Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 08 > Entry
Braves meet with black group
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Upset over the lack of African-Americans on the Braves roster, members of Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow-PUSH Coalition met with team officials Monday.
Less than 10 percent of major league players are African-Americans. The Braves have one African-American player, left fielder Willie Harris. “You go to where the talent leads you,” Braves GM John Schuerholz said. “Finding major league-caliber baseball players is far too difficult if you try to narrow your criteria down to demographics.”
Joe Beasley of Rainbow-PUSH said, “If they put resources into recruiting here in the United States, and more specifically here in Atlanta, there are talented players here.”
How do you feel about this issue? What should the Braves do?
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By Sabs
May 8, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Here we go again…
By Jay
May 8, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Who cares if they are Purple as long as their good!
By ET
May 8, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
I guess Rainbow PUSH has targeted MLB as their next victim. Schuerholz is right. Go where the talent leads you, regardless of where it leads you. The Braves have a recipe for success. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. And tell Rainbow PUSH to go find someone else to try and intimidate.
By Mister Baseball
May 8, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
What issue?
By Orlando
May 8, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
This is a non issue. Just look at the NFL. I just have enough of all the non sense regarding race parity. If the talent that baseball teams are finding is caucasian or Latino, so it be. This is a bussiness and you play to win.
By Bob Respess
May 8, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
Just another example of the corporate extortionists at work. Is it just me, or does anyone else think that R/P would serve the community better by trying to get kids to stay in school rather than worrying about how many black players the Braves have?
By Mikie
May 8, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
“Jesse Jackson”. That says it all…
By CN
May 8, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
Oh my. And people wonder why racism still exists. Maybe cause this is headline news. There is no conspiracy going on here against African Americans. I don’t hear anyone asking if the NBA is not white enough. Why not? This is nonsense. Major league talent is major league talent and teams don’t care if players are black, white, brown, red, blue…it doesn’t matter.
By jerry
May 8, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
BALONEY! The real problem is the NBA isn’t trying hard enough to recruit Mexicans.
By JesseisanIdoit
May 8, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
When is the black community going to see Jesse Jackson for what he really is? He is nothing more than a media w** and is robbing the black people that donate money to him. He along along with Al Sharpton are the reason race relations have not gotten any better over the last 30 years. They are constantly stirring up crap. Who cares if there are no African Americans on the Braves. Why isn’t he complaing about there not being enough whites on the Hawks? Simple, he and his group are nothing more than a bunch of racists that are benefiting financially by keeping things stirred up.
By Pleaseeeeeeee
May 8, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
Less blacks play baseball than before….NBA is where the $$ is at, plus you can shine being an individual, remember, it’s all about you, forget the team. Look at me, I can dunk!
By banshee29
May 8, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
I think there should be more white players in the NFL and NBA. Where are the white Coalition reps and when are their meetings with those leagues?
By Beverly
May 8, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
WHO CARES!!!!!! FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT!
By Boots
May 8, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Since African Americans comprise less than 13 percent of the population, perhaps every sport should have a 13 percent representation of African Americans. Of course, that will require shifting some people around. Some basketball players will have to transfer to baseball, golf and tennis while some whites will have to be reassigned from golf, tennis and baseball to basketball.
It’s stupid isn’t it? And, so is this latest Jesse Jackson inspired effort to extort baseball as he has done American corporations for the past 25 years.
By bravofan
May 8, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
Why single out the Braves?
If they want to make the argument that MLB needs to recruit more African Americans, then why not make the argument that the NBA or NFL need to recruit more non-African Americans?
I agree with Mr. Schuerholz, you go where the talent leads you.
By Pat
May 8, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
… And the NBA isn’t working hard enough to recruit white players… Give me a break! What counts is talent, not the color of the skin! These race w** make me sick.
By Bob Spencer
May 8, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
When the Hawks have an outreach program for white players, the Braves can have one for African-Americans
By James
May 8, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
This is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard.. first of all you don’t “recruit” players in the major leagues.. you draft them or sign free agents. Race has nothing to do with trying to build a World Series winning roster. It is about putting together the most talent for the best price. And why are we focusing solely on African Americans? Look at the roster and tell me how many of these players have backgrounds other than Caucasian? Not only that, but fewer African Americans are playing baseball nationwide. There has not been access to proper equipment or resources whereas other sports, such as basketball, are much easier to gain access to, however there have been initiatives to rectify that problem. I think it is ignorant and narrow minded to call the lack of African American players on the Braves roster a race issue.
By Ron
May 8, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
I guess Jackson needs more money for his Rainbow Push, or another love child, Get a life
By matt
May 8, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
I think Jessie and his R/P just “dumbed-down” the significance of what Jackie did…I believe that Jackie breaking the color barrier was one of the greatest moments in sports…but for R/P to turn it into their political battlefield is absurd…Look to keep kids educated, use baseball at the lower-levels to keep them out of trouble and they’ll find their way to MLB…also, look at dual sport athletes in college that are black…chances are 75% or better would choose the NFL/NBA over baseball…it’s not the league so much as it is the athlete…
By Wickman Fan
May 8, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
Will the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition complain to the NBA about not enough WHITE players? I think not. Jesse Jackson needs to get a REAL job. Is Rainbow-PUSH going to complain to Hank Aaron he hasn’t done enough to support Mr. Bond’s record? LEAVE THE BRAVES ALONE!
By JIM
May 8, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
Jesse, get a life beyond just numbers! The pro teams recruit talent no matter what race or ethnic origin. Talent gets the job, just like in the non-sports world. Jesse should assist getting a better balance in the NBA if he is going after MLB, just to show true equality.
By mike
May 8, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
This is a great example of how the Rainbow push coalition doesn’t have a goal of true equality for all people, but a goal of advancing African-Americans, even if there is no logic behind the argument. This is also a great example of why nobody likes Jesse Jackson. Do you see Hispanics or White people arguing that there aren’t enough Hispanics or Whites in the NBA? Of course not. Sports is truly the only piece of America left where the most talented person wins the position. Are we going to lower our standards for baseball by demanding that MLB teams play more African-Americans to appease the silly demands of the Rainbow push coalition? Latin American players have proven over the last 10 years that they are better baseball players in the MLB than are African-Americans. For that reason, it is not surprising that more teams now recruit Latin American players instead of African-American players. Jesse, you are only embarrasing the African-American community by suggesting that affirmative-action style measures be taken in sports because somehow African-Americans can’t compete in major league baseball.
By Richard
May 8, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
With people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton fronting the black community no wonder everyone turns a deaf hear to your problems. If blacks don’t care to play baseball and enjoy other sports and dominate the those ranks, so be it. You don’t hear whites bitchin’ about the NBA.
By DAVE
May 8, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Not worthy of taking about. Jesse kiss my grits!
By Merit, not color
May 8, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this
When are black people going to realize that they are keeping themselves down with their continuous insistance on special treatment? If you want to be in the ‘big leagues’ in life, work to get there and stop asking to be accomodated. This kind of thinking just perpetuates the myth that they aren’t good enough to earn their place in society, so the rest of us have to give them special consideration. It’s not true - the rest of us already know it. When are black people going to learn this about themselves?
By Russ Shepley
May 8, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
….and people wonder why Jessie Jackson gets no respect.
What a ridiculous article. The Braves have more then one player of African desent like Andruw Jones and Rafeal Soriano.
Don’t even bring up affirmitive action anymore this is 2007 already. Lets all move on past the race card.
By johnny
May 8, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Are the Braves supposed to recruit players that don’t exist. African American’s just don’t play baseball growing in the numbers that other races do. I played baseball growing up from age 7 to age 18. Never once did I have an African American teammate. Rarely did I ever compete against one. Was it the league’s fault? Absolutely not. We as a society need desperately to lose this mantality of blaming everything we perceive wrong on those who prosper. It’s not a big deal, just the plain hard truth. Caucasians are a rarity in basketball and football, but you don’t see white activists lobbying gm’s for them to recruit more mediocre white guys out of high school and college.
By All About Jesse
May 8, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
I think we’ve all figured out by now that Jesse Jackson’s full-time employment is keeping his face in the newspapers, no matter what he has to say to get there. I guess it beats working 9 to 5 like the rest of us. I’m just not clear how you get a paycheck out of shooting off your mouth and keeping your foot on the neck of your own people.
By QC
May 8, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
It does’nt matter what color the Braves team is, as long as they go all the way….geesh! i can’t believe people are still trying to make color an issue when it comes to atheletes…have a nice day all!!!!
By JR
May 8, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
It is always something…this is the same guy who was all over the Duke La-X players when the allegations of rape came out, but has yet to issue an apology.
How many white players are on the Hawks or the Falcons? Why are they not upset about hockey? I guess that it is OK to have one white sport in their eyes.
Give me a break! Jesse’s 15 minutes were up back in the 80’s, the man has no credibility and needs to fade away.
By JR
May 8, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
It is always something…this is the same guy who was all over the Duke La-X players when the allegations of rape came out, but has yet to issue an apology.
How many white players are on the Hawks or the Falcons? Why are they not upset about hockey? I guess that it is OK to have one white sport in their eyes.
Give me a break! Jesse’s 15 minutes were up back in the 80’s, the man has no credibility and needs to fade away.
By wes
May 8, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
Okay seriously, is this a joke?
By Ed
May 8, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
When will Jesse be meeting with NBA league offcials to make sure more white men play pro basketball? It must bother Jackson to see an NBA game and not see many white men represented on the court, afterall he is all about fairness, right? Just when you think things can’t get any more out of whack and stupid, you have to read garbage like this. Anything with Jesse Jacksons name attached to it smells like something in my backyard that needs to be poop scooped.
By theboogins
May 8, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
Hey Jesse, I guess one of your illegitmate children didn’t get drafted eh?
By mike
May 8, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Why doesn’t the Rainbow Push coalition hire more White people? I’m gonna sue! Jesse Jackson is a f*cking idiot.
By Bob G
May 8, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
The declining number of African-American players in the majors is not a mystery. The sport is no longer appealing to young black men for a variety of reasons. It’s not because you need green-space and money to play the sport. If green-space and money were to blame then there would also be a decline in football for the same reason. It’s not because scouts are afraid to look at prospects in “rough” parts of inner cities, because those “rough” neighborhoods don’t prevent them from checking out hot basketball prospects. Look at the underlying spirit, or meaning of the game and you will find one answer. Quite frankly, baseball no longer gets the best all-around atheletes as it once did. Kids who are 2 or 3 sport stars just don’t look at baseball as being their number 1 choice anymore, be they black or white.
By Murphy Fan
May 8, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Where are all the African American hockey players? Or the white basketball players? Or the white boxers?
JJ can’t be serious.
By swifty
May 8, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Leave the poor Braves alone! Want to talk about level playing fields? Take a look at your average NBA, NFL, or college football team.
I don’t see any groups crying about the large disparity over how African Americans represent an overwhelming majority in the above leagues. Oh, but wait, blacks are just better than everyone else in football and basketball, and, therefore, there is no argument. To a degree, I agree, (wow, I’m starting to sound like Jesse Jackson with that little rhyme). But when we have more whites than blacks in baseball, to suggest possible racism is really sad in my opinion.
I wish the Rainbow Warriors and the NAACP would focus on other problems within the African-American population. For instance, did you know that in my hometown here in Georgia that African-Americans are shunned by their black peers for doing well in school? But with leadership coming from rap artists, athletes with tattoos, and, of course, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, what can you expect?
By aldga20003
May 8, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
That race pimp is at it again. Take his “issue” for what it’s worth. Nothing!
By frederic
May 8, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Who really cares if brothers don’t want to play baseball. There are not any roadblocks thrown up to stop anyone from playing a silly game and getting paid millions to do it. Maybe we should worry about why are there not more brothers in college and why won’t they leave the street corners.
By Jim Puckett
May 8, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Jessie Jackson - need I say more. I am sure if the Braves would pay Jessie some money like other companies have the slogan master would go away. Jessie is for whatever will make Jessie some money.
By Kevin
May 8, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Merit not color hit the nail on the head. Dr. Cosby has also made this point several times. One other point to consider. Jesse Jackson only pulls these stunts because he gets media coverage. No media coverage, no funding. No funding, no Jesse.
By JohninJax
May 8, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Why do we have to keep this topic stirred up all the time? Good Grief…give it a rest! IT’S SIMPLE…if they are good enough to play in the Major Leagues then they will play. Who cares if they are black or white or green! This racial crap is getting ridiculous! Don’t these folk have something better to do with their time than to keep things stirred up?
By Bubbabaseball
May 8, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Awe D^mN!!!!!!!! D^mn!!!! I am Black and D^mn!!!! Most black athletes go out for football and basketball…. This is crazy Jessie Jackson..Andrew Jones is of African descent but awe flip!!!! He don’t count in yo quota…. Have mercy!!! Jessie, they look for the best talent available, now if you spend your money building ball fields and rec centers maybe we will get another Hank Aaron or Jackie Robinson. What about all the Latin ball-players, don’t they count? Awe flip!!!!!!
By Kathleen
May 8, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Only 1 historic black college has enough black players to field a baseball team. Prairie View A & M. Every other historic black college has more white players than black. Maybe Jesse is looking in the wrong place for black players.
By Jim
May 8, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson needs to read Dave Winfield’s book before he opens his mouth any further on this issue. If he is so worried about this he needs to realize the facts before pointing the finger as he usually does. Hey Jesee why don’t you go visit a predominantly black high school in Atlanta and take a look at their baseball field if they even have one. This attention loving biggot looks for anything he can associate with his interpretation of racism. Jackson is a lame excuse for a “leader.” I’d love to see him actually do something to address his so called racial situation rather than sitting their and criticizing something he knows nothing about. Kudos Jesse on another stand-up job. You have managed to stay a consisten prick for quite some time.
By Ann
May 8, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Just shut up! I’m so tired of this crap.
By shirley
May 8, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame “color” always has to be added to “win” or “lose”…. It gets very tiring and takes away the spirit and fun of everything. Let’s talk about who runs Atlanta… See any white faces? It’s time to get off the ‘Color” issue and get on with the persons that are best qualified and best sporttman etc etc etc….Get a grip !!!!!!
By steve
May 8, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
What in the hell is wrong with these people? Jesse Jacckson is nothing but a frickin’ race hustling pimp. He needs to shut his big mouth and do something positive for a change. If he wants to help “his people” then he needs to work on the things Bill Cosby has been advocating for years…personal responsibility, commitment to family, working hard, studying hard, knock the chip off the shoulder, get rid of the “woe is me” attitude, realize that life owes you nothing, become a man and a good role model for youths of all colors, creeds, and nationalities. And by the way, teach Al Sharpton a thing or two also by being a leader and not a whiner.
By Jim
May 8, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson needs to read Dave Winfield’s book before he opens his mouth any further on this issue. If he is so worried about this he needs to realize the facts before pointing the finger as he usually does. Hey Jesee why don’t you go visit a predominantly black high school in Atlanta and take a look at their baseball field if they even have one. This attention loving biggot looks for anything he can associate with his interpretation of racism. Jackson is a lame excuse for a “leader.” I’d love to see him actually do something to address his so called racial situation rather than sitting their and criticizing something he knows nothing about. Kudos Jesse on another stand-up job. You have managed to stay a consistent prick for quite some time now.
By Jeff in Roswell
May 8, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Did Terrance Moore pen this garbage?
By Ann
May 8, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Just shut up! I’m so tired of this crap.
By JOE
May 8, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Get over it!!!
I think basketball is not white enough if baseball is not black enough. When it comes to rapping about violence the excuse to do this is because it is a product of the culture they were raised. Last time I checked black America was into basketball and white America was more into baseball. Why is this even an issue? Racism is carried on by the very people that continue to bring it up.
By MP
May 8, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
I seems to me whites and blacks both are being overtaken on rosters by very good players from the Dominican Rep., Venezuela, Meximo, Colombia and even Cuba and other related countries. Andruw, Edgar, Oscar, and others are from those countries. First Jesse wants an equal playing field and get one with players coming from all over the world and when it don’t work out for them they change there tune.
What a crock..
By steve
May 8, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
What in the hell is wrong with these people? Jesse Jacckson is nothing but a frickin’ race hustling pimp. He needs to shut his big mouth and do something positive for a change. If he wants to help “his people” then he needs to work on the things Bill Cosby has been advocating for years…personal responsibility, commitment to family, working hard, studying hard, knock the chip off the shoulder, get rid of the “woe is me” attitude, realize that life owes you nothing, become a man and a good role model for youths of all colors, creeds, and nationalities. And by the way, teach Al Sharpton a thing or two also by being a leader and not a whiner.
By CBL
May 8, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Screw baseball, Jesse, why don’t you go after hockey teams! Where the brothers at, man?
I’m actually looking forward to a large campaign waged against MLB just to see the heart and soul of this country rise up against this disgusting congregation of poor slobs who make it a career to denigrate minorities and extract money for themselves.
By Jon
May 8, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
This is pathatic. Jesse Jackson has to keep whining and keep crying raciasm so he will have a job and make his millions. He really doesn’t want racism to go away because he would be out of a job! Put the best players on the field - I don’t care if there black, white, or green!
By steve
May 8, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
What in the hell is wrong with these people? Jesse Jacckson is nothing but a frickin’ race hustling pimp. He needs to shut his big mouth and do something positive for a change. If he wants to help “his people” then he needs to work on the things Bill Cosby has been advocating for years…personal responsibility, commitment to family, working hard, studying hard, knock the chip off the shoulder, get rid of the “woe is me” attitude, realize that life owes you nothing, become a man and a good role model for youths of all colors, creeds, and nationalities. And by the way, teach Al Sharpton a thing or two also by being a leader and not a whiner.
By Jon
May 8, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
This is pathetic. Jesse Jackson has to keep whining and keep crying racism so he will have a job and make his millions. He really doesn’t want racism to go away because he would be out of a job! Put the best players on the field - I don’t care if there black, white, or green!
By Apaul404
May 8, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
I’ve been hearing about this for a long time. I’m a black man but I have to agree with John Schuerholz on this one. Our kids these days just are not interested in the sport. Maybe if they were exposed to it more it would be different but you can play basketball alone, play catch with a football with two people. Can’t really say that about baseball. Even at historical black colleges they have to recruit white and Hispanic players to have a team. Think about all the young brothers who could go to school on a free ride if they had been given a baseball and not a football or basketball as a child. Let’s not forget the 95 team had Ron Gant, David Justice, Terry Pendleton, Otis Nixon, Fred McGriff, Mike Devereaux, Marquis Grissom, Dwight Smith, and Mike Kelly. Teams get the best players available that they can afford so they can win. Bottom line, because winning equals money. So no the Braves are not racists. They are realists.
By Mom
May 8, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
What about us Asians?? Jesse don’t forget us!!! C’mon really…the race card is getting old. Get over it - you don’t see the NBA saying - where’s the white people?…..
By falconch3
May 8, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
puuleeeeeze
By Mr. T
May 8, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
All something like this does is fuel resentment among that group of white people who already think black folks just want a handout. But let’s be clear: Jesse Jackson and Rainbow PUSH have a single agenda - to ensure that black people are never discounted or marginalized and always have the same chance to succeed as everyone else. I’d say that’s a worthwhile cause even if they occasionally go after the wrong target.
In this case, Jackson’s group can’t allege any wrongdoing, they can’t point to a systematic refusal by the Brave or Astros or any other team to evaluate and pursue black talent. Because it’s simply not there. So now they look exactly like a certain group of white folks see them anyway - asking for an opportunity to be given to them, not earned.
Way to go Mr. Jackson. You misfired on this one.
By Joe
May 8, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
The race hustlers are at it again. Blacks just simply are not that good at baseball except for a few. If they want to Hustle their BS do it with the NBA.
By Mac
May 8, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding me, Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton better wake up and smell the coffee. They need to be concerned about how to keep the kids in school and getting an education and not worring about the braves. Also I keep hearing The
Rainbow push coalition, I don’t hear of them ever pushing anything exepct how da white man is trying to keep a brother down.
By Andy
May 8, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
As if this politically correct world wasn’t crazy enough – we have Jesse Jackson’s equal rights team asking why there aren’t more blacks playing Major League baseball?! Doesn’t he realize that if a player – any player – was good enough to contribute to the success of a team – that he/she would be on the field in a heartbeat! A person could be purple and 3’2” tall and be playing if it could help a team win! Baseball is a business and business is good when you are winning. This is so ridiculous – think about it. Why isn’t there a NAAWP (white people) out there campaigning for more whites in basketball? – why? – because it would be laughable – just as the Reverend Jesse Jackson is laughable. So now ‘lesser talent’ should be fielded in MLB to achieve more racial diversity. Doesn’t that smack of Affirmative Action and help highlight why Affirmative Action is wrong?
By jason
May 8, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Oh here we go…typical Bruce Devder
By BITE IT
May 8, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
KISS MY A$$!!!!!! THIS IS BULLSH$T!!!!! MINORITIES ARE ALL OVER THE BRAVES! THEY JUST AREN”T THE “RIGHT” MINORITY!!!! THIS IS WHY I NO LONGER GIVE A CRAP ABOUT “CIVIL RIGHTS” (which is just a tag line for black preferential treatment).
By RCH
May 8, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
What is so funny is that John Shurholtz tales this serious, which gives this a sense of legitamacy.If I were J.J. I would pull this crap all the time. Now let the minority war begin. Black vs. Latino.
By Ron Mexico
May 8, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
No African-Americans on the Braves? What about Andruw Jones? Edgar Rentaria? More corporate blackmail ahead courtest of the Rainbow Coalition. Liberty are you listening?
By Tom S
May 8, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
“The Big Lie” is there is some type of conspiracy to keep Blacks out of Baseball. Teams will turn over rocks all over the world looking for talent regardless of race. The real issue is that baseball with all it’s intricacies requires the guidance of a father to steer a son along to greatness. Survey the major leagues as far back as you like and you will find the majority of players, regardless of race have their fathers in the stands as they have been throughout their entire lives. Who does Chipper look to for help with his swing? With no fathers in the stands, or anywhere else as a child grows, there will be fewer players on the field.That is the “Big Truth”, always will be, in baseball and life in general. If African-Americans really want to find the answer they first must ask the right question. Why are so many of their children growing up without a father?
By dd
May 8, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Can someone tell me how the meeting with the Hawks and the NBA went regarding the lack of white players? What did PUSH have to say after the meeting ended? I missed it somehow.
By kimmer
May 8, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
The saddest thing about this story is that some editor thought it newsworthy. Sports is all about winning and you go after the players that possess the skills to help you do that no matter who they are. The reality is that almost every profession is like that also. This just underscores why quotas are not good.
I have a question for the Rev. Jackson. Why aren’t you all in the NFL and NBA’s shorts because they don’t have enough non-black players? (chirp, chirp)
By Martin
May 8, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Jesse, Al Sharpton et. al. have to keep things stirred up or no one pays attention to them. Has Jesse ever had a “regular” job or has he always been a “hustler”? He does not go anywhere or do anything unless it involves $$$$. He will not show up anywhere unless someone else has paid his expenses. The Braves are a business and the bottom line is you hire those who can help you accomplish the task regardless of their skin color, religion etc.
By Kenny the Slimmer Guy
May 8, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
You have got to be friggin’ kidding me.
By Brent
May 8, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson does this for the money people. One time an African-American farmer was losing his land and Jesse would not support him b/c he didn’t have the money to pay him for his services/voice. The cause was actually legit, but where was Jesse? You see Jesse supports one color, and that one color is green.
Go Braves!
By Charles Koontz
May 8, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
I agree, you go where the talent is bottom line. If everyone would “Stop” trying to make recial issues out of everything this world just might be a better place. Well, I guess Rainbow-Push will be complaining when we all meet rapure and say because one race got more people in than another that God is choosing.Rainbow-Push just needs to let it go and except the fact that sports is sports and owners are out trying to get the best players and not out there trying to meet the expectations of the peoples choose weather it be by color or any other means.
By Lonnie
May 8, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
I suppose they will target Hockey next, this is so stupid!! People are dying around us, and Jesse Jackson who is supposed to be a “Reverand” is worried about race on a baseball team?
By whitey
May 8, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
What about all the blacks in basketball? You do not see white people fusing over that. jesse jackson (he doesn’t deserve capital j’s) is the reason there is racism. He needs to be tending to all his kids that he has had out of wed lock and stop with the race card.
By Apaul404
May 8, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
It also upsets me that Jesse Jackson is wasting time on this non issue when we have all these children born out of wedlock. He needs to be worried about helping our young men become respectable men.
By Larry Elkins
May 8, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
If we need to add more Blacks in National Baseball then we need to add more Whites to the NBA. Thats fair.
By VaBravesfan
May 8, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
What a freaking joke. If you give someone a job only because he is black, isn’t that discrimation also? I am sure Rafael Soriano is a good kid, but my gosh, he couldn’t be any blacker.
By Scott
May 8, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
You’ve absolutely got to be kidding me. With everything that is going on in the world the best thing that Jesse Jackson can come up with is racial parity in MLB??? Why don’t we get him & Al Sharpton with their persuasiveness & persistency to hunt down Osama & end the war in IRAQ, lower gas prices for all Americans, and find a cure for cancer! Give me a break!
By Dat Boy
May 8, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
People should have realized 20 to 25 years ago that Jesse Jackson is a media attention grabber. This latest effort has given the Rainbow Push Coalition no credibility whatsoever. The R/P coalition shows up when they feel someone has been injusticed and only on cases that receive national attention. If they want credibility, then they need to be pro-active to improve the situations of African American communities and the social ills that exist. Crime, youth not educating themselves and disrespecting themselves, lack of black investment into the urban community. Things like that. African Americans declaring racial injustice for every single incident or (acting before thinking) is really taking away from the credibility of civil rights. The Duke case is another example. Anybody could look at that situation and tell that it was false. This is reidiculous. When I heard about this, I really thought to myself how stupid can you be?
I am a black man. If I happen to be beat across the head by a redneck, racist, or uncle tom police offer for no reason; if I get fired or denied promotion because of the color of my skin; if I am discrimitated in any type of way and it recieves media attention, I hope that Jesse Jackson will stay away so that there will be credibility with my case and that it would be taken seroiusly.
By cc
May 8, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
For those who are tired of talking about race…TOO BAD!! Pretending that racial prejudice and discrimination do not exist in our society is nothing less than an insult to the intellegence of all races. That said, I do believe that Jesse Jackson is somewhat off base on this issue. About 25-30 years ago, I can remember the time when baseball - or some form of the sport - was just as popular in my neighborhood as basketball or football. It would be nothing for us to strike up a game at the playground, in the street, or in a neighbor’s yard. Those days are long since gone. There is just a general lack of interest in my old neighborhood, and I suspect that other areas have gone through similar changes. I certainly would not hold MLB responsible for the genreal lack of interest in the Black communities. However, reaching out to these communites in order to re-kindle the interest could only be a benefit to their bottom line.
By OMG. JJ needs to get a life
May 8, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
When will Jesse Jackson realize that the real underlying problem to all this, is that there were no African-Americans in 80’s hair bands, and that he needs to concentrate his time on inventing time travel to go back and try and fix it?
What a freaking idiot!
By Daniel Ross
May 8, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
I just can’t believe it, why does it seems to come down to black or white? It should be can you play ball and what is it going to cost to have you play ball. It is a business and the color is GREEN & the Braves know it. So what is next? Do the Hawk’s and Falcon’s need to hire more European-Americans? Get a life!
By Overit
May 8, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
I over all of this. There are fewer whites in the NBA?? Who cares? Drop it and lets get along with life.
By jason
May 8, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
I’m so sick of civil rights activists focusing on stupid things…go back to things that really matter for our African American community. I’ve been a long fan for the Atlanta Braves and have not seen a shortage of our race in their club house!! I’m so sick of Jesse, Al and other similar African American leaders ruining the image for our race!!
By Ericthagreat
May 8, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
FYI…..Many blacks do not agree with nor support Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton!!!!!
By Unbelievable
May 8, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Actually, not unbelievable at all…this was very predictable. Affirmative Action has now found a new home in pro sports. You have to know how to pick your battles…why don’t you go after a white shock jock instead?
By Red
May 8, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
And while at it get the Falcons and Hawks recruit more whites.
By Sheila
May 8, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Good morning, I am an educated, young black female and I am tired of everyone making everything a racial issue. The Atlanta Braves should recruit based on talent, NOT color. If Jesse Jackson wants blacks in baseball, he should create a negro league and recruit all blacks. I support the Atlanta Braves and their hiring tactics.
By Jason
May 8, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
This is pretty ridiculous. A major league team is going after the best players regardless. The number of white players has also decreased dramatically in the past ten years. The influx of Latin-American players has caused both of these events to take place. The fact is the PUSH coalition becomes more and more of a joke everyday.
By gg
May 8, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
This stuff just gets old. Why are they not concerned about minorities in other areas. Sports are about talent! Not race, color, etc. If I was supporting my home team I certainly wouldn’t demand a short player on a basketball team, or a skinny guy on the football team. Get real, we all would be pretty upset if the main criteria the Braves used was what color was a player’s skin. Give me a break! Let’s hope the AJC was just looking for a controversial headline and not that they agree with JJ’s group.
By jim yates
May 8, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
LOOK AT THE CUBS THEY HAVE ONE WHITE THE CATCHER.
By bubbabaseball
May 8, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Joe you are a fool. There are very good black baseball players, but if you follow the statistics, few overall players make it to the big_leagues. With the few number of African americans pursuing baseball, the actual percentage of American baseball players are about correct. Look at the Latin players of African descent. The only that seperate us is language. The same physical ability is there, but the Latin players desire to play baseball that other sports. Race has nothing to do with baseball or any other sport. If you have the mental and physical ability. Jessie Jackson is not the offical spokesman for Black or any american, and when this country realizes this we can start discussing rational solutions to all of our problems since we live on the same planet.
By Scott
May 8, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Okay, enough is enough with the reverse discrimination. I have just about had enough with quotas. Are we trying to field the best team or the most colorful team?
By steve
May 8, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
One African American…LF WIllie Harris. What does that make Andrew, Edgar and Rafael. Are they caucasian all of a sudden? Good Grief… here we go again.
By B
May 8, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of.
By Paul Hamilton
May 8, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
I guess the NBA is next, I mean what’s the numbers on their league? 90% Black. Guess we need to open up some spots for other races. We could also make all sports equal for women and just mix them all together.
By Joe
May 8, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Rainbow push would be better served to “Push” getting people off welfare, fewer teenage pregnencies, more un-married fathers stepping up, fewer single parents, never been married, multiple kids for my tax $$ to feed, that’s the way “we fubu” do things, mind set.
By Apaul404
May 8, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Also just to clear up some confusion for the bloggers today, when they say black they mean African American. Rafael Soriano is from the Dominican Republic, Edgar Rentaria is from Colombia and Andrew Jones is from Curacao. None of them are Black.
By chanceman
May 8, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Hey Jesse,
I don’t think that the NBA is doing enough recruiting of white players. Why don’t you go talk about that to them? Isn’t civil rights for all Americans? Of course, the answer in you view is “no”. This is a joke. In this era people put the best players out there in whatever sport. The better the team, the more money they make. I just don’t think that this is an issue in sports anymore.
By RCH
May 8, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
So J.J., your saying that if Barry Bonds offered to play for the Atlanta Braves for free they wouldn’t take him because he is black. What world do you live in?
By Mike McLeod
May 8, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
I would like to take this opportunity to announce the formation of the “White Men CAN Jump” Coalition.
We will be approaching Mr. David Stern and the NBA and asking why the NBA is so black. Where are the whites? We demand an immediate solution.
By N_ur_face
May 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Yep the 2007 GA crackers
By Boots
May 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson is trying to extort money from Major League Baseball to fund an effort to get more African American kids interested in baseball.
It’s all about the money. And, there is none better than Jesse when it comes to squeezing money out of corporations.
Intimating.
Threatening them with boycotts.
He should wear a mask.
By AJ
May 8, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
GIVE ME A BREAK!!! DOES JESSIE JACKSON NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO???? HE IS A JOKE AND ONLY WANTS TO GET THINGS STIRRED UP!! THIS REALLY DOESN’T DESERVE PRINT TIME!!!
By Jim
May 8, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
I think their untimate goal is to dumb down baseball just as it has happened to the NBA. Look at the way basketball is played now. Running and dunking is it. The basic fundamentals have been lost. Teams at one time scored 120 points a game in regulation. Now if you score 90 you’re doing good.
By Tootsie
May 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I agree with Sheila —- create a negro league if you want a team of blacks.
By Jim Tavegia
May 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
What is amazing to me is why black leadership, if there really is any, is not more concerned why THEIR professional athletes can’t behave off the field. Why are their Hope Scholarship graduation rates so low? If they really undrstood the dynamic taking place it is this…pay attention!: Sandlot baseball is all but gone from the american landscape. It is now replace by asphalt basketball courts (blacks dominate the ranks of the NBA and college, where they also leave early for the money rather than graduate after playing for FREE!). The feeder system for baseball these days is free-agency and college baseball through the minor leagues. If blacks do not want to play the game and work to excell at it, do we just need to put them on the roster to fill a quota system to satisfy Jackson? Go fly a kite! I am so sick of the race card being played.
By Greg
May 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I think in the interest of race relations and harmony the Florida Marlins should give us Dontrelle Willis and well give them a white player.
Pete Orr is AWFULLY white.
Make it happen, oh guardians of racial justice!
By Steve Nestor
May 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Affirmative action is dead or dying everywhere, including MLB; just ask the Supreme Court.
By Joe
May 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
RAINBOW/PUSH should be going after the NHL, not MLB. This is CRAZY!!!! Equality is putting the best 26 players you can draft and sign on the team regardless of race. Should sons of the confederacy set up a meeting with Billy KNight to try and get more white players on the Hawks? In all sports scouts and GM are going all over the world to Asia, Africa, South America, Europe and Australia to find the best players period. Race is not an issue. THe ability to play the game at a world class level is what counts.
By Noneya
May 8, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
This is crazy. While MLB could do more to expose their game it is really not their fault who decides to play. I believe there is a lack of Black players out there sticking with it long enough to make the Major Leagues. This is not just a Braves issues. The % of Black players is down across the board. Over the past 15 years or so the Braves have had plenty of Black players. If they are not out there, they are just not out there. There are more important causes than this one.
By Matt
May 8, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
Sooooooooo… now MLB is being asked to fill a quota of black players? I love how white people are the racists yet it’s Jesse Jackson screaming “foul” at things like not having enough black players on MLB teams. How is MLB or anyone else obligated to have a certain % of black people working for them. What happened to earning things? Affirmative action refers to concrete steps that are taken both to increase the representation of “underrepresented” and arguably underprivileged minorities and to redress the effects of past discrimination. So basically minorities should be given prefferential treatment because the generation of our grandfathers didn’t know any better? Wow!! What a great way to bring everybody together and to have everyone viewed as equals. Making a bunch of people who werent’ even alive (if they were they certainly weren’t old enough to have a say) at that time to give handouts to a bunch of people who also weren’t alive at that time. BRILLIANT!!! Watch out NHL, you’re next!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By stovey5k
May 8, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
If the Braves are too white then the Hawks are without a doubt too black. I am sick of the double standards. You consistintly have people harping on not enough black players in MLB but you never hear about the utter lack of white and hispanic players in the NBA. I think if you are going to call one then you damn sure better call the other. You know what else bothers me is that there are tons of black players in baseball but they are from hispanic nations. So the message that is getting sent out is oh your not good enough to be considered black Edgar, Andruw, Rafael, etc… It is a joke. The biggest racist in this country are those that propagate this sort of double standard. Time to grow past the race card.
By aeiger from Atlanta GA.
May 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
I just want to know the percentage of white players in the NBA.
By Matt
May 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Exactly how many NBA teams have no white players on their rosters? And we can’t count white European players since Joe Morgan and Jesse Jackson don’t want to count Latin players of African descent like Andruw, Soriano, etc. If you look at it that way, the Hawks have 0 Anglo-American players on their team, a sure case of discrimination right? Where’s Jesse and Al when you need them? -
By MajorMike8
May 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
The real question is: How much will the Braves organization have to pay the “Reverend” before he quites down? Jesse may be one of the nations leading racists but he’s an extortionist first & foremost. Hopefully the Braves will tell the esteemed “Reverend” to “take a hike” & continue to base their hiring practices on talent and motivation.
By Iceman
May 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
My god, why do these people live to find racism where it doesn’t exist? Lord help em.
By aeiger from Atlanta GA.
May 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
I just want to know the percentage of white players in the NBA.
By AJ
May 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
THE R/P SHOULD SHUT UP AND GO HOME, THEY DON’T NEED TO BE GOING AFTER ANY TEAM!!! NHL, NBA, BFL, MLB NOTHING!! JESSE JACKSON NEEDS TO GET A REAL JOB AND QUIT STIRRING THINGS UP!!
By sathefari
May 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Yeah this make sense and how about the whole of NBA is too “black”. Give me a break. Who the freak cares about what color your players are. Oh yeah, Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow push cares, guess they have nothing better to do.
The day when affirmative action determines what players you have on your team and not skill is the day when baseball becomes a joke.
By jm
May 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
give me a break. i don’t see anyone pushing for more whites in the NBA!
By codygarcia
May 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
rosa parks gave up her seat for this? you all should be ashamed.
By Jeff
May 8, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Give me a break!
By Lynn Green
May 8, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
I am African American. I went to the game last evening and I had a great time. I did not look at what color they were when they were at bat! Come on, YES there is much racism going on -no one can deny that - people will always be people and to be perfectly honest - each culture thinks that they are better than the next. To me, it is not about that. The famous quote - “Can’t we all just get along”.
By stovey5k
May 8, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
If the Braves are too white then the Hawks are without a doubt too black. I am sick of the double standards. You consistintly have people harping on not enough black players in MLB but you never hear about the utter lack of white and hispanic players in the NBA. I think if you are going to call one then you damn sure better call the other. You know what else bothers me is that there are tons of black players in baseball but they are from hispanic nations. So the message that is getting sent out is oh your not good enough to be considered black Edgar, Andruw, Rafael, etc… It is a joke. The biggest racist in this country are those that propagate this sort of double standard. Time to grow past the race card.
By So over this . . . . .
May 8, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
This article, as well as efforts by the Rainbow Push Coalition, is ridiculous. This is a publicity stunt at best and hypocrisy at worse. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, etc. are not the spokespersons for the African-American community. Please do not generalize all African-Americans because we are not monolithic.
By Crystal
May 8, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Why doesn’t the Rainbow coalition go to the welfare and unemployment offices and help PUSH his people into programs (he develops with his donated/racketeering money) to give them skills to go and get a job or tutors to help them stay in school? What, he only cares about getting people jobs that pay millions of dollars?
By Extra Smooth
May 8, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Damn, Jesse Jackson can make some white people mad as hell.
By rainbow push blows
May 8, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Someone should tell rainbow push that it should be proportional. If blacks make up 20% of the population then it should be proportional to that in all things. If that’s the case then about 75% of the NFL would lose their jobs.
Of course the morons at rainbow push wouldn’t like that.
Or if we were to tell them that there aren’t enough whites in the NBA and that all teams need to have a correct proportion of whites/blacks as there is in the general population I bet they wouldnt like that.
Or, even better, tell them that there aren’t enough latinos in the NBA and that about 40 - 60 black players should give up their jobs in place of them. I mean after all, it is about equality right? That’s what they are “supposedly” fighting for right? Or are they fighting to intimidate and then fund their coffers for another failed presidential run? I think it is the latter.
rainbow push is pathetic!! I won’t even capitalize their first letters. It is because of their actions that they make people like me form bigoted opinions of them; opinins so filled with vile thoughts that I can’t even write them because they woulnd’t be published here.
rainbow push needs to go away.
By Michael
May 8, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Maybe there would be more black athletes involved in professional base ball if Jessie Jackson worked harder and spent his money to provide baseball facilities, equipment, training etc. for black children as well as keeping them if school and helping them from killing their athletes ie. (student-athlete at Washington HS Atlanta, GA).
By Extra Smooth
May 8, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Damn, Jesse Jackson can make some white people mad as hell.
By wonder woman
May 8, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson is only trying to milk money from corporations so that he can feed that illegitimate b******* he had with the professor years ago. He’s trying to make those child support payments out of residual income so that his wife won’t leave him. I’m sick and tired of his stupid az.
By RLU
May 8, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
I didn’t read any of the comments but came straight to this——Bull S—-!!!!! Maybe all the good white players should just kill themselves. Did we not just swap a white left fielder for a black one?
I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF THE WHOLE RACE THING THAT I COULD SCREAM!!!!! It is time to stop!!!! IF A WHITE PLAYER IS RECRUITED OVER A BLACK ONE, IT DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN IT IS A RACE THING!!! LORD, I AM JUST BEYOND….I DON’T KNOW WHAT!!!
By stovey5k
May 8, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
If the Braves are too white then the Hawks are without a doubt too black. I am sick of the double standards. You consistintly have people harping on not enough black players in MLB but you never hear about the utter lack of white and hispanic players in the NBA. I think if you are going to call one then you damn sure better call the other. You know what else bothers me is that there are tons of black players in baseball but they are from hispanic nations. So the message that is getting sent out is oh your not good enough to be considered black Edgar, Andruw, Rafael, etc… It is a joke. The biggest racist in this country are those that propagate this sort of double standard. Time to grow past the race card.
By Juan Carlos
May 8, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
We need more Mexicans in Baseball not Blacks, The Mexican population is growing faster than the Black population and we will take over the political process from Blacks in the US very soon, their days of complaining about everything is falling on deaf ears, we don’t care, we get the job done so get use to it Jesse
By Jean
May 8, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
You,ve got to be kidding. I have a future Brave grandson who is white with freckles and red headed, already a star ball player at age 12. Will they protest his freckles and red hair when he gets to the big league?
By WTF is This??
May 8, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
It is a known fact that Black kids are turning away from baseball and to football and basketball!! I coach my three children in baseball and the number of participants noticeably decreases in the older age groups. If the pool of potential candidates is smaller, then it should be expected that less Blacks would be in the majors.
Man, I hope that the Rainbow/PUSH folks don’t look at the Thrashers’ roster…run, Don Waddell, run for your life!!
By Jim
May 8, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
If they are truly worried about diversity in MLB, they should also be pushing for more recruitment of white players in the NBA and NFL.
By For Real
May 8, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Joe You should do your research first before spouting off lies because there are more white people on welfare than black people. There are more white teenage pregnancies than black people. There are more un-married white fathers not stepping up than black un-married fathers. There are more white single parents than black single parents with multiple kids. And white people aren’t the only race in the USA that pays taxes.
By the way Joe why do you think that Jesse Jackson speak for all black people. Isn’t it kinda dumb to think that one man can speak for an entire race?
By Paul Hamilton
May 8, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Greg that was too funny.
What about Asian players, We don’t have a single Asian player on our team. Stop the presses, the Braves hate Blacks and Asians. I guess Terry Pendleton doesn’t count as a member of the team.
By elmo
May 8, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Rainbow what? Jesse who? Please, get a life.
By glenn
May 8, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
The race thing is getting out of hand. I believe black people are much more racist than whites. There would probably be more blacks in baseball if so many if them were not in prison.
By ugagirl79
May 8, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
So - is the white coalition meeting with the Hawks soon?
By MK
May 8, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
If civil rights groups ever spent any time observing the selection process for players from the minor leagues all the way through the majors, they would quickly see how crazy this issue is. The selection is based on only a few things: who can hit, who can run the bases and follow directions in the process, who can field, who can throw, who can pitch and who can play defense.
Like one of the previous postings said, historically black colleges have to recruit white and hispanic players to fill our rosters. For whatever reason, black kids in the states are not attracted to baseball. As we do know, black kids in the caribbean, south and central America are attracted to the game.
Civil rights groups need to work on the basics of life: education, ethics, family dynamics and social responsibility. That way, when the small minority of athletes who make the cut on the college and professional levels are confronted with issues of right and wrong, they will make the right choice. Because civil rights groups haven’t helped teach the basics of life, the NFL and NBA have had to take matters in hand and establish guidelines similar to those in a day care center.
Helping a society change one child at a time is hard work, but it would a legacy anyone would be proud to claim.
By John
May 8, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
Why aren’t the Hawks doing more to recruit caucasian-American players? Their 3 “white” guys are all from Europe. As a white American, I am so offended. Puh-leeze.
“Countered Beasley, ‘As I expected, [Schuerholz?s] idea is the bottom line: I’ll put the best 40 men I can get wherever I can get them from on the field,…’” Yeah, that’s his JOB!!! If this were college and a coach weren’t recruiting black players, or Hispanic, or whatever, then we may have an issue. But yes, JS’s job is the bottom line. If it wasn’t, then he would have been canned years ago.
This is an issue that has been covered by SI and Espn and the likes. The fact is, black athletes are not interested in baseball. They flock to basketball and football. If Jesse has a problem with that, then he needs to make an effort to inspire young blacks towards baseball.
Or how about this, maybe he should do a better job of inspiring these young men to stay in school… or not do drugs… or practice safe sex and keep the number of unwed pregnancies down. It’s about time that these race baiters start focusing on real problems.
By Greg
May 8, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Why is it only the minority groups are head counters? Do they petition hockey or Golf also? What about NASCAR? Just places they really want to be…. they see publicity opportunities. Do white groups petition the NBA, NFL, the BET awards, and other “minority” filled to majority groups? Its just mindless that they want equality, but that doesn’t include any group where they are the majority, or when it comes to “get the best man for the job”. If this country is ever going to be color bling, the “Minority groups” must teach color blindness, not perpetuate the reminder, until someone else is the minority. If whites became the national minority would they fight for that race to be “equal”? NO WAY! Well that is what I call racists!!
By Nocahoma
May 8, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Why didn’t Schuerholz tell the REV Jackson to go find another entity to extort and to push his rainbow somewhere else. It is absurd we pay so much attention to this bag of hot air.
By BG
May 8, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
What amazes me is that the Braves gave those folks an audience.
By Who Cares
May 8, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
I applaud the work of Mr. Jackson and I beg and plead for him not to stop here. Look at Figure Skating, go there next Jesse, it is awful how many white people take over the sport of Ice Skating and in reality, with their pale white faces, they blend into the ice and I can’t see them do their twirls and jumps, I have to take the word of the judges. If we had more blacks skaters, they’d stand out more in contrast! After Mr. Jackson levels the playing field with figure skating, DO NOT stop brave soldier, march on JJ, move on to the world of Ping Pong aka Table Tennis and push out those pesky Chineese with their multiple degress in Math and Science, they don’t need ping pong. I want more black faces in the game of ping pong!! Lst but not least, BOWLING should be next. We know Jesse always find scared white people to extort money from, but my question is where does he find dumb black people to follow him? All the blacks I know laugh at JJ and Al like the two big baffoons they really are; we all get a big laugh out of them and think…what’s next?
By treyinathens
May 8, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
You know, no one has mentioned that the percentage of white Americans in the majors has gone down drastically since the 70s?
Jesse, what are you going to do about that?
By Rob
May 8, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
As black man I have one thing to say:
WHO CARES!!!!!
These poverty pimps for civil rights are getting on my nerves. Let’s fight and boycott for something worth while not fricking BASEBALL. How about education, world hunger, the end to this stupid war, LOWER GAS PRICES!!! ANYTHING!!
Get over it!!!
By Joe Don Beaker
May 8, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
What a joke… Here’s a thought Jesse: Perhaps African Americans just aren’t that into baseball? Sure, some play, but it seems that most play football and basketball. In case nobody has noticed, MLB has become huge with the hispanic population… but does it really matter what the racial breakdown of a professional sport is?
How absurd. It’s ridiculous that John Sureholtz even met with this imbecil to discuss this - much less for two hours. Political correctness at it’s finest.
By Biscuit
May 8, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Our country is going to hell. BG they have to give these people an audience, because if they don’t they’ll be labeled “racist”. People like Sharpton etc. need to be shot down. Where are these guys on basketball. I think we need to do more to recruit white players.
By Boots
May 8, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Extra Smooth You are absolutely correct. Jesse Jackson can really set us off.
So, to sum the whole situation up: it’s nothing but HORSE HOCKEY and we should just move on.
Go Braves!
Adios.
By beaz
May 8, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
The Braves need to think about recruiting more African-American FANS. I go to probably 3-4 Braves games per month during the season, and it’s mostly white people. In contrast, Falcons games are a good representation of the race makeup of Atlanta and the games are packed. If the Braves could turn this around, then maybe they wouldn’t be drawing 20,000 people or less for weekday games and lower attendance numbers year after year.
By CHRIS
May 8, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
If a group held a meeting with the Atlanta Hawks owners saying there arent enough white players…They would be called rascist. The double standard is appalling
Jesse Jackson and these organizations will never help any race with pushing quotas. The best person for the job is who companies should hire… period.
By Jeremy
May 8, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
I am sick of there always having to be a quota for everything. The last person who needs to say anything about racism is racist Blacks like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Talk about hypocritical.
I am part American Indian and also Jewish. Yet, I am not out there bashing the Braves or anyone else cause they do not have enough Indians or Jewish people in their organization. I, as probably most Indians do, even support the use of Indian mascots.
Oh and let’s get into the crux of the whole issue on Blacks and slavery. I do not hear the Chinese or heirs of other ethnic descent, who were also slaves in America, bitching about the need for reparations and the need for social welfare programs, such as affirmative action.
Listen to Bill Cosby and others like him who are leading you to success instead of trying to “piggyback” on your ancestors who would be sick if they new what you were doing in their name and memory of the struggles they went through.
If we want to get away from racial conflict we need to stop playing favorites. Life is unfair, but you can adopt and succeed if you put all your personal worth into it and do not blame others. I have been wronged many times in my life for many reasons, but have kept on and feel successful now.
Hats off to the successful Blacks who have promoted themselves and have not listened to the groups or newspapers like the AJC who have tried to hold you down. My email is not for you. I am happy to have you as my neighbor, colleague, and friend.
By UNREAL
May 8, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Jesse, Get a real job. Seems all your good at is finding a way to make everyone thats not black seem racist. Dont see you hounding the NBA?? find something constructive to do please.
By Richard
May 8, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Why should the braves give racial bias? Shouldn’t they recruit players on ability? Not what color they are? That is true equality, not setting a target for a certain number of minority players.
By whatabout
May 8, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
In basketball blacks are disproportionately represented based on the latest census - should we have Pat Roberson campaign for changing the participation until caucasions are represented equally to their percent of the population? NO! A team fields the best players they are capable of getting based on their perceptions of talent. They have the right to field ANYONE they want. They could go hire all asian elementary students if they wanted. This is the problem with Jesse Jackson and his whole organization - they go out of their way to play the race card ANYWHERE they can. It rarely makes any sense whatsoever and he is a detriment to race relations.
By itsme
May 8, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Baseball is a business. The Braves need to get players who can help the team succeed. That’s all.
By Alane2o
May 8, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Why does everything have to be a race issue? We will never be able to function in a colorless society because of organizations like PUSH. Get over it! Now, how come PUSH does not ask the Hawks to recruit more Caucasion-Americans? Don’t stop there, what is the race mixture of the Thrasher?, Falcons?, Jackets?, Dawgs? City Council? Police departments? Fire departments? employees at the Georgia Dome? employees at Turner Field? employees at Stone Mountain? employees at Six Flags? employees at White Water? employees at Lake Lanier Islands? What about the race percentages at Towers High School? Greater Atlanta Christian Academy? North Gwinnett High School? Buford High School? Mercer University? Devry? Emory? The answer is “who really cares?”
By North Florida Fan
May 8, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Are the Falcons too black? How about the Hawks? Are Rainbow-PUSH going to push for more white players on those teams? Bunch of hypocrites who just like to stir the pot.
I don’t see white or black or latino players on the field, I see the Braves who I love to cheer on regardless of color!
By JC
May 8, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
I can tell you how Jesse gets his paycheck. He extorts big business. Have we all forgot about the $100M he swindled from Toyota. Do your research Jackson, the Braves are up for sale and Time Warner won’t give you a dime for what they call a “discontinued operation” in their SEC filing. You know those filings are public, don’t you? By the way…when was the last time Rainbow-PUSH were audited?
By rainbow pu-s**
May 8, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
SEND THE IRS AFTER RAINBOW PUSH. IT SHOULD NOT BE A NON-PROFIT WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY GET FROM CORPORATIONS. SEE HOW MUCH SALARY IS PAID TO THESE GUYS. HOW MUCH CHILD SUPPORT DOES HE PAY? DETAILS, DETAILS…. GIVE ME DETAILS.
By JEFF
May 8, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Idiots , Idiots, Idiots !!!! I am so tired of these racist b******* doing nothing but casue problems because they have nothing better to do ! Your boys Jesse and Al are worse than any leader of the Klu Klux Klan . Racist b******* with a chip on there shoulder. Own up for yourselves, Be a man, Get an Education and stop your friggin complaining. Life is not fair it what you make it , get a life.
By Chris
May 8, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Get over it!!! Tell Mr. Jackson (not a rev.) and Mr. Sharpton (again, not a rev.) to find someone else to intimidate. Race pimping is getting to the point where they wonder why it still exists in America… I wonder if they really ever look in the mirror.
By natalie
May 8, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Seriously, does it really matter? Look at the NBA or the NFL. I am sure there are more African Americans than whites in those sports. So whats next are they going to complain about Golf or Hockey?
By bravedawg
May 8, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
This is the most unbelievable waste of time for John Scheurholz or any GM. If they can play they can play. It is so irratating to open the paper every day and see people trying to provoke this stuff. I don’t care what race anyone is, if they can play ball than let’s make them a Brave!! I wish that for once we could just enjoy what the team is doing and quit getting all caught up in STUPID politics every day. For once let’s just root for the Braves and enjoy the game. Isn’t that the point.
By Jeff
May 8, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
For crying out loud, are you kidding me?? whats next, not enough hispanics playing or asians? People there are other more important issues at hand. Jesse Jackson…go play in traffic and do something useful w/ your life.
By IDONTCARE
May 8, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
JJ and Al are a WASTE of perfectly good O2.
By SICEM
May 8, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are the biggest racist in the public eye at this time. The sooner they are ignored the sooner racism will become a thing of the past. What’s next Jesse not enough dark meat chicken in a KFC bucket? LOL LOL LOL!
By LyonsJimmy
May 8, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
What about all of the NBA teams? Are they all too black???
By gtfan
May 8, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
And I guess the NBA is doing a perfect job at recruiting whites?
Freak’n stupdid.
By RLU
May 8, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Ok, I have calmed down a little. When is Jesse and Al going to realize that all they are doing is holding their race back. Concentrate on what would truly help their race to succeed and that is encouraging them to “overcome” all this discrimination and excel in spite of it. Giving something on the basis of skin color isn’t helping. Hard work and determination are what should count. Rev.Jesse, fight for getting drugs out of neighborhoods, yes all neighborhoods. Fight for encouraging young people of all races to choose living over dieing. To choose hard work over having something handed to them. That will truly help your race and the world.
By Bam Bam
May 8, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Why, oh why, does it always have to be about race? The baseball teams pick players based upon merit and ability. Doesn’t matter if the player is black, white, green, or orange. I’d want the best player, regardless.
By Larry
May 8, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Oh set it to music! I’m so sick of this kind of nonesense. The people who constantly say they want a color-blind society are themselves obsessed with color. Funny they don’t have the same issue with the Hawks.
By Adam
May 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
I am upset that there aren’t enough white players on the Hawks!! Get after them Jesse!!
By dick
May 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Jesse and Al probably have enought children out of wed lock to start their own team. People shouldn’t fuss at Jesse and Al, they should be fussing and boycotting the news media for giving this idiots coverage
By Lewis
May 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
The sad thing about this is that PUSH believes that there isn’t a lack of interest amongst African-Americans in playing baseball. I think most studies have proven that incorrect. Read Micheal Wilbon’s article in the Washington Post a few weeks (circa Robinson’s 60th anny) ago about the situation. Through a number of factors, African-Americans just aren’t playing baseball in high numbers.
The Braves shouldn’t be blamed for this phenomenon, but baseball should lead an effort to get more inner-city kids playing and loving the game of baseball (much like Golf has). The Jackie Robinsons, Frank RObinsons, Willie Mays, and Hank Aarons defined baseball as we know it, but you don’t see those coming up anymore. Let’s change that, but let’s also not blame baseball teams for finding the best talent available.
By keifferr
May 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
I think this is a load of garbage. If they want to watch black players then tell them to go watch the NBA, if this is such a big deal… You frickin go where the talent is…you idiots!! Where are all the whites in the NBA. If I was Schuerholz, I would have told them to stuff it. Blacks wonder why there is still racism in this country. Its because of groups like this that have nothing else to do, that have to stir this crap up and keep playing the race card when they don’t get their way.
Where are the coalitions for whites, why aren’t there more whites in the NBA and NFL, and why don’t whites have a Caucasion or Honky college fund. The HOPE goes to black, whites, mexicans, latinos, etc. There are far more important things in this frickin world to complain about than why the Braves don’t have enough blacks. There are blacks killing other blacks, whites killing whites, blacks killing whites and whites killing blacks, etc. We don’t need a war in Iraq, we have one right in our back yards. But yet we are worried about how many blacks are on the Braves. There are soldiers dying in Iraq, there are people starving in the streets, there are homeless people, there are kids being abused, the economy is a wreck, and the traffic in ATL sux. How about somebody worry about these issues and stop playing the race card. GOD made us all as one not two and three.
This life is too short to worry about why there aren’t enough blacks on the Braves.
By Johhny
May 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Jesse jackson is a joke and has no credibility as a leader of any kind. By the way, whatever happened to the lady in the Duke rape case he said his coalition was going to put thru college? Never heard another word from him on that.
By anotherdamnjack
May 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Tell Jesse and Al to PUSH it!!
By I Hate ALL Racists
May 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Shame on John Schuerholz and the Braves front office for giving ANY racist group the time of day and giving them free media exposure to use the Braves, an entity for EVERYONE, to push their own self-serving and racist agendas.
The Braves should’ve known better.
So, when is Rainbow/PUSH going to fight for the incredibly low numbers of “light-skinned” players in the NBA?
By Crystal
May 8, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Alane2o,
You forgot the post office. LOL.
By shibuii
May 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
I guess Andruw is just the wrong kind of black.
By JR
May 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
WTF?!
By Baseball fan
May 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
According to ESPN’s week long Robinson tribute, black players make up 6% of college baseball rosters. 6 PERCENT NOT MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM!!!!!
By Kris in Buckhead
May 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
This whole argument is so ridiculous and it’s getting old. Does Jesse Jackson actually think that JS would intentionally ingnore a promising young prospect because he is black? Atlanta is a majority minority city, and I have no doubt that JS realizes that if such a prospect were available he would be embraced in Atlanta much like Frenchy or McCann are today. A star caliber African American baseball player would generate greater interest in the Braves from the black community..which means selling more tickets, jerseys, hats, higher ratings on tv…etc.
Baseball is a business and correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t JS make an all out effort to get Barry Bonds after the 1992 season? As I recall the Braves had signed him, but the Pirates pulled the plug. JS wants to build a winning team and to fill the seats at Turner Field. I have no doubt he would take any number of veteran African American players to accomplish that objective, but the Braves are on a budget and they are looking for the best young talent they can find to build a winning team.
The fact that there is a declining number of African Americans in baseball is a little concerning because you want all the best athletes competing in the sport…that is just good business. I don’t think it is baseball’s fault and it definately isn’t racism on the part of the Braves.
There are a lot more pressing concerns facing the black community than the fact that the Braves have only one African American player. I think Jesse Jackson is taking this non-issue on simply because it will generate a lot of press for him and his organization. Who annointed Jesse Jackson as the official leader/spokesman for African Americans? I know the community for which he supposedly is representing has much greater issues that could use his support. Or maybe he only cares about himself…
By Nesbo
May 8, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
As a white American I’m still waiting on an apology from the “Head Rainbow” for his attack on the innocent white Duke lacrosse players!
By ann
May 8, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Would someone please stop Jesse Jackson before he does more damage!!!! I cannot believe he has the nerve to do this! How about he stops so many players from other countries from playing in the US!!!! On thats right - immagrants whether legal or illegal are ok to play here!!!! How many white people work for JJ?????
By JD Erickson
May 8, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Dave Justice, Terry Pendleton, Fred McGriff, Julio Franco, Andruw Jones….. Rainbow Push is running out of shakedown targets.
By anotherdamnjack
May 8, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
1st, Don Imus…now the Braves…… The outrage goes on!!!!
By GA Native
May 8, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Don’t worry about Atlanta Sports Franchises and the percentage of racial mixes. The Falcons and Hawks balance out the Braves if you don’t count the Thashers however, balance is once again maintained if you count the Georgia Force and the Silver Backs.
The principle qualification for anyone who plays in any professional sport is thier talent and ability not what color thier skin is. This is just another petty arguement to advance one racial group over another just like Afirmative Action, not the best but the minority. NO wonder Atlanta has had only one championship professional team, selfish sort sighted people like these stile again!
By Turnin2
May 8, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Mr. Jackson and company - What ever happened to getting a job because you are the most qualified for it based on talent and knowledge? Color has nothing to do with either - in baseball or in the ‘real world’!!! Earn your spot - don’t have it handed to you out of an obligation to be color or sex balanced!
EARN IT - NOTHING IS OWED ANYONE IN THIS WORLD!!!
By Ralph
May 8, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson needs to get a life. He is always stirring up trouble somewhere!!!!
By Rhett
May 8, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
This whole issue is total crap. The Braves simply pick the best players (no matter race, creed, hairstyle, whatever) to play on their team. If there are not enough African Americans, then the young African Americans are not choosing to play baseball. Period.
By Court
May 8, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Serioulsy? I think some people need to get a life. There are more important issues in the world.
By Ricky
May 8, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
Enough with the Black thing. This is all you here about everyday. Look around the Football, and Basketball Leagues, I here nothing about recruiting more Whites or any other Race except for need more Blacks.
By chuckfla
May 8, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
i can aggree with most responses. i am an african american; i can say most young african american kids do not want to play baseball. it is not that they do not have the talent. most view baseball as a boring sport. my son who is 15 has a desire to play baseball but not many of his friends.
By TH
May 8, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
“What should the Braves do?” They should do what the Rainbow Coalition has forced every other group to do the last 10 years- listen publicly and ignore them privately.
MLB and the Players Union is not a black and white issue. It’s a Latino/Asian and white issue. The best players make it to the Majors plain and simple. And it’s not about recruiting players it’s about developing them. You will not find a better athlete in the world than Michael Jordan at the peak of his career. Yet, even his great physical and mental skills were not enough to get him out of Double A ball (though he did provide some great stories for you guys).
Baseball is a very difficult game to play well. It’s a slow paced, thinking man’s game and every player that makes it to MLB is well groomed over a 3-6 year period in one or more of the following: Instructional League Extended Spring Training League Rookie League Low A High A AA AAA
If the Rainbow Coalition wants to correct an injustice they should meet with Bud Selig and the Players Union and get them to change the Amateur Draft. It’s unfair for black AND white American high schoolers to have to wait until they are 18 (actually HS senior class graduates) and Latino/Asian that living outside the continental US can sign as a free agent on their 16th birthday. Nor is it fair that they get to sign as free agents and black and white American kids must follow the June draft. Nor is it fair that they get a 2-3 year head start in spoon fed development over black and white American kids. These are the reasons why so many black and white athletically elite, American kids switch to other sports early on. And it’s why, today, that American players make up nearly 100% of the NBA and NFL and less than 50% of MLB (and Minor League Baseball). It’s not about color, it’s about money. And I don’t think the Rainbow Coalition has enough to change it.
By WOW!
May 8, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
ARE YOU KIDDING? I am so sick of this crap. Does racist Jackson really think Braves management looks at skin color when choosing players? WOW does he need help. I guess next he should protest car makers and say that there are not enough black cars on the road. This country would be a much better place without Al Shthead and Jesse Jackss.
By Dr. King Would Be Ashamed of Rainbow-PUSH 2007
May 8, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
What is the matter Rainbow-PUSH? Are the high numbers of Hispanic players in Major League Baseball, specifically the Braves, making you jealous?
Are Andruw Jones, Edgar Renteria, Terry Pendleton and Willie Harris NOT DARK ENOUGH for you, Rainbow-PUSH?
By LyonsJimmy
May 8, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
I represent fat people. I want more fat people on the braves. Fat people are humans too. We need to be represented in MLB.
By Barrie
May 8, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Baloney.
By Scott
May 8, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
That’s beautiful. A microcosm of what’s wrong with this country. We don’t care about their talent, their integrity,their qualifications. We just judge by the color of their skin. MLK is rolling over..
By Fedupwiththis
May 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Jesse and his Rainbow Push are the racists in this issue, sitting there counting the players by the color of there skin. I would only take this seriously if they also went to the Hawks and asked them to recruit more white players as well, which they will never do!
By Lee
May 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Truth of the matter, this racial crap is never, never ending. It gets very very old and causes nothing but increased racial tension among different groups, especially blacks and whites. In Atlanta, it seems even worse. So, this will never cease. I hope the Braves won’t change their roster as a result of this push by the Rainbow Coalition. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton are premiere race warlords. End of story.
By JohninJax
May 8, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Why do we have to keep this topic stirred up all the time? Good Grief…give it a rest! IT’S SIMPLE…if they are good enough to play in the Major Leagues then they will play. Who cares if they are black or white or green! This racial crap is getting ridiculous! Don’t these folk (J.J. and A.S.) have something better to do with their time than to keep things stirred up? I guess that would put them out of a job! Wouldn’t that be nice… for a change!
By D-TN
May 8, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Are you kidding me! How about focusing your attention somewhere inportant like Hunger or AIDS!
By Paul Meyer
May 8, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
It seems funny to me that Jesse Jackson does not have a meeting with the Hawks, as most of the Hawks are African American. Why is it Jesse Jackson’s business what the Braves do
By SICEM
May 8, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
RLU @ 9:46, You are exactly right!
By mo
May 8, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Baseball has lost favor with black people. Black youth do not play baseball because black youth do not see it as exciting.
I have two sons, ages 7 and 8. They live in Cobb County, the capitol of the developmental baseball world. There’s literally a baseball diamond every 3 miles in this place.
I asked my kids if they wanted to try out for baseball, for they are pretty good athletes. They said no. Many times, they say no. Why? “Because it’s too boring.”
That’s the problem. These boys play football for a youth team. They play basketball for a youth team. They ran track for a youth team. Heck! One of my boys want to play soccer!
But baseball? Naw! They go to the games and can’t sit still enough to keep the score. They refuse to watch it on TV. But these are the same kids that would watch the NFL DRAFT!
So I see Jesse’s point. Baseball’s too white. But that because baseball is just not appealing anymore. And that’s because baseball is boring.
Let’s dig deeper. My sons favorite baseball player is Andruw Jones. He actually will watch Andruw bat when he comes to the plate. He even has an Andruw Jones figurine in his room. He has no other baseball players represented.
Now, his favorite football player is Michael Vick. His favorite basketball player is Michael Jordan from the Chicago Bulls (even though he was barely alive when Micheal Jordan retired.)
See the correlation? Black kids look for like-images of themselves in which to emulate. Since there’s barely any black players in baseball, they just shun the sport altogether.
By Marky Mark
May 8, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
. Jessie Jackson is a reverse racist bigot. That is it. If there we white only colleges and quota systems for white students then maybe he should be mad, but there is not. There is on the other hand that for black students and employees. If that cheating Rev. Jessie Jackson wants more blacks in baseball then tell him to go and cheat on his wife again and make his sons play baseball
By WOW
May 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Hey racist Jesse, how about a study in the NBA that says that there are not enough white people? The NBA is racist right? MORON!
By Play Ball - WITHOUT Whitey!
May 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Rainbow-PUSH: Keep Racism Alive and Use “Issues of the Moment” to B******* Popular Public Entities and Manipulate the Media to Get More Free Money and Publicity!
Rainbow-PUSH: ESCALATE THE HATE!
Rainbow-PUSH: Since the Hawks Won’t Expand Their Roster and Payroll to Carry 500 Players, Let’s Pick on the Braves!
Rainbow-PUSH: Burn, America, Burn!
Rainbow-PUSH: Play Ball - WITHOUT Whitey!!!
Word.
By LyonsJimmy
May 8, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
I wonder IF JESSIE JACKSON gets a cut from newspapers for giving them something to write about?
By Jesse's love child
May 8, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Wow, this is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Wait, everything that comes out of Jesses mouth is racist. Just like the AJC and Cynthia Tucker. Everything is about race to black people like them. Get a life. Wait a second, I remember now, Jesse jumped on the scene when MLK was shot. That is where race baiting started for him. the reason blacks don’t play baseball is because they are too busy playing basketball and getting black women pregnant and running off.
By Eric
May 8, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson is to justice and equality, what Paris Hilton is to talent and class.
By Bravery
May 8, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Notice how Jesse doesn’t question why there aren’t more Jews in MLB, or any other sport for that matter.
By Egg roll
May 8, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I’m 1/2 Chinese. I want more Chinese players! Ahh! Man, give me a break. Get a job Jesse! You guys really think they are singling out African Americans? Where are the Chinese guys on the team? You think I really care if there are Chinese guys on the team? I’m sick of this stupid stuff.
By Egg roll
May 8, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
I’m 1/2 Chinese. I want more Chinese players! Ahh! Man, give me a break. Get a job Jesse! You guys really think they are singling out African Americans? Where are the Chinese guys on the team? You think I really care if there are Chinese guys on the team? I’m sick of this stupid stuff.
By Marc
May 8, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Why did this story even make the news?
This is why the AJC is the worst newspaper of any major city. All they do is race bait and present entertainment news.
The AJC and other news outlets in Atlanta should be censured for ethical violations. Maybe then they would just report the real news instead of sensationalizing hot button issues to get ratings.
By Matt the Brave
May 8, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Braves coaching staff has a Native American, an African-American, a Latino, and a couple of white guys. How is that not diversified? Also, what about the Latinos on the team? Are they not minority enough anymore? Consider this as well…the Braves just opened up an agreement in Asia to work in that area to develop talent. They have done this for years in Latino and Carribean countries. So, Jessie, where’s the diversity and minorities? Just where you aren’t counting them.
By Gene
May 8, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Are the Hawks and the Falcons too Black?
Does Georgia and Georgia Tech football/basketball programs represent the make-up of the Student body?
Help me please …
By Burdell's Brother
May 8, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Aren’t there more pressing issues this coalition could focus on. Is it not ironic these groups focus on things that would impact less than 1% of their comunity rather than larger issues that would positively a larger percentage of the group.
By What Should The Braves Do?
May 8, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
What should the BRAVES do?
Ignore Racist Garbage Like Rainbow-PUSH and the KKK
Cancel All Clubhouse Subscriptions to the AJC.
PLAY BALL!
By Idea
May 8, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Jesse, Jesse, Jesse…here we go again. I think the people should unite and sue R/P and Al Sharpton for ruining everyone’s quality of life through continual annoyance.
Isn’t there an easier solution? Maybe we can make the black Hawks hororary Braves players and the white Braves players hororary Hawks players.
By tburch
May 8, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
I guess the NBA needs to target more white players. Obviously the white community has been neglected by the NBA. I guess Jesse would say that the NBA is merit based while MLB is RASCIST. HA!
By time for the truth
May 8, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
These two loathsome mouthy black racist ho’s who have the unmitigated cheek to call themselves ‘reverends’ are amongst the most divisive scum of the earth in the USA. Always looking for easy money with their snouts deep in the racial spoils trough. This is why gimme gimme racist blacks are despised, along with the pathetic pandering equally bigoted white liberals who puke this garbage up in the race baiting leftist media.
Blacks literally ONLY care about blacks!! If they didn’t then black guilt about the blatant racism in the NFL and NBA would be a constant topic amongst blacks. I wonder how long these black racist pimps will take to target the NHL as well? The NHL is even more “racist” than MLB. And what about golf and NASCAR and yachting and swimming and chess and tennis and all the other sports/past times that blacks and their often thuggish hippety hop yoof culture currently shuns.
Will these despicable black racists demand 14% equality in every area of sporting/leisure time life? And when the black quota surpasses 14% will the black racial spoils pimps accept a natural ‘equality’ block on any more blacks? After all equality in the racial spoils game is simply a mathematical thang … MLB has a 10% black quota - so its only 4% short. Not bad considering!!
Andruw Jones still looks pretty black to me. So did a number of his team mates in the past few seasons. Ultimately like almost everyone with a brain on here says, its about who’s good enough, available and WILLING to sign a contract!!
As for this worthless moronic divisive micky mouse afriKan-ameriKan term … still LMFAO!!
By IMF
May 8, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Just a quick point about the “percentage” idea, where the idea is that the percentage of a race in society should roughly equal the percentage in the sport. Rainbow Push is ONLY considering African-Americans in their argument, thus being only black people from America (hence Andruw, Edgar, and others with blood of African origen don’t count). Baseball is a world-wide sport, so the percentage of african americans in the population pool that MLB picks from is much smaller than you’d think, as there are no “African-Americans” in Latin America or Asia. Thy’re only in the U.S. So 10% might actually be higher than the real proportion of African-Americans among the population MLB is picking from.
By Sha-B-Real
May 8, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
as an african american… I DONT CARE.. I AM TIRED OF THESE CIVIL GROUPS speaking for the whole entire race…. they need to be worried about the educational system than some sports….. We are already labeled as hateful violent but very athletic human being without having these so-called civil group creating more issues than solving them. Jesse Jackson should be worried bout the lack of educational programs in low-income communities than some baseball roster…..
Please understand that NOT ALL BLACKS FEEL THE SAME WAY.
Personally as a black community, we tend to be too sensitive. I am p** off lately at these civil leader and the negative media they generate.
Lets worry bout the family morals, education, AIDS, WAR, GAS PRICES, ECONOMIC ISSUES…that is affecting all of us…
By Jacob
May 8, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Holy cow! What a bunch of idiots. And they wonder why white people have a hard time feeling empathy for black people when the “leadership” of the black community is nothing more than a bunch of racists themselves.
By BUSHWACKER
May 8, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Unless these race baiters are just as concerned about the lack of white players in the NBA, I would not give this racist group of blackmailers the time of day!!!
By Big Fan
May 8, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
As a native of the ATL and a Proud Black Man….I am outraged that Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow-PUSH Coalition would bring their HUSTLING ways to our beloved city.
Shame on you Jesse Jackson, and all the race pimps who enable his shameful antics.
By scribe
May 8, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
I’m still waiting for Jesse and Al to apologize for falsely accusing the Duke Lacrosse players. As for baseball, please get a real problem
By RCH
May 8, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Maybe Jesse and Al should charge the White and Hispanic players on the team with rape ( like at Duke),to make room for more black players.
By Sri
May 8, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Couple of points:
How about Rainbow PUSH trying to promote baseball within the African American community? Once the talent starts performing, recruiters will automatically line up with checks in their hands.
If Rainbow PUSH is so concerned about all the races being reflected pro-rata in sports, then why don’t they fight for the represenataion of Asian Americans (and not Asian imports like Yao) and Caucasian Americans in the NBA, for eg? There aren’t enough Hispanics and Asians in the NFL, either. How about fighting for the cause of all races?
This is very sad — African American leaders like Rev Jackson lose respect in the eyes of so many people, when they start promoting their own ‘racist’ agendas. I wish I did not have to say it, but that’s what this is — bark loud enough to make yourself relevant.
We can do better than this, Rev Jackson.
By Barbara
May 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Well, that could be done. Also, the NBA and NFL could start making a concerted effort to recruit whites in equal proportion to blacks. Forget athletic ability, but be sure and even out the racial balance.
By jobless
May 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
For goodness sake, lets have some cake
By matt
May 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Alright this is getting real old first you say white ref call to many fouls on african american players than white players in the NBA. Now its the braves fault for you that find that are good enough to play in the majors. If Jessie wants to protest why not keep going a protest pro golf. You know if THE NEWS would quit giving this gorup a platform to speak on these stupid protest would go away
By Dumb White Guy
May 8, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Hey, I got a question for another white guy. I can’t log onto the secret white guy board for some reason. Can anyone tell me where the secret spot is where I pick up my free money? Where is the place where I pick up my free food and champagne? I got to start remembering better. My free mortgage cleared, so that’s good.
By JJ
May 8, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Jessie needs to go complaint to the NHL, there are hardly any blacks in Hockey. Why isn’t he raising hell of that? What a disgrace to the Human Race.
This is why racism will NEVER end. I am absolutely sick to death of this topic.
Everyone born has the same opportunity to become something. Not everyone uses that opportunity, but we all have it. Those who don’t take the opportunity are the ones who sit around and cry racism.
By Racism is Bad
May 8, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Do you know what the difference is between Rainbow-PUSH and the KKK????
Me, neither.
( )
(Oh, well one difference might be is that the KKK apparently has more important things to do than complain about USELESS issues like professional sports.
Nevertheless, I wish KKK and R-P would BOTH just go away. )
By ben
May 8, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
who gives a crap.I am so sick of that fat al sharpton and that adulter jessie jackson. I hope they move to mars.
By Amber
May 8, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
This is just insanity. Why don’t they go pick on the NHL? There are plenty of underrepresented minorities all over sports, if you want to play it like that. How about women? How about some female announcers? I don’t see any women behind a news desk at ESPN.
Fact is, black kids want to play basketball or football. If these coalitions have a problem with it, start with YOUR kids.
Affirmative actions sucks in every way. All I care about in MLB is good players.
And by the way, I am thoroughly disgusted that the Bonds issue has been made completely into a race issue. Do these people know that Hank Aaron is black too? Jeez.
By Taylor
May 8, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Exactly where are all these african american players supposed to be coming from? Go to a few college games and you will realize that the majority of up and coming players are white. Baseball has become a sport a privledge. If you don’t believe that go look at the East Cobb Baseball complex. If you want to play baseball on a collegiate or proffesional level you have to play all year long, have coaches, fields, etc. All that costs lots of money these days. I haven’t seen or heard of the type of facilities that white kids have access to in the black neighborhoods. So what happens? All the black kids play football and basketball instead. If these people want to see the braves picking up more black players they better start by helping their kids have the opportunity to be competitive with the white kids.
By gsw2090
May 8, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Lets see here the hawks have 15 players on there roster 3 whites and 12 blacks and the 3 whites are not products of the United States, so that is only 20% white and 0% white americans. According to the atlanta falcons roster they have 75 members on there roster and only 22 whites that is only 29% white. Now to the Braves!!! What color is Soriano? He Sure is not white!! What about Villarreal he is Mexican!! Renteria???? He is not white!!! Then Harris and Jones Neither of them are white. So 20% of the braves are not white. So what is mr jackson and this other clown trying to say here? I know i did not capitalize his name but thats because his name does not deserve to be capitalized. He and his Rainbow Bright Crew are worthless pieces of $$$$ who just want to stir up things. I am just like everyone else it does not matter to me who is on the field as long as they are good and they produce. If the Braves had a 25 man roster made up of 25 blacks and they were better than Francour, Chipper, Johnson, Smotlz, and McCann Then i would be all for it. The guys that are on the roster deserve to be there and there is a reason that they are on a MLB roster and i Promise you it is not because of there race. Schurholz and cox is going to field the best 25 players available to them. Hey Jesse how many whites are in your rainbow bright coalition? Jesse where i work there are 3 administrators and two are black can i sue someone please come and straighten this out for us. Do you know why there are 2 blacks and one white Jesse? I will tell you its because they were the most qualified when applications were taken. I could go on forver about this idiot but i dont have the time right now!! Go Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers!!! I will pull for you no matter what the racial make-up of your team is. You guys are all Human and Skin color does not matter. One more thing before i quit how does this guy call himself a rev.? A child out of Wedlock!! Is all about the rights of blacks. Im Sure the Lord is very high on mr jackson only loving one race!! Thank you mr jackson for being the biggest joke on this earth. You have given alot of people many laughs over the years!!
By Jackie Robinson
May 8, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
If there are “not enough” African Americans on the Braves, it is possible ore reaonable to assume there are “too many” on the Falcons, Thrashers, Hawks, GA Force, etc. Has Rainbow/PUSH checked “rosters” at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre as well?
I’m no racial expert, but where does Rainbow/PUSH slot Andruw Jones? Is he not of is African-American decent(South America is an “America” too?
Perhaps he is classified as African-Caribbean? When I see him, I “classify” him as a centerfielder and baseball player. Silly me.
I suppose the Braves should perform dna tests on ALL players from Central and South America, to determine if they have any “African” ancestors.
And, it goes without saying, that it’s entirely possible there are “white” players who have “African” ancestors (just as it was recently revealled that Al Sharpton, who is African-American, has “white” ancestors).
I can’t speak for the late Dr. King (or Jackie Robinson), but I suspect there is no more equal “playing field” than MLB. Those who can hit, run, field and perform at the ML level get to play, and those who cannot, do not.
This is really important! Good work Rainbow/PUSH. With all the nonsense and injustice in this country, I’m glad you’re focusing your efforts on an “industry” that employes roughly less than 1,000 (in a nation of 300 million).
By Ed
May 8, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
A couple of good points: the Braves are looking good this year as a team, all players included, not just the white ones. They’re all Braves and we want them all to win. Most folks on this BLOG think this is a joke, thats good to know. Perhaps we’re finally seeing Jackson for what he is really is..and old Al too; good old fashioned snake oil salesmen, extorionist crooks. But, you have to admit, they provide a good laugh.
By walter
May 8, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
If the braves only had one white player no one would care, look at the Hawks, black gm, black coach, and I don’t know how many white players they have we never see thm play. But what I want to know is how come every thing has to be about race? prut the best players on the field.
By gsw2090
May 8, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Lets see here the hawks have 15 players on there roster 3 whites and 12 blacks and the 3 whites are not products of the United States, so that is only 20% white and 0% white americans. According to the atlanta falcons roster they have 75 members on there roster and only 22 whites that is only 29% white. Now to the Braves!!! What color is Soriano? He Sure is not white!! What about Villarreal he is Mexican!! Renteria???? He is not white!!! Then Harris and Jones Neither of them are white. So 20% of the braves are not white. So what is mr jackson and this other clown trying to say here? I know i did not capitalize his name but thats because his name does not deserve to be capitalized. He and his Rainbow Bright Crew are worthless pieces of $$$$ who just want to stir up things. I am just like everyone else it does not matter to me who is on the field as long as they are good and they produce. If the Braves had a 25 man roster made up of 25 blacks and they were better than Francour, Chipper, Johnson, Smotlz, and McCann Then i would be all for it. The guys that are on the roster deserve to be there and there is a reason that they are on a MLB roster and i Promise you it is not because of there race. Schurholz and cox is going to field the best 25 players available to them. Hey Jesse how many whites are in your rainbow bright coalition? Jesse where i work there are 3 administrators and two are black can i sue someone please come and straighten this out for us. Do you know why there are 2 blacks and one white Jesse? I will tell you its because they were the most qualified when applications were taken. I could go on forver about this idiot but i dont have the time right now!! Go Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers!!! I will pull for you no matter what the racial make-up of your team is. You guys are all Human and Skin color does not matter. One more thing before i quit how does this guy call himself a rev.? A child out of Wedlock!! Is all about the rights of blacks. Im Sure the Lord is very high on mr jackson only loving one race!! Thank you mr jackson for being the biggest joke on this earth. You have given alot of people many laughs over the years!!
By Ed
May 8, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of. What will be next.
By Ann
May 8, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
I think they should recruit who are the best players regardless of race. Just like the best person for the job should be hired regardless of race.
By gsw2090
May 8, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Lets see here the hawks have 15 players on there roster 3 whites and 12 blacks and the 3 whites are not products of the United States, so that is only 20% white and 0% white americans. According to the atlanta falcons roster they have 75 members on there roster and only 22 whites that is only 29% white. Now to the Braves!!! What color is Soriano? He Sure is not white!! What about Villarreal he is Mexican!! Renteria???? He is not white!!! Then Harris and Jones Neither of them are white. So 20% of the braves are not white. So what is mr jackson and this other clown trying to say here? I know i did not capitalize his name but thats because his name does not deserve to be capitalized. He and his Rainbow Bright Crew are worthless pieces of $$$$ who just want to stir up things. I am just like everyone else it does not matter to me who is on the field as long as they are good and they produce. If the Braves had a 25 man roster made up of 25 blacks and they were better than Francour, Chipper, Johnson, Smotlz, and McCann Then i would be all for it. The guys that are on the roster deserve to be there and there is a reason that they are on a MLB roster and i Promise you it is not because of there race. Schurholz and cox is going to field the best 25 players available to them. Hey Jesse how many whites are in your rainbow bright coalition? Jesse where i work there are 3 administrators and two are black can i sue someone please come and straighten this out for us. Do you know why there are 2 blacks and one white Jesse? I will tell you its because they were the most qualified when applications were taken. I could go on forver about this idiot but i dont have the time right now!! Go Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers!!! I will pull for you no matter what the racial make-up of your team is. You guys are all Human and Skin color does not matter. One more thing before i quit how does this guy call himself a rev.? A child out of Wedlock!! Is all about the rights of blacks. Im Sure the Lord is very high on mr jackson only loving one race!! Thank you mr jackson for being the biggest joke on this earth. You have given alot of people many laughs over the years!!
By Kerry
May 8, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
As an African-American, I’m appalled. Jesse Jackson is a joke to me. if he’s involved, I know I’m opposed to whatever he is talking about.
With all of the garbage taking it’s toll on our young people, THIS is what you hold meetings about?! Ridiculous.
A statistic was out just last week showing blacks and hispanics lagging behind whites and asians in test scores. THAT should have Jesse or any of our black leaders pounding the pavement. Sadly, this is not the case. Who gives a crap how many black players the Braves have? I personally do not notice. I’ll watch them whether they are green, gray or blue. what a joke…
By Susan
May 8, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
I don’t think race should have anything to do with the make up of a sports team. I think the Braves team is doing great without Jesse Jackson, really needs to get a life and quit mooching off of the public.
By patrick
May 8, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Can’t we say the same about the NBA???? Why aren’t there more white players on the Hawks???? I’m tired of the race card. Now we know who really pushes the racism button sin this country.
By All About Timing
May 8, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
* RE: Jesse needs to go complaint to the NHL, there are hardly any blacks in Hockey. Why isn’t he raising hell of that? *
Why? Because Hockey is NOT currently a lead story in America. Once Hockey is “TOP NEWS” in this country, and Jesse suddenly sees an opportunity to maximize the publicity by manipulating the press and villifying a pro hockey team, THEN, and ONLY THEN, will he start complaining.
Until that time, you won’t hear anything from him on the topic. Once Hockey becomes HOT as a national story, THAT will be the precise moment he launches his attack.
Don’t believe it? Just wait and watch it unfold in exactly that manner.
By Davis, DH
May 8, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Rainbow Push, Why bring out the race card. There is so much more you could be working on than this. By the why you propbaly do not know Bobby Cox, but he is the coach and one of the fairest and finest coach the Braves could have. I am quite sure race is not an issue for him! What is important to him is winning championships. That means he has to go after the best available talent no matter the color of the players skin.
It is about identifying the best talent. Talent that can bring Atlanta another world championship. I do not care if the player is black, white, yellow or green as long as player has proven talent or talent that can be developed and WIN championships then recruit the best player. A lot of money is at stake and it is about winning! Who cares about race!
This is also true about Corporate America. To generate the highest share price for investors who put their money at risk means that companies must recruit and hire the BEST educated workforce on the planet regardless of race.
Let’s talk about how we make sure our kids get the best education. Or for this matter make sure our kids have access to the best best baseball program available. Lets develop the skills and we will find that they are competitive and will make the team.
Let’s move on!
By JB
May 8, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Little League is a big father/ son thing. guess what 75% of young black men don’t have ? Yep, a loving, caring Father who is providing structure, which includes little league. I go to games, yes with a area with lot’s of blacks. you see 2 or 3 black kids out of 200 hundred or so whites. There you go. They ain’t there or playing baseball.
By Michael
May 8, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Please reference to Rick Badies column “Scenes unworthty of understanding” if you want to know what is going on in the real world. There are certainly more urgent needs Rainbow-PUSH could address with the same fan fare.
By Tim
May 8, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Talk about race. How many whites are in the so called rainbow-push / B.S.. Wake up. Blacks are taking all corporate, sports and goverment jobs and you are sleeping!
By GAfaninAL
May 8, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe this crap —- what happened to MLK proclamation that he would like to see a day when skin color didn’t matter — that a person should be judged by the content of their character? I thought someone said (a black announcer when asked about the lack of white players in the NBA - especially starters) that it doesn’t matter the skin color, but who is the best team that can be built, regardless of color. Don’t tell me that they are thinking of imposing affirmative action in baseball.
By SH
May 8, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
The Braves are not recruiting enough black players like the Hawks are not recruiting enough white players. Sounds like someone needs to get a life.
By Increase in Attendance
May 8, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Anyone notice that the BRAVES have actually reported attendance INCREASES over the last couple of seasons?
Coincidence?
If it ain’t broke, don’t break it, BRAVES!
By Brewster
May 8, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
How about this for a headline AJC:
“Having solved all all other problems and challenges affecting the Black race, Jesse Jackson now confronts the Atlanta Braves.”
What an unbelievable waste of time and resources.
By Brandon Ford
May 8, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
This is stupid!!!!! How about all the guys of hispanic origin on the team - is Soriano not considered a “black” man b/c he is from another country? This is ridiculous. Let’s see….Moylan, Thorman, and Orr are whites from another country. A. Jones, Soriano, Gonzalez, Cormier, Villareal, and Rentaria are all people of the non-white race. Aybar would be on the team if anyone knew where he was and Prado will at least be on the team at the end of the year….shoot - Langerhans, a white dude, was replaced by Willie Harris - though race had nothing to do with it.
By j
May 8, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Okay, okay. If you are REALLY tired of these people representing your race, then you as a race need to stand up and speak out against them. But what will happen? Nothing. Just like Muslims will not stand up and speak out against the radicals that are out there.
If you all are sooooooooooooooooo unhappy with things, leave. It’s that simple. Can you go into McDonalds and sue because they do not serve Burger King fries? No. Leave and go to BK if you want them. If you want a “blacker” MLB, go to another country, island, or planet and start one!!!!!!!! Let’s face it, how bad would the world explode if there was a “Ms. White America” or if there was a “Historically White College” out there. What about the NAAWP? What about the United White Person College Fund?
You can’t have everything “your way”… Please, please, please, please, someone stand up against these people. Instead of concentrating on MLB, they should concentrate on educating, feeding, housing, and integrating their people instead of spreading the divide. I’m tired of having to support these Revs with my tax dollars for their baby’s daddies, food stamps, and “programs”. The soapbox is yours…
By Brandon Ford
May 8, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
This is stupid!!!!! How about all the guys of hispanic origin on the team - are Soriano and A. Jones not considered “black” men b/c he is from another country? This is ridiculous. Let’s see….Moylan, Thorman, and Orr are whites from another country. A. Jones, Soriano, Gonzalez, Cormier, Villareal, and Rentaria are all people of the non-white race. Aybar would be on the team if anyone knew where he was and Prado will at least be on the team at the end of the year….shoot - Langerhans, a white dude, was replaced by Willie Harris - though race had nothing to do with it.
By BossLady
May 8, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I agree with Ann, just shut up Jesse Jackson. He is out for money and when you realize this and that he is not sharing with you, don’t cry to anyone.
By j
May 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Okay, okay. If you are REALLY tired of these people representing your race, then you as a race need to stand up and speak out against them. But what will happen? Nothing. Just like Muslims will not stand up and speak out against the radicals that are out there.
If you all are sooooooooooooooooo unhappy with things, leave. It’s that simple. Can you go into McDonalds and sue because they do not serve Burger King fries? No. Leave and go to BK if you want them. If you want a “blacker” MLB, go to another country, island, or planet and start one!!!!!!!! Let’s face it, how bad would the world explode if there was a “Ms. White America” or if there was a “Historically White College” out there. What about the NAAWP? What about the United White Person College Fund?
You can’t have everything “your way”… Please, please, please, please, someone stand up against these people. Instead of concentrating on MLB, they should concentrate on educating, feeding, housing, and integrating their people instead of spreading the divide. I’m tired of having to support these Revs with my tax dollars for their baby’s daddies, food stamps, and “programs”. The soapbox is yours…
By Todd Green
May 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
I am black, a Georgia Native and [probably] the biggest braves fan EVER… If the Braves, Falcons and Hawks were winning with a Klan roster and those teams were better than an all black roster, I would root for my teams. Players try to sign the best contact possible and at this point, the Braves have a payroll [limitation]; If the Dodgers could sign me for more, I would sign with the Dodgers. Teams have no control, other than to make the attempt to sign the best ball player and stay within the budget. Rainbow Push should buy about 500 Season Tickets to help with our payroll…
By Dave
May 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Remember, its easier to steal a basketball or football than it is to steal a bat, baseball, and glove.
By Big Fan
May 8, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Face it, Jesse and his hordes are nothing but money grubbing race pimps.
The Braves are a world class operation, applying market economics to the game….and some are too obtuse to understand that.
Of course the real reason they are involved is…..MONEY!!
By Dave
May 8, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Remember, its easier to steal a basketball or football than it is to steal a bat, baseball, and glove.
By AlG
May 8, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
This is so absurd. What’s next, the KKK complaining about too few whites in the NBA?
By mister baseball
May 8, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Leave it to the AJC (America’s largest black newspaper) to keep stirring the pot. The AJC is not happy unless it afflicts someone and comforts no one!
By Michael
May 8, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
I am not a Braves fan but this is rediculous. Give me a break! Do these groups have nothing better to do than this? I thought the idea of any sport was to WIN…not employ a certain number of players who meet a certain criteria.
By Diamond Dave
May 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
What do you call 100 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean???? A good start!
Maybe I can use the same joke for Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the rest of the Rainbow - Push Coalition…
By Mr. Saltine
May 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
WOW. This is not really worth my time…but I have to. So the black rainbow group wants the Braves to recruit from the city of Atlanta…huh? the majority of players any team recruits goes to college of minor leagues first….African Americans have this option too. And the players that do not go to college or the minors usually come from the Dominican or somewhere else in Latin America…you know why…because they are already good enough at the age of 17 or 18 to get recruited because they grow up playing baseball everyday of their life. Guess what the African Americans are good at when they are 17 or 18? I’ll let you answer that yourself…..but its not baseball. And if its not basketball then i dont know. What a sham….I think I am going to start up the White Coalition movement and take up for us “crackas” Anytime someone makes fun of us we lose a job to a minority I am going to be on Capital hill with Don Imus calling for a change. Lets see how ridiculous that will look. * damn this makes me mad.
By Matt
May 8, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Sad. Blacks make up approximately 18% of the general population in this country. However, African-Americans make up well more than half of the players in baseball, football and basketball. Fair affirmative action policies would ensure that all races are represented in sports and business according to their portion of the general population. For example, if Hispanics make up 17%, then true affirmative action would ensure that all businesses and professional sports would have 17% Hispanic representation. Same for Caucasians, Asians, Indians, Arab, etc.
By time for the truth
May 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
The truly wonderful commonsense posted on here about the nasty black racist racial spoils pimps is very reassuring. It indubitably shows that most folks of all colours do NOT any longer unquestioningly swallow this racial spoils garbage and that the sullen gimme gimme black demagogues are now getting ever more desperate with their shrill vile race baiting.
You’d think by now that the leftist race baiters in the media would stop puking up such divisive garbage and confront the racial spoils crowd. But they won’t and more tellingly, they can’t stop themselves. The odious cut and run, utterly self serving demoNcrats need the 90% of regimented unthinking pinko blacks to keep voting for their blatant vote buying pandering schemes.
By guy martin
May 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
It’s time for Jesse Jackson to find something important to do with his life. Let John and Bobby run the Braves organization.They seem to know what they’re doing and they certainly don’t need Jesse Jackson to tell them what to do.Jesse,get over it,get real,and get a life!!!
By Big Daddy Atlanta
May 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Really there isn’t enough recruiting of international baseball players at all. That comment was as rediculous as any comment by all these politicians that get a microphone. Nothing like getting paid to talk about nothing all the time.
By The Truth Hurts
May 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Great. Let’s make it like everything else. We will add a few unqualified black guys to appease the whiny minorities at the expense of our own people and the overall success of the organization. Earn your damn way just like everyone else! If you have to play the race card to get where you want to go you don’t deserve to be there in the first place.
By Tim
May 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
All you have to do is see Jesse Jackson’s name associated with this to know that this is garbage. Just another way to get his name in the news…which by now people should have learned that it is not news worthy. Unbelieveable that he would stoop this low to try and stir things up!
By SoothSayer
May 8, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Beware NHL, you are next!
By Mark
May 8, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Al and Jesse are nothing but attention w**. Ignore them and they will go away. It’s that simple.
By Abu
May 8, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Aside from the free reigning excuse for potshots at the African American race that some of you undercover racist choose to use this vehicle for, as a black man, I disagree with the notion that the Braves should recruit more African American players. To be frankly, honest they are biting off more than they can chew on this one. There is simply not enough of our youth that is playing the sport anymore, (even though it pays the most). Demographic wise there ain’t enough of us to recruit. bottom line. Even in Historically Black Institutions, Baseball clubs arefinding it harder to recruit black players so they go about giving scholarships to white and hispanic athletes. Our better athletes simply don’t want to or are not interested in playing the sport.
By DAVE
May 8, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
The blacks,african americans or what ever,they want instant gratification. They do not want to work in the minor system. They want the instant millions,cars, houses and the white HOs.If i were a black female i would be p** off!
By CryBabyCry
May 8, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Typical black crybabies. Nothing is fair unless it’s in their favor. What is the NBA doing to recruit more whites? And why is ebonics ok for blacks, yet whites would get in trouble for speaking it?
By Big Daddy Atlanta
May 8, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Really there isn’t enough recruiting of international baseball players at all. That comment was as rediculous as any comment by all these politicians that get a microphone. Nothing like getting paid to talk about nothing all the time.
By abrcwr
May 8, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Go to any high school baseball game or little league for that matter and see how many black players are out there. One, maybe two. Its unfortunate but the black community has not nearly been involved in baseball like they have in football and basketball.It should not be a matter of race, but talent. I guess the AJC needed something for us to talk about.
By CryBabyCry
May 8, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Typical black crybabies. Nothing is fair unless it’s in their favor. What is the NBA doing to recruit more whites? And why is ebonics ok for blacks, yet whites would get in trouble for speaking it?
By Jesse Jackson
May 8, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Look at the NBA!!!
By Alice
May 8, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
A few blacks complain about everything, a few whites complain about everything. They are the trouble makers, always have been, always will be.
By melinda
May 8, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Freaking ridiculous. You know, being a redhead, I’m furious that there aren’t enough redheads in baseball. I’m going to start my own petition.
Who’s with me?
By Alice
May 8, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
A few blacks complain about everything, a few whites complain about everything. They are the trouble makers, always have been, always will be.
By Alice
May 8, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
A few blacks complain about everything, a few whites complain about everything. They are the trouble makers, always have been, always will be.
By CryBabyCry
May 8, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Maybe we can get more whites to speak ebonics, too. Then we’d have more equality.
By Big Daddy Atlanta
May 8, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Really there isn’t enough recruiting of international baseball players at all. That comment was as rediculous as any comment by all these politicians that get a microphone. Nothing like getting paid to talk about nothing all the time.
By jane
May 8, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
You’ve got to be kidding me! Why do the Braves even open the door to this nonsense?
By Yars
May 8, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
I hope MLB doesn’t bow down to Jesse & his gang & make it a rule that every MLB team has to have a certain number of blacks, whites, latinos, ect…. Who in their right mind studies the racial makeup of a team? Political Correctness at its finest. I feel that is what is destroying America. Not long ago, Jesse Jackson scolded Nascar because there weren’t enough black Nascar drivers. Pretty soon, it will be hockey or snowboarding. I wish John Schuerholz would have told those people to shove it. Meeting with them for 2 hours? I think the Braves were singled out because they are located in the South. Blacks prefer basketball & football over baseball. Any fool can see that. There needs to be an investigation as to why there aren’t enough White players in the NBA.
By Lynda
May 8, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Just another money grab by a race pimp. But it works. Just ask the laundry list of companies who have provided him with some generous paydays just to shut him up. He just can’t stomach achievement based on ability.
By TG
May 8, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
The Braves are cheap - they’d rather pay 200k to a Hispanic/Latino/Cuban than to attempt to recruit top African American players. To say that young African American men have lost interest in the sport is not true. There are plenty of youth leagues in Atlanta with full rosters and these young men go on to play in high school and college. Having known quite a few of these young men, as well as knowing that they did try out for the Braves and were never contacted I am lead to believe that race was a significant factor in their non-selection. These young men were not asking for preferential treatment but were earnestly looking for at least a fair opportunity, which based on watching how the Braves have consistently traded the majority of their African American players, these young men were trying out for nothing. Lastly, to bring my point home, I will never forget several years ago I escorted a youth baseball team to an event at the Braves stadium where the kids were told they would be marching on the field. After several inquiries as to where the children needed to line up and get in place it eventually came down to they did not let the kids go on the field. The kids were highly disappointed and I was too, especially after seeing that the Braves staff allowed other teams to march and sadly, they were all Caucasian teams - our teams were black!!
By John Harrison
May 8, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
That is so stupid! It never ends with these people. Just take a look at the NBA. I believe it is 10% white. You dont see white people complaining. Here’s an idea, Affirmative Action everywhere! Maybe that will shut them up, I doubt it though.
By Lynda
May 8, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Just another money grab by a race pimp. But it works. Just ask the laundry list of companies who have provided him with some generous paydays just to shut him up. He just can’t stomach achievement based on ability.
By LSC
May 8, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
4 words: ri-dic-u-lous
By braves fan 69
May 8, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
The real problem the r/p needs to adress the black people on the Thrashers.hehehe
By nibor
May 8, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
There are plenty of talented African-American baseball players in Atlanta-they just keep shooting each other before they can be discovered by the scouts. You don’t believe me? Just watch the six o’clock news.
By Terrence Moore
May 8, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
THANK YOU! I’ve been campaigning for this for years! Remember when Brian Jordan was traded to LA? It was just Schuerholz and Cox trying to get rid of the black man! When Justice was traded to Cleveland, same thing. What an outrage
By Linda
May 8, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
That has got to be one of the stupidest things I’ve heard in baseball. They don’t need to worry about color. They need to worry about homeruns! That’s what wins the pennants (sp?),
By Christian
May 8, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
So are Jesse and his Rainbow Push ready to make the Braves his next Imus? It’s a shame that he has to target a team which has never offended anyone and try to make something out of nothing. It comes down to the talent and not the color of a person’s skin, but I guess that’s not the correct answer for him. I think there should be the same standard for the NBA and NFL, but oh that’s right we don’t have someone like Jesse stirring up trouble every chance he gets. When are people going to realize that he causes more trouble than good for the people he tries to help!!
By braves fan 69
May 8, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
The real problem the r/p needs to adress the black people on the Thrashers.hehehe
By kraig
May 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I wish Jessie Jackson was eating excrement in hell.
By Mike
May 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I’m from Chicago, this is nothing new for Jesse, he is in front of a camera here at least once or twice a week with his race-baiting, concerning one thing or another. The black community has given him a pass on this stuff forever, they must not realize what he is really all about. He is a hustler only interested in lining his pockets. Read the book “Shakedown,” it will tell you who the real Jessee jackson is. He never disputed anything in the book and not surprisingly, the liberal media did not cover or promote the book…. typical
By RCH
May 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Taylor, Since when has baseball been a game of privledge? It wasn’t that way 20 yrs. ago when a large percentage of players where black. When is the last time you where in South America where a large portion of MLB players now come from? They play under the worst conditions. Poor fiels,equipment etc., yet they have made great inroads into the game. Is this going to lead to the old blame game. Rich white area ( Cobb) vs. South and inner Atlanta?
By Diogenes
May 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Of course, the only thing these insipid, groundless, race-based demands do is utterly trivialize and marginalize any valid discrimination issues that might exist. Way to go Jesse — undercutting your own people yet again.
By Search 4 DNA
May 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I would like to complain the the “REV” Jackson and the “REV” Sharpton have NOT knocked up enough Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian women while practicing adultery.
By pete
May 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
MLK Jr. was a great man and was shot for no reason…but Jessie is still walking around?
By pete
May 8, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
MLK Jr. was a great man and was shot for no reason…but Jessie is still walking around?
By pete
May 8, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
MLK Jr. was a great man and was shot for no reason…but Jessie is still walking around?
By LPC
May 8, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
I just looked at the baseball roster at my daughters majority black high school in Gwinnett county. The roster has one black player listed(2 are not pictured) I am fairly sure those gentlemen are caucasion. The JV team has NO black players. Conversely, the Men’s varsity basketball team has one white player and none on the JV team. Similar numbers are seen at other Gwunnett county high schools esp the top 4 region teams. MLB is a money making organization, they should hire and play the best no matter what. Being black and a baseball player does not necessarily mean an automatic place in the big leagues.
By Orlando Rivera
May 8, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
This issue, as ridiculous as it may seem on the outside, continues to bring to the forefront the one issue America is afraid to deal with: race.
Just think about how many responses we’ve had within two hours of this blog being posted. Face it, anytime race is mentioned it becomes a hot button topic. Think about it the next time a Falcons blog is posted and the race baiting that goes on whenever someone mentions Micheal Vick. That’s why a paper like the AJC brings up these subjects to the forefront because they know it will elicit responses from the people.
As for Jackson if he wants to pursue more opportunities for blacks in MLB (as well as all sports) then the field is the wrong way to go. Here’s a better idea: lobby for more blacks in positions of leadership. I’m glad to see people like Ron Washington get a chance to become a manager in Texas, and how we now have Latino owners like Arte Moreno. This is where we need more equality of ALL RACES, in the positions where more impact can be felt on the field.
In a year where we’ve seen a black coach win the Super bowl (I know wrong sport) I think the RP needs to insipire more young men to become leaders, managers and owners.
By JD Erickson
May 8, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Dave Justice, Fred McGriff, Marquis Grissom, Terry Pendleton, Hank Aaron,blah blah blah….this isnt an issue. Rainbow must be running low on shakedown funds, time to look for easy targets.
By Porter Jarvis
May 8, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
This is so typical of what goes on in Atlanta! It’s pathetic! The Braves recruit the players they believe will help them win, period. The Rainbow coalition needs to stop living in the 1960’s and wake up. How come the Indian groups or the Chinese groups or the hispanic groups don’t say anything? Its because there are more important things going on in the world today! Oh and one more thing, Hey Rainbow group, how come the government doesn’t recruit more White people? Don’t you think Atlanta’s government workforce is flooded with African Americans?
By time for the truth
May 8, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Other than a few predicktable sullen ebonics spouting race baiters the overwhelming opinion on this is delightfully sententious - GFY Jackasson and Sharptongue.
This is freaking hilarious … every time the vile multi-culti leftist, fast DESERVEDLY losing circulation AlJazeera Constipation pukes up a blog about black racial spoils the race baiting far left C. Tucker clones just get hammered and slaughtered on here.
They never ever learn … like a bunch of race baiting Pavlov’s Dogs with ADD they keep on ramming their racially divisive bollocks down the throats of reasonable folks sick of black racism and black snouts in the trough bigots -gleefully aided and abetted by sick and twisted white racked with guilt liberals!!
By MDE
May 8, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Jesse, just go away please!
By T-Bell
May 8, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
I think Jesse Jackson needs to complain to the Wardens across the country. They are the reason that so many of these good african american prospects can’t try out for the braves.
By David
May 8, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
You have to be kidding me? This has got to be a joke! There is no way that “Rainbow PUSH Coalition” is serious.
They want the Braves to hire local black players?
Let me ask the Rev. this question, Is he and his group going to pay all the bills for the Braves when they don’t draw anyone in because they suck that bad and no one (fans) come to the games.
By Philip
May 8, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
The fact that the AJC makes this kind of agenda pushing by Jesse and his entourage a headline story furthers the evidence that this is a truly substandard newspaper. Your paper has become nothing more than a tabloid and is hurting this city more than helping it. The racial divide is proliferated with each story and column of this nature that seems to make it into the AJC on a weekly basis. This is one of many reasons that your readership has dwindled and AJC jobs are being lost. Write on something newsworthy, Carroll.
By Melanie
May 8, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
This is ridiculous. I don’t see any white coalitions forming to promote their recruitment in the NBA…You know why? Because that would be considered racism. The double standard in this country is mind boggling. It used to be that if you sought out or excluded someone because of their race, it was prejudicial. If you’re good and you can play baseball, get up and do it. No one should receive extra consideration because of their ethnicity, black, white or purple.
By crass realist
May 8, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
OMG. The whining and accusations. The chip on the shoulder that will never go away as long as there are race-baiters to fan the flames.
Welcome to our world.
Hey, why don’t white people start bitching at the NBA about the lack of white players there? What are the demographics…probably 80% black?
Unbelievable.
By Rawhide
May 8, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Sure,..the Braves should sign more black players,….just as soon as the Hawks sign more white players!
GOD-ALMIGHTY!!! What a waste of time. Sports is one of the FEW placed where color does not matter,…only ability.
Oh,….and where else can you find men of all colors, white, black, yellow, red, brown,…..all jumping up and down together celebrating a victory,…unashamed of doing so as one unit and not even CARING about the color of the team-mate they are celebrating with????
Jessie Jackson,…..keep your race-ward-lord, extortion tactics OUT OF SPORTS!
I guess maybe you can’t blame him or his type,…if there WAS indeed true harmony between the races,…HE WOULD HAVE TO GET A REAL JOB!!!!
That’s why he and his cronies will never allow there to be that.
STAY OUT OF THE BALL PARK, JESSIE-F&CKING-JACKSON!
By Buddy Truitt
May 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
I am a European-American and I totally agree with the Rainbow Coalition. If the population of America is 20% African-American then I think that 20% of all major league baseball teams should consist of 20% black players . I also call for all professionl basketball teams to have 20% black players and 80% white players. I am sure the Rainbow Coalition wants to be fair and equal !
By Damian
May 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
How about the Hawks and the Falcons adding some white ones???
By Chas22
May 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
This is why Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton and their “home boys” have lost all street cred with most Americans….no blacks becuase they don’t have the talent of many white or latino players…very simple. Jesse needs to figure out why there aren’t more white basketball players.
By charles
May 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
I’m an African-American and the father of a son that loves baseball. He’s on a 14 year old travel baseball team that goes around the Southeast playing in games. With that being said, lets get real on why there aren’t more Blacks kids playing MLB or baseball in general. It use to be that baseball was all that the kids had for the summer, but now AAU basketball is in full swing doing the months where baseball use to be King. Most of Black Kids think baseball is boring since most of the coaches on integrated teams stick the Black kids in the outfield by the way, my son is middle infielder, whereas with basketball, the kids are moving all the time. Another reason is because most of the Black kids that play baseball also plays Basketabll and Football too. Given the choice, most of the kids prefer other sports. Lets get real about why the MLB and baseball in genral has very few African- American players.
By CommonSense
May 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Others have already said it, mainly because its sooooo obvious, but this begs the question of why is the National Association for the Advancement of White People (NAAWP) not complaining about the number of blacks in the NBA (close to 90 or 95% I believe) and in the NFL (high but not as obvious as the NBA)?
Oh, that’s right, there’s not a NAAWP.
By Jack
May 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
If Jesse and his ‘Rainbows’ know so much about baseball, and he knows of all of the talent in Atlanta, then let them form their own team — call it the ‘Jesse Rainbows’. Wish this scam artist would move on!! What a parasite!!
By Old news
May 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
This was brought up a year or two ago, and the problem is not the Braves. The facts are not as many blacks are playing baseball compared to 20 years ago. They are going the basketball route. So if the Civil Rights groups want more black baseball players, then they need to start recruiting at the little league level and build up.
By kraig
May 8, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
When are these spooks going to wake up and stop this moon cricket nonsense?
By MItch
May 8, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
A few weeks ago, CBSsportsline ran a commentary stating that the Southeast Conference was racist in college basketball since Kentucky, Arkansas & Alabama had hired white coaches to replace African American coaches that had left or been fired for lackluster seasons leaving only 1 African American basketball coach in the conference. This article was refering to the fact that all of the schools in the SEC are in the south. The same article neglected to mention the other major sports conference in the south, the ACC has 8 of 12 African American head coaches. If you want to get technical and say Maryland & Boston College are not in the south, that still leaves 7 out of 10.
Until the media quits with finding things that aren’t there and focus on the real issues, it will never get any better.
By Yurtle_the_Turtle
May 8, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Here we go again…
Jesse Jackson is the embodiment of everything wrong with the black community. He marches for stupid reasons (Braves, Duke University Lacrosse, Tawana Brawley farce), yet sticks his meat in any woman fathering children out of wedlock and barely supports them. Please! And he’s a leader of the community?? Jesse, you are a moron!
By Al
May 8, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
The “story” about this “story” is the agenda that the AJC insists on pushing.
By A-Phiz
May 8, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe I am hearing this. Black people just aren’t playing baseball as much as they are other sports. Its not like the Braves are passing up on very talented black players for less talented white players. I don’t hear any white groups complaining about there not being enough whites in the NBA.
By Mike
May 8, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding!! That would be like me (white guy from burbs) protesting the Hawks because not enough white guys on the team. You go with the talent at this time in the life of the Braves there are more whites on the team, in the future that may change as the new young talent arrives and the older talent leaves. What is next. It is time for PUSH etc to grow up.
By Yada Yada
May 8, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
I am a black man who cannot play baseball, but I am willing to put on a uniform and go out there and do my best if Jesse thinks it will help out the cause. After all, he does speak for all of us, doesn’t he?
By the way, how is the Rev Jesse’s little girl he had outside of his marriage doing? I am surprised he still has the nerve to call himself a Rev., but I hope she is doing fine.
By MItch
May 8, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
A few weeks ago, CBSsportsline ran a commentary stating that the Southeast Conference was racist in college basketball since Kentucky, Arkansas & Alabama had hired white coaches to replace African American coaches that had left or been fired for lackluster seasons leaving only 1 African American basketball coach in the conference. This article was refering to the fact that all of the schools in the SEC are in the south. The same article neglected to mention the other major sports conference in the south, the ACC has 8 of 12 African American head coaches. If you want to get technical and say Maryland & Boston College are not in the south, that still leaves 7 out of 10.
Until the media quits with finding things that aren’t there and focus on the real issues, it will never get any better.
By Sean
May 8, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
According to the Rainbow Coalition and Affirmative Action, there should be equal number of blacks as whites. If you take a look at the demographics of America, there are more whites than blacks so how could that ever work out. There is 11% African-American in the US which is equal to how many are in the MLB.
By Sean Thornton
May 8, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
I agree. Why not do it wat the same time the Hawks add some more caucasians?
By Melanie
May 8, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
This is ridiculous. I don’t see any white coalitions forming to promote their recruitment in the NBA…You know why? Because that would be considered racism. The double standard in this country is mind boggling. It used to be that if you sought out or excluded someone because of their race, it was prejudicial. If you’re good and you can play baseball, get up and do it. No one should receive extra consideration because of their ethnicity, black, white or purple.
By Jerry
May 8, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
It should be the best players. It should not matter if they are white, black , green, purple,etc……… He should be spreading love as a preacher and not trying to stir up trouble.
By baldheadwhiteboy
May 8, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
I think Jesse should start looking to see how many kids he might have and not know it. Then send them to baseball camp and little league that should boost the numbers.
By F. E. Tishman
May 8, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Once again Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and thrusting themselves into the spot light with the same old rhetoric. One thing is clear: These two are all about themselves and nothing else. They create racism where none exist. Its how they make their living…
By Melanie
May 8, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
This is ridiculous. I don’t see any white coalitions forming to promote their recruitment in the NBA…You know why? Because that would be considered racism. The double standard in this country is mind boggling. It used to be that if you sought out or excluded someone because of their race, it was prejudicial. If you’re good and you can play baseball, get up and do it. No one should receive extra consideration because of their ethnicity, black, white or purple.
By Leigh
May 8, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
please….here it gotes again, why doesn’t Jesse worry more about the absent fathers of the black children etc.
By tq
May 8, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Thats crap.
By David
May 8, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Here we go again …….. I’m black, I have needs, hire me …….. give up the cross, Jesse …. somebody else needs the wood.
btw, when are the Hawks and the rest of the NBA going to start their outreach program?
By Ralph
May 8, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
I don’t hear that Basketball too Black. I don’t hear that track too Black. I don’t hear that Football is getting too Black. If whoever Black or White or in between can play the game then they deserve to be in the majors and they are for the most part. The game of Baseball is the least anti-race amount all the sports in this country, with all different races playing, I don’t see that in any other sport. If there aren’t
enough African Americans that too bad, putting players that can’t play the game because you want a quota will destroy the game. Get more African Americans kids interest in baseball and if they are mayor league material they’ll make it. So enough is enough on the race card train.
By David
May 8, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Here we go again …….. I’m black, I have needs, hire me …….. give up the cross, Jesse …. somebody else needs the wood.
btw, when are the Hawks and the rest of the NBA going to start their outreach program?
By msteven
May 8, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
As a Black American I am getting sick and Tired of People thinking Jesse Jackson represents all Blacks. Comments on here about “You People”, first get your head out the sand and drop the You People. No.1. I dont even LIKE BASEBALL. Never have. I really dont care for Foot Ball or Basket Ball either. I rarely even watch the Superbowl and when I do its for Half time and depends on who is performing. If you ask Me all of the professional sports atheletes are OVER PAID period! I am not concerned how many blacks are in baseball. I could give a ratz azz. I AM Concerned about How Many Black males are in jail/prison/selling drugs/murdering. I am upset because not enough of my black brothers are finishing College or even in college. I am upset because there are more of my black brothers in jail/prison then in college. I am concerned because we as black males if not will be placed on the endagered species list! Now Rev Jess. when you go after the issues I have listed above, then and only then will I consider you “my” leader. AgaIN. to “YOU” People, Jesse Jackson does not Speak for the entire Black race so stop getting it twisted.He speaks for himself. I should think any one with half of a brain should have realized or figgured this out by now. I will NOT be impressed if they put more Blacks on a baseball team.You want to impress me? Report the huge flow of black males entering College not some damn game where you hit a ball with a bat and get paid millions only to end up broke again for being an idoit not used to money(no Mike Vick, I like you but the people you keep company with, I got a problem with)Jesse lets get over young men off the streets and out of jails and into schools or learning a trade so they can be useful in society. Hell if you can do that, just maybe I will not switch the channel when I see Your Mug!
By PhD Man
May 8, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Idiots…Jesse needs to worry about how many illigitimate kids he has…Jesus…If they can play who cares what color they are? I may be wrong, but I would sear it is illegal to hire ANYONE EVER based on race, gender, or religion…IDIOTS.
By Rawhide
May 8, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Sure,..the Braves should sign more black players,….just as soon as the Hawks sign more white players!
GOD-ALMIGHTY!!! What a waste of time. Sports is one of the FEW placed where color does not matter,…only ability.
Oh,….and where else can you find men of all colors, white, black, yellow, red, brown,…..all jumping up and down together celebrating a victory,…unashamed of doing so as one unit and not even CARING about the color of the team-mate they are celebrating with????
Jessie Jackson,…..keep your race-ward-lord, extortion tactics OUT OF SPORTS!
I guess maybe you can’t blame him or his type,…if there WAS indeed true harmony between the races,…HE WOULD HAVE TO GET A REAL JOB!!!!
That’s why he and his cronies will never allow there to be that.
STAY OUT OF THE BALL PARK, JESSIE-F&CKING-JACKSON!
By Charles
May 8, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Reading some of the blogs replies seem to confirm the fact that we still have too sisters breding with their brothers. Too many morons who just speak to hear themselves speak.
By SAR
May 8, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Whenever we see people in the KKK on television look at the people you see associating themselves with the klan. They are the typical whtie trash, cousin dating types you expect. It’s the same when you see Jesse or Al on television, look at the types of people who are the hangers-on to these two idiots. It’s the same class of people in reverse; the ghetto, third generation welfare, gimme somepin for free types. Trash comes in all colors.
By DLandry
May 8, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
What bothers me more than what the two biggest racist in America (Jesse & Al) say is that people still listen to them!! This latest cause is BS….sports teams go after good players and skin color should play NO part in managements decision. PERIOD!
By Jason
May 8, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
I think that these people who want to complain and whine that there aren’t enough african americans on the Atlanta Braves need to find something better to do with their time. I think I am going to complain and whine that there are more african american’s in the ENTIRE NBA than there are white people! Seriously… folks… find something better to do with your time… like… I don’t know… figure out how to stop gang violence within the african american population instead of bitching that a certian sports team (Atlanta Braves or otherwise) might have fewer african american players than you think they should!!!!!!!!!
By Misquotaed
May 8, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Fine, force the Braves to hire more African-Americans. Sounds right to me.
And then, force the Hawks to hire more whites. Sounds right to me.
By Shenise
May 8, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Who cares…. Do they actualy sit and count how many blacks and whites are playing on a team. Have they ever thought that maybe its less blacks who want to play baseball especialy for the BRAVES.
By crass realist
May 8, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
I’ve got a better idea. We need to recruit more Muslim players too. Talk about “giving it all for the team”!!!
I can just see it now…
“At the plate is Mohammed Atta. Smoltz with the pitch…SWING and a miss. Atta looks at Smoltz with contempt and daring. The windup…the pitch…a slider toward the inside of the plate…SWING and a miss…strike two. Now Atta is really steamed. Smoltz takes his time, shaking off McCann. Here is the windup…here is the pitch…and, OMIGOD! A BOMB towards left field. Atta is running around first and…OMIGOD! He EXPLODES in a flash of light! No, I mean he really EXPLODES! Along with 2 or 3 thousand in the stands!
‘Well, Skip, I knew that “The Terror from Tehran” was an explosive player but this takes the cake!’”
Ha.Ha.
By jeff
May 8, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Does that mean NBA teams should sign more Caucasian people?
By Bryan
May 8, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
This is a non issue. Just ignore him as Schuerholz is and it will die. Don’t get your blood pressure up folks. Devils like Jesse will always exist.
By Rawhide
May 8, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
I mean,……think about this LOGICALY Jessie,…..if you CAN!!!
Do you REALLY think that the Braves look at a great young talent and say to themselves,….”Yeah,..he sure looks like he could bat 310 and knock in 115 runs a year,…but do we want another black guy on the team”????
GODALMIGHTY!!!
By David
May 8, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Funny, I don’t hear anyone saying similar things about the NFL. I don’t care what color they are as long as they can play!!!
By samuel gore
May 8, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Maybe we should have an all black team. Forget baseball and appease the agitators who are only trying to keep race issues in the forefront, so just get use to hearing this occasionally and ignore it, or give up the game of baseball in order to play the race game.
By philip Folger
May 8, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
How much money does Jessie want this time.
By David
May 8, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
I think less of the AJC for even reporting on this garbage…
By Keith Helms
May 8, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
If jesse wants more blacks on the Atlanta Braves, then all decent human beings will demand that all high school, college, and pro teams, especially basketball, be immediately made 80% white who are born in this country to parents born in this country. There must be at least 4 whites per team on the floor at all times in basketball, 8 in football, and 7 in baseball. There cannot be anyone who received any welfare on any team, including recreation teams. This must happen before the games of 5-8-07. This sounds racist doesn’t it? IT IS NOT NEAR AS RACIST AS jesse and al and their white puppets such as CLINTON, KERRY, REID, AND ALL THE OTHER POLITICAL SCUM who support such racist bigot anti Americans as these 2. Why don’t we just let the best at whatever do the job, and that includes every thing from ditch digger to president.
By pat
May 8, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson / Rainbow coalition and the KKK differ in only one way; the color they think is superior.
By CC
May 8, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
The fact that this story even ends up in the paper says all you need to know about the AJC. It’s a sad commentary on the state of mass media and the AJC specifically. That the AJC publishes this with a straight face is pathetic.
By msteven
May 8, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
For the spell police(who have no life) That should have read placed on the endangered species list. my fingers move faster then my brain at times. anyway. you know what I was getting at. But for real I get sick and tired of the whole black race getting bashed for Jesse Al or even Mike Vick. These 3 men are just that 3 men they do not represent the other 38 million or 13% of us that make up the black population. I contrast that to hip hop and rap. ALL Blacks do not listen to hip hop and rap. Actually I am an old school rock n roll rhythm n blues chap myself :-).Drop the race card folks(this includes Jesse and AL)this is 2007 not 1007.
By Drew
May 8, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
These guys just need something else to complain about, so they get get back into the spotlight. Kudos to Schuerholz for actually listening to them and playing nice. I wouldn’t give them the time of day. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are part of the problem, not the solution!
By Kevin
May 8, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
This is absurd! They should worry about inner-city crime rates and keeping minority kids in school. Not trying to take their shake down tactics to the sports arena. Jesse needs to retire to an island where he can no longer be seen or heard.
By Mr. Earl
May 8, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Silly. As long as a team wins, who cares what color they are? Only racists worry about race….
By Christine
May 8, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
This is ridiculous, and exactly the reason no one thinks highly of such organizations linked to J.Jackson and Sharpton anymore. They’re a mockery of what they used to be good for.
By Appfan
May 8, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Just another example why Jesse Jackson is becoming increasing irrelevant. There are plenty of legitimate examples of discrimination and racism in this country but he chooses something as ludicrous as this. Jackson is completely out of touch.
By BLACKS ARE HOT-DOGS
May 8, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Blacks don’t play baseball because it’s not as easy to “hot dog” on the diamond. No “slam dunks”, no “end zone dances”, nothing of the sort exists in baseball.
Imagine how ridiculous a baseball player would look doing some sort of “dance” after hitting a home run. As a matter of fact, after doing said “dance” he would encounter a 90+ MPH fastball aimed directly at his head at the next at bat. Needless to say, someone like that wouldn’t last very long in baseball - he would be either dead or severely handicapped.
Blacks have been trained by their Jewish masters to be “showmen”, and baseball is just too old fashioned to allow vaudeville type “shows”, that is encouraged in professional basketball and football.
By KP
May 8, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
African-Americans move from all over the United States to live, go to college, and/or work in Atlanta. Atlanta hasn’t been called the “Black Mecca” for nothing. Why shouldn’t they have a baseball team to cheer for that at least makes an effort to reflect the cultural diversity of the city’s inhabitants? After all, there were NO African-American players on the team until about a month ago.
By Bravo
May 8, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Tell Rainbow-Push to quit buying so many tickets, I can’t get a seat at the game. Obviously they haven’t seen the payroll of Time -Warner here, aren’t we like last in that category. Go harrass Walmart, the deep pockets aren’t here.
By dan
May 8, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
must everything in this country always be about race? Please stop. This story is absurd.
By annemarie
May 8, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA — here we go so joe beasley of the rainbow PUSH is now a baseball scout?? this is so like race car drivers duhhhhh if there was an african american who could drive a race car, had a race car and a sponser i am SURE HE WOULD BE OUT THERE RACING —- I KNOW if the braves scouted a black american player or ANY PLAYER who would contribute to the team HE WOULD BE HIRED — GO AWAY ——————- WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO START TROUBLE????????????
By ja
May 8, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
I think Jesse Jackson needs to just shut up. Who cares if there are no african americans on the braves. there are plenty of people on the braves who look just like jesse jackson. I think someone needs to take care of jesse if you know what I mean
By T-Bell
May 8, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
That’s the thing, KP, we don’t want it to be called the “Black Mecca.” That term alone brings down the property values to homes and scares away business. Look what it is doing to this once nice city. Take off the blue tooth and think about that for a second.
By Righteous
May 8, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
If Jesse Jackson had a clue about baseball, we’d all be screwed…
By ChampDawg
May 8, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
If the Rainbow/PUSH folks want to take up a cause to really help blacks, why don’t they address the problems of blacks committing the majoity of crimes in this country, unwed and teen mams, school performance and dropouts, and the ho/rap culture that is denegrating to black women, etc. etc. etc. The black community in this nation has a lot to be worried about- the least of which is baseball. But of course everytime blacks have a problem, it’s always the white dudes fault, right?
By Pathetic
May 8, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Give me a freakin break. JJ needs to get a life and find a real battle to fight. The race card is getting very old. As stated previously, we wonder why there is still discrimination. Thanks a lot JJ! Now go crawl back under whatever rock you came out of.
By Nole
May 8, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
No blacks on the Braves no Whites on the Hawks. Jessie why to you apologize to the three men from Duke that you found guilty before they even had a fair tial.
By Nole
May 8, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
No blacks on the Braves no Whites on the Hawks. Jessie why don’t you apologize to the three men from Duke you found guilty before they even had a fair tial.
By Darryl Douglass
May 8, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
The solution is simple, very,very simple. John Scheurholz and the other GMs need to start meeting with David Stern, to see if they can partner up on the black athletes, with hope that they can share their time.
Or better yet, go to some of the thug supported record labels and recruit the rappers and other “artists” that attempt to make “music”.
Oh, the best way… oh I know, go to some of the city, county, and state jail cells out there and get the best of the best that black america has to offer our society and culture.
By Jesse Jackson is my Anti-Hero
May 8, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Thank you Jesse for giving me yet another reason to see the blantant racism that pours through your veins. You are a disgrace to black men and women everywhere. I can’t believe you’re still given a stage on which to preach your racist rhetoric.
I’d like a formal apology from you to all Whites, Latinos, Japanese, and Koreans (this list could go on but I’ll stop at 4). You are trying to backhandedly deprive these groups of reaching their dreams of playing Major League baseball. So in essence, you’re wanting MLB to discriminate in favor of you. I love it how it’s only discrimination when it’s against you but never discrimination when it’s in your favor.
Good grief.
By TDub
May 8, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
I am completely disgusted by this story. I didn’t even notice that there were no black players on the roster - the only thing I look at is if “Atlanta” is on their chest when they’re on the mound or up to bat. It sickens me that this has to be brought up again and again, like when we were beaten over the head with Lovie Smith and Herm Edwards being the first two black coaches to play against each other in the superbowl. You know what? I saw two great coaches - that’s what was important. It didn’t even strike me that they were black until I was reminded of it every day for two weeks before the game. Whatever your ethnicity, if you’re spending your time checking off the race and color of major league team members, then there’s something very, very wrong with you. Maybe it’s a generational thing, I can’t say since I wasn’t alive when Jackson and so many others fought for their rights, but color matters nothing to me. It seems like a misguided attempt by Jackson and others to grasp for legitimacy in contemporary society.
By annemarie
May 8, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
THIS IS FOR THE WRITER KP —
HUH???????????
By Brett Shepherd
May 8, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
As a black man, I am disgusted with Jesse Jackson and his merry men of idiots. They are wasting time worrying about blacks playing baseball instead they need to march over to the Lakewood/Fort Mcpherson area to find out why a promising athlete and man was gunned down walking home from the MARTA station. That to me is the bigger problem, not who the hell is on the Braves. GO AWAY JESSE!
Brett Shepherd PS-BLACKS ARE HOT DOGS IS A COMPLETE FOOL, MUST BE ONE OF JESSES BOYS Dodgers fan in Norcross
By Mike
May 8, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
I’m white, so when do I get a chance in the NBA?!?!? Oops.. was that racist? No. Jesse Jackson = racist. Takes MLK’s words of equality to mean blacks are superior. That is the definition of racist. Talent = talent “Reverend,” and if there isn’t any, then don’t go out of your way to meet quota. That is the problem with Jesse Jackson. To push the superiority of blacks. He needs to realize that blacks and whites are equal, not meeting quotas, not pushing an agenda, not pushing superiority. He should focus on blacks killing each other in gang violence and lack of an education. You can’t expect people to work harder for themselves if they are content with not working and living off welfare! Education matters JJ and AS! Get a f*******
By Keith Helms
May 8, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
As long as there is any type of race quotas of any kind including the Voting Rights law it is racist on the part of blacks and anti American on the part of the politicians who purchase their votes for the population of any entity including cities, counties,states, teams or any thing else to be less than 80% white.
By Bill Nye, the Science Guy
May 8, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
See folks, this is what happens when you leave your blue tooth on your all day long. You get a bunch of nonsense in your head and act like a fool just like the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and Jesse Jackson. It’s Science, take off the bluetooth, it is dangerous and you look like an idiot.
By David
May 8, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
So… I guess the NBA will be looking to hire more whites as well? How about hip hop… not enough white rappers there…
By Kenneth O'Connor
May 8, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
I am a 61 year old white male who learned over the years that race is not important in building winning teams. What is important is hiring the best talent that you can find and then allowing them use that talent. This holds for business and for sports.
Why is it that people continue to make race an issue? It seems to me that if we forgot about race and color and treated everyone the same, we would all be a lot better off.
By Scott Morris
May 8, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
I just wish Jesse would use his self proclaimed power to do good. He and Sharpton do nothing but fuel the fire. Now RP is trying to tell owners of professional teams who they need to hire. I believe that most of the population is more interested in watching a good sporting event, not how many of each color is represented on the team. I dont see them complaining to the PGA. I wish RP would get a life. Why does everything have to be about black and white. God see’s no color and we are all God’s children.
By kj
May 8, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Why do people blame an entire race for the acts of a few. Sports just like everything else in this society is a business and therefore out to find the best products available to maximize profits. Personally, I wouldn’t care if they were purple, gold, and pink as long as we got another Championship here in Atlanta. I mean, 95 was a long time ago.
By Mike
May 8, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Looks like I’ve been kicked off two blogs on the AJC for voicing my opinion against Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton! Way to go liberal, agenda pushing AJC!
By GABUCKSHOT
May 8, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
I have a son playing high school baseball. We had one black player to come out for the team this year and he contributed, though he had not played organized baseball for a couple of years. The black athletes at our high school choose to devote themselves to other sports. It’s truly difficult for kids to be 3 sport athletes these days, as each sport requires more of the players time for training and preparation than just before and during the season. Groups like the Rainbow Push coalition should get off their high horse and stop encouraging this sense of entitlement, and start encouraging participation and effort. Talent has to be cultivated. I wish more of the black athletes would participate in our baseball program.
By meb
May 8, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
As a black man, I am sick and tired of everything being related to race. The PUSH coalition is appropriately named. They like to PUSH organizations around (otherwise known as bullying or extortion). It does not matter what color a person is. I am all for going after the best talent thats going to give the team the best chance to win. I dont see the PUSH coalition banging down the doors of the NHL about more blacks are needed in hockey. There are multitude of reasons why blacks are not represented more in baseball, but race is not one of them. A black person will make more money in the NFL or NBA than he would in MLB. Thats the main reason why they play those sports.
Jesse and his organization do not speak for me and as long as they are around, race will continue to be front page news. If there were no more racial issues Jesse and the like would be out of a job (if you can call what he does a job).
By Mr. Scratch
May 8, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Bold: No Story Here !!!, and I am a Black American ,,, Rainbow/Push attack some real issues… and quit grand standing… Hell in about 10 years there will be more latino players than white players…
By Morgan
May 8, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Everytime a decent black player come through the braves system, they trade them off for player’s, that don’t play up to the expectation of the player they were trade for. The player that was traded usually goes somewhere else and have a very productive career. Look at some of the talented player’s that have been through here. Jermaine Dye is a good person to talk about.
By Tonya
May 8, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Now who is the racist? The whites on the Braves team are already out numbered. It’s about who is good enough to play on the team, that’s why there are so many Hispanics on the Braves, they’re the better players. It’s about who is qualified not the color of the players skin. I guess it’s okay to discriminate against whites, just not blacks. Give me a break!
By Ham
May 8, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
This is the most ignorant comment I have ever heard. This is like saying there are not enough white people in the NBA.
By Mike
May 8, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
More proof that the most racist group in America are blacks. It is never about talent or ability or education or qualifications - it is always about color Just shut up!!!
By Tyger
May 8, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Crackers alive and well
By Let Us Boycott!
May 8, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Dearest Joe Beasley of Rainbow-PUSH,
I fully support any boycott efforts you propose. If you are going to organize a boycott of the Braves and Turner Field, could you please add the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena and the Arena at Gwinnett Center to that list as well?
That would make it SO much easier for me to purchase tickets to those venues and give our pro sports teams my money and support while they ( ahem ) “suffer” from your racist attacks.
Yours in Christ,
Me
By Lewis
May 8, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Do we need any more proof that these people are idiots? I can’t believe the Braves gave them the time of day.
If you’re black, you should be embarassed of these imbeciles, and do all you can to disavow their claims to be leaders of black people.
By Rich
May 8, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
The Braves could add to their quota if they recruited the crack houses and prisons
By KR
May 8, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
1.) They are nothing more than a illegal shakedown group. I guarantee they will “ask” for a $10,000 “donation”. Ask Jesse Peterson (a black Reverend what he thinks of this GANG…as well…)
2.)When will they ATTACK the dearth of whities in NFL and NBA? NEVER because this group is nothing more than a tax shelter for all those involved AS NONE OF THEM HAVE REAL JOBS.
By Ralph
May 8, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
It makes me so mad to read the race card crap day in and day out. No matter in what area, while kids are dropping out of school and get into crime. Jackson has time to stick his nose into a sport that is the least races. Pretty soon he’ll be complaining that churches are too white. LEAVE BASEBALL ALONG , worry about the kids who are going hungry in Africa and around the world. He has to much time on his hand and to much money flying all over getting people upset and getting involved in things, for no reason except to separate the races
By Jon
May 8, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
What Bull crap!!! Hey, the Falcons don’t have enough white people, neither do the Hawks. Hey wait!! I’m short, s** and no good at basketball. Does that mean that the Hawks have to hire me? Law suit!! Law suit!! Why don’t these group just shut up. They are the reason why racism is as bad as it it. You should judge people on their character and abilities, not by the color of the skin. Funny who some of these “african-americans” quickly mistake equality with partial treatment. If you want to be treated fair, do your best, take what you earn and quit thinking things are owed to you. People like Jesse Jackson had thier reasons and were good for a cause (when it was a cause). So, does this mean that we need to make sure every teams has an equal number of whites, latins, Blacks, Chinese, Etc; on every team? Come on, you want fairness, let’s be fair. I’m willing to bet that if the Braves’ team consisted of nothing but blacks, nothing would be said. In fact these racial mother -fers would be happy. Some people need to get a life, leave things alone and let dead dogs lie. The only way race will stop being an issue, is when people like these stop making it one.
If you agree good. if not you got issues!!
By Mr. Scratch
May 8, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
By Atico
May 8, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
These jerks from the Jesse Jackson club make me sick.
This game is about money, and I am positive that if a guy is a great baseball player he will not be passed over because of the color of his skin.
Read a sports page and see the diversity. This Rainbow crowd is really a farce.
No issue here what so ever.
By Bigmuddy
May 8, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Its very simple. If an African-American can hit .280-.300 or throw a baseball 90-95 near the strike zone he will be in the major leagues. Jesse/Al et al and his followers should get a job and get the hell off the street - they are endangering the public and sports.
By Ray
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
This is about as stupid as the survey that said the more white officals call more fouls on black players in the NBA. I LOVED Charles Barkley’s response to that, “Next they’ll be telling us that fat people eat more food than skinny people.” I wish I could payed for making up stupid things like this.
By The Duke
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
As a black male, it’s a nonissue to me. I’m more disappointed that The Braves haven’t won more World Series titles with the red, blue, white and black players they’ve had over the last 20 years. Change the rainbow anyway you’d like but if it doesn’t get more World Series wins then I’m not interested in the least.
The Duke
By Steve T
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
I do not know what the problem is. I mean there are several players of color on that team.
The only thing I may see as a problem is the treatment of previous players of color. Yes, folks, some did not want to leave the Braves. They may have raised the issue.
By Darryl Douglass
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Morgan, are you serious, Jermaine Dye was 11 years ago, where have you been? Not to mention that the Braves had a load of outfielders at the time, including a potential Hall of Famer in the making, Andrew Jones. It also included David Justice and Marquis Grissom and Ryan Klesko, who all were great ballplayers. Trading Jermaine away was the best thing for him because he would have NEVER received any paying time. In fact, I recall he thanked the Atlanta Braves fro everything they gave him and the opportunities he received.
Morgan, do your homework buddy!
By Brandon
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand what the problem is… as a sports team you take the best player available black, white, orange, purple or red. Do you think for one minute Jesse Jackson would push for a white african american player to be on any team. This is the reason why racism still exist in America. If you aren’t talented enough to play at that level then you shouldn’t be on the team plain and simple. There is no argument. Lets take this one step further… what about the black community saying that white refs in basketball single out black players. Give me a break, thats like saying why does 70% of arrest in Atlanta involve a black person, when 70% if not more of Atlanta is populated by blacks. Come on. By no means am I racist. Some of my best freinds growing up and still today do not have the same color skin that I do. I have sat by and watched this whole pity party for a long time and to be honest with you I am sick and tired of it. When I was rasied up I was taught that you had to earn everything you got. This country, sports in America, and for that matter the everyday work place doesn’t OWE* anyone anything no matter what their color. If you want it EARN it.
By TDub
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
All of this being said, I would like to see more Inuits in NASCAR. I hear there are 40 words for “redneck” in their language…
By Monica
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Not all African Americans agree with everything Jesse Jackson, the NAACP, and the Rainbow/Push coalition say. We are a diverse group that can’t be lumped into one mindset! As for this issue, I find it aboslutely ridiculous. Teams want to win. That means getting the best players to build a winning team, regardless of their racial makeup. Baseball is a sport that doesn’t always produce fame and fortune quickly, like basketball and football. Baseball has recognized this and along with the Braves have initiated programs to facilitate more involvement of kids in African American communities. The Braves organization is not racist. They want the best players and we have had many African Americans on the team, including the best homerun hitter ever! JJ, find another more pertinent issue that plagues our community!
By linny
May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
In actuality, there are, to my knowledge NO African players anywhere in MLB; there was one guy from South Africa, i think, a pitcher maybe… My. Point. Is. This. If Jesse is referring to “black” (i.e., dark-skinned) players, Andruw looks pretty dark to me, as does Soriano. As did Claudell Washington. As did Hank Aaron. As did… well i could go on for 40 years of braves teams… Some of them come from the USofA; some from the Dominican Republic; some from Mexico; some from Asian countries (usually Korea and Japan); some come from the Phillipines; some come from various South and Central American countries. The color of their skin varies from pale to dark.
But it’s their skill and talent and ability to train and work hard to perform their sport that matters. Not what color their skin is. Or where their ancestors lived.
As Charlie Brown would say…
Good GRIEF!
By Give Money to Education, NOT Raci$ts Like Rainbow-PUSH
May 8, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
You know that money you were going to donate to Rainbow-PUSH?
This whole fiasco is a perfect example of why we should use that money we would have otherwise WASTED on Rainbow-PUSH to help create scholarship funds for deserving kids in our neighborhoods to go to a good college, play college baseball and graduate with enough knowledge and intelligence to NOT support money-grubbing, race-baiting, society-dividing and self-serving organizaitions like The Rainbow-PUSH Coalition.
An EDUCATED and INDEPENDENT young man or woman of ANY race is the most-feared enemy of greedy and $leazy organizations like Rainbow-PUSH.
Go to school, young people, and….
Go, Braves!
By Ray
May 8, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
This is about as stupid as the survey that said the more white officals call more fouls on black players in the NBA. I LOVED Charles Barkley’s response to that, “Next they’ll be telling us that fat people eat more food than skinny people.” I wish I could payed for making up stupid things like this.
By Joyce
May 8, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Amen to Meb. If everyone would ignore this self-serving guy, maybe he would go away. I don’t ever think race and most of us don’t. We think talent when it comes to sports plus heart, and worth when we deal with others on a daily basis. Viva America with both black and white (and others). I wouldn’t have it any other way.
By david baswell
May 8, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding me.. WTF are they thinking.. This is what makes me hate groups like rainbow racist coalition. Stop your whining you stupid idiots. I dont hear any white boys crying about the nba. Screw yourself jesse
By Steve
May 8, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
I think Jesse Jackson was either hugged to much or not enough as a child. He is always wanting attention for some kind of race issue. BTW where is his apology for the Duke LaX players, because he sure did bash them. Jesse you need to grow up and quit being such a bigget yourself. Just get over it
By Tim
May 8, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
this is just utterly insane…the fact that this is being pushed on major league teams is just as assinine as the study published about how white referees call fouls on black players more often…look at the percentages…when a league is 80% black what do you expect? and the article says it plain as day, less than 10% of MLB players are african american…the fact of the matter is that baseball is just not a hugely popular sport among young african american men…hell even if you look around the baseball world the popularity dwindles for caucasian american men as opposed to the booming popularity among latin american countries and japan…it’s a business people…scouts and GMs have access to the best players in the world and they will do what they can to bring them to their team/league..reguardless of background of any kind…
By Keeping it real
May 8, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition are today’s KKK. But instead of a rope as the terror threat they use cash. This country needs beater leaders than Jesse he has an agenda that is after putting every other race down he is a RACIST!
By Steve
May 8, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
I think Jesse Jackson was either hugged to much or not enough as a child. He is always wanting attention for some kind of race issue. BTW where is his apology for the Duke LaX players, because he sure did bash them. Jesse you need to grow up and quit being such a bigget yourself. Just get over it
By edward
May 8, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Ok, so if we made a group like Mr.Jackson’s and talked about not enough white players in the Nba, would that be racist? I suppose it would. So why is his group not deemed racist? I remember Jesse going to the “aid” of others. Like the prostitute who wasn’t raped but caused Duke to lose it’s team for a year. Has he ever apologized to anyone his group has falsely accused?? Not that I have heard. He goes to where the cameras are, makes a couple dumb rhymes and then he moves on to the next “big show”. If he truly cared for the african-american athletes, he would start putting money into colleges and schools that have a large african-american student body. Put the money into the baseball teams. In baseball, you go where the talent goes. In other sports, you go where the money is. A starting baseball contract on signing day is the league min. In football and the NBA the first contract you get is usually over a million. Alot of these kids are coming from homes that are lower income. Or middle income. They want to do right for their family and where do you get the money? Playing in sports other than baseball. It takes 3yrs usually to make it to spring training in baseball. It takes one signing to make it onto a basketball or NFL team. Get a clue and leave the Braves alone Mr. Jackson
By brandon
May 8, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
What a joke. Where are all the whites in the NBA and NFl. Help them out to jesse.
By Dave in Tampa
May 8, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
What do you folks expect? It’s been a couple weeks since we have heard from Jesse. It was time. This guy is a complete baffon. All he wants is attention and he get’s it. Too bad it’s for all the wrong reasons.
Jesse Jackson has a lot of class….. Too bad it’s ALL LOW!
By brandon
May 8, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
What a joke. Where are all the whites in the NBA and NFL? Help them out to jesse and Al.
By Tyger
May 8, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Crackers alive and well
African-Americans have been and still are historically and systematically denied opportunity at every level of society.
Jackie Robinson’s entry legitimized an illegitimate b******* of a game with inferior players claiming to be the best, simply because they controlled who participated and who did not, much like corporate america and academia.
All records in baseball prior to integration are suspect at best. The best players were denied entry and played in the Negro Leagues: Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, Josh Gipson, Larry Doby, Ernie Banks, Buck Oneil, Roy Campanella, etc. Once given a chance, they dominated.
Now, its just like I remembered, deja vu all over again.
By Steve
May 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Who wrote this article Terrance Moore?
By CA
May 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Have they done similar studies with all groups that extend to the other pro sports as well? Native Americans (who could bark the loudest), or naturalized citizens? I believe in fighting for what is right for all and not just a selected group who might feel slighted. Come on it is about Winning in pro sports and attracting High profile sponsors because of it. In the past this could have been a strong issue but now it is a personal choice for athletes. Most of the great athletes or competitors played several sports but due to time constraints and training choose only one. Thus the possibility exists this is what has happened in baseball.
By Boydatl
May 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
I don’t think there are enough girls on our team. Let’s do something about that.
Thank you Rainbow-PUSH! I am now dumber for having read your arguement! WOW!
By REGGIE BALL
May 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Jesse, Jesse, Jesse,
My son is a high school baseball player and he is white. He is also being recruited by a Black College (Miles College in Birmingham). When we went down to to visit we were eating in the cafeteria and had one student (black) come up to us and say, “Hey, you must be here for the baseball team.” When my son replied “yes”, he said welcome aboard. Now if my son had went up to a black person at another college and said “hey, you must be here for the basketball team”, he would have gotten kicked out. Jesse, Jesse, Jesse, your nothing but a race robbing w**.
By Neil
May 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Yawn…
Come on Joe Beasley… you can do better.
By Braves Fan Trapped in OR
May 8, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
I can’t understand why everyone in this country is looking for a hand out. Why can’t we just strive for excellence? I am not phased one bit by the lack of African-Americans on the Braves. Don’t make me out to be a racist. Baseball is a business. The Braves are looking to employee the top craftsmen at their trade. I don’t think they are excluding African-Americans. I think they went for the best talent available. Why does it have to be a race thing? I don’t see White Groups (which would never be aloud in this country) protesting the lack of Whites in the NBA. I think most African-American kids in this generation are drawn towards the NBA because of the color of that landscape and the street lifestyle it is sending out. I would love to see more color in Baseball, but I don’t think they should do it because a group is putting pressure on them. Its America the land of opportunity not hand outs. If players of all colors are striving to achieve greatness and working hard then that is awesome. But don’t recruit based on the use of racial force. I didn’t mean this to be demeaning or offensive. I just hate special interest groups. Teach people to be hard working not to go crying to lawyers and politicos cause life isn’t fair to them. Teach them that if they work hard and but every ounce of themselves into their goals then no one can stop them.
By Steve T
May 8, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
“Also just to clear up some confusion for the bloggers today, when they say black they mean African American. Rafael Soriano is from the Dominican Republic, Edgar Rentaria is from Colombia and Andrew Jones is from Curacao. None of them are Black.”
They sure look like me! If I ever meet someone in a hate group, I am tell them I am from Colombia and I am not black. LOL!
By chad
May 8, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
He can’t be this stupid…..can he?
Forget white and black for a second, baseball is losing ground to other sports because they have decided to put world series games and playoff games on at 9:30PM, kids don’t watch anymore.
Also, kids, I guess black kids in particular, don’t want to toil in the minor leagues for six years after high school hoping to get a shot at the bigs. They want the fame and the shoe contract and the big money right away. The NBA (and to a lesser extent) the NFL offer that much more easily than baseball. If some demographic of kids prefers one sport to the other, who cares?
Talent is talent is talent, the NBA obviously doesn’t have a problem recruiting black players, nor does the NFL, so why would you think another major american sport would be anti-race? C’mon Jesse, what’s your real motivation?
I guess the Imus flame has burned out and he needs something to do.
By Steve
May 8, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
How about doing a study on the Atlanta Hawks and see what you can find?
By james
May 8, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Sure that’s fine. But you need more caucasians in basketball. What is the synopsis there. What is the percentage of african americans in the NBA? It’s a lot! If organizaions continue to cave in to the Jesses Jackson’s and Al Sharpton’s then what are we going to have. They will say that there are good candidates in their race for everything. Well if all races are great at everything why are so few whites in the NBA, talent, ability? I think if you always pick the best regardless of anything you will have the best. If you promote people because of anything other than ability you will never be the best.
By Tonya
May 8, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Does Jesse Jackson’s group target local companies with no blacks? Heck no, he’s going for the big money companies like Coke and the Braves/AOL to extort money. Big companies will pay them off just to stay out of the media and not have to deal with them. Where does all this money go? Jesse’s pocket so he can live his luxury life style. The money isn’t going to blacks who need it. Jesse needs to get a real job and let everyone live their life.
By Matt
May 8, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson: “Mr Shureholtz, I know you have a winning ball club, first place in the division, with exceptional clubhouse chemistry. However, I am going to have to ask you to disrupt your winning formula to achieve an “acceptable” quota of “Affrican American” players on your team. J.S.: But Mr. Jackson, we have a number of players of color on our team. Jesse: We understand that Mr. Shureholtz, but as these players are not of American decent, we do not view them as “true” people of color. J.S.: So your discriminating against foriegn born people of color? Jesse: At the Rainbow Push Coalition, that is our job, to discriminate against everyone who is not black, and not born in America.
By SHUTUPJESSE
May 8, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Give me a freakin break. I am so fed up with this crap about racial equality. I mean it is stupid to think that because we don’t have black players we are not fair. SHUT THE HECK UP. I am going to start a white equality group that marches up to the Hawks owners and Aruthur Blank and tells them to get more white athletes. You know we should have released Mike Vick and kept Matt Shaub to help our White to Black player ratio. Give me a break Jesse for the leader of a coalition you are a fairly unintelligent person. I hope you realize what you are saying and exactly how many people really want to stone you. White and Black. Go hide with Bin Laden, i bet you wouldn’t tell us if you found him for fear that a WHITE person might arrest him and get the credit…….
By mcdawg
May 8, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
classic shakedown by Rev. Jackson-just write him a check and let he him go and harrass the thrashers-BTW is A. Jones black or brown? african or carib?
By hjh
May 8, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson = NO credibility. I don’t care what color the team is….I am more concerned with putting the best players on the field.
By Summerteeth
May 8, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
“Nothing to see here, people!”
I’m all for Jessie Jackson and Co. fighting the good fight, but this really isn’t a good fight for them. I applaud their passion for helping African Americans but I feel they are barking up the wrong tree. You don’t ‘recruit’ players in MLB, you take the best available. Now maybe if UGA or GA Tech were only recruiting whites, then there’s your story.
By Eleanor
May 8, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
* I wish our country had a better sense of humor about Jesse and his friends. When you are a “media w**,” this is what you do. Jesse creates chaos out of nothing. Always have and always will.*
Jesse could care less about black people, baseball, Don Imus or whatever. If he can prostitute himself to the media or extort money, that’s all he wants. He is a happy camper.
Too bad, the media won’t let us ignore him.
By Braves Fan Trapped in Oregon
May 8, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, we are still waiting for you to apologize to the three Duke boys. You called them RAPISTS and tried them in the media court. You will never have credibility in this country until you do. After you crucified Don Imus. Why is there such a double standard? Both examples said things that were offensive and demeaning. Please apologize! And don’t try to strong arm the national pastime. Focus on something more important like the hidiousness of rap lyrics and the poor image the young African-American football players are setting for society.
By Bob
May 8, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Will someone please has the guts to stand up to these RP racists and tell them to go to hell? You go work on a little diversity in the NBA and the NFL before you bitch about MLB. And why aren’t the RP racists complaining about the NHL? Is is because the RP racists don’t think blacks can skate? I’m so sick of these so called leaders looking at nothing other than the color of someone’s skin. How about a little diversity in the crime statistics of USA. Smaller percentage of blacks in USA committing a much higher percentage of crime. RP, go to hell!
By Tim S
May 8, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Jesse! You are going to Hell when you die. I am surprised that the Braves actually gave that a**hole any of thier valuable time. The Braves should take the George Bush approach Rainbow Collation.
By Eleanor
May 8, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
* I wish our country had a better sense of humor about Jesse and his friends. When you are a “media w**,” this is what you do. Jesse creates chaos out of nothing. Always have and always will.*
Jesse could care less about black people, baseball, Don Imus or whatever. If he can prostitute himself to the media or extort money, that’s all he wants. He is a happy camper.
Too bad, the media won’t let us ignore him.
By Summerteeth
May 8, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
“Nothing to see here, people!”
I’m all for Jessie Jackson and Co. fighting the good fight, but this really isn’t a good fight for them. I applaud their passion for helping African Americans but I feel they are barking up the wrong tree. You don’t ‘recruit’ players in MLB, you take the best available. Now maybe if UGA or GA Tech were only recruiting whites, then there’s your story.
By Pat Buchanan
May 8, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
“We look forward to the day when there are no hyphenated Americans”
By Eleanor
May 8, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
* I wish our country had a better sense of humor about Jesse and his friends. When you are a “media w**,” this is what you do. Jesse creates chaos out of nothing. Always have and always will.*
Jesse could care less about black people, baseball, Don Imus or whatever. If he can prostitute himself to the media or extort money, that’s all he wants. He is a happy camper.
Too bad, the media won’t let us ignore him.
By RCH
May 8, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Jesse, Maybe you should force inner city black children to play LaX now. When that sport starts to pay big bucks you will demand more black representation of this prevliged sport.Lets get that out of the way.
By Braves4Ever
May 8, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
I….CAN’T….STAND…THIS!!!!
Why does this idiot Jackson even get airtime??? Why did the Braves even give him one minute let alone two hours?
I give up on the human race.
By Cane
May 8, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Someone already mentioned this fact in an earlier post and I will back the statement up.
I am an Alumni of a Historically Black College. Throughout my 5 year college career (the 5 included a masters for those snickering at 5 years)…..
The baseball team was predominately White.
A black college of 2,500 students (85% black); Football team 95% balck (you already know what position the white guy played) Basketball team (100%) black. Track (100%) black. Baseball Team (80% White); Even the coach was white.
We all thought it was normal because we all know that the black race excels in sports where physical stength and duration are necessary.
That is just the nature of the sport. Does this organization (Rainbow Coalition) do any research before they jump into any situations?
By mw
May 8, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Hey…My kid’s the only “white” kid in his public school class. Where is the Rainbow-Push Coalition? Why are they pushing for more “white kids” in our school??
Braves—-I want a winning team and I don’t care what their skin color is…or what language they speak or where their ancestors may have hailed from 50 or 60 years ago…for that matter. I just want them to win!
By Jackie Robinson - No Greater American
May 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Folks, THIS nonsense is why Jackie Robinson, one of the greatest Americans in the entire history of OUR nation, was a Republican.
Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton are not worthy of washing Mr. Robinson’s underwear.
How dare either of those hatemonger$ and $leazebag$ dare even speak the name of a great human being like JACKIE ROBINSON (even HANK AARON for that matter)!
By Jeffrey
May 8, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson and his damn rainbow coalition are really startin to make us blacks look bad. I’m so extra tired of him and Al Sharpton right now. It seems like they can’t find anything to fight for, so now they are just being ridiculous. Why don’t they try to fight poverty, find a way to keep black families together, or try keep our black youth from going prison. They need to stop focusing on these unimportant aspects of life and focus on what’s really important.
By Ry
May 8, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
This is ridiculous. We should protest in the streets and begin a million man march for Whites. Why doesn’t the NBA have more white players….because there are more black players that are better at the sport. The same applies to baseball, there are more talented white players than black. Jesse Jackson is nothing more than a black gangster who extorts money from organizations.
By Bob
May 8, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Hey Cane, You’re right. I do know what position the white guy played. QB, the position that requires brains.
By Mr. Endicott
May 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Im afraid that the game of baseball is much more mental and requires more than just brut strength and speed. That being said, the african will never infiltrate this sport to the degree they have others, but have represneted themselves well when they have. There have been many amazing negroes in baseball and have brouoght me much emjoyment to watch.
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
The level of ignorance spouting out of your mouths and resentful hatred of anything race-related, is mind-boggling. You’re just using this issue as an excuse to vent your ugliness, but when are you going to get it through your thick skulls that Jesse Jackson does NOT represent Black Americans? He only represents himself.
That being said, the only intelligent responses were given by BobG and Apaul404. The majority of young Black men are simply not interested in the game right now. However, I do believe that sentiment will change in the near future. I love baseball and will do my part to “pitch” the game, and its benefits, to young men and women (softball).
Do I think the Braves are wrong? To a certain degree, yes and no.
No, for wanting to put the best team on the field. Yes, for not making an attempt to remember the fan base of Atlanta and the metro areas. Growing up, it was exciting to go to a Braves game. Why? Because I went to see Ron Gant, David Justice, Deion Sanders, etc. along with Gregg Olsen, Tom Glavine, and etc. We had a diverse team that was talented and exciting to watch. It was a team as diverse as Atlanta was.
Now? Sorry, but I’m just going to have to tell you like it is. I’m NOT a fan of the Atlanta Braves Poster Boys, Chipper Jones or Jeff Francoeur. Nor can I even give you the names of the whole roster like I used to. Andruw is cool, but he’s not American, nor is he Black.
The only reason I even give the Braves a look is b/c I simply love baseball. But, I will pay more attention to Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones, Derek Jeter, Garrett Anderson, Barry Bonds, and what they’re doing. Why? Because they have a Black face and I want them to succeed. How is that any different from the players you support and love?
So, with the Braves, in my own city, who am I paying my hard-earned dollars to see? Who am I rooting for?
While I like the fact that the Braves put a winning team on the field, I’m also being real when I say I want to see someone on the field that looks like me—someone who’s talented and has earned his place like everyone else. No one’s asking for a handout as some of you ignoramuses think. I want a reason to come and spend my money at Turner Field. A whole roster full of white guys doesn’t cut it. Neither does losing, so the Hawks and all their black players don’t get my money either….unless they get Al Horford, or a great guard, in the draft….then I might reconsider.
Simply put, all of you have players you like on the teams you support. Whether they be black or white, you like who you like. Same here. That being said, while I’m glad the Braves are winning, it WOULD be nice to see more of the talented, hardworking Black baseball players, that DO exist, be drafted and developed by Atlanta for our team.
By will c
May 8, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Who cares. Black kids are playing football and basketball in high school. The media attention plus the hot girls in high school go those games. No one is going to see high school baseball except a few passionate individuals. The road to immediate riches is paved through those 2 sports.
RICH GUYS TROPHY WIFE SPEED DATING
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
I only gonna waste me time once on this blog. NO we dont need more black players on the Braves. It doesnt matter what race they are. Besides if you count foreign black players then the 1/3 of the Braves starters are black.
8%of players in baseball are black. 12% of the population is black. Not a big drop off. The only reason there is a drop off is because of foreigners. If you want more blacks then you coulc ban foreigners from playing but Im pretty sure that is racism too.
Why is it Racism and a tragdy when they are only a few black players in baseball but it is acceptable when they are only a few whites in the NFL and even less in the NBA. The only difference is when something doesnt go N**** way all they no how to do is bitch and blame white people.
By Dr.Doom
May 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Messy Jesse doesn’t have blacks in his heart. Its all about him and his organization. If he did he would do the things suggested in Jeffrey’s post at 12:39. Why do you think there is no new leadership being groomed to take his place, because he and others like him want it all by keeping black folks paranoid and afraid.
By DEREK JETER IS BLACK?
May 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
And Andruw Jones isn’t?
WTF?!?!?
By CC
May 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Just heard Beasley on 790 The Zone. He came off as someone horribly unprepared to have a conversation about the specifics of the Braves and their organization, as well as the current state of baseball in regards to African-American participation. It is counter-intuitive that the Braves would in a predetermined fashion exit their African-American players from the roster when the ATL has a relatively high percentage of our population that is African-American. One of his arguments was that the Braves only cared about putting people in the stands, yet they had at least six African-American players in 1997, the season with their highest attendance (3.46M vs 2.55M last year).
Each of us is accountable for the words we say or write, and unfortunately Beasley’s comments are another example of the vacuum of leadership in the African-American community to address the priority issues confronting them.
By Ray
May 8, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
AS a young black kid growing up in South Carolina during the hey day of Hank Aaron’s record setting home run chase, I was never concerned with the racial make-up of the team. I simply wanted them to win. Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow Coalition Reps struck out on this issue. I agree with with most of the comments regarding taking the best players available. Futhermore, of all the issues that can be brought to the table facing Black Americans (yes Black Americans, I’m old school and I like being Black)the racial make-up of a professional sports team would and should be a non issue. Also, just so you know, Rev. Al and JJ don’t speak for every person of color. Now take a deep breath everybody and release the tension and increase the peace.
By Todd
May 8, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Hey JQueen, thanks for the long rant. When is the last time you even spent a dime on going to a braves game or buying braves paraphanalia instead of gucci rip offs and corn chips and strawberry daquiris?
By To Answer Jeffrey's Question
May 8, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
RE: - Why don’t they (Jesse & Al) try to fight poverty, find a way to keep black families together, or try keep our black youth from going prison ?
It is because there is no BIG MONEY, BIG FAME, BIG POWER GAINS and/or BIG MEDIA EXPOSURE in doing any of those things, Jeffrey.
If a TV camera or a chance to get a huge amount of UNearned, free money isn’t involved, don’t expect to see Al & Jesse around the situation until there is.
By tater tot
May 8, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
I am a member of MWGIB, More White Guys in Basketball. Jesse, you and your homey, Joe, who obviously does not have a real job or anything else to do have a choice, if you don’t like the product, don’t go, just like me and my group, will not, have not and don’t plan to go to NBA games. Nothing but tattooed, dope smoking thugs, that would be street hoods if they could not shoot hoops. I am sure that the conversation revolved around money, Shakedown Inc, probably told John that for a certain compensation, they would not do this any more. What a joke.
By WHY BLACKS DON'T PLAY BASEBALL
May 8, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
If you do a dance after hitting a home run, you guarantee yourself of eating through a straw the rest of your life after you next at bat, when you will be hit squarely in the head with a 90+ MPH fastball.
Football and basketball Jewish management has encouraged vaudeville type entertainment by their trained Negroes, whereas the players don’t stand for it in baseball.
By Richard
May 8, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Groups like Rainbow PUSH serve only to continue to promote racism where none exists otherwise. Braves should not give the the time of day.
By Tyger
May 8, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
Cane,
To be from an HBCU, you sound like Jimmy the Greek. Thats nonsense! I played college sports too and had white teammates that were very good and played against white guys that were very good. Sports performance isnt race based. Believe it or not their are very fast white guys.
The issue here really is not race, its giving the best player a chance AND thats whats not occurring. And it doesnt start in the MLB, Jesse is attacking the wrong target, it starts in neighborhoods all over America.
Black kids are not playing little league baseball and those that do are weeded out by the WHITE parents that coach and sponsor the teams so that their kids can play. A few years later, if you look around at high school baseball teams you will find them too 98% WHITE, even in multi-ethnic neighborhoods. Its the WHITE parents hiding the cheese from the lil’ kids.
How do you change that?
By Raiderbeater
May 8, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
No blacks on the Braves? 1. Willie Harris 2. Edgar Renteria 3. Rafael Soriano 4. Andruw Jones 5. Brayan Pena
“Wait ….adjust the TV…YEP!!! they are black players too!!!” Just cuz they are Latino-Africans….doesn’t that make them black? Three starters, the back-up catcher and a dominate closer….hmmm. I guess we are racist for only having one African-AMERICAN player (Harris). Baseball management really looks like the second coming of the KKK for sure. 5 players out of 25 are black ….. the league is 10% white… looks fair and square to people who aren’t racist bigots…Jesse. No, I won’t call him a reverend either….how blasphemous.
By jr
May 8, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
If the player can hit, field, throw, run and has some character I don’t care if he’s green. I’m also quite certain it wouldn’t matter to the Braves either. This is nothing more than some of Jacksons’ famous blackmail. He needs to clean up his own life before worrying about professional sports where the players are paid according to ability and not quotas.
By Tim Gunter
May 8, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
this is ridiculous. why doesn’t jesse jackson get a life? he is so ignorant. he was picketting for Imus’ firing from CBS because of what he said about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. if I am not mistaken he called New York City “Jaime Town.” that is a derogatory slang for Jewish people. no one called for his firing as the head of Afro Americans.. now this crap. more black players on the Braves roster? first off, not many of my afro american brothers play baseball anymore. basketball and football have taken over. if he wanted to get more afro americans in baseball or on the braves, he should spend his time getting more youth leagues in place in the under priveldged areas. find something better to do with your time jesse jackson. there are VERY FEW white boys in the NBA anymore, you dont see us bitching. should we go and hire someone to ask David Stern to get more white guys in the league? NO, because we have better stuff to do with our time and we realize that we are inferior at some things and better at others. I guess what I am trying to say is that I DISLIKE jesse jackson because he is a hypocrit and is always trying to make it a black and white issue. we are in the year 2007. catch up!
By John C
May 8, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
I read on another ajc bb blog, where the writer claimed Andruw Jones is of European descent. I’m trying to figure out which European country is in Africa. My map must be out of date.
By RCH
May 8, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
It seems to me J.J. and A.S.would except a blended team even-though it is a mediocre one vs. fielding the best we have which may be a higher percentage White and Hispanic that will win a world series. I am glad they are not Braves fans. I will contribute to their air fare to fly them back home.
By Jack
May 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Last I checked, Andruw and Edgar are “black” just not African American “black.” When the NBA starts actively recruiting white AMericans from teh burbs intead of inner city blacks and European whites to create balance and parity, then we can address baseball. The Mets have a lot of “black” players but like the Braves, they are Latin AMerican players. Jesse Jackson and his puke friends need to give it a rest and focus on moving communites forward rather than dividing. As for recruiting from Atlanta, the Braves have been masterful, see Davies, McCann, and Franceour to name a few.
By dick
May 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Do you all remember the throw Terry Pendleton (A/A)cut off from left fielder Ron Gant (A/A) and then threw back to Fred McGriff (A/A) to tag out the runner trying to get back to first base? Jesse doesn’t
By Red Skull
May 8, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Blacks are kept out of baseball so that black fans are kept out. Black fans tend to be louder and more vulgar than white fans(except when their drunk). Baseball is to be kept in a family atmosphere and too many black families are broken up,hence, the lack of self control.
By Eric - Dunwoody, GA
May 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Jqueen - “But, I will pay more attention to Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones, Derek Jeter, Garrett Anderson, Barry Bonds, and what they’re doing.Why? Because they have a Black face and I want them to succeed. How is that any different from the players you support and love?”
I’m caucasian and my favorite player was Kirby Puckett, an African-American. To my young heart, Kirby Puckett was a baseball player, not a Crayola Crayon shade.
Unlike Jqueen, I am a BASEBALL fan, not a RACIST fan.
Unlike Jqueen, I also try to not sound like someone who is not very well-read or insightul. (I may not be very intelligent, either, but I at least try to not present myself that way.)
Take me out to the BALL GAME, not the RACE CARD, I-HATE-AMERICAN-AND-MYSELF game.
God Bless The Late, Great Kirby Puckett.
Jqueen, please open a few more books without pictures. In the long run, you will be glad you did.
By Tim Gunter
May 8, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
he is from Curacao. it is a small island in the Carribean that was settled by Europeans. you ignorant prick.
By Cane
May 8, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
@ Bob
THe white guy Played Kicker. I am talking about a Black College Football team.
If you are suggesting that Blacks cannot quarterback becuase they have no brains than Fk U. You are the same type of redneck that would kiss Mike Vicks a if he won championships, but since he isn’t now you want to hang em.
White quarterbacks are good and the majority. But black quarterbacks are good too. We have the brains to play any sport just like we have the brains to do anything we want to if we apply ourselves. Only problem is that many of us apply ourselves to the wrong thing. I know this.
But if you want to use my comment in order to throw in your racist comment then I will run your a* over with your own pickup truck and sht on your Confederate flag and stick it in your mouth to mix with your throwup, Btch
By Josh
May 8, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
John Schuerholz should not have given the Rainbow/Push Coalition the time of day. JS should have said the Braves organization has more important things to do than deal with the false problem of not a enough African-Americans on the Braves. Of course Rainbow/Push would have went public with being shut out of a meeting with JS, but JS could have said I haven’t heard Rainbow/Push founder, Jesse Jackson, apologize to the Duke Lax team members.
By Ralph
May 8, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Mr. Jackson and your group have enough money to buy a baseball team and fill the team with only African-American players and then, lets see what else you and your so call group have to compliance about, Well maybe forcing people to come and watch your team play. John Schuerholz, don’t let Jackson and his group bully you like they have so many others They are the races, they have to use the word races to separate the people, they want quotes. They are not for the betterment of all America they are a selfish organization and not for all races to live in peace, they want turmoil, riots and to separate America and of cause the news medium are just as guilty and racisms for giving them a mouth piece. Jackson and his group hurt every aspect of America. Thanks to people like him racism is alive and well in America. Again not screw with baseball or the Braves.
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Cane:
“Physical strength and duration?” Come on, Cane, as a black man or woman,you know better than that. Some of your responses are making me shake my head….
Black Americans are not limited. Any individual is only limited by the size of their ideas and the degree of their dedication to it. We also excel in sports where strategic thinking is involved as well, so please stop saying silly things like that and leaving it hanging without explanation or context.
By gmoney
May 8, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
First Imus now Baseball. What a bunch of crap! Extortionist come in all colors, no racism their. And I’m glad to see there is no racism in stealing money from people, Jesse and Rainbow will steal from there own people as the donations come in on this idea!
Do we need to dumb down the sport as we have done in corporate America with hiring quotas based on color? Should PUSH sue MLB as others have done to Cocoa Cola, to hire more Blacks in high-level positions? And then maybe they should be pitchers; after all they get all the money and fame.
If Jessie and Push and All really want to due some good why don’t they stop the exploitation of the black community via Rap music? Or gang violence, or one-parent families? Cause there’s no money in it for them.
By FRED
May 8, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
African Americans are less than 10% of the populaton from which MLB players are drawn. Why is it necessary to constantly apologize that African Americans are less than 10% of MLB players? Does the Rainbow Coalition represent that African Amercans are special in someway that would make them deserve to be selected at a higher rate than others in the selection pool? If my memory serves me correctly Jimmy the Greek was fired for words to the effect that African Americans are superior athletically. Statistically speaking there should be an average of about two African Americans on each MLB team. When one or more teams has fewer than two African Americans it is statistically insignificant and is certainly not a conspiracy.
By Jman
May 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Watch out Thrashers! You’re next!
By Black People of America
May 8, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
We don’t be wantin’ ta watch baseball cuz dey don’t be havin no dancin. We be likin football cuz dey be dancin ova der. Artha Blank is good white folks cause he let da brothas play wit dat football.
We used to could play baseball in da skreet, but it be too many drive by shootins now.
By Robert
May 8, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
The Braves should pay as much attention to what Jesse Jackson wants as Hootie Johnson did to what that feminist group wanted from Augusta National
By John C
May 8, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Well shucks, tough guy Tim Gunter. Since you’re so intelligent, I guess you realize everyone of African descent in the Caribbean is descended from slaves from Africa. That’s my point, dimwit.
By David
May 8, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Who the hell does Beasley and the Rainbow commission think they are? That makes about as much since as the KKK demanding the NBA have more white guys. It is stupid and as long as society let’s them get away with it we will always be a racist country. Every day in Atanta is race day. This might be the most blatant stupid act the Rainbow commission has ever committed. Renteria is about as black as you can get, yet he is not even counted because he is not from this country. You guys don’t care about right and wrong, you just care about race.
By Sophie
May 8, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson is a joke!! If he wants to address the issue of racism on sports team, then he should be speaking to the Hawks and the Falcons, where blacks are definitely in the majority. Jesse needs to understand that he has beat the dog to death with the race card issue and the public isn’t interested in his whining and publicity ploys ANY MORE!! Go get a real job Jesse!
By Taylor
May 8, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
This is a bunch of crap. If the same case were made about whites in the NBA, the group pushing for more white players would be labeled as racist. Jesse Jackson is just a media hungry moron.
By N GA BOB
May 8, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Where do people like Jackson and company get off calling themselves REV. When did any of them last preach love from the Bible? THeir call to minister sure wasn’t from God!
IT’s about time that the Blacks in this country opened their eyes. Are they Africians or Americans. You can’t be both. Is it spears or baseball bats? Should they be sueing Americans who added a little culture to their lives or sueing their Tribal Leaders in Africa who sold them into salavery. The next white person you meet today you ahould shake his hand and thank him that his distance relatives taught his relatives how to live in a house. In the mean time dump your trash (jessie, ray and others like them) GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Phil of Playaz Ball
May 8, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
This guy “Beasley” just called Chuck Smith an Uncle Tom on 790. Yeah, he’s real informed.
I’m sure the Braves are sitting around saying “what? you found a guy who hits .350 and 40 hrs? he’s BLACK?? No, thanks!”
By rainbow
May 8, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
are the hawks to black? good grief and go bleep yourself.
By rainbow
May 8, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
are the hawks to black? good grief and go bleep yourself.
By brit
May 8, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
this is the most absurd yet totally predictable thing to come from such a group…. who complains about there not being very many whites on the hawks’ or the falcons’ teams? no one! fans and followers of the sport want athletes who can compete on a professional level, they don’t care where they came from or what color their skin is. it wouldn’t surprise me if this whole issue was backed by jesse jackson or al sharpton…. it seems that every incident that can be given any racial slant in their direction of ‘victimization’ is now drug into the spotlight. how pathetic.
By rainbow
May 8, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
are the hawks to black? good grief and go bleep yourself.
By rainbow
May 8, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
are the hawks to black? good grief and go bleep yourself.
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Todd:
Instead of being stuck on stupid and clearly showing that you have no “best friends who are black, beautiful, and intelligent, why don’t you just ask for an invitation to come see me decked out in all my Braves glory. I’ll leave the fake Gucci’s, corn chips, and strawberry daiquiris for you. I’m not following who you are meaning exactly. That’s only on your level of understanding, which clearly, isn’t much.
Then again, why don’t read my post again where I’m saying that while I am happy that the Braves are putting a winning team out there, I would like to see more Black players drafted or traded for to be on my home team. And I’ll add this: If it suits the needs of the team.
You can get mad all you want, but I DO support Black athletes, black issues, and my own community. I am not lazy, pay my taxes, and contribute to those in need just as you do. So, don’t get mad b/c I DO want to see black players on the Braves, or in baseball, in general. Even as I support MLB and have my favorite players, I DO want to have more of a reason to come to Turner Field. That is not racist, it’s a preference, which I stated in a very direct manner. You can’t take the way I said it? Go wait in the car.
I’m not blaming white people, nor do I hate white people. However, I can’t stand people like you, Toad, who have nothing to contribute to a subject like this but a bunch of racist foolishness.
By Andrew Harris
May 8, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
I am going to place wagers that the Braves could donate money to shut him up. What a joke Jessie Jackson is and his PUSH organization. Get the hell out of Atlanta!!!
By linny
May 8, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Somebody PLEASE tell me why Andruw Jones is not considered a Black? What is the definition, then?
I’ll say this… I consider skin color, black, brown, red, yellow,white,tan,pink, whatEVER…to be ONE of the terms of description of a person, along with Eye Color (Blue, Green, Hazel, Brown etc), Hair Color (white to blonde to brown to auburn to black to red to grey to mixed), Height, Size (big, huge, little, skinny, etc), and sex (Male, Female, Undeterminable [as in some kids too young to determine, some androgynous persons who do not define their gender, etc]), and, if necessary, attire [sometimes it’s important to know that someone was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and ball cap, or tuxedo, or business suit, or frilly pink dress, or whatever].
Otherwise, “Black” is a color — of my kitch appliances, for example, whereas “White” is the color i just painted my bookshelves.
People …. Human Beings …. Homo Sapiens …. Folk …. Mankind ….
This is so silly. But i still don’t get it… if “Black” is what you call a person who’s skin is darker than a certain shade of brown… why isn’t Andruw “Black” ??? Not that it matters one iota to me WHAT color he is, i just love to watch him play baseball…
I honestly did not know that “Black” referred ONLY to those Americans of dark color who’s parents came from Africa. Now…. the term “African-American” refers to people who were descendants of people from Africa — but TECHNICALLY … there are many WHITE FOLK who came from people in Africa, so…. what do you call THEM? Are they honorary “Blacks” because they can legitimately call themselves “African-American”???
You know, this could get potentially REALLY confusing!!!!
By Jass
May 8, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
What should the Braves do? Get out the check book and start writing, that is what. Rainbow Push is seeking another donation to the cause.
By MD
May 8, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Total and complete nonsense. Equal rights means same opportunities. Welcome to the world of competition - if you are good enough, you make it. If not, you go do something else, period. Sign the best players you can find, without gender quotas. There is no reason to treat players “of color” any differently than anyone else.
Last I checked, there are not any women in baseball either - should we go sign them just so they are represented?
Tell JJ to go away.
By Ben
May 8, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
This may sound stupid, but what color is Andruw Jones, Rafael Soriano and Edgar Renteria??
By Patrick
May 8, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Tyger…you say black kids don’t participate in little league baseball? You’re right. I live in a diverse neighborhood, and I can tell you that of 8 black families I live near, all with young boys, only 1 father comes out of his house on the weekends to take his son to his ball games. I have one neighbor kid whose daddy never comes outta the house. I guess that’s someone elses fault, right? Is he so oppressed to not even come out of his house to pick weeds out of his yard or throw a ball with his son? C’mon dude……
By Red Skull
May 8, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Baseball requires too much patience and intelligence to play. Hint,Hint.
By kerwin
May 8, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Just the overall response tells you that we have a problem! I have three boys 20,21,22; the eldest graduating from the U.S.Naval Academy on 25 May as a 1st Lt. They all loved to play baseball and I coached them through “Dixie Youth Baseball”,where they had to wear a Dixie Flag patch on their uniforms otherwise they couldn’t participate. They all played High School baseball as well, but I told them then that the African-American population would decrease in 10 to 15 years and that’s exactly what happened. It cost approximately $115 per child and if they were good enough to play travel ball, it cost almost $1500 for them to participate. I remember one summer all three of my boys made the travel ball team, and I had to limit participation to only 1(one). I couldn’t afford $4500, and it was no way that I could travel to see all of them play. That is one has happen to the African-American presence in baseball, it’s because they want to dunk & be the team all by themselves. The team outpriced most families participation at the elite level of the sport. My eldest son ended up playing for the nationals at the Braves facility in Disney World, Orlando, Fl. Little League Baseball is heading for a Golf pricing participation mentally. Sharpton & Jackson do the right thing to shake the world occasionally, but they need to just acquire the right resources for their arguments. It’s almost like Baseball is going to have to start a 1st Bat organization to parallel the 1st Tee organization of golf. Now there’s a patch of grass for football, the only equipment you need is a ball; and a court for basketball, the only equipment you need is a ball in almost every community. It’s as usual, the one’s with the $$$ get’s all the privileges, baseball is becoming a privilege sport.(i.e.,golf,tennis,swimming,racketball,hockey,oh you get the point)
By Richard
May 8, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
I’m glad the people in Atlanta have brains and don’t buy into this. Whites, Asians, hispanics and every other race that is the minority in basketball should protest the NBA and tell them to go out of their way to help fnid basketball players. Go over seas, they are much better at basketball than Americans…see the world championships and Olympics from recent years. Hypocrits.
By linny
May 8, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s my husband, son, and i lived in decatur. very mixed neighborhood. my husband (we’re “white” by the way) coached a baseball team. we were not good enough (spelled r-i-c-h) to afford the “little league” fees, so we had a neighborhood league with about 8 teams. LOTS of black kids, and some of them were VERY VERY good. Some were not. Same for the white kids, and the hispanics, and the asians, who came out to the “league” … We always coached the “last” kids to be picked, the slow, overweight, underweight, challenged in some way, kids so that they could PLAY ball. The other teams treated our kids with respect, our kids worked HARD to do the best they could. I always wondered if any of those young men would make it to the Bigs, because we had some who, had they been given the right attention, would have been dynomite players. I remember one young man named D’Andre… only reason he was on our team was he had NO experience, never had hardly thrown a ball…by the end of the year, other teams were wishin’ they’d taken a chance on him…
it’s not the color of the skin that makes a player, it’s the determination in their heart and soul to succeed… at whatever they attempt, to succeed in doing their best.
I miss those kids. everything wasn’t about color then, it was about having a chance to do something…
enough reminiscing…
i still want to know the definition of “Black” please…anyone?
By EB-dawg
May 8, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Hawks and Braves should just trade a few players!!! The Hawks aren’t loaded with white guys… but whose complaining about that? This is so stupid… You would think that PUSH had a few other things that they could work on to help minorities more. But then… there would be no HEADLINE!! Jesse is so predictable.
By Johnny 3-Balls
May 8, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Black people who think something is wrong with the Braves org. because of this issues are f-ing stupid. Get over yourselves please and quit bring up the race card. Racism will end if you people quit bitching about it…..and also quit acting stupid.
By seeeeee ya!
May 8, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
As Chris Rock says, without Blacks it’s only a game not a sport.
By EB-dawg
May 8, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Hawks and Braves should just trade a few players!!! The Hawks aren’t loaded with white guys… but whose complaining about that? This is so stupid… You would think that PUSH had a few other things that they could work on to help minorities more. But then… there would be no HEADLINE!! Jesse is so predictable.
By dino
May 8, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Well the Braves GM and his cohorts knuckled under to have a meeting. Why didn’t he tell them to stuff it and send him a list of ligitament prospects?? No he gave them just what they wanted, press and a racial gripe!! Now they are under the gun and the next trade will include blacks coming to Atlanta for sure.
By Carlton Powell
May 8, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
I commend John Schuerholtz for doing the right thing by giving these race pimps a venue, and his valuable time. It WAS the right thing to do. I would have just told the entire bunch to go to hell. But then, what do I know. I DO know extortion when I see it. What JJ et al don’t understand is that the Braves are in the business of putting the best players possible on the field regardless of color. It’s just that simple. Of course, JJ et al picked the Braves because they are located in Atlanta, a southern city. Gives their accusations more of a chance to stick. That shows just how dumb these people are. BTW, when can we stop referring to black Americans as African-Americans?? They have no more to do with Africa than I do. Or, may I start referring to myself as a Scottish-American, since I DO have a grandfather and two great uncles that were born in Scotland. Just a thought.
By NAAWP President
May 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry EB-Dawg, I, the president of the National Association for Advancement of White People, will be meeting with David Stern on Thursday. I am sick and tired of the white race not being represented in the sport of basketbrawl. It is a crying shame that there are not more goofy white people playing the game.
By Holly
May 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
As long as corporations continue to answer to Jackson’s shakedown methods then he will continue to believe that he matters. How about the lack of whites playing in the NBA? Does the lack of color only matter when it’s the lack of blacks? Jesse needs a job.
By kerwin
May 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
As a retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, it’s sad they there is so much racism in so many people. And to think guys and gals like me put there lives on the line for comments like these. These comments press the claim that there need to be the Rainbow Push’s, Affirmative Action’s, and whatever else is needed to try and stiffle these very vulgar comments. I have 4 children total, that I would’ve hoped would not have to read this type of mentality!
By steve-o
May 8, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
JESUS H CHRIST!!! First Jesse Jackson meets with the Braves about a lack of black players…which is a trend that has become more prevalent in MLB over the past ten years…which is due to the fact that more and more black American males are focusing on other sports.
Then, knowing damn well the potential to whip up a sh!tstorm, the AJC opens up a blog about this inconsequential meeting.
And finally, the racist and bigoted trolls out there smelled the blood in the water and have been eating the chum ever since.
Great job AJC!
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
To the Erics and Todd’s of the blog:
The problem is not what I said. The problem is the way you received it. Why are you getting mad b/c I specifically listed the Black baseball players I like? There are a few white players I like, as well as, a bunch of Latin players I like.
Eric, you liked Kirby. Good for you. So why are you getting mad b/c I specifically singled out the players I watch and said that I’m not a card-carrying fan of the Braves who happen to be mostly white? How, in the Sam Hill, does that make me racist? It’s my preference.
What you can’t stand, is the direct way I said it. What you didn’t do, is think about what I said, nor did you read the whole post to measure whether or not I was saying it from a heart and position of prejudice. However, you received it as such. The problem is not me, it’s you and your own perception.
Black people can have favorite white athletes all day. White people can have favorite black athletes all day. Who cares? I will state my position again, so that you can clearly understand what I am saying:
I love baseball. I like the Braves, and the fact that they are winning. But, I would also like to see them—due to the makeup of the Atlanta fan base—draft, develop, or trade for talented Black baseball players that do exist.
Does that mean I blame the Braves for not currently having Black players? NO!
Does that mean I wouldn’t root at all for the current Braves team? NO!
Does that mean I’ve never had favorite white baseball players (I DID mention Gregg Olsen and Tom Glavine who WERE among my faves in the 90’s)? NO!!! They’re just not on the Braves. My choice.
Does that mean I support Jesse Jackson and what he’s doing? NO!! He’s focused on the wrong thing with this.
Does that mean that I will continue supporting my favorite players? YES!
Does that mean that Eric and Todd now look stupid? YES! YES! and YES!!!!
The point is: Folks, you can disagree about the issue without all the name-calling and insults that you have used on this board about Black Americans. What you are doing is truly demonstrating where your hearts are and showing that the majority of you get your information about Black Americans from the media….and not making the effort to get to know the decent Black Americans you work around or are exposed to everyday. You ought to be ashamed at the stereotypes and generalizations you are using. If you only knew how ignorant and clueless you really sound….wow!
I will not apologize for the directness and candor in my post. I will not be a PC-poster to make you feel good. I should be able to come on a blog and state my position on a subject. And, I don’t mind being wrong. I don’t mind a white poster pointing something out, that I said, and giving an intelligent and insightful rebuttal. Heck, I might even change my position on whatever it is.
It would be nice to have peaceful, respectful and intelligent dialogue on the subject without having to read “kindergarden-level racist foolishness”.
By Twinman
May 8, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson is a cancer to society. Why doesn’t he go talk to the NBA teams and push for equal number of white players. And by the way, Jesse still owes the Duke lacrosse players a public apology. Jesse jackson does not stand for equality,he stands for his own agenda.
By Dax
May 8, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
This is getting rediculous. My son plays Little League Baseball on 7 & 8 year old team. With 16 teams and around 170 players and only 11 are African Americans. And I know that in this area there are way more than 11. Is the R/P going to protest Little League Baseball next.
By kinley
May 8, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
It’s ludicrous to suggest that major league teams don’t do enough to sign black players. First of all, baseball is a sport in which several years of development is needed. Most black kids in America will find it easier (and faster) to make it in football or basketball.
Black kids in Latin America (for the most part) grow up dreaming of playing baseball. Baseball is a passion in that region regardless of race. Baseball just doesn’t have the same appeal to black kids here in the States that football and basketball do.
But if you want to get technical, there are several black players on the Braves roster. Most of them just aren’t African-Americans.
Edgar Renteria is from Colombia; his ancestors were obviously African. Same with Andruw Jones, who may be a native of Curacao and a Dutch citizen, but the guy’s got African heritage. And don’t forget Rafael Soriano. And you’ve also got Brayan Pena to go along with Willie Harris, who’s the only African-American.
So for someone to say, “You’ve only got one black player on your team,” is pretty nitpicky in my opinion. He’s not willing to include black foreign players with black American players? It’s just not a true statement.
By kerwin
May 8, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Oh, guess what, my daughter at Berry College in Rome,Ga. has just called me and told me that she made all A’s!!! She’s going to be a school teacher, she also played fast pitch softball for the school’s team…
By Daxxed
May 8, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
This is getting rediculous. My son plays Little League Baseball on 7 & 8 year old team. With 16 teams and around 170 players and only 11 are African Americans. And I know that in this area there are way more than 11. Is the R/P going to protest Little League Baseball next.
By C.J.
May 8, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
jesse jackson is a detriment to everything.
By Kent
May 8, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Anyone wish to contribute to the abolishment of the self loathing rainbow warriors ? I wish the entire group from Jesse down noting but Hell and damnnation!
By Blubba
May 8, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
I represent gay, one-legged Eskimos with asthma. Why are we discriminated against by the Atlanta Braves? Why don’t we have any players on the roster? I DEMAND to meet with Bud Selig and the management of the Braves to address this civil rights wrong.
By diva
May 8, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Amen Bob! I totally agree.
By patrick
May 8, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
All in all…we are all God’s people and each one of us will be judged the same. Nobody has more right over another, and I am sick and tired of the politically correct and race card being used. We are all Americans and should treat each other as we would want to be treated. God Bless all of you!
By Braves fan
May 8, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
This pity-party has got to stop. Inner city kids have been drawn to football & basketball and more power to them. As for the Braves and MLB, you fish where the fish are. You might as well demand that the Hawks go look for some driveway jumpshooter in a gated Dunwoody sub-division. This is the Rainbow-Shakedown coalition trying to coerce some money out of the Braves for a few ragged fields that will go unused.
By David Letterman
May 8, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Top 10 reasons there are so few blacks in NASCAR.
10 - Have to sit upright while driving. 9 - Pistol won’t stay under front seat. 8 - Engine noise drowns out the rap music. 7 - Pit crew can’t work on car while holding up pants at the same time. 6 - They keep trying to carjack Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5 - Police cars on track interfere with race. 4 - No passenger seat for the Ho. 3 - No Cadillacs approved for competition. 2 - When they crash their cars, they bail out & run.AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY BLACKS CAN’T BE IN NASCAR…
1 - They can’t wear their helmets sideways.By Rocket20
May 8, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
From the IT”S OK TO STILL BE WHITE COALITION - I’M going after the NBA. Hey I have rights also. Don’t I?
By Dave
May 8, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Well, its easier to steal a football or basketball. In order for black kids to play baseball, they need to steal a ball, bat, and glove. That’s just too much “work” for for blacks to do.
By Barry
May 8, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
This is not the 1930’s. But you can’t tell that to the Braves. It appears that the Braves marketing have convinced the Braves management to select all white talent. No matter how inept they are. It appears they showing of an all white professional baseball team will draw white sururbia Atlanta and the rural southern whites to the Atlanta Braves game. Their marketing research probably tells them, that blacks are being discriminated in jobs and white America is not providing them with jobs to take themselves or their children to baseball games in metro Atlanta. They are catering to those who have jobs and money and that is not the majority of blacks in the metro Atlanta community and in the rural southeast. Baseball is a busines of getting paying fans to the game to pay for big time players. Society’s employment outlook itself is dictating the relationship of the Braves have in selecting whites over blacks for their team. They want white hereoes for their children instead of black for their paying white customers. The Braves also have a problem of paying the million of dollars to high talented players in general, but primarily to blacks. Take David Justus for instance. They let him go in his prime. He still had a lot to give the Braves whn they let him go. Also, if you look at the ratio of blacks on the team when the Braves won the World Series to the Braves today and the last couple of years, you see the ratio is declining along with their going to the World Series. It appears the current Braves approach to putting the best team on the feild is based upon perceived paid attendance ratings. This approach is going to destroy the Braves and its immediate desire to win the World Series. Marketing needs to stay out of the game if you are trying to really win a championship. Shooting your dice on winning paid attendance and a championship is a “shot in the dark” and will forever delay the Braves ability to return to the World Series and win it. Talent, not color of skin or marketing ploys, will dictate a team winning champiionships. For the Braves to say there are no talented African American baseball players that they can find in America is absurb. Please stop palying with the publics intelligence and let marketing stay out of your putiing the best team on the feild. I for one know their are some quality black blayers thatn some of the white players that are on this team now, especially the young ones. It appears they do not want to develop their young black players and istead are putting their focus on the white players. I am sure Francour and Mc Cann during their stay in the minor leaugus have seen great young talent that are better than them and would love too have those player on their team if they want to win a championship. Ask them!! I am sure they will say “Hell Yeah” There are some great ones they have seen out there!!” But this is competition they are not going to mention them. They are greatful for their spot and opportunity to be in professional baseball. So Braves stop the “bull” and put the real best baseball team on the field, regardless of race, creed, perceived marketing paid attendance ploy, or color. Win want a World Series Championship here in Atlanta. Let’s stop playing games and play the real game of “BASEBALL”!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET form a die hard Brave fan!! Tell Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless
Ringold
By Don Imus
May 8, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
I want to know why the AJC puts this bs in the paper?? The AJC is just as bad as Reverend Illegitimate Kid. Why do you think The Rev does this garbage? Cause he knows the media (AJC) will make a big deal of it.
You are all a bunch of scum.
By Toby Cash
May 8, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Just how many Whites, Hispanics and Native Americans are in Rainbow-Push? Can we see some figures here?
By John
May 8, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
You black poeple are the sole reason that racism still exist. Because of peaople like Vick and Pacman Jones and every other criminal in the NFl and NBA. You people keep you stereotypes going with no end in site. Just take a look at every prison. You want to talk about percentages, prisons are about 80% black. What gives? Just look at the NBA All-Star weekends. Businesses have to shut down early because of all the crime you people bring. Another fine example, why do you think we do not do freak nick any more? Exactly. What are you people going to bitch at next, that no Hurricanes have black associated names? What a second…………I rest my case.
By Robert
May 8, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
I believe this to be a non-issue.Great players get noticed and signed by great teams because they want to win and the old saying of just being a number actually does apply in this case. Team management,including that of the Braves don’t see but one color and that is “GREEN”.How much can I sign this guy for or how much can I get for this one. Bottom line, the Rainbow Coalition has run out of corporations to fleece and teams that will cave to their agenda. Wake up and get a life Jesse!
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Linny and all:
Black Americans don’t consider the Andruw Jones’ or Edgar Renteria’s of MLB as “Black”, b/c THEY don’t consider themselves Black Americans. They will specifically tell you they are Latino. We know the difference, but clearly, a lot of folks on this blog are not understanding that. Why is that? Because you don’t see anything beyond the color of their skin and everyone gets put in the same category: Black.
Black Americans are NOT Americans whose parents came from Africa (that remark was so astounding, it was almost funny). We’re mixed from a variety of backgrounds (and might actually be related to some of you….WHOOO!)
I am Black, but am a direct descendent of an Irish immigrant. Only four generations removed. I have White, Indian, Black, and who knows what else in my family melting pot. I’m not from Africa, nor do I know of any relatives that ever came from there.
The problem, again, is the lack of education White Americans have about people who are different from them. Too many generations have lived on assumptions, generalizations, and stereotypes. I may initially look at a White person and see white. But, if I have a conversation with that person, I will discover so much more: Where they are from and that we may have things in common. (Will wonders never cease?) Someone stated that Black Americans are more racist. On the whole, no. But, yes, there are Black Americans who are extremely prejudiced and racist. There are still alot of people living who grew up in the 50’s & 60’s. They, both white and black, still remember—especially here in the South.
Deny it all you want, but the divider line still remains, unless the younger generation such as myself, is willing to come on blogs such as this and be honest. I don’t mind talking about race. I welcome open and insightful dialogue about our differences, but I don’t welcome insulting and stereotypical stupidity. That only shows you really have nothing of value to contribute to this topic.
By henry
May 8, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
A QUESTION FOR JESSE “THE PIMP” JACKSON, THE BIGGEST RACIST OF THEM ALL, IS WHITE A COLOR IN THE RAINBOW?
YOU ARE NO FRIEND TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY, AND DO MORE TO HURT IT BY FOSTERING AND REWARDING WELFARE MENTALITY.
By Greg
May 8, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
The question isnt “are the braves doing enough to get black players”, it actually is “are black players doing enough to become braves”? the answer obviously is no. Its all typical propaganda……say equality, but in the name of color, not in skill and hard work through the preset ranks of minor leagues up. This will never end, because the leaders dont really want equality, they want to be the majority. To those that disagree, answer me this, IF white people became the minority, will the same “rainbow” people go out and act on their behalf? If not, then they are racists by literal defination. If you mandate a % of players need to be blk, you are not necessarily getting the best players….it should be based on skill, and skill alone. The world is trying to become color blind, but Jesse, Al and all the others “leaders” keep bring it back up. BTW, I am a black man. Shame on anyone who plays a race card and doesn’t just go earn what they want! It isn’t a loud voice that gets you places, it’s hard work. Don’t take that away from all the African Americans in MLB today!
By wer
May 8, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
I thought Hispanics were a minority to.Is jj going to tell the some of them are going to have to be traded to make room for blacks. There goes the brown in the rainbow!
By James
May 8, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to contact Jesse Jackson and congratulate him on his most recent, though not lonely, idiotic,caveat into the realm of the stupid and absurd. I went to:jessejackson.com……but turns out..it’s a porn sight! How appropriate since we know Jesse will prostitute himself out for any cause regardless of how inane it is just to get his name in the paper. Do us all a favor Jesse and just go AWAY !! And take your equally dumb friend Joe Beasley with you! Why don’t you take in a basketball game?
By Don Imus
May 8, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
David Letterman, You made me bust a gut laughing at your Top 10 list. Nice.
By Rawhide
May 8, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Now, if we are going to take this SERIOUSLY,…….
what I wanna know is why, on a 25 man roster,….we got ONE,…count them,….ONE,….Canadian.
Pete Orr.
Where is the outrage???
Do we even SEND scouts up north of the border???
Ontario?
Quebec?
Alberta?
Saskatchewan?
Manitoba?
Nunavut?
No,…nothing!
Getting to where you gotta go to a HOCKEY game to see any athelets who come from Canada,…..one of our best friends and closest allies!!!!
That’s IT!!!
I’m boycotting ALL MLB games until this matter is addressed!
By Matthew at the SLC
May 8, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Maybe Turner Field should sell watermelon and Fanta orange to get more blacks interested in baseball.
In fact, they could have an all black day at the ballpark where the evil whitey is not allowed. They can pump in rap music and it will be just like a Falcons game.
By Matthew at the SLC
May 8, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Maybe Turner Field should sell watermelon and Fanta orange to get more blacks interested in baseball.
In fact, they could have an all black day at the ballpark where the evil whitey is not allowed. They can pump in rap music and it will be just like a Falcons game.
By robert
May 8, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
What about the number of white players in basketball? I think more whites should be in jail to even up the percentage. What about nasty talking white rappers? What about the Mexican baseball players? What about the German-Americans, Irisah Americans,
By tcj
May 8, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
They are not enough whites on the Atlanta Hawks i believe we need to do something about this situation also the NBA is racist
By Pavano4MVP
May 8, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
If Jesse can’t pull the race card from time to time he’ll lose millions. Let’s force black kids to play baseball, hispanics to basketball and white kids to boxing. And for the rest of the minorities… let’s establsh a quota system so each is represented equally in each sport. Then again, NASCAR might be interesting if we had a quota system.
By Hunter Johnson
May 8, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
I guess Jesse will be scheduling a meeting with Don Wadell, since the Thrashers seem to be lacking in African-Americans as well.?
By Yars
May 8, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
If you were to take a poll, & asked 100 blacks in the US what their favorite sport was, I bet you that 80+ of them would answer with basketball or football, some boxing. My point is, even if MLB came up with a new Politically Correct rule stating that every MLB team has to have atleast 15 blacks on their 25 man roster, it still would not amount to seeing more blacks in the stands. Heck, if MLB right now were 75% black, most of the people you would see in the stands would still be white. More & more black youths today are playing basketball & football. It’s a fact. Perhaps baseball just doesn’t appeal to them. I doubt a young kid rejects baseball because he sees it as a white mans game.
By Al
May 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
The ajc is the biggest “Race baiters” in America.
I’m more concerned about drunken Matthew Stafford….where’s the blog about him?
By ScrewJessie
May 8, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
As soon as Jessie Jackson and all of his racist cronies do a swan dive off of the tallest building in Atlanta, the uneducated black population will always be “oppressed”. He has to make sure they think they are or else he can’t rob them of their money to live like a king himself. He is a useless piece of crap that does nothing for anyone, except himself. He feeds on the poor and the uneducated, to fund the propaganda machine he has built. All of the hardworking, educated black friends that I have think he does nothing but give their race a bad reputation. How is it we never see Jessie down in the remote extremely poor areas of Africa helping those who truly need a little help. Oh, that’s right they don’t have money to take, I mean to “donate”. Jessie go away, EVERYBODY HATES YOU.
By Don Imus
May 8, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
ATTN BLACKS- If you wonder why people think you are full of it when you complain about racism just look at your “leaders” like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton the race pimps and you will see why.
By Brady O'Grady
May 8, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Let’s discuss an outrageous, insidious, systematic conspiracy that’s going on right under Terrance Moore’s nose here in Atlanta. I’m talking about the under-representation of Irish-Americans on the Atlanta Hawks. How did this happen, particularly since Terrance is so familiar with driving directions to South Bend.
People of Irish DNA make up a considerable percentage of the population in America, and yet it is clear that the Hawks are not doing enough to recruit and nurture future Irish NBA players.
Where is the outrage? Where is our Jesse Jackson to demand change, right now? When will Billy Knight commit his time and resources to do something about this?
By PUSHbacktheRacePimps
May 8, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Let’s see, go around the country threatening boycotts unless corporations make a big contribution to your organization…nice work if you can get it (I’ll bet the Mafia wishes it had thought of THAT instead of protection rackets)
Bring the Braves an African-American who can throw a 95mph heater (Dontrelle Willis) or turn on one and send it to the upper deck (Barry Bonds) and I PROMISE you the Braves will jump on them as fast as the rest of the major leagues jump on a Mark Redman fastball
Has PUSH happened to notice how many minorities of color ARE playing baseball? Ortiz, Ramariz, Andruw Jones, the list goes on and on…and on and on.
Sounds like PUSH might need to itself be boycotted, as maybe THEY have a bias against Latin American players
By WHAT THE HELL????
May 8, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me?!?!?! Give the man some tissues!!! Fast!!!! Did he forget about the NBA?? Freakin Idiot!!! I can tell him where his Rainbow can shine….right where the sun doesnt shine!!!! And to think African-Americans actually like this guy!! Ignorance is bliss!!!
By Rob
May 8, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Is Matthew Stafford going to get suspended? My bad, if it was Reggie Ball you rednecks would be crucifying him!!
By Mark
May 8, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
That’s it….I am boycottng the Hawks until they do something to make sure there are more white players!!!!
By VIPER
May 8, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
You got to be kidding right? How come EURO-AMERICANS don’t complain about the disparity in Basketball and Football at the college level and pro-level.
By Mark
May 8, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
That’s it….I am boycottng the Hawks until they do something to make sure there are more white players!!!!
By Tee
May 8, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
The Rainbow Coalition doesn’t speak for all black people…does Imus speak for you hillbillies??
By Get-R-Done
May 8, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I am telling you…he has to be smoking crack….and buying the cheap stuff from downtown Atlanta!!! Gotta be the crack!! He is a crack-head!!!
By Mark
May 8, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
That’s it….I am boycottng the Hawks until they do something to make sure there are more white players!!!!
By Najeh Davenpoop
May 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Once again, Jesse Jackson and his crew of affirmative action idiots try to instigate racial tensions instead of trying to solve the more important issues. If Jackson and his minions are so concerned about the declining number of black people playing baseball, they should focus on making sure poor urban schools are able to afford the necessary equipment to field a baseball program. Whining about the lack of black players in the major leagues accomplishes nothing; if young black kids don’t get a chance to play baseball as kids, they are not going to magically pick it up as adults.
John Schuerholz is not responsible for the lack of black people on the Braves, or in the major leagues for that matter. Like he said, at the professional level teams can’t afford to discriminate based on race because the financial consequences are so steep.
And anyway, there are much, much bigger problems facing the black community in America than the lack of black players in the major leagues. If Jackson and his crew really want to accomplish something important, they need to make sure poor black kids focus on their education instead of the much less likely possibility of making it as a pro athlete.
As the late, great Notorious BIG once said, “…the streets is a short stop, either you slingin’ crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot.” Sadly, it’s been 13 years since Biggie spit that classic line, and yet it still rings true for many poor urban black people in America — the only ways to prosperity many of them see are either professional sports or the drug trade. The sooner Jesse Jackson and his minions get around to addressing real problems like that, the more useful they will make themselves, and the better off America’s black community will be.
By jbean3
May 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
YOU GO WHERE THE TALENT IS!!!! There are more black fans than there are players. Young black men are not interested in baseball because it isn’t as glamourous as football and basketball. Baseball requires a little more skill and some are not willing to give baseball a chance. Anybody can run up and down an field or court — but can anyone hit a ball “in the sweet spot??”
And, yes, I am black.
Rainbow PUSH need to pick on someone else — like having health care for everyone.
By Jonny
May 8, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
I am sick to damn death of the racial divide that black people put on themselves and subject me to on a day to day basis. Get off your crutch, black people. Every imaginary racial slight is made an issue to laughably disproportionate degrees. This is becoming, if it has not already become, a case of the little boy crying wolf. Jesse and his race w** call anything and everything racism. The word has lost its meaning and I fear that real cases of racism will be ignored because of the numbness caused by Jesse and Al battering us over the head too many times by their b******* hammer. This should not be an issue any more than blacks being the dominant race in the NBA. But it is because of hypocrites and the idiots that bite from the fruit.
By rhester
May 8, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Who cares about the Rainbow Coalition? They are just spending the government grants they get to fly around the country and make sure the race card never goes away. I think we need to get more whites in the NBA and pro-football to balance out the whole sports scene. I guess if the blacks have a overwhelming majority it is then a none issue.
Talent is talent and the Rainbow Coalition is a waste of everybodies time. I can’t believe Schuerholz doesn’t have anything else to do but meet with these guys.
By ESL
May 8, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Just another stupid statement from the King of Racism….
By uncle wilver
May 8, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Maybe Jesse should come down with his buddy Al and try out next year. I seriously doubt they would be cut due to their melanin content. Maybe he should find some real problems to address.
By CASHMERE
May 8, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
WELL THE BRIGHT SIDE IS THAT BRADON JONES SHOULD BE GETTING A CALL-UP SOON,LOL
JUSTICE,NIXON,PENDELTON,GANT,DYE-ALL LEFT B4 THERE TIME
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
“Watermelon and Fanta?” “And to think African-Americans actually like this guy”….shows that NO ONE has paid attention to what we’ve said or even cares about doing so. You’re only interested in venting your insults about Black America—to heck with the thought that children could be reading this.
I hope some of you really take a look at yourselves and judge the motivations of your hearts. I haven’t read a comment on here, by any Black American, that have insulted a White American the way you all have done. It’s scary to think your kids are learning this clownish behavior from you—people who are supposed to know better, but sadly, who don’t….
There’s no dialoguing with crazy ignorance.
By MJ
May 8, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
This is utter nonsense, another civil rights group crying b/c their people just arent’t good enough so they throw the race card out there saying they are being deprived. Good god where does it end!?!?! If they are good they will play, plain and simple, but face it Jesse, they are not.
And some people have said it, until I see more white people in the NBA or NFL than I am not going. Its the same arguement just a different race. Why do blacks derseve more in this case? They don’t!! Give it up Jesse!!
By jim
May 8, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
I’m just waiting for hurricane Lacresha to show up and wipe out rev. Jesse.
By jim
May 8, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
I’m just waiting for hurricane Lacresha to show up and wipe out rev. Jesse.
By Eddie
May 8, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Next stop is the Falcons for releasing Eric Beverly
By A BRUTHA WHO'S HAD IT!!
May 8, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
First of all, I read this week that there was a disparity in the officiating of the NBA towards black players. We were getting called for fouls at a disproportinate rate. Let’s see, at any given time there are at least 8 out of 10 players who are black on the floor (unless you root for Utah). Funny, even in my own community we call it the Nat’l Brothas Assoc. OF COURSE WE”RE GETTING MORE CALLS, DUFUS. (You needed a study for that??). Now this. Give me a break!! First let’s get it straight. I’m black, so I know first hand that our kids DON’T PLAY THE GAME!! WHY?? Check this out: 1.) Fathers, go play catch with your kid. My bad, we’re not there. (Did I say that?) 2.) What? It’s not cool to play the game, because it’s not glamorous and it’s hot? 3.) Oh, it’s not safe to go to the diamond because of the vagrants and other undersirables hanging around and the cops think that all of you hanging out together are a gang with bats? So you could be shot? (That’s reality folks) 4.) Diamond? What diamond. In our communities, we’re lucky to have basketball courts. To have a diamond “slows” progress and gets in the way of multi-use developments. So no baseball for you.
See what I’m saying here? Black baseball players of the past had more opportunities, because we were not welcome in other sports (Remember the Negro Leagues)…yet. Baseball was what we had. Thanks, Jackie Robinson. The World of Sports let us get picked to play baseball. Then we were invited to play Football and Basketball. Our talent pool went to all sports.
This thing called drugs and prison started happening. The men to play catch with that son started disappearing as he lost his place in society, that he never truly had in the first place. Mothers started raising there kids alone, so as the money dwindled, the diamonds disappeared and baseball equipment left too. I dare anyone to walk into a “Sporting Goods” store in Greenbriar Mall or at South DeKalb and find me a baseball glove, bat, balls, and the other equipment required to play the game. I bet you find overpriced basketball shoes, gear (clothing), and that’s about it. So let’s see, the retailers aren’t pushing it in our communities either. Heck, black colleges can’t even get black baseball players.
By Amy
May 8, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
I love these topics…it shows how may klansmen are still alive and well in AmeriKKKa…lolol
Where do you guys meet? There’s so many of you? I own a dry cleaning company…I would love to clean your hoods and gowns…..LMAO
By Mike
May 8, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
You have got to be s** me. I guess John can’t have the best available. WOW. Rainbow can kiss my ass.
By eric
May 8, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
If Andruw, Edgar and Soriano aren’t considered “African Americans”, then, Jesse, isn’t it time for the “Rainbow Coalition” to go after the Atlanta Thrashers, who had only 1 “Caucasian American” (Jim Slater) for most of their season??
By Pop
May 8, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Who cares about baseball…real men play FOOTBALL. The Falcons have a waiting list of thousands…..does the braves?
By tp
May 8, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Let me give everyone 1 my spend on this issue…..I believe the braves organization is bias against african american athletes. It all started with David Justin’s comment about “the weak fanbase remark”…..then the negative remark Cox made about Deion can’t play centerfield…..and Kenny Loften music and the way was in the clubhouse. I was waiting for this issue to surface. And for those say “no one make an issue about the NFL and the NBA”……well that’s because black athletes are better collectively than white athletes. Back in the day black families use to play baseball every weekend……30 years ago the kids in my neighborhood use to walk cross town to play baseball againt those kids every week. Ever since the government been giving our black young women welfare checks and room and board……the black kids began to show little interest in baseball. That still don’t make it right to neglect the few blacks how want to play baseball.
By HP
May 8, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
This is stupid. Take a look at this statistic. 6.5% Division I baseball players were blacks in 2005, according to the Institute for Diverity and Ethics. This tells you that there are less black players that are trying to play baseball. Also there are about 66% of blacks in NFL and 76% in NBA. Where is Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow-PUSH Coalition when looking at this statistics? If he wants fairness, then there should be more white people getting a chance to play in NBA and NFL. They are simply being idiotic. I agree with John Schuerholz that “You go to where the talent leads you”.
By HP
May 8, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
This is stupid. Take a look at this statistic. 6.5% Division I baseball players were blacks in 2005, according to the Institute for Diverity and Ethics. This tells you that there are less black players that are trying to play baseball. Also there are about 66% of blacks in NFL and 76% in NBA. Where is Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow-PUSH Coalition when looking at this statistics? If he wants fairness, then there should be more white people getting a chance to play in NBA and NFL. They are simply being idiotic. I agree with John Schuerholz that “You go to where the talent leads you”.
By HP
May 8, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
This is stupid. Take a look at this statistic. 6.5% Division I baseball players were blacks in 2005, according to the Institute for Diverity and Ethics. This tells you that there are less black players that are trying to play baseball. Also there are about 66% of blacks in NFL and 76% in NBA. Where is Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow-PUSH Coalition when looking at this statistics? If he wants fairness, then there should be more white people getting a chance to play in NBA and NFL. They are simply being idiotic. I agree with John Schuerholz that “You go to where the talent leads you”.
By HP
May 8, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
This is stupid. Take a look at this statistic. 6.5% Division I baseball players were blacks in 2005, according to the Institute for Diverity and Ethics. This tells you that there are less black players that are trying to play baseball. Also there are about 66% of blacks in NFL and 76% in NBA. Where is Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow-PUSH Coalition when looking at this statistics? If he wants fairness, then there should be more white people getting a chance to play in NBA and NFL. They are simply being idiotic. I agree with John Schuerholz that “You go to where the talent leads you”.
By HP
May 8, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
This is stupid. Take a look at this statistic. 6.5% Division I baseball players were blacks in 2005, according to the Institute for Diverity and Ethics. This tells you that there are less black players that are trying to play baseball. Also there are about 66% of blacks in NFL and 76% in NBA. Where is Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow-PUSH Coalition when looking at this statistics? If he wants fairness, then there should be more white people getting a chance to play in NBA and NFL. They are simply being idiotic. I agree with John Schuerholz that “You go to where the talent leads you”.
By Golly
May 8, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
So let me get this straight…for eons Jesse has been “PUSH”ing for racial blinders. He’s been telling us that race doesn’t matter and we should all be colorblind. Mmmmkkaaayy…so why the backtracking now?
I’ll tell you what’s at the root of the problem. The influx of Mexican’s is scaring the willies out of Jesse. He’s losing his race card and he hates it.
“Can’t we all just get along?” used to be his mantra. Now it’s “We want everything and we want it now.”
Good thing Jesse doesn’t count as the black “everyman” to me. He’s the biggest racist I’ve ever seen.
By HP
May 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Sorry for more than one post, My computer was stuck.
By David Bennet
May 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
To: TP
Sir, if you plan on commenting on this issue, at least know the people you are talking about. The Braves NEVER had a player named David Justin. However, they did have one named David Justice, who was traded to the Cleveland Indians—along with Marquiss Grissom—for player, who happened to be black, named Kenny Lofton. Now, this Lofton fellow you speak of had a hard time with rules, something any player—regardless of race—will have to abide by to be on any team, unless you happen to be Allen Iverson.
The Braves go where the talent leads them, sir. Did you think the Braves were racist when they let go of their golden boy Dale Murphy to make room for a young black player named David Justice? Was it racist when they replaced a white firstbasmen, Sid Bream, with a black guy named Fred McGriff? How about the way they scouted a black guy who had an abundance of talent in Jermaine Dye?
Sir, this is one area you and your ilk like Jesse need to stay away from. I’d submit to you that more blacks aren’t playing baseball because they don’t find it as interesting as basketball or football. Unlike these two sports, baseball requires skill, not athleticism. So you can keep your “Blacks are better athletes” statement.
By David
May 8, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
So John, how much are you going to have to pay Jessie so they will live the Braves alone? He doesn’t take no for an answer.
By John
May 8, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Mr. Beasley is trying to create more importance in his role so he decided to make that statement. He must be worried that he won’t have a job if he doesn’t.
By Brady O'Grady
May 8, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Here is some Irish wisdom for Terrance Moore, Jesse Jackson, et al.
“In every game, there is a fool. If you can’t figure out who the fool is, it is probably YOU.”
The Atlanta Braves would sign Dontrelle Willis in a minute if a) the Marlins were dumb enough to trade within their division or b) the Braves could afford to acquire him when he finally becomes a free agent (and prevail over the Yankees, Red Sox, etc).
Professional sports is a meritocracy, and on-the-field performance is the only currency that counts. That also goes for the front office. Scheurholz is no fool. He is the best at his chosen profession because he can evaluate talent relative to price better than his COMPETITION. That’s right, he actually has to keep winning to keep his job. Who is evaluating Jesse Jackson’s performance. Oops, I forgot that he has never held down a job, and has never had a boss. He just takes a slice of everybody else’s hard work. Simply put, Jesse is a just a bank robber who wears nice suits and he uses a tv camera instead of a gun.
In the land of the Blind, the one-eyed man is King. Jesse is probably hoping that his disciples don’t discover Lasik surgery any time soon, or his gig is over …
By Snoop Dawg
May 8, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
PUSH is supposed to support the causes of “minorities”.. But since Latins are now the majority of the minorities, JJ & Al “Dull”ton are having a hissy fit…
Hey Al.. Hey JJ.. How bout directing your focus on getting your kind educated.. That’s the only way “out”… Oh but then you’d not have the sheep following you, because they’d then be too smart to listen to your BS!!!
You Lose!!!
By steve
May 8, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
tp - what planet are you from? Don’t worry, it won’t be long until the majority of MLB players are of Hispanic ethnicity.
The only solution is to to do more to promote baseball to African American youths. There are few baseball fields and leagues within the inner cities. It is much more easier to and much cheaper to put up a basketball goal than to clear a baseball field.
I can guarantee Jesse Jackson that the Atlanta Braves organization only want to put the best team they can on the fild at any given time. They want to win ballgames and that is what the fans care about as well.
Jesse Jackson is nothing more than a media w** looking for attention.
By 52grad
May 8, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
There are no blacks in the High School ranks. There are no blacks on any of the rec. teams in our home town. The home town I am from is 70% black.
By Mike
May 8, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Does PUSH stand for “Pony Up, S*%tHeads?
By Brittany
May 8, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Seems to me that Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow/Push Coalition should be worried about more pressing issues in Atlanta such as poverty or necessary improvements in our school systems, just to name a few. It won’t do the Braves or aspiring athletes any good to be recruited when they can’t spell their team’s name or have a future after their short careers in Major League baseball.
Jesse - did you run out of real social causes this week or something?
By david baswell
May 8, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
TP you are as dumb as your boy jj.
By JP
May 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Glad to see Rainbow/PUSH focusing on the important issues….. (note heavy sarcasm)
By ~. _ .~
May 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
I am so sick of this crap. Every time Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton start stirring the race issue, everyone flips out about it. Just ignore the friggin bigots!!
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
“Watermelon and Fanta?” “And to think African-Americans actually like this guy”….shows that NO ONE has paid attention to what we’ve said or even cares about doing so. You’re only interested in venting your insults about Black America—to heck with the thought that children could be reading this.
I hope some of you really take a look at yourselves and judge the motivations of your hearts. I haven’t read a comment on here, by any Black American, that have insulted a White American the way you all have done. It’s scary to think your kids are learning this clownish behavior from you—people who are supposed to know better, but sadly, who don’t….
There’s no dialoguing with crazy ignorance. I’m out.
By Ripdog
May 8, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Yes, there are more pressing issues in the black community than weather a black person is on the Braves roster. It would be interesting to know who initiated this meeting in the first place. I doubt it was the Braves but if it were, it would make good business sense for them and other major leagues teams to come up with ways to broaden their demographic. When it comes to marketing, people like things they can relate too. I.E. black people like seeing black players. With that said, there are too many obstacles in the youth system that don’t allow some low income black kids to participate in the sport. One of my co-workers has a kid in baseball and it costs her over $3000 a year for her kid to travel, equipment, dues, etc. I know cost isn’t the only reason more blacks aren’t involved in baseball but I think it would be smart business for major league baseball to continue to find ways to introduce more black youth to baseball. NASCAR could stand to do the same but I’ll save that for another blog.
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
“Watermelon and Fanta?” “And to think African-Americans actually like this guy”….shows that NO ONE has paid attention to what we’ve said or even cares about doing so. You’re only interested in venting your insults about Black America—to heck with the thought that children could be reading this.
I hope some of you really take a look at yourselves and judge the motivations of your hearts. I haven’t read a comment on here, by any Black American, that have insulted a White American the way you all have done. It’s scary to think your kids are learning this clownish behavior from you—people who are supposed to know better, but sadly, who don’t….
There’s no dialoguing with crazy ignorance. I’m out.
By dick
May 8, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Jessie and Paris Hilton would make a great pair neither of them fee1 they are being treated right. It sure would make me happy if Jessie calls for a boycott of the Braves. I want to take my family. Motels in Carolina where he called for boycott is making more money per year renting out less rooms, imagine that.
By Bob
May 8, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
I guess if we all could profit from raciasm and hatred like jackson and sharpton, we might want to continue to stir the pot too. We don’t they get a life and a real job, assuming they are qualified to contribute something of worthiness.
By Chris D
May 8, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
The Rainbow/PUSH group was founded by a blackmailing, adulterous scumbag and all they do is intimidate companies into doing their bidding or coughing up cash. It is not enough to have minorities on a team I guess. PUSH has to make sure they are the RIGHT minorities. Isn’t that counter to equal rights for all? Their group is a JOKE, just as the group’s founder is. I hope the Braves dismiss them as the bottom-feeders that they are. Why don’t these PUSH-ies do more with black youth in America by founding youth leagues or taking them to games? I’ll tell you why. They wouldn’t get headlines by doing that. They just get their rocks off by pushing around ‘the man’.
By tp
May 8, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
To David…..If I mispell that name a million times…..you would know what I mean. I stand on what I said about my comment…..and I have every right to say what I please. If you don’t believe black athlete are better collectively….then you are entitle to that. The braves did a good thing when they brought up Harris. Remember this…..it’, not good to jeer at a person mistake…..everyone living are imperfect.Be good or pay a price for your bad ways.(James 1:13,14,15)
By concerned
May 8, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Racist Jesse at work!!!!
There is reverse discrimination in sports if anything!
By Big Lu
May 8, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Jesse, everyone knows black people don’t know how to play baseball. For God’s sake they use steroids, and half the time they are all gorded out on coke while they are on the mound. Name a black pitcher that wasn’t. jesse…if black people could play baseball, don’t you think they would be on the team? Tell you what Jesse, you tell your peeps to bury their head in a school book and attempt to learn the strategy of the game, and understand its a thinking mans game, not a laborers game. teach your peeps some self discipline and lets see where your community stands in 15 years. By the way, if at any time I see the Braves dole out money to this Rainbow-homo coalition of fruitcakes and whack jobs, I will…cry from shame, and think back to good ole Don Imus, and the lackluster performance he displayed in defense of his species. How am I possibly a racist? lol
By Jqueen: QUEEN OF IGNORANCE & RACISM
May 8, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Jqueen: QUEEN OF IGNORANCE
See, kids, you don’t HAVE TO stay in school in order to feel important and smart.
All you need in your heart is jealousy and lots of…
HATE! HATE! HATE! HATE! HATE!
Recognize.
By cc
May 8, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
When you get the chance, take the time to look at some of the prior comments…Racism is dead, huh? By the tone of some of these comments, I best be gettin’ back to my crack house to get my welfare card so that I can go to the sto’ to get me some watermellon and fried chicken for dinner.
By Oregon_Braves
May 8, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
The answer lies in this simple question: When is this last time you saw white in a rainbow?
And TP, you have every right to say what you feel, just like David has every right to say you are a fool for saying so.
And, by the way, David was right.
By Eliminate Stupidity to Eliminate Hate
May 8, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
* There is reverse discrimination in sports if anything! *
Dear Uneducated,
There is NO such thing as “reverse racism.”
There is NO such thing as “reverse discrimination.”
Racism is Racism.
Discrimination is Discrimination.
Hate is Hate.
It doesn’t matter who is giving and who is receiving, WRONG is still WRONG.
By Blue Jacket
May 8, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Jackson’p life is extortion. Has the man ever worked? I am to the point of not having the lest bit of repect for anyone or any business that whimps down to him or someone like him or Sharpton. Stand up people. Take a stand in your life.
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
Amy: That’s funny….and so true. That KKK mindset is an island unto itself, but an island nevertheless. The South rears its ugly head in full effect, but the majority of the posters would say “there is no racism”…..WHAT??!!??
Ripdog: Thank you for bringing up intelligent dialogue about the subject instead of the verbal mess that’s been happening all day.
Finally, to my fellow adult Black Americans who happen to post: Baseball is a dynamic sport that anyone, black or white, can get involved in and excel—with hard work, commitment, and opportunity.
Don’t make Jackie Robinson’s accomplishments a distant memory. Introduce your children to the game. Get them around other children who feel the same way. The game is not dead in the Black community. It’s heart is still beating, albeit faintly, but still ticking.
Ultimately, despite the ignorance that still remains in the hearts of men, sports will always provide a way of bringing people together who might not ever interact otherwise.
On a final note, it’s very interesting that most of the posters here lumped every Black American under Jesse Jackson, called him “our leader” when we said otherwise, but didn’t listen, and used it as an EXCUSE to vent the hate mess that’s still in your hearts. Again I say, until you’re willing to judge how ugly your heart is and how that truly makes you look, how do you honestly expect anything to change? You’re teaching this stupidity to your kids and that is sad for the South and sad for the USA.
By BamaBrave
May 8, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Talk about barking up the wrong tree… So we’re supposed to buy the argument that oppressed black youths can’t afford to play baseball..that the Man has reduced the means of black adults to the point where they can’t maintain a ballfield, or buy gloves? Is that it? Then please gawd somebody tell me how black society did it 70 years ago, when the oppression was deathly real, and the country was infinitely poorer?
Jackson and Sharpton must be laughing their @sses off at the official reactions they get from guilt-ridden, politically correct white suits. Why should they stop stirring the pot? They get what they want every time. This BS works because the media eats it up, and corporate America lives in fear negative PR. I just hope I live long enough to see this sort of thing ignored or dismissed. I’ll know then that we really have made some progress.
By Jqueen
May 8, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
To Jqueen:Queen of Ignorance….
Now you’re trying to use my name to ignite hatred? Wow! I guess this means my words got under your skin, so this is how you operate…trying to be a snake.
Well, I stand by my statements. They’re only racist if you perceive them as such.
“Hit dogs will holler”, so bark on, Sparky!
By Brad
May 8, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
Pa-lease. Is Jessie Jackson going to stop by the Atlanta Hawks or Atlanta Thrashers as well?…
By Blind Homer
May 8, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Andruw and Renteria and Soriano are not African-AMERICANS, you morons. African descent yes, but American? Jesse don’t care about Africans, Jesse care about African-Americans!!!!
By Jqueen of Mean
May 8, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
ELEVATE the HATE!
ELEVATE the HATE!
ELEVATE the HATE!
Divide! Divide! Divide!
We Shall Conquer The Ignorant, Backwards South.
Burn, A T L, Burn!
By Chris
May 8, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Awesome that whoever wrote this article neglected to attach their name (Terence).
It is not the responsibility of the Braves to attempt to sign more black players. It is the responsibility of the communities, high schools and youth organizations to provide opportunities for the children of those communities. If more black players have opportunities when they are younger, they will be better and will have higher numbers as high schoolers. This will lead scouts to the talent.
My, there certainly seem to be plenty of opportunities for blacks to excel in football and basketball.
Why aren’t they attacking Don Waddell for not having more black Thrashers? Come on, Don! Start those youth hockey organizations in the SWATs!
By joebrave
May 8, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Is baseball not a private entity? If so then who in the blue hell is Jesse Jerkson to tell anyone what he expects? that high yella sonsabitch should just crawl into his little hole and rot!!
By Joe
May 8, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
This is just stupid on the part of the AJC, to put something like this up. This paper has no credibility and it’s because of stories like this.
By looking for talent
May 8, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
I work for a 35-person financial advisory firm and we have no black people. Of the 200+ resumes that have been submitted over the last year for job openings, only ONE was from a black guy. We require a solid GPA in an undergrad program at a ranked university, and routinely get resumes from latinos, eastern Europeans, Indians and every other color/culture you can imagine - many of whom are first-generation Americans who had to learn English as a second language. What’s my point? Jesse, get your @ss to the schools and start pushing black kids to perform so that they have access to jobs like the ones we are trying to fill - there are a lot more of these opportunities than slots on MLB teams. Schools and companies are killing themselves to find qualified black candidates. Instead, he picks the one area where blacks clearly need no help achieving. Nice work.
By Chris
May 8, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Why don’t they Braves have any redheads on the team? Are they anti-Ginger? Somebody needs to look in to this. I nominate Carrot Top or Ron Howard to head up an exploratory committee.
By Peggy G.
May 8, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Will someone please change Jqueen’s diapers? Does this person have nothing better to do than post complaints and call people names all day long? We didn’t have this type of whining and simmering anger among different races who played baseball or softball back home in Kentucky. Even I don’t have that much grumpiness when I have PMS. Baseball is supposed to bring us all together instead of tearing us all apart. Doesn’t anyone remember FIELD OF DREAMS?
By joebrave
May 8, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
To start with I don’t remember being able to tell someone who to hire!If I own my company I run it like I damn well choose! and no ignorant racist sonsabitch like Jesse Jerkson is gonna direct me otherwise!!!
By Peter
May 8, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson is a racist extortionist.
By CN
May 8, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
I just want to say as a baseball fan that it is really disturbing that Jesse Jackson has to come and try and ruin such a diverse sport with smut news like this. I never think about race or anything like that when it comes to baseball. Baseball is a meritocracy, and if you are good, you will play. So why is it that the black leadership has to try and jump on the Braves about the number of blacks on the team? The Braves are the last stage of development for a baseball player. If Jesse and friends are really concerned, they should rally the current black players in the league and develop them as role models (there are black players that have spoken out about this such as CC Sabathia of the Indians). They should use their resources to help develop urban baseball fields so that kids have a nice place to learn the game. They should not attack the Braves in the media so they can scream racism because all that does is lead to more discussions like this one…which does nothing to help the real problem at hand.
By CN
May 8, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
I just want to say as a baseball fan that it is really disturbing that Jesse Jackson has to come and try and ruin such a diverse sport with smut news like this. I never think about race or anything like that when it comes to baseball. Baseball is a meritocracy, and if you are good, you will play. So why is it that the black leadership has to try and jump on the Braves about the number of blacks on the team? The Braves are the last stage of development for a baseball player. If Jesse and friends are really concerned, they should rally the current black players in the league and develop them as role models (there are black players that have spoken out about this such as CC Sabathia of the Indians). They should use their resources to help develop urban baseball fields so that kids have a nice place to learn the game. They should not attack the Braves in the media so they can scream racism because all that does is lead to more discussions like this one…which does nothing to help the real problem at hand.
By scott
May 8, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
OK, lets take the racial makeup of America and apply it to the NFL and the NBA and see how popular that is since more blacks play on those teams than whites.
Years ago the EEOC came to the company I worked for and told them the racial makeup of management was 3% below the naitonal acerage. The owner of the company stated he would increase management 3% but that since the general work force at the company was 55% black / 45% white, he would have to let them all go and hire more whites to hit all the percentages correctly. They left without a word and he never heard another thing.
By Donnie S
May 8, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
I think SOMEONE need’s to stand up to the Race War Lord Jessie Jackson and tell him to STICK it where the sun never shines and go find his rock and get back under it. What a JOKE!!
By ROCKY
May 8, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
WHY DON’T THE HAWKSHAVE MORE WHITE PLAYERS JESSIE!!!!!
WHY DON’T THE FALCONS HAVE MORE WHITE PLAYERS JESSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
???????????????????????????????
By popo
May 8, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
and how many whites are on the hawks?
why is it that the men so concerned about racism are the ones starting the problems? why is it that they even use the term “african american”? why isnt the question “how many AMERICANS are on the team?”
this is what jesse jackson, from what i can understand of his babblings, is always arguing for. yet he is always the one stirring up controversy on an uncontroversial topic.
it seems odd that the braves must be “racist” against blacks, yet they do have at least 2 blacks in the starting lineup night in and night out.
By joebrave
May 8, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
Oh! and one more thing Terrence Moore you can kiss my white ass you ignorant ba$tard!!!!
By Ken Strickland
May 8, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Judging from the responses, I think a lot of you have misinterpreted the point of the complaint. It’s not about the number of Black players in MLB overall, but the number of American grown Black players. The majority of the Black players in the game today are Caribbean, or South American. With that said, I agree that the issue is a nonissue, and a waste of time.
As a Black person, I would much rather see Jessie and Al make an issue of the foul language and attitudes that’s dominating that gangster rap crap. I would also encourage them to get a message out to our youth about wearing pants down to the crack of their butts. This is a style that originated within the prison culture, and it has implications. In prison, wearing pants in this manner indicates to all of the other inmates that he is a receiver. You can figure the rest out for yourselves, I hope.
By rockdawg
May 8, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
I think baseball should be like the real world. This means hiring people based on race and not ability. Of course this only works for minorities. If Jesse Jackson was really worried about everything being racially balanced, he would target the NBA to sign more white players.
By Chris
May 8, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
Why aren’t there more Cambodians in MLB? Someone needs to start developing Cambodian youth camps!
We also need more people from Laos, New Guinea and Switzerland in MLB. Come on, guys. Step it up.
By Brad
May 8, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Before all of you white people get upset please consider the fact that Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton are out to help themselves. Don’t think that they represent what all black people thin or feel. They are in this to get a check or some hush money. I am a black man and most of us are tired of these clowns causing trouble. Remember Sharpton and Jackson are not electedd officials. We are at a time when money talks and no organization wants the perception that they are racist. I personally think that they need to go after BET and MTV which I consider to be more damaging that baseball.
By gg
May 8, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
i for one am glad the braves don’t have many blacks on their team-at least they don’t always havarrests on drug charges and other various thug crimes. this is getting ridiculous. not enough black this, not enough black that…when are you blacks gonna stop. i mean do you want the whole world to be black. maybe there should be more whites in basketball. come on. stop it already…please….all you are doing is creating more problems for society and for yourself. you walk around the hood holding signs and preaching unity..but that is not what you want.
By bclontz
May 8, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
The “Rainboo Pushy ” coalition is why we have problems with race relations in the United States. Because Jesse Jackson and his croanies know that things are continuing to get better, they figure it’s time to get something started so they’ll have security in their positions. Correct me if i’m wrong, but would anyone in his or her right mind play a lesser talented player at a position just because he was white? I’m thinking the Rainbow was a symbol of the promise of no more floods to distroy the earth, why should Jesse be allowed to flood us with all this bull…..The ball plauers that I’ve played with didn’t care what color you were, they just wanted to win the game. Has Jesse ever played ball? Has he ever had a job? He gets paid to stir up things and keep Americans devided. I like or dislike people because of how they treat me or others! I dislike Jesse Jackson because he treats my black friends unfairly and tries to restrict their right to do what they think is best for them….Shame on you Jesse, you are an evil person, and Almighty God will have a special place for you and others like you…you better do your drinking, drugging and whoring before you head to the “down” escalator, because you are gonna feel the heat!!!!!!
By Danny
May 8, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
Jesse and the boys must be low on money. Lets see, in the last couple of years they have pulled the card on Coke and NASCAR and got millions. It makes me sick. I think I will go to the NBA and demand that there be more white guys, then after they pay me millions to shut up, I will go away. Why isn’t Jesse and the boys hassling hockey?
By Ben
May 8, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
Excuse me for not knowing the answer to this, but aren’t Andruw Jones and Edgar Renteria of African descent? They may be Latin or Caribbean by birth, but they have just as much African heritage as Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. I really do not understand the issue they’re are bringing up, is this a racial issue or a nationalistic issue. Do they want more minorities represented in baseball, or do they want more American minorities?
By Fans with $hit for brains +sports writer
May 8, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Jessie has problems the braves have problems. Jackson rap has a real problem go after them too. The GM for the brave has problem with star black player just check the facts. Please Look at the contract of Roger Clemons got and these clowns we have for sports writers say nothing AJC I can’t hear you. Color is a problem in America in what ever we do that just the facts! Go Falcons
By MariettaK
May 8, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
This shouldn’t even be an issue. I heared the President or leader of the Rainbow coalition-PUSH for the southeast, and that guy is the biggest biggot i have ever heard. I heard him on 2 diff. sports talk shows, calling one black sports talk personality a sell out because he disagreed with him, and the other white personalities called them good ol’ boys. i m not white or black or hispanic…i don’t see color…just the human and this shouldn’t even be the case. They should know better than that…
By chipdip
May 8, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
bring some more jig-a-boos up from the minors…whats the problem?
By chipdip
May 8, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
bring some more jig-a-boos up from the minors…whats the problem?
By Fans with $hit for brains +sports writer
May 8, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
ken is right black America born ML players. I to say this is a none issues. Jackson need to go after rapper Sports writers and the media news rooms they are bias and little diversity in the major news rooms i America!
By Rev. Jackson
May 8, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Kill Whitey I just hate white people, I am just being honest. My goal is to make them all slaves for “payback.” I plan to next focus on Hockey. That would make a great black sport. Ha ha. It will be a day of celebration when racist Jackson and Al Sh*thead die. The best part about this whole thing is how many black people do you see at a Braves game in the stands????
By Ted
May 8, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Dont do like the AJC, dont look at color when working.
Put all the stats on the table, list them by numbers not by name or race and take the best of what you have to choose from and if they are white so be it, if they are black so be it, if they are of any other race so be it…
Hey Jackson while you are on the race thing can you find out why R.Kelly has not been to court on the child pornography charge 5 years ago ?
By Push This Rainbow
May 8, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Why in the heck did the Atlanta Braves even give the RAINBOY COALITION group the time of day? The reverands (what a joke) Jesse and Al need to get a real job before and slam the frigging door in their face. Atlanta Braves front-office, you are a bunch of WHIMPS. Tell these RAINBOY leaches to go to hell!!!
By ATLER
May 8, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
JESSE JACKSON AND AL SHARPTON DOES NOT SPEAK FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY. WHO EVERY IS TELLING YOU WHITE PEOPLE THIS IS WRONG!!!!! ANYWAYS, AS A LIFELONG BRAVES FAN I WATCHED THEM TRADE COUNTLESS AFRICAN AMERICA PLAYERS AWAY FOR PEOPLE THAT STAYED FOR A YEAR AND LEFTED. I DON’T THINK RYAN LENGERHAUNS WAS THE ANSWER IN LEFT FIELD, BUT WE STILL HUNG ON TO HIM FOR 2 OR 3 YEARS, BUT YOU TELL ME THAT YOU CAN’T FIND A BLACK PLAYER IN THE U.S. BETTER THAN HIM? JUST REMEMBER DEION SANDERS AND DAVE JUSTICE SAID IT THAT THE ATLANTA BRAVES ORGANIZATION IS A GOOD OLE BOY SYSTEM AND IS NOT FRIENDLY TO BLACK PLAYERS. THEY SAID IT NOT ME. GO BRAVES!!!!!!
By j b stoner
May 8, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
why cant we white people have a say about the number of whites in basketball and football
By ATLER
May 8, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
JESSE JACKSON AND AL SHARPTON DOES NOT SPEAK FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY. WHO EVERY IS TELLING YOU WHITE PEOPLE THIS IS WRONG!!!!! ANYWAYS, AS A LIFELONG BRAVES FAN I WATCHED THEM TRADE COUNTLESS AFRICAN AMERICA PLAYERS AWAY FOR PEOPLE THAT STAYED FOR A YEAR AND LEFTED. I DON’T THINK RYAN LENGERHAUNS WAS THE ANSWER IN LEFT FIELD, BUT WE STILL HUNG ON TO HIM FOR 2 OR 3 YEARS, BUT YOU TELL ME THAT YOU CAN’T FIND A BLACK PLAYER IN THE U.S. BETTER THAN HIM? JUST REMEMBER DEION SANDERS AND DAVE JUSTICE SAID IT THAT THE ATLANTA BRAVES ORGANIZATION IS A GOOD OLE BOY SYSTEM AND IS NOT FRIENDLY TO BLACK PLAYERS. THEY SAID IT NOT ME. GO BRAVES!!!!!!
By Dribble, dribble
May 8, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
a baseball can’t be dribbled…so get over it.
By Baseball Next
May 8, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
i no longer watch professional basketball and no longer watch professional football; they’re not getting my time or money. what’s next… baseball?
By Allen
May 8, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
Race shouldn’t have anything to do with it. The best players are the best players…and note that they are upset about not having “African-American” players. We have several Black / African origin players…Andruw Jones, Renteria, Rafeal Soriano all come to mind…but PUSH is upset because they aren’t African-American. How racist is that?
By Allen
May 8, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Race shouldn’t have anything to do with it. The best players are the best players…and note that they are upset about not having “African-American” players. We have several Black / African origin players…Andruw Jones, Renteria, Rafeal Soriano all come to mind…but PUSH is upset because they aren’t African-American. How racist is that?
By Allen
May 8, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Race shouldn’t have anything to do with it. The best players are the best players…and note that they are upset about not having “African-American” players. We have several Black / African origin players…Andruw Jones, Renteria, Rafeal Soriano all come to mind…but PUSH is upset because they aren’t African-American. How racist is that?
By JAY
May 8, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
Someone in this thread said that sports hires talent just like the non-sports jobs. That’s a “crock”. Companies outside the sports field have quotas to fill regardless of qualifications. I’ll help Jesse and Al with overcoming the unemployment problem in the Black Community (sorry, I refuse to hyphenate AMERICAN)…EXPAND THE NBA TO 5,000 TEAMS!
By joe
May 8, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
I am tired of all these so called african Americans.Spouting all this race card crap. These people have done nothing for themself or others.They are leachs on humanity. They have sucked the joy out of being American. african americans are not here to take over.They basically just want to ruin this country. The AA’S have so many more problems in there culture. compaired to the whites and Mexicans culture. These people need to look at themselves and take responsability for the actionions of themselves and there society at large, and make some major changes to the way they do things. Or we will be leading ourselfs into worse and worse relations IT’s NOT ALWAYS SOME RICH WHITE PERSONS FAULT.GET OVER IT.
By Chris
May 8, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Hey ATLER, they all “lefted,” huh? Right on, brother.
By James Evans
May 8, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
I am going to form the White People Can Jump Coalition and question NBA teams on why there isn’t enough white people on their rosters. I am part Cherokee, so why don’t we get the Indian Tribes and Eskimos together and push for more of them on Professional teams?
Why can’t it just be that if you are talented you make the teams and play if you are not you sit at home on the couch.
By Ken Strickland
May 8, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
It’s funny how some blame Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the Rainbow coalition for causing, or encouraging racial unrest. Just read some of these racist comments and tell me Jessie, Al, and the coalition are responsible for these racist utterances. I guess they’re also responsible for hate groups like the kkk, national states rights party, aryan brotherhood, etc, etc, etc.
I’ll be the 1st to admit that Jessie and co have outlived their usefullness. However, one has to be really really stupid to use them as scapegoats for existing racism, which this country was founded on.
By joe
May 8, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
I think it is past time for all the regular White people who have watched this country turn it’s back on us and our values. We need to start sticking together. We need to form our own groups that we can use to help us when our RIGHTS have been violated. This is now the struggle of white mankind. Just for the record I am proud of my race and all who are in it should also be.
By Fans with $hit for brains +sports writers
May 8, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Houston I mean Atlanta we have a problem! The braves Gm is a good ole boy. What else is new we are in good ole boy land GFORGIA, UGA all the same! Don’t get your panties in a waded we all are going back to the dirt. Same $hit different day. What color dirt are you?
By joel
May 8, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
I want a meeting with the NBA to discuss the lack of whites in the league.
“Reverend” Jackson and his CRAP coalition are a tired old act. Im still waiting for his and “the reverend” sharptons apology to the duke players.
By Clinton
May 8, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Shame on You Braves, Shame on You AJC for not exposing this inequity. I will now Boycott both of you enablers indefinately. You guys alwasy hide behind intimidation and shakedown from Jesse Jackson as a as an escuse, but if Martin Luther King was still around you would find a unpleasant name for him too. You are trying to get away with the obvious (Racism) and you are still trying to justify it, thats what bothers me, that this is still excepted in present day America (Land of the free and home of the Brave)
By Ryan
May 8, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Honestly, has anyone made a big deal about the lack of European Americans in the NBA? Sure, there might be some white players, but they are all European so they don’t count. I want the NBA to try harder in European American communities to advance their sport so the numbers will go up. Right now the numbers are completely unacceptable and need to be changed right away. I’m actually thinking of having a meeting with David Stern and the Hawks front office to adress this issue…
By jcbrave
May 8, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
This is ridiculous. The Braves should employ the best 40 men in their organizagtion. Likewise, The best 25 of those 40 shall be on the active roster. Why is race an issue with everything. It seems more prominent now more than ever. Who cares what color they are. When is the coalition meeting with Hawks on the lack of caucasion americans? I didn’t think so! Someone do us all a favor…..lock Jessie Jackson up at home and don’t let him out!!!!! He has stirred the pot enough!
By jcbrave
May 8, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
one more thing…..the Braves don’t go door to door recruiting players throughout the city of Atlanta. Sorry coalition, that’s not how it works. You make yourself sound dumb making arguments like that. GET REAL!
By Fans with $hit for brains +sports writers
May 8, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
The good ole boys never see a problem. To hell with baseball Jessie what about banking and the media!I read one blogger say play the best player you are right . Just one thing who’s eyes are you judging the best players. If you read the sport blog pages in Atlanta AJC sport the fans in this state don’t have a clue about baseball football , hokey, or basketball and sports writer.Clueless!
By Brave
May 8, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Reggie Jackson must be the most racist person I know of. He is always trying to stir up trouble.
By Braver
May 8, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Jesse Jackson——Extortion artist, shakedown—-The Braves should ask Jesse to show them his Payroll!!!! Exactly WHERE does The Rev Jesse get his money???…Hmmm?
By Wite Toofless Wunder
May 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
It’s nothing to do with blacks in BB. It is all about the Rainbow Warriors and Jesse Jackson’s wallet.
By Anonymous
May 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
I’m black and even I want this dude to stfu. There are less blacks in baseball because more are interested in basketball and football. Thats just the way it is. I wish these guys would stop concentrating on sports and concentrate on helping black children in school. Stop worrying about this crap and worrying about rap music. If you focus on teaching them morals and understanding at a young age you don’t have to worry about how rap is affecting your teenage kid. The parent is responsible too as well as the community. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are really starting to p** me off lately. And Oprah too!!! Always downing black people and causing unneccessary drama when its really not neccessary. I appreciate everything they have done in the past like helping increase more black coaches and general managers in football, building institutions and schools to help out black people but now they are irritating the hell out of me. Just stfu!!!!!!! Bill Cosby too!!!! I’m tired of your pudding pops!!!!
By Braver
May 8, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Which is dumber….the AJC? or The Rev Jesse?…..OH MY!!! Too tough too call!!
By Fans with $hit for brains +sports writers
May 8, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
brave get your jackson right
By eric
May 8, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
who cares? Baseball is a business, they put the best players on the field to produce a winning team. It’s as simple as that. If people want african-americans to play baseball they need to get the kids off the basketball court and onto the baseball field. Just like the white kids, if you do not start them when they are young they will never make it to the big leagues. Also, maybe the african-americans arent interested in playing baseball?
By eric
May 8, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
who cares? Baseball is a business, they put the best players on the field to produce a winning team. It’s as simple as that. If people want african-americans to play baseball they need to get the kids off the basketball court and onto the baseball field. Just like the white kids, if you do not start them when they are young they will never make it to the big leagues. Also, maybe the african-americans arent interested in playing baseball?
By GA Native
May 8, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
I heard an interview on AM 680 and was blown away with the arrogance of these two AHoles from rainbow PUSH. They need to take thier attitude and PUSH it up thier A. They don’t own the team, they don’t make the payroll, they are not accountable to the shareholders of the owning company so why in God’s name would the Braves be accountable and have to answer to the rathole Push? The two idiots sounded like they just finished a bottle of MD 20-20 and few draws on the crack pipe. Just a lot of loud hollow talk.
I tell you what rainblow push idiots, scape together some of your over paid AA talent and buy a team and staff it any way your business deprived minds care to and with no talent, no wins, and certainly no championships, you can model the Hawks, see how long you last with your racially balanced ball club.
Go take a business 101 course and try to learn that sports franchises make mopney when they win, period. Ask Author on purchasing a PR poster boys instead of winning talent, 130 mil and still no back to back winning seasons. On the bright, or darker side, we have a foorball team the is full of black talent but not champions. The braves get talent regardless of race, and have a world championship, 14 division titles and are currently in first place.
You guys in the rainblow pushies are dumber than dirt.
By GA Native
May 8, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
I heard an interview on AM 680 and was blown away with the arrogance of these two AHoles from rainbow PUSH. They need to take thier attitude and PUSH it up thier A. They don’t own the team, they don’t make the payroll, they are not accountable to the shareholders of the owning company so why in God’s name would the Braves be accountable and have to answer to the rathole Push? The two idiots sounded like they just finished a bottle of MD 20-20 and few draws on the crack pipe. Just a lot of loud hollow talk.
I tell you what rainblow push idiots, scape together some of your over paid AA talent and buy a team and staff it any way your business deprived minds care to and with no talent, no wins, and certainly no championships, you can model the Hawks, see how long you last with your racially balanced ball club.
Go take a business 101 course and try to learn that sports franchises make mopney when they win, period. Ask Author on purchasing a PR poster boys instead of winning talent, 130 mil and still no back to back winning seasons. On the bright, or darker side, we have a foorball team the is full of black talent but not champions. The braves get talent regardless of race, and have a world championship, 14 division titles and are currently in first place.
You guys in the rainblow pushies are dumber than dirt.
By RNW
May 8, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Did they also schedule a meeting with the Hawks regarding the lack of white players?
By RNW
May 8, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Did they also schedule a meeting with the Hawks regarding the lack of white players?
By ben
May 8, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
As if the whole premise of the supposed lack of blacks in baseball was not only silly on the surface of this argument, I cannot understand why the rainbow/push extortion group bothered to send anyone to Atlanta to speak to the Braves. They could have asked the resident race hustler Terrace Moore, who for reasons unknown continues to masquerade as a journalist, to make the short drive from the AJC to the Ted and save their extortion group the airfare.
In continuing to make their argument of the supposed lack of blacks in baseball, one has to assume they are serious in their charges. In looking over the 40 man roster I see at least 6 blacks and they are as follows: Manuel Acosta Rafael Soriano Brayan Pena Edgar Renteria Willie Harris Andruw Jones
According to the 40 man roster at AtlantaBraves.com, Willie Harris looks “black” and is from Georgia and at least the writer of this article is able to acknowledge this fact, hiding in plain sight for all to see. I guess if you are black but not on the 25 man roster then you are not considered to be black. If Terrance Moore and Carroll Rogers are unable to see the fact that the other above players are black, then I have news for them. They are just as black as any other black players; their relatives just got off the boat a few islands earlier than the rest. And that statement comes from a friend whose family stayed on the boat until the last stop. The persistent sloppy reporting, poor or non-existent editorial oversight are some of the many reasons the AJC continues to see their circulation numbers drop like a concrete block in water. This story and the previous column on this bogus subject by Terrance Moore are more examples of what seem to be a never-ending parade of fiction being presented as the truth.
By Timothy
May 8, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
I am a black male who like the Braves.The Rainbow-PUSH Coalition isn’t speaking for all black people.I agree and disagree with some of their problems with the race issues, but when some of you white people put all blacks with the Rainbow Coalition you are racists pigs too and also some of us work dam hard for our money.
By GottaGitPAID
May 8, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
Yall are just a bunch of racists who dont want to see a brotha like Barry Bonds be THE BASEBALL HOMERUN KING. Yall cant stand to see a man of color break a big time American baseball record.
By don Moore
May 9, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
The problem is not enough black men staying with wives and familys being fathers and playing catch with sons.
By James
May 9, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
UHMMMMMMM GottaGitPaid….
Last time I checked Hank Aaron was Black…..Correct me if Im wrong….
By Stefan
May 9, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
I am extremely happy and proud of the fact that the overwhelming majority of the people who posted above, regardless of race or culture, seem to agree that Jesse Jackson is no more than a misguided, attention-starved assclown who just needs to go away. I wish the rest of the country felt this way; then perhaps we could collectively agree that the time has come to start ignoring his retarded little antics so that he may begin his rapid descent into obscurity where he belongs - and hopefully take his miscreant buddy Sharpton with him. Buh-byeeee!
By More Fiber = Less Racism
May 9, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
I do not think Terence Moore is all that racist.
I just think Terence is SEVERELY constipated and irritable and becomes a bit jealous & bitter at anything white when he sees all those nice, clean, ivory toilets he can’t utilize so he can FLUSH THAT HATE AWAY.
By LLCalifornia
May 9, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this
GottaGitPaid, You are a freaking idiot..Hank Aaron is an African-American not European American..I suspect you are a racist anyway.
By Love THE BRAVES, Love THE KIMMER
May 9, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Stories like this make me so thankful that we have a live, LOCAL, afternoon radio talk show host on AM station such as THE KIMMER, on whose station the BRAVES are also carried, with whom we can call in and discuss volatile socio-political outrages such as this and/or voice our support for the BRAVES against this latest $elfish acts of stupidity by these Rainbow jokers.
Oh,……
Never mind.
Thanks for ruining Atlanta Radio, you ClearChannel!
At least I can still listen to our beloved BRAVES on XM.
By nino
May 9, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Je$$e and Al $harpton are nothing but racial ambulance chasers. If the media wouldn’t follow them around like the papperazi does with Britney and Paris, there wouldn’t be as many racial issues in this country. These 2 guys are pessimistic racists that spend their lives digging and digging for hints of racial foul play in efforts to stir things up, get their names in the headlines, and fatten their wallets. They should be focusing their time and energy on REAL issues such as trying to put a stop to gangs, poverty and homelessness, cleaning up the filthly rap music lyrics that does no good for the youth that listen and learn from it, helping kids with education and keeping them in school, etc??? This beats making every issue out to be a racial issue. Maybe one of these days Je$$e and $harpton will realize that they’re doing more harm for African-Americans than they are good. And maybe one day the media will learn to stop feeding and spreading their hatred and racism.
By Baseball - American / / Jesse Jackson - @$$hole-American
May 9, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Maybe one of these days Je$$e and $harpton will realize that they’re doing more harm for African-Americans than they are good.
That is just the thing, they probably DO realize it and just don’t care.
Those goofballs were bad enough before, but they got on my last nerve by spewing their bile on MY favorite B-A-S-E-B-A-L-L team. Baseball helps me escape this type of nonsense for a few hours.
Baseball = American
Jesse Jackson = @$$hole-American
Al Sharpton = Ditto
Terence Moore = Just Constipated & Grumpy
~
By trailer park
May 9, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Hi J queen #1 you are no queen.We have no queens in the U.S.A. if u want to see your black thugs play talk to Uncle Jesse,Uncle Al and get a negro teamand u wont have to worry about us crackers going.Also if this ever happened HAHA blacks do NOT SUPPORT or attend basketball teams nor baseball you see our white faces buying tickets very vert few of u go unless u get or steal the tickets. It must be a beotch to be so black in this white world.
By Alhaji Abdul Rahmman Ali
May 12, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
As an African-American (Black Man) I am still a die heart Base Ball fan.
Yes, I would indeed like to see more African-American ball players in the Majors, but these are the signs of the times.
Baskeball and Football are the National Pastime for Black kids period! Many see baseball today as boring and unfortunately a White Man or Latino sport!
I appreciate the great effort being made by Minnesota Twins Center Fielder, Torii Hunter, and his foundation to recruit and get more African-American kids interested in the game of Base Ball.
I was so fortunate as a child to attend Brookyln Dodgers games with my Grandfather, at old Ebbetts Field back in Brooklyn New York, and root my heart out for my chilhood heroes: Jackie Robinson, Don Newcome, Joe Black, Junior Gillieum, Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges, Carl Furillo, Sandy Amoros, Roy Campenella. I did not see Black or White on the field, but the great Brooklyn Dodger family, my dream team!
I accuse the PUSH organization and many other Black Civil Rights Leaders, of playing the “old African Tribal game”, by seeing Black Latino players in a different light. Black Latino players are of African decent. Their ancestors on the slave ship just happen to land in Havana Cuba or San Juan Puerto Rico, instead of Charleston South Carolina or New Orleans Louisiana.
Please note that over the years in the April issue of Ebony Magazine, all Black players listed in Major League Base Ball, included African-American and African-Latino ball players, to include such great Puerto Ricans ball players, like Orlando Cepeda, (SF Giants) and Vic Powers, (Cleveland Indians, great Cuban ball players, like Minnie Minoso (Chicago White Sox), Sandy Amungu Amoros, (Brooklyn Dodgers), great Dominican ball players, Juan Marichal, Alou Brothers: Felipe, Jesus, and Matty, (SF Giants).
In closing, the Atlanta Braves need to find the best talented players not based on color, but based on talent!
Die hard Base Ball fan.
Alhaji Abdul Rahman Ali