Uechi-Ryu.com

Finally, tonight, the Winter Games. Count me among those who don’t like them and won’t watch them ... Because they’re so trying, maybe over the next three weeks we should all try too. Like, try not to be incredulous when someone attempts to link these games to those of the ancient Greeks who never heard of skating or skiing. So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world’s greatest athletes, despite a paucity of blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention. Try not to point out that something’s not really a sport if a pseudo-athlete waits in what’s called a kiss-and-cry area, while some panel of subjective judges decides who won ... So if only to hasten the arrival of the day they’re done, when we can move on to March Madness — for God’s sake, let the games begin.

Like, try not to be incredulous when someone attempts to link these games to those of the ancient Greeks who never heard of skating or skiing.

Bryant Gumbel Olympic remarks

HBO, Mr. Gumbel and anyone else that cares to listen.

Very rarely will I ever take the time out of my day to respond to something that I feel is beyond my control. Your comments regarding the Olympics the other night are just that. However, for reasons beyond my understanding I feel compelled to write this message. I am an athlete, not an olympian mind you but an athlete. I have played at a very high level and I am not oblivious to the fact that racism does exist in all areas of life including sports. However, your remarks the other day are an example of why the issues of race are so quickly used in todays society. The fact that you downplay the importance or the athletic ability of these great athletes because your particular race is not involved really shows that your own personal racial views are more important to you and your company than your ability to simply report on the topic. I understand that you can editorialize all you want on this show. It is a nice luxury and perhaps you made these comments for a reason as simple as trying to stir some publicity for a career than seems to be slowing down. If that is the case more power to you. You got me to bite. It strikes me that I never recall hearing these sentiments when you actually got to cover the olympics on a major network. Is this more about your personal career than a political statement? The fact is that countries with cold climates and athletes who grow up in areas of our country that provide winter sports are the athletes who will go to the winter olympics. I am from a very flat big city in the midwest. Not a lot of chances to take bobsled lessons as a kid. Therefore I probably won't end up in the olympics. Is that because I am white? or black? The last point I want to make is that by making this a black and white issue, you have slighted all the athletes of other races. There are many countries who are represented in the winter olympics and not the summer. And the opposite is true as well. Because there are fewer African American athletes at the winter olympics does that mean that for instance the Asian contingency does not really matter when it comes to the race issue? I think your comments are way off base and completely uncalled for. Someone in your position who still has some voice (although small) in the public could have a much better influence on the race issues we deal with in society. Instead you took your time to show your disgust at an event that is open to the entire world and showed how close minded you really are on the topic of race. I find it disappointing that this is not getting covered in the main stream media when other people in your position have come under great heat for similar comments. Do I wish there was more equality? Absolutely. Do I think we need to work toward a world were race is not an issue? Definitely. Do I think we will get there in my life time. With comments like yours, I highly doubt it. I think you should contemplate why you actually made these comments and explain yourself to the audience. With no further information on your feelings I have to say that I will probably not continue to watch your show and probably go without HBO. I wish you the best and hope some day you will be able to view an event like the olympics with an open heart and be proud of the people who are representing our country. I know they may not look like you and I but they represent the United States of America. During the summer Olympics we send a large number of African Americans to the Olympics. Do they represent each race from our country? Not always but they do represent our country as a whole. I would like to wish the Olympians from every race and every country the best of luck and the greatest spirit of competition. Don't concern yourself with statements from close mined individuals like Bryant Gumbel. You represent your country and for that we are proud. Mr. Gumbel and HBO - Looking forward to your apology. Otherwise, HBO needs to examine why you are there.

KenK

cyc03

Posts: 1
Member Since: Feb 22, 2006

Re: Bryant Gumbel Olympic remarks
Posted: 22 Feb 2006 10:11 AM (50 of 54)


Gumbel's lack of professionalism at his best is classic. His style of journalism and commentary went out of style and has long been played out at NBC!! He is a has been. His disrespect of winter olympic athletes and blacks who participate in them is nauseating. I am suprised that Gumbel would play such a race card being that he left his black beautiful african american wife for the traditional blonde hair cookie cutter image of white america. Stop straddling the fence. Frankly as an african american female martial artist (yes we are athletes as well) I request that you turn in your black card!!

Am I off base? I'm holding my words here. Tell me what you think.

Like, try not to be incredulous when someone attempts to link these games to those of the ancient Greeks who never heard of skating or skiing.

Maybe we should follow Bryant's advice, and get back to Greek basics