Trayvon

As sad as this story is, there are really only 2 things that bother me about this event. Neither of the obvious reasons: 1) A person would want to murder an innocent person they see walking down the street because the color of their skin makes them suspicious; or 2) that you can do this and not go to jail.

I expected the acquittal the day Zimmerman was charged with 2nd degree murder versus manslaughter. The evidence was too circumstantial especially considering the defense team that Zimmerman had at his disposal. The fact that the prosecution tried to offer manslaughter just prior to jury instructions is almost grounds for malpractice. In this case the prosecution played right into the hands of the defense attorneys. Selecting an all female jury expecting maternal empathy. Failing to realize people don't see Black male teenagers as children or some one's son. They see them as "THUGS." In addition, they argued semantics of the exchange between the two men, which effectively put Trayvon Martin on trial when he had done nothing wrong.

All that being said, none of that really bothers me. As one person put best on twitter, the jury in the Zimmerman case reminded Black Men of what they already knew to be true.

So.....What really bothers me is that there was such a dissenting opinion about the outcome of the trial. For some reason when I first heard the story I thought the outrage was universal. My naivety would not let me accept that people feel they have the right to just walk up and kill someone they find suspicious. When I consider the course of events, I empathize with Zimmerman, if I saw a guy walking in my neighborhood at night that I did not recognize. I would be suspicious, but its quite a leap to go from being suspicious to killing the guy.

I would call the Police like anyone else. At the end of the day no crime was being committed, and the Police even told him to stand down. His comments and reaction clearly show the intent he had when approaching Trayvon was not just a concerned neighbor.

I know many are claiming he was in his right to defend himself. I am just having a hard time determining how they arrive at that conclusion, and bypass that the person he attacked is dead, innocent, unarmed and committed no crimes and that Zimmerman pursued the victim. Not sure what type of reaction Trayvon is supposed to have when an armed man attacks him at night in the middle of the street.

Secondly, I became bothered again as I am reminded by the protests that began as a result of the verdict that there never would have been a trial had it not been for pressure through national media, social media, protests, and the DOJ. The fact that a tragedy like this can happen is chilling, the fact that this can happen and is acceptable without having to stand trial is horrifying. I am all for Zimmerman claiming he did this in self-defense. I would say the same thing if I killed someone, but I would fully expect that I would have to prove that action in court, not that an investigator is going to take my word for it. I would expect that much if I shot someone in my own house, even more so if I chased some guy down the street and killed him.

When I took my Concealed Handgun License training, one of the lasting impressions the instructor made on me is that shooting someone should be the last resort. He was simply trying to reiterate that killing someone is a BIG DEAL and to carry a gun calls for great responsibility. I guess he forgot to mention unless you are shooting a Black person, then nobody really cares.... Read more!

America's Team

As a native of Dallas, TX I am a life long Dallas Cowboys fan. The moniker America's Team was given a couple years after I was born. So I have only known them as such. Interestingly, the name comes in part by the success on the field, but it was also as Bob Ryan (Vice President and editor-in-chief of NFL Films) coined the phrase, "I noticed then, and had noticed earlier, that wherever the Cowboys played, you saw people in the stands with Cowboys jerseys and hats and pennants. Plus, they were always the national game on television." I hear people call Dallas Cowboys fans bandwagon or fair-weather fans? Can that be true in 2013 when the team has won only 1 playoff game in 17 years? As Americans there is one simple fact that substantiates a teams true value and Forbes highlights that in there latest "The World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams" list. The top 3 are European Soccer Teams, and then the New York Yankees. This is not a blog post on the Yankees, but considering that MLB only has 3-4 teams on the Top 50 list compared to the NFL with 30 of 32 teams making the list the Yankees appearing so high on the list is very impressive. Or maybe the counter-argument is true? They make the list because they have little competition for revenue. The Dallas Cowboys have been NFL's most valuable team since this list began. Interestingly, this is accomplished without some of the marketing tweaks of other leagues and teams. MLB allows teams to set up their own TV Networks, like the YES Network for the Yankees. For NFL, all TV revenue is negotiated and shared by the league. European Soccer teams sell naming rights to corporations on their jerseys which is worth hundreds of millions. Most teams across all leagues sell naming rights to their stadiums which is also worth hundreds of millions. Dallas plays in a $1B stadium simply named "Cowboys Stadium." Passing up almost another possible $1B in revenue the team still finds itself valued at $2.1B. This all goes back to the fan base. People will argue the Steelers are worthy of such a title, their valuation isn't even close. They have dozens of teams to pass before making that argument. So Cowboys fans if you are talking to some one that is challenging your team as "America's Team." Find out which team they claim as a fan. If they are a Patriots or Redskins fan have a fun discussion. It it is some chump that is a Rams or Jaguars fans (the only 2 NFL teams not to make the Top 50) tell them their fan base (and subsequent value) is too minuscule to even begin the debate. Lastly, I will touch on one of the counter-arguments I hear most. Just because you produce the most revenue, have the most nationally televised games, play in the biggest stadium, and have fans all across the world doesn't mean you are the most popular team. Its about more than just money...I know, slap me if I ever make points this weak to support an argument. Its very simple, where do you think the valuation comes from? The valuation is a summation of all these things. The reason you generate the most revenue is because you are the best at doing it in every category...attendance...sales...marketing...etc. Read more!

Cuban Checked Out

Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban's financial flexibility mantra is a farce. He checked out once he accomplished his goal of winning a NBA Championship. After years of spending irresponsibly he decided it was time be more responsible. The lawsuit about his annual losses as owner probably helped lead in that direction as well. Not necessarily going to fault a guy for trying to make a profit after spending at all costs to win, but we must recognize that is the goal. It was not earnestly to sign a high-priced superstar. Oftentimes the Celtics are cited as an example of what the Mavs would like to avoid, which may seem logical in 2013, but this comparison to the Celtics is tiring. The so called Celtics demise keeping the old guys after winning a championship, is making it to the Finals the following year and 3 Conference Finals. After 5 years this year they lost in the 1st round. I think any Mavs fan would be happy with that outcome, when you look at what the Mavs will be the 5 years following their championship. Read more!