AFRO-Americ@: Community Discussions

Each week, we post a topic for open discussion. Read on and give it some thought. Then when you're ready to add your voice to the dialogue, give us everything you've got.

This week's topic: Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat and Larry Johnson of the New York Knicks were fined and suspended for 2 games for fighting. Due to Mourning's absence, the Knicks were able to defeat the Heat and proceed to the next level of the NBA play-off.
What advice would you give to Mourning about controlling his temper?

Topic: What advice would you give to Alonzo Mourning? Name: Bigg Brother No Pain No Gain
Email: >dexter gaines
Response: by now if brother Alonzo does not know how to handle himselfon the court as well as off the court,he is probably in for a very,veryrude awakenig to the reality of life. Basically he is setting himselfup for failure. Let's face it after all he was EDUCATED at one of the premier university's in the world, mentored by one of the greatest blackcoaches in the world, his monthly sallory is probably more the the average middle class person makes in one year!!!!please!!! advice to him? grow up and represent your family, yourhome town, and not to put to much pressure on you Alonzo but, at leastshow the children that it's o.k to modify your behavior, even if millions of dollars are at stake.

Name: kAWEZYA
Email:
Response: y'all this alonzo thing is not a race issue, so don't turn it into one

Name: kawezya
Email:
Response: Self control is the key: think before you act.

Name: YoYo
Email: fm433@erols.com
Response: If Alonzo Mourning kenw anything about His own History He would be able to keep Himself under Control. Basketball as well as Crimes was here before Alonzo Mourning was born and they both will be here after He is no longer here. When He leaves here He will not be able to take anything with Him. A good feeling would be to know that you are on good terms with all mand kinds and especially your own kind.

Name: JCars53653
Email: JCars53653
Response: I am glad to share a method I have been practicing for quite sometime. As we know, the occassion to be angry will arise. When it surface, simply acknowledge it to yourself. Angry produces temprament. Let no one trick you in doing what you don't want to be responsible for. Self control Is a key factor. You cannot control what someone else does, but you have choices to make as to how you will respond. Prayerfully you decide on what response you make.

Name: mh
Email:
Response: Being a man requires discipline. It's grown up children who call all that posturing "Standing up for yourself". All races come from warriors. People who fly off the handle like babies don't make very good warriors.

Name: Bétis
Email: abetis@stud.uni-frankfurt.de
Response: I thought the discussion topic would be about Byrd's death. I think he deserves it. Even though many Afro-Americans willing to feel cool and tolerant rather talk about sports! Tired of the racism topic, so am I too but I know that it is not through belittling or underplaying a problematic issue that things are going to get better. Otherwise, your site is intelligent. Nice day and give us a chatroom, please! Arétha!

Name: Female sports junkie
Email:
Response: Alonzo Mourning has always been a baby about the game. He, along with many other African-American sports figures, must understand that life is simply not going to go their way all the time, no matter how much money they make. My feelings, however, are split as to the subject of fighting in professional sports. If it's not allowed in various sports that have a predominance of African-Americans, why is it okay (and even expected) in hockey. Alonzo needs to check himself, true enough, but along with his immaturity there's a larger issue with all American sports that needs to do the same.

Name:
Email: ABOLOLITIONIST@webtv.net
Response: No body knows what it's like to be an African-American Man, except, an African-American Man! Every time we become the subject, most African-Americans are johnny-on-the-spot with negative comments. To make their statements impressive, they invariably bring up the (ubiquitous) children. With all the crime and corruption in this (deteriorated toilet) we call America, they would have you believe our children see only (A-A) Men beating the hell out of someone. The implication being, the children's lives will be (evermore) destroyed because of this...! Am I to believe that it doesn't matter when we see the (Klan) bomb our churches, and kill our children? Do you not think our children are affected by this horror? There are hundreds of these (hate) groups in America; consequently, their prime targets are African-Americans (especially the Men)!! The president of America plays sexual hanky-panky (in the white house) for the entire world to see. Where Are The Complainers?? Do you not think our children (because of this) could become Sexually Promiscuous? Maybe you believe only (A-A) Men can (negatively) affect our children...!!! There are only (12 million) (A-A) Men in America. White people have put (1 million) of us in their prisons! Where are your priorities (African-Americans)? Shake off that Slave Mentality (African-Americans), and see (America) for what it is...

Name: ABDUL- MALIK
Email: AMEER@EARTHLINK.COM
Response: this messger is to walter while your turn your back to walk away someone will put there foot in your ass brother

Name:
Email: elabmatt@aol.com
Response: In the heat of battle, many loose composure but the true victor is the person that can control himself while the world is falling apart around him; and not loose sight of the real prize- the next round. Violence is the tool of the ignorant- the mind the true tool of leaders, even in war. It is hindsight and second guessing , but a real solid approach to any conflict resolution. Or you can accept a trade to Philly.....we would love to have you! And we fight your battles for you!

Name:
Email: ABOLITIONIST@webtv.net
Response: Alonzo earns millions of dollars, and you expect me to advise him??? I could relate how advantageous curbing his temper would be. (but, to whom?) I could use the trite, stereotyped expression of 'Role Model!' (I wouldn't condemn a young brother with that sickness,) People forget the kind of country in which we live!! America is a lie. America is sick. America is filled with Hatemongers, Sexmongers, Warmongers, and Racemongers!!! I'm sure some of you have your own list of 'Mongers' you could add to this. Intelligent people realize, America is not compatible with African-Americans. As a result, following any 'Docile Behavior' is SUICIDE for us all!! I know there are doubters out there, and, to YOU I say 'Turn Black,' and America will make a believer of 'YOU' !!!!!

Name: Kenneth Trotman Jr.
Email: Trotmank@whiteoaksemi.com
Response: I would give him no advice! Everyone knew they were going fight. I think what the problem is everyone thinks it is sooo bad when black people fight. But there is only one problem with that; we have been warriors since the begining of man kind. We were the first, we created war, we were the first to fight. Still when others tell you that you are wrong, you look at yourself as if you are wrong. Is that really true?? We as a people have been told a lot of things about ourseleves { by others} But if you really KNOW where you come from then you would know where you are at. So I would not give Alonzo any advice, he is a man and can make his own choices. If he didn't he would not be where is today. Plus I'm from Tidewater and I know where he's coming from.

Name: michael johnson
Email: johnsonma@bragg.army.mil
Response: It's all in the bible, being a christian is about your walk I believe ,maybe he needs to get more in word and not what everybody around him are doing in other word setting an good example, that he that kids could follow., Sport is starting not to be fun to follow anymore and a lot of people fill that way and we pay the bill........Michael jordan is the last of the mohican.Peace!

Name: Alvin Taggart
Email: Atag133255@aol.com
Response: Think of the game for which it is - "your job" & to keep your job you would control your temper. Lashing out is a sure way of losing your job.

Name: CLEM
Email: lclemons@simflex.com
Response: Zo has always been a crybaby, even at Charlotte. LJ knew exactly how to get under Zo's skin so he did it. Fortunately, it worked for the Knicks. Unfortunately, it made the Heat spectators. It also created more controversy in Pro Sports. My advise to Alonzo would be to grow up, let the 'refs call the game and play ball like the talented, highly tauted, multi-millionaire ball player that you are!!!!!!!!!!

Name: tac
Email: tac57@webtv.net
Response: Well I think mourning must remember this is a sport game he is playing and a lot of teens are looking at these games. I know he gets big money but what good is it when he is not being a good example to youth or his own children if he has any. Get some help for your temper, try a closer walk with the lord jesus by god bless!

Name: crystal
Email: crys3@siu.edu
Response: The brother has to learn how to control his temper. I know there is alot of pressure involved in basketball, but when it all boils down it is still just a game. When young people see these kinds of actions being displayed by their role models, they feel that it is okay to act in such a manner. Now I'm saying to be a punk, but be the better man and just walk away.

Name: Frances Murphy
Email: FrankieLou@aol.com
Response: Mourning needs to go back to school- school, that is with his former coach John Thompson. He needs to learn, again, how to conduct himself as a man. Self control is taught not learned and I know of no better teacher than Coach John Thompson. Help your boy out Coach!!

Name: BEATRICE HARRIS
Email: TRACY58@webtv.net
Response: cool your temper man.

Name:
Email: BOXCARR@webtv.net
Response: Way to go! Anybody get in your face, Cream-em! They want to fine you, you got the bread to pay! Anybody don't like it, cream them too! Maybe people will stay outta your face after that!

Name:
Email: NYTETRAIN@webtv.net
Response: Role Models are determined by people who wish to be "Role-Models!" We cannot force anyone to be a Role Model simply because "we" want them to be Role Models! Raising children is the responsibility of parents. There is always some idiot asking, "What about the children?" What about them? Children are doing everything anybody else is doing! They're not angels because they are children! If you can't raise them, don't have them! When do you begin to see life as it is, and to see people as they are? You act as if you're so intelligent, and say what you think people want to hear instead of being the dumb jackass you are. Athletes will judge themselves and their behavior. It's their lives, let them live it.

Name: Sideway Swerve
Email: sideway@aol.com
Response: Why do we continue to fight among ourselves? Like Rodney King asked, "Can we all just get along?" Personally, I try to keep the peace between me and my brown brothers.

Name: Serious in Chicago
Email:
Response: What pressure? Whether these men win or lose, they'll get paid millions. PRESSURE is not knowing what you are going to eat the next day. PRESSURE is trying to figure out how to feed and clothe your children. PRESSURE is homelessness. These guys wouldn't know pressure if it slapped them in the face. Maybe, just maybe, 1% of these guys came from downtrodden home environments. Don't get me wrong. I know all about poverty. I grew up in the projects, where simply making it out of high school is a major accomplishment. BUT, we did not, and dare not behave in the manner these guys do. They NEED to behave like men and stop embarassing our people. Screw the stakes! (...and owners who will rake in 10 time what the players will.)

Name: Vic
Email: fame@flash.net
Response: There are several ways to look at fighting in the NBA. Most professinal sports that play grown men millons of dollars for playing a trivial game are no stranger to violence. Football is violent,in hockey fighting is commonplace and b-ball is a very physical game, escpically for centers & fowards who bang it up in the paint trying to get rebounds and control the game. I can only remind Alonzo he is not back in Georgetown, he is a professinal. And his profession relies on teamwork, he only lets down his thousands of fans in Miami and franchise. For the majority of ppl reading this who work, you fight at work, u get fired. In the NBA u fight and get a slap on the wrist. He should accept the fact that he is a role model to millons of kids who dream of playing pro ball. His actions only relfect negativley on him. I have never been in a fight in my life, and being a 6-2, 250 pound black male so "folk" would consider that unbelieveable(sp). If the society we live in gives millons of dollars to 19 yr kids outa highschool and college dropouts for playing a game and then do no hold them responsible for thier actions on & off the court. I cant finish this,but i think this is a bigger issue than a smiple fistfight on a b-ball court. These black millonaires should be one of our greatest national resources. Or does money empower us or make us weaker?

Name: G WHITE
Email: gdash333@aol.com
Response: All Praises due to The Lord Thy God A. Mourning Need to seekThe Heavenly Father that is the only way he'll ever get that attitude in line.

Name: Secret3
Email:
Response: I think that Alonzo Mourning should learn to control his temper. Not that I am a racist, but everytime blacks fight each other, it makes the white man happy.

Name: SHAKA
Email:
Response: The play offs are for all the marbles... Tension is very high... How many of us could handle the stress these brothers are under?? Personally and professionally... Most of us can't understand how much pressure atheletes at his level must feel to win for yourself, the team, the media, the city and for the owners who control their salaries.. Could you maintain your composure under that amount of intense pressure??? These men are fierce competetors...

Name: Walter
Email:
Response: In response to ABDUL MALIK. There are no doulbe standards. No one made those men fight! They did that on there own. If you lay down with dogs you get up with fleas. There are times to walk away from issues and settle them in private. I think all we (the public) was seeing was male pride at play. What if everyone fought when their feelings were hurt? The whole world would be worst of than it already is. A man can't get in my face if he sees my back as I walk away.

Name: Walter
Email:
Response: Why does everything have to be an racial issue? I don't care what color a person is or gender thay should know how to act when in the public eye! I am tired of the sports players making big buck and acting big fools. There are plenty of talented players out there that would know how to act. These players should not be fined, but kick off the team and replaced with someone that knows how to use their talent in a civil manner. Mr Alonzo think about the message you are sending to millions of kids watching you. Think with your head and not your jocky strap. A mind may be a terrible thing to waste but so is a God given talent. It is better to let someone think you a fool rather than to act like Alonzo has(and others) and prove to the world that he is one. People pay hard earned dollors to see a sports even, if thay wanted to see a fight they would go to a boxing match. If they wanted to see a person acting a fool they would buy a ticket to a comedy performance. So Alonzo get your act together. Also talk to you fellow players and tell them to do the same thing in the future. Let's try to get throught one sports season without someone showing their lack of discipline.

Name: A is P
Email:
Response: My advice is to Black culture: Right now is a turning point in history for black people. The white America is observing how you handle yourselves with when so many blessings are being handed to you. Think about it. There are alot of multimillionaire black athletes. If they act stupid and foolish like Alonzo, White America will say, I told you even when you give blacks opportunity, they will find a way to screw it up. If black people do not change their behavior quickly to more civilized behavior, White America will turn a deaf ear to the complaints of black people. If you do not straighten out your own people quickly, you will never ever achieve prosperity like other people do. I am sorry to be so hurtful, but you need to know the truth.

Name:
Email: PITTBUL@webtv.net
Response: Who are we to always stick our faces into somebody elses business'? If we kept our faces in our own business' America would [could] be a great place to live! Two adults should know when it's necessary for them to fight, or draw back. They know what the consequencies are. They can decide for themselves. Leave people alone--let them live their lives. Our lives are probably worst than theirs anyway. Every time one of us sticks "our" nose into the others lives--we get spam! That should tell you something. Mind your own Damn business! Thank you very much....

Name: Rod Coleman
Email: rdc0816.mail.ecu.edu
Response: I would tell him that he should have been more mature and thought about what was to be lost over the urge to act like kids and use your fist and not your brain.

Name: simon
Email: talib@swbel.netq
Response: The price of personel success is self discipline. Only you can control you. Peace.

Name: Serious in Chicago
Email:
Response: Behave like a man, and you won't be treated like a child.

Name: ABDUL MALIK
Email: AMEER@EARTHLINK.NET
Response: FIRST I THINK THERE A DOUBLE STANDARD IN NBA WHEN IT COMES TO AFRICAN PLAYERS AND WHITE PLAYERS. AFRICANS ARE FINED MORE THEN WHITE PLAYERS . NOW WHEN MOURING DOESN'T PLAY HARD PEOPLE COMPLAIN. EMOTIONS DO NOT JUST GO ON AND OFF I HAVE NO PROBLEM. HE IS A MAN. HE MUST STAND UP FOR HIMSELF WHEN SOMEONE IS IN FACE.

Name: h.beane
Email: hb5930@aol.com
Response: It seems that Mr Mourning has forgotten thee things 1 basketball is a team sport the team needed him but because someone else knows about his temper they were able to remove him and the team payed for it,2 Mr Mourning if possible should learn from this, the next time it could be some one in the street that makes him mad and he could end up in jail or in court being sued,3 these types of actions teach the youth that haveing talent gives one the right to get out of control,weather it is your falt or not this is not good.