stealth;1199624 said:
i don't think there is a black athlete in the league that wouldn't want to play for a black coach. To turn that into a negative is absurd to me.
That really does not relate to the substance of Larry Johnson's comments though. LJ is implying it would be more comfortable for him or he would prefer to play for a black head coach. Let's be candid, if a white athlete would have expressed himself similarity about relating better to a white coach he would be skewered and labeled a racist.
I understand what Larry Johnson stated, and have no problem that he has these sentiments as a human being. But Larry Johnson is also not the sole player on his team. His team consists of players and coaches of various ethnic backgrounds. As a highly visible and key player he should be more thoughtful and open minded about the matter.
From a fan point of view it is hard to figure out what same race relationship advantage there would be though. More favorable treatment, a better understanding of Xs and Os and constructive criticism from a head coach of similar race? Why, because of ethnic colloquilism? I don't think so. The more I think of this his comment is really inappropriate and actually does a disservice to fellow black athletes and even black head coaches.
What makes team sports great is the opportunity of the best athletes of being placed into the position to play no matter their racial origin. Cultural preferences should not even be referenced even if it is communicatively applied to coaches. I believe a player and coach's generation gap may come into play more than race.
Larry Johnson's comments can perpetuate some very intense but convoluted arguments. I guess if Larry Johson toiled under Tony Dungy would he lament that he can only partially relate to him?