RSS
Home
Stephen Jackson wants out of Golden State; could he help the Pacers win?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Golden State Warrior star Stephen Jackson takes the ball up court as head coach Don Nelson watches.
As the NBA season gets ready to open current Golden State Warrior and former Indiana Pacer Stephen Jackson has started with a bang. During a recent promotional event in New York Jackson was asked if he had any regrets about things he’s said and done in his career. His response, "You got to hear it someway. What, you want me to send you an email? Facebook you or something? I don't have a regret about anything I've done. I don't have a regret about going into the stands with Ron Artest. I don't have a regret about anything. Because that was the way it was supposed to be handled."
After relinquishing his duties as captain of the Warriors, serving a two game suspension and losing $140,000.00 Jackson says he doesn’t view himself as a role. He stated, "I don't want these young guys to try to follow me," Jackson said. "I can't be a role model to guys who make the same amount of money as me. ... I think everybody is responsible for themselves, and that's how it should be."
Jackson brings up a debate that’s ensued since Charles Barkley boldly proclaimed, “I’m not a role model. I’m paid to create havoc on the court.”
Are professional athletes role models?
A role model sets a standard to be emulated and achieved on a consistent basis. A true role model uses their platform to awaken, inform and educate. A role model speaks out irrespective of consequences and takes actions that often rival mainstream thought.
Athletes are role models but they shouldn’t be viewed as the ultimate symbols of success. This is particularly the case in the African American community. The marquee athlete is marketed in a fashion that seduces the aspiring athlete to be like their hero. This makes many of the aspiring feel they can be “like Mike” or “King James.”
Professional athletics is an all or nothing proposition many are willing to take irrespective of the odds. That’s why many African Americans shoot for the stars because societal opportunities are often restricted because of racism.
In the case of Jackson he clearly doesn’t read off a script. He answers questions directly without caring how anyone feels. He certainly exercises his freedom of speech to the hilt.
Remember the infamous Ron Artest melee in 2004? Jackson burst into the crowd to throw blows with fans along with Artest. Artest was suspended for a total of 86 games which included 13 playoff contests. Jackson was suspended 30 games for his role in the melee.
In 2006 Jackson was involved in a shooting incident outside a night club in Indiana. In the wee hours of the morning Jackson shot at least five bullets into the air claiming self defense.
Not the type of stuff good role models engage in.
After being traded to Golden State from the Pacers in 2007 Jackson seemed to get his act together. But now he’s disgruntled with the direction the franchise is headed and he wants out. Jackson has four years and 35 million left on his contract. Will anyone accommodate his request?
Jackson seems to think so. He says, "I know there are a lot of teams that want me," Jackson said. "I'm a good player. ... I don't know exactly what the conversations are, but I don't think it's as hard as people say it is."
Can Jackson get a second change in Indiana? Is it possible Jackson can come back and help the team win? Would he give the Pacers a better chance to get better now?
Despite his directness off the court he’s a solid player. Besides, he’s better than many of the current Pacer players isn’t he?
In any event, if Jackson doesn’t consider himself a role model that’s his choice. But remember, he’s an athlete who makes just shy of 9 million dollars per season. When he speaks, people listen.
But it would be nice for athletes like Jackson to use their platforms to unite and inform instead engaging in self-promotion.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Related Articles:
Comments
- drttcd@gmail.com
