Dexter's Vantage Point!

On April 15, 1947 the racial landscape of Major League Baseball was forever changed when Jackie Robinson smashed the color barrier by taking the field as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He planted the initial seeds of greatness that would later manifest in society and sport. Though Robinson’s historic feat took place four decades before I was conceived I'm fully aware of the magnitude of his accomplishments. Without question Robinson was champion with a warrior’s heart. Robinson was the birth of Civil Rights Movement. He ascended 8 years before Rosa Parks decided she grew tired sitting at the back of the bus. It was 16 years before Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream Speech,” and 62 years before Barack Obama got the keys to the White House. Robinson was more than a Hall of Fame baseball player. He was a pioneer who made huge sacrifices so African Americans can enjoy the fruits of his labor. Without Robinson's efforts the likes of Alex Rodriguez wouldn't earn 28 mi...

President Barack Obama recently accepted an invitation to speak to this years Notre Dame graduating class. President Obama’s acceptance has caused controversy because of his pro-choice stance and support of stem-cell research. Many conservative Catholics think extending an invite to President Obama was a mistake. Some even want the Notre Dame administration to withdraw their invitation. Anthony J. Lauinger, the Vice-President of the National Right to Life organization had this to say, "Notre Dame's invitation to the most pro-abortion president in U.S. history is a betrayal of the University's mission and an affront to all who believe in the sanctity and dignity of human life." Lauinger, a father of seven Notre Dame Alumni and one current student continued, "We call upon Father Jenkins to rescind the invitation and stand up for the millions of unborn children who face death under Obama Administration policies." John M. D'Arcy, the Bishop of Fort Wayne-Sou...

At the Sony Ericcson Open we’ve seen something from Roger Federer that was quite shocking. Federer pulled a John McEnroe and smashed his racket to the concrete against in his semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic. A frustrated Federer suggested he’s glad the hard court season is over and he’s looking forward to the clay. After witnessing his meltdown against Djokovic if he doesn’t get his house in order soon future Grand Slams could be hard to come by. Even John McEnroe has offered his services to help the disgruntled Federer regroup. Personally I don’t think he needs a coach. Federer just needs to remember who he was so he can summon the energy to sit atop mountain once again. Prior to his match against Andy Roddick I asked Federer what was more important to him at this point in his career. Winning Grand Slams or getting back to number one. He stated, “It goes hand and hand doesn’t it? I guess its slams right now, because I’m that close to with Pete’s record. I know if I win a slam, a No....

The Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Florida was another Williams’ family affair. After Serena Williams beat a formidable opponent in Li Na 4-6, 7-6 (2) 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericcson Open it set up another duel with her elder sister Venus Williams. When asked if she’s playing well enough to beat her sister Serena stated, “Yeah, I feel like I am. I definitely feel like I need to just keep that confidence and go with that and see what happens. Just play the best I can play.” When Serena squared off against Venus in the semi-finals the fans got what they paid for. The match went three tough sets in the Florida sun with Serena winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 which advanced her to the championship match. In the championship match Serena faced a 19 year-old upstart Victoria Azarenka of Belarus. Serena’s mobility was limited due to a thigh injury she sustained earlier in the tournament. Azarenka prevailed over the hobbled number one player in the world 6-3, 6-1. Despite the loss Sere...