Dexter's Vantage Point!

The Boston Celtics became the NBA champions by beating a youthful Los Angeles Laker team. Coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers lead the veteran Celtics to a place they hadn’t been since 1986: their victory certainly rekindled memories of days long past. For me it marked an occasion to look beyond the obvious and find the true perspective behind the victory. To me this championship series was about history. Someone paved the road for Rivers to excel in a town that historically hasn’t been kind to the African American athlete. I don’t think Rivers hasn’t gotten enough credit for his leadership. Rivers out-coached a man with 9 championship rings to his credit, Phil Jackson. His father Grady Rivers, whom was dear to his heart, died during the regular season. Like any good father the elder Rivers taught his son about life, basketball, and to never give up. Rivers has clearly profited from his father’s wisdom. Rivers recently lived in San Antonio before his home was burned to the ground by arsonists. He...

Tiger Woods won his 14th major championship by capturing the US Open played in LaJolla, California. Tiger out-dueled 45 year old journeyman Rocco Mediate Monday in a sudden-death playoff that was for the ages. I’m glad I didn’t miss the climax. I rearranged my schedule to watch the final few holes at the gym as I worked out. I’ve yet to meet anyone who loves sports more than I. I have an intense relationship with the institution for many reasons. Its’ taught me a lot about life. Sports have allowed me to do things I never dreamed. I’ve learned many valuable lessons over the years from sports. Sports have given me analogies I often use to simplify the various intricacies in everyday life: it’s helped shape the unique perspective I have. I guess that’s why I’ve written about, studied, and played sports most of my life. I love sports. There were many story lines with Tiger’s latest triumph. For one, he was clearly injured. Tiger hadn’t played a tournament since The Masters in April yet he...

Republican nominee John McCain has consistently suggested Barack Obama wouldn’t make a good President. He thinks Obama “doesn’t have the experience, knowledge, or the judgment” to lead this country. McCain has also stated of Obama: “He’s done pretty well for himself without having any experience.” Comments like McCain’s often fly under the radar and go unchallenged because many fail to critically read between the lines. Does what McCain suggest really hold true? Sometimes we must take things at face value but McCain’s comments are worthy of further examination. Too often we get suckered into thinking a certain way by the media. One of the media’s main objectives is to mentally condition us. The media utilizes this social engineering concept to induce universal acceptance and compliance of their message. I don’t understand how McCain can logically make such statements. When one analyzes the facts its’ clear McCain doesn’t have a clue. Obama has all the necessities to get the job done. L...

New York Mets manager Willie Randolph has been labeled by the media as soft because his team is losing games. Randolph continues to get his team in top form while battling the media’s portrayal of him. Despite taking his team to the doorstep of the World Series in 2006 and a game from making the playoffs last year the media is creating a stir because Randolph publicly stated his displeasure with the media. First off, Randolph is not soft. He was raised in the streets of Brownsville-a section of Brooklyn, New York where Mike Tyson once roamed. Many who grew up there either succumbed to the streets or found a way out through sports. Randolph’s ability and tenacity enabled him to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1972. He was traded to the New Yankees in 1975 where he’d win two World Series in 1977 and 1978 playing second base. He was voted to 6 all-star teams in a career that spanned 18 years. How can a person who overcame grim circumstances to have a great career be labeled soft? ...