Given the nature of this year's presidential race we, as a nation, are having a dialogue about race in this country. Much of these issues came into the public discourse during the Reverend Wright "controversy" and Barack Obama's eloquent remarks following it.
This national dialogue on race is taking place as much internally as it is externally. Many of us, or at least the one's who take the time to ponder such things, are examining our thoughts on race, any prejudicies we may have, where we have been as a nation, and perhaps where we are set to go.
I am not sure who first raised this subject, though I think it was local radio host Henry Lake who brought it up on his radio show and got me to thinking, and hence writing, about this issue. It has to do with golf, race, and John Daly.
John Daly is probably the second most popular golfer in the world. (For the most popular, look under: Woods, Tiger). I am not now, nor have I ever been a fan of John Daly. Though his story is interesting and he seems to be an affable enough guy, he has just always rubbed me the wrong way. He is on a path of self-destruction, and people are cheering him on every step of the way. It's just not a party I am interested in attending.
Since bursting on the scene by winning the PGA Championship in 1991, John Daly became one of the most popular golfers on tour. His style, or lack thereof, his demeanor, his ability to hit the ball really, really far, and his reputation as a guy who likes to drink endeared him to the fans. Sadly, Daly's life has since spiraled out of control for all of us to see. He unsuccessfully tried to give up drinking, he appears to have a full blown gambling addiction, he has had numerous legal and personal problems, and his golf game has been atrocious. He now largely plays tournaments only because he is allowed to enter on a sponsor's exemeption. He gets these exemptions for no other reason than that the fans love him. He attracts large galleries and has a rabid following.
Which brings me to the point of my post, and the point that Lake mentioned on his show:
What if John Daly were African-American?
Everything else about him is the same, the style of play, the personality, the trials, the early success. The only thing that is changed is the color of his skin.
Would he still be beloved? Would he gather a following? Would he even be allowed to play? I think not. Nay, I know not.
Instead of singing his praises, golf fans would deride the African-American version of John Daly as "wasted talent." The would bemoan his lack of work ethic, his lack of respect, and he would be labled as just another "problem athlete."
The double standard in sports in regards to race is quite real. We still have a lot of work to do.
Addendum: New favorite website Fire Joe Morgan, has a post that tangentially touches on the topic of race and sports as well.
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