The NBA and Race

Introduction

• Lecture focus: NBA and race/ethnicity dynamics
• NBA: National Basketball Association, referred to in lecture as 'Negro Basketball Assimilationists'
• Importance of understanding race and ethnicity in the NBA's history

Overview of NBA Racial Composition

• First non-white player: 1947
• 2011 statistics: 78% Black, 17% White, 4% Latino, 1% Asian
• Current trend: Approximately 85% Black players
• Basketball as entertainment primarily for white audiences

Donald Sterling Incident

• Audio of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racist remarks
• Sterling's beliefs: Black Jews treated like dogs in Israel
• Context of the Black Jews referred to: Black Americans and West Indians in Israel
• Role of Sterling as 'provider' for Black players (food, clothing, cars, houses)

Biblical Reference

• Deuteronomy 28:48: Serving enemies in hunger, thirst, nakedness, and want of all things
• Analogy: Sterling's provision mirrors ‘yoke of iron’ mentioned in the scripture

Terminology Analysis: 'Owner'

• Noticeable difference in terminology: NBA team owners vs. employers in other industries
• Emphasis on the dehumanizing aspect of being 'owned'

NBA Players' Responses

• Incident with LA Clippers: Weak protest by turning shirts inside out rather than boycotting
• Inadequate response considered to be missing a significant opportunity for impactful protest
• Discussion on why stronger action was not taken: fear of financial loss, lack of unity

Historical Context

• Comparison with the 1960s and 70s Black athlete activists
• Muhammad Ali and others: alignment with political activism
• Modern players sheltered from community struggles, surrounded by white handlers

Reasons for Lack of Modern Activism

1. Lack of Historical Understanding: Disconnect from Black struggle
2. Political Atmosphere: Black athletes segregated and handled by white personnel
3. Selfish Interests: Financial security reduces willingness to engage in activism
4. Potential Consequences: Fear of fines, blackballing, and loss of sponsorship

Assimilation Dynamics

• Definition of cultural assimilation: minority adapting to dominant culture
• Historical references from the Bible: Israelites adopting Greek customs

Conclusion

• Modern-day athletes are less likely to be activists due to multiple systemic factors
• The role of financial incentives and societal pressures in maintaining the status quo
• Call to understand deeper issues and historical context to recognize ongoing disparities