 2000 baseball season included Atlanta Braves relief pitcher canful Rocker. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Rocker make many derogatory, sexist, and racist remarks nearly the city of New York and the people who lived there. For his actions he was given a 22 game gaolbreak and a reputation in society and throughout baseball as a racist(http//www. spn. go/profile/prifiles. com/mlb).Another example of racism in modern day baseball involves Marge Schott. In an interview with Primetime Live, Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott repeated her belief that everyone uses the word nigger. She argued that racism is an invention of the press. Schott had been suspended from baseball for allegedly declaring that Id rather endure a trained monkey working for m e then a nigger, and remarking Hitler was good in the beginning but he went too far(Steinberg, 1992).Schott was punished for her remarks with a $25,000 fine, a suspension for one year, and removal from the Reds day to day operations. Baseball chairman Bud Selig wants to make it clear to everyone associated with baseball that racism impart not be excepted in this business. From John Rocker to Marge Schott the world of baseball has been altered by their remarks. It was thought that there was racist thoughts in Major League Baseball, but these two actions brought it to the fore seem. The chairman definitely made the right move by suspending and fining these two.By doing that he shows that racist utterances have no place in the national pastime(Kirshenbaum, 1993). The National Hockey League is a sport that has been dominated by white players for its entire existence. There is an extremely flyspeck percentage of black players in the NHL today. microphone Greer of the Edmonton Oilers is one of these a couple of(prenominal) black players. During one of the games last season Greer was being given a hard time and players kept yelling racial slurs at him. Another incident that occurred was between Marty McSorley and Donald Brashear.Donald Brashear, like Greer, is one of the few African Americans in the National Hockey League. The incident that occurred between these two was that McSorley hit Brashear in the face with his stick. This happened toward the end of the game, in which MrSorley was immediately impel out of the game. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettmann acted quickly by hitting McSorley with a suspension for the equipoise of the regular season, which only had twenty three games remaining. This was the longest suspension for any player due to an on ice incident.On top of that suspension the case was taken to court. Although McSorley was found guilty by a Canadian court he received only an eighteen months probation, and the crime wont pop out on his set down if he completes the time without violating the terms of the probation. McSorley is also interdict to play against Brashear in Canada or the U. S. during the probationary period. As an unrestricted free-agent its manageable no one forget sign the 17-year veteran if they do, he mustiness meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman before being reinstated(Hardesty, 2000).Race is an issue everywhere and it unendingly going to be, says Pro Bowl running back Ricky Watters. Its sneaky now. The owners have to be politically correct now. It isnt fashionable anymore to be a racist. Now they have to kind of go behind the scenes, but believe me its still there. Its not really something you can explain. Its average a feeling. good look at how many black head instructes were hired this year(Guss, 1997). This quote was in response to the year of 1997 when Sherm Lewis, offensive coordinator for the Green bespeak Packers who is African American wasnt even interviewed for a head civilizeing job.Th is is an issue because teams usually look for roaring coordinators to be the head coach of their team. Sherm Lewis had just led his team to a Super Bowl appearance, while having his offense lead the league in points and yards per game. On top of this Dan Reeves, former coach of the New York Giants, was offered a head coaching position for the Atlanta Falcons after(prenominal) going 31-33 his last four years. It makes you wonder why a successful offensive coordinator with four Super Bowl appearances under his belt would not get interviewed while another man with a poor record would be given a head coaching job.As NFLs all time sack leader Reggie White puts it, There is racism in the NFL. There are teams who have problems with black coaches and black quarterbacks(Guss, 1997). Racism does exist in every aspect of life. From earlier times to more late(a) times it is obvious that racism is a part everyday life. When Jackie Robinson stony-broke the color barrier in sports in 1947 he ha d imagined that by today things would have changed significantly, and to some extent they have. Even though African Americans are now allegedly offered similar treatment in sport, they are still treated differently.In all sports there is a very small percentage of African American coaches and managers. In some cases the black coach has had a much better resume, but still not given the job. This is the world we live in today. Racism is still a problem and will continue to be until their are changes made in the front office. As Hank Aaron says, Its a closed society in many ways. We will still have some problems in sports, no question about it. I want people to realize that we still have a long way to go(Guss, 1997).