What's the most puzzling thing about Bryant Gumbel's controversial race comments is that he has more intelligence and talent in his little finger than most sportscasters do in their entire body. ( I despise that saying but it actually fit here, so I was a complete douche and used it.)
He doesn't need to resort to inflammatory remarks because he wants to keep reminding us that he is in fact black. Gumbel reminds me of that skit years ago on "Saturday Night Live" when Eddie Murphy disguised himself as a white guy to see what goes on when no blacks are around. But Gumbel is the white, masquaraded version, not the real person.
Because he is so 'white,' if you will, Gumbel has to sling some mud to broaden his appeal. Listen, Bryant, you're a he'll of a broadcaster and have been for decades. Only when you began making an asshole out of yourself with controversial comments did people begin hating you.
Yeah, I know. Publicity is publicity, good or bad. But this guy could have possibly been one of the better that the industry has ever had and he loses all respect with his comments. In case you missed his latest on HBO's "Real Sports," he likened NBA commissioner David Stern to a modern day plantation owner.
For the record, "Real Sports" is one of my favorite shows on television and I will continue to watch it. Anyone who actually believes that boycotting a show will make a difference is dillusonal. I like it, it's entertaining and informative and I don't have to agree with everything I watch.
But Gumbel takes away from a great show by sounding as if he should have been holding the Rev. Al Sharpton's hand while protesting during one of the late 1980s "Day of Outrage" marches within New York City.
Hey, Bryant - you're a sportscaster, not a community activist. Stick with what you're good at. And this is coming from a true fan of yours.
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