Dr Boyce and Kevin Powell on CNN: Does America Hate Black Athletes?

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Kevin Powell. Kevin is one of those guys who's had a major impact on the world, but he is about as supportive and respectful of others as you can get. I wasn't sure about Kevin when I first met him, since it takes me a second to feel people out. But once I spoke to the brother for 10 minutes, I knew I had a brother for life.

Below is a CNN appearance that Kevin and I did together discussing a topic that has become interesting as of late: Does America hate black male athletes?

I don't think America hates black male athletes, at least not directly. It loves them the same way Hugh Hefner loves women, or the way a jockey loves his horse. We are marveled and brought into the fold, as long as we always know our place. Even historically racist campuses like The University of Kentucky love black men when they are dribbling a basketball, but they are not so fond of black men who have the audacity to teach a biology class.

The recent treatment of the University of Oregon athlete who had his career ended after punching a white player is a case in point. Oregon loved LaGarrette Blount when he was running up and down the field, but as soon as the "horse" got out of control, they took him to the barn and shot him. Since the incident that took place in one punch on ESPN, LaGarette has lost his entire football career and will never set foot on the University of Oregon field again. In fact, there is a strong possibility that he may be blackballed from the NFL.

Kevin and I don't agree on everything, but we both see that there is a problem. When the media portrays black athletes, it is more likely to go after the stereotypical than the typical. Many athletes are just as intelligent, just as capable, just as loving and just as normal as everyone else. But the media rarely finds such portrayals as interesting as that of the criminal or out-of-control mad man with 28 gold teeth in his mouth.

Personally, it is my hope that black athletes one day learn the value and power of their platforms to change the world. By allowing money to enslave you and choosing to remain apolitical on all relevant issues, you've gone from being a potential asset to your community to becoming a great big, muscle bound nuisance. Athletes have to be strong in everything they do, not just when they're on the field.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and one of the leading African American speakers in the country. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.