Dexter's Vantage Point!

Bruce Pearl utilized his stature as head basketball coach of the Tennessee Volunteers recently to raise money for charity. Pearl delivered a passionate speech to potential donors for charity. During his speech he resorted to the use of racial stereotypes to humor the crowd. Here’s what Pearl stated, "I've got a tough job. I've got to put these guys from different worlds together, right? I've got guys from Chicago, Detroit. I'm talking about the hood! And I've got guys from Grainger County, where they wear the hood!" Pearl said. After a pause, he added, "That wasn't part of the script." Pearl’s choice of words was rather poor. This country that has a ugly legacy of racism, lynching and hate. To use such remarks wasn’t necessary or warranted at a fundraiser. Of course damage control quickly ensued. Here’s Pearl’s scripted apology, "This morning while speaking at a private kick-off event for a great organization that benefits many local cha...

One of the biggest travesties in American sport that flies under the radar in mainstream media is the lack of African American head coaches in Division IA football. Of the 119 head coaches in big time football just four are African American. Randy Shannon of Miami, Kevin Sumlin at Houston, Mike Locksley at New Mexico and Turner Gill Buffalo are it. According to statistics gathered by Richard Lapchick at University of Central Florida 48 percent of the players and just 3 percent of the head coaches are African Americans. Are you kidding me? This is blatant racism yet few are willing to consistently put this matter in the forefront to ignite constructive dialogue that will induce change. The few African Americans who have been extended opportunities to coach have been held to higher standards then their white counterparts. The preeminent example of latter is how Notre Dame handled Tyrone Willingham five years ago. After Willingham’s third year as head coach of the Irish he posted a 6-5 re...

Life is a funny thing. It seems like yesterday Plaxico Burress was dominating the Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris in the NFC Championship game. It seems like yesterday Burress was catching the winning touchdown and hoisting the Lombardy trophy in defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. But today Burress awakened from spending his first night in prison as he begins the long journey of coming back from a place he really doesn’t belong. After saying an emotional goodbye to his family in a Manhattan courtroom Burress was whisked off to Rikers Island prison to begin his 2-year sentence. Mayor Michael Bloomberg made certain Plax nearly got the max when he made his public plea Burress should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. I’m sure Bloomberg is pleased with getting such a hardened criminal like Burress off the streets. Wouldn’t you agree? Say what you wish but Burress is not doing a prison bid because he’s a menace to society or a hardened criminal: he’s do...

It was just announced today embattled outfielder Milton Bradley will be suspended for the remainder of the season for comments he made about the Chicago Cubs organization. General Manager Jim Hendry made the call with the blessing of Cubs manager Lou Piniella. Piniella said, “Jim made the decision and I support it. I really do.” The suspension resulted from comments Bradley recently made. According to the Daily Herald of Illinois Bradley stated, "You understand why they haven't won in 100 years here." Bradley also suggested there’s a lot of negativity in the in the club house. "I need a stable, healthy, enjoyable environment," Bradley told the newspaper, "There's too many people everywhere in your face with a microphone asking the same questions repeatedly. Bradley continued, "Everything is just bashing you. It's just negativity." The Cubs needed a scapegoat for underachieving and failing to make the playoffs. The comments didn’t warrant s...

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs have played well as of late in keeping their slim hopes at a wildcard alive. After dropping two straight at home to the Milwaukee Brewers it may be too little too late. What started out with so much promise and a possible run at the World Series has turned into a season of disappointment. Marred by injuries, inconsistent play, poor pitching and consistent lineup shifts the Cubs are winding down their lackluster season. The Cubs entered yesterday’s final game of their 4-game series with the Brewers with a slim chance of gaining ground in the wildcard race. But after losing to the Brewers 7-4 it may be over soon. Even though the fat lady hasn’t begun to sing she’s certainly on deck warming up those vocal cords. In front of 39,158 fans at Wrigley Field starting pitcher Randy Wells found himself with the same pitching woes which have plagued Cubs hurlers all season. Two days ago poor pitching by Rich Harden led to the Cubs losing to the Milwaukee Brewers 9-5. Har...

Michael “Air” Jordan has finally landed where he rightfully belongs and that’s in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. But during his acceptance speech Jordan suggested it may not be over just yet. He implied he may come back at age 50. Jordan stated, “But one day you might look and see me playing the game at 50. Oh don’t laugh. Never say never. Because limits like fears are often illusions.” If anyone can play in the NBA at age 50 it may be Jordan. There’s no need to go into Jordan’s numbers. Everyone knows about the six championships, scoring titles, dazzling dunks and last minute shots. Everyone knows about the shoes, endorsements and how we all wanted “to be like Mike.” Why regurgitate the obvious. Let’s examine the intangibles. I’ve always admired Jordan’s lazar-like focus. He put his mind on a task and didn’t stop until he achieved it. Even when he tried baseball after his first retirement many deemed it a failure. How? Jordan put himself out there, chased a dream to find ...

Serena Williams went down with like a ball of fire during her semi final match against Kim Clijsters. Serena lost the match by default 6-4, 7-5. She not only lost the match she lost her cool. Her emotions robbed her of an opportunity to win her 12th Grand Slam. When serving 15-30, second serve in the second set Williams was called for a foot fault. Based on the film it was clear Williams’ did not commit a foot fault. Williams took exception to the call began to berate the female lines person. Williams reportedly stated, “I swear to God I’m (expletitve) going to take this (expletive) ball and shove it down your (expletive) throat, you hear that? I swear to God.” As she was about to serve Williams began a second verbal onslaught on the lines person. The chair umpire summoned the linesperson along with tournament director Brian Early. A discussion ensued which, according to the lines person, alleged Williams stated she was “going to kill” her. Williams suggested she never said that. She d...

Apparently Boise St. player Byron Hout, who instigated former Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount into punching him, will not be disciplined for his role in the altercation which took place last week. After the game as Blount was leaving the field Hout taunted Blount. Blount took exception and punched Hout. We all know Blount is gone with the wind because of his temporary lapse in judgment. Now his college career is over as he was suspended for the remainder of the year for the punch. Then there’s Hout who aided in creating the atmosphere for the altercation to take place and he gets nothing. What makes this situation so extreme is one, it’s not being talked about anymore. In the world of sports things change daily like the interest rates. It’s a shame one guy gets the book thrown at him while the other gets off. Boise St. head coach Chris Petersen has this to say yesterday regarding Hout, "Byron is being disciplined, there's no question about that," Petersen continued....

The Indianapolis Colts have endured a lot of changes in the off season yet many things remain the same. Peyton Manning is still there poised for another strong year. Reggie Wayne will be sharp as ever and Anthony Gonzalez is fast becoming a great receiver. But the team lost head coach Tony Dungy to retirement. The great Marvin Harrison wasn’t resigned, which was a shock to many Colts fans. It’s hard to believe a receiver of Harrison’s stature cannot contribute at least as a third receiver. They are some key questions with respect to the health of the team as well. Can Joseph Addai finally live up to his potential while staying healthy? Can defensive guru Bob Sanders simply get healthy and contribute consistently? The latter will find a way to work itself out over time. But there’s a story that’s gone a bit unnoticed regarding the Indianapolis Colts off the field. We all know Tony Dungy retired after last seasons playoff exit leaving Jim Caldwell to talk over the helm. Caldwell inherits...