NCAA: The REAL March Madness - Are Colleges Recruiting Gang-Bangers to Win Championships?
Okay, here's the thing. I'm absolutely stunned because, to date, there has been no response, either way, from the ESPN network, advertisers and/or sponsors of the event, the University of Oregon, or the NCAA. This is very disturbing to me because ESPN, and other sports venues, has done special features on how promising high school and NCAA talents were killed or severely injured as a result of drive-by shootings or confrontations with gangs. Why is what Brooks did, on national television no less, being buried under the radar? Why hasn't anyone in print or broadcast media said anything since the incident? Moreover, what did the University of Oregon know about this player's background before being signed, and when did they know it? Do you see where I'm going with this folks? This has the potential to be a blockbuster story, but no one is saying a word. Why is that? Well, they can play p***y all they want. The G-man is putting it out there.
Here's something else to chew on. If the University of Oregon overlooked any possible gang affiliation and recruited Brooks, in order to better their chances of winning a championship, how prevalent is this practice within the NCAA? I mean, come on! Brooks would not have flashed the sign, again, on national television, just for the hell of it. I think he should be held accountable for what he did, as well as explain why he did it. It made no sense whatsoever because this kid has obviously obtained a better life and has phenomenal stats. Why take such a proud and special moment and mar it by doing something like that for all to see? Some might say Brooks was simply "keeping it real" and not forgetting where he came from, but there are also those who would say his gesture had no place in the world of academia or college basketball.
As a journalist that has also done features about the senseless killing of promising high school and college athletes, as a result of gang violence, I am not happy about this situation at all. The G-man is officially calling out members of the mainstream media, all NCAA players and coaches, be they basketball or football, and university officials for comment right here on Associated Content. Someone needs to address this, and they need to do it now. There had to be at least one media or NCAA rep out there, in a newsroom or at the arena, who witnessed the sign being flashed. Don't run. Don't hide, and be man or woman enough to answer the following:
1) Is this a major problem being swept under the rug by the NCAA?
2) Is this also taking place in high school programs?
3) Are the stakes so high in college sports, with university name recognition and millions of dollars for basketball/football programs and TV contracts, that recruiters are willing to scout and/or draft gang-bangers with exceptional talent?
Finally, let me say this regarding those who would say he was keeping it real versus it not having a place in academia or college basketball. Brooks has an opportunity to shine even brighter as a college superstar. He can do that by saying he not only displayed the sign to prove his affiliation, but also to prove that even members of the Crips can turn their lives around, become successful and be showcased in a major sports venue. If that was his primary objective for doing it, then I'd feel a little better about what he did. However, there is a sector of the American public that truly deserves an explanation from Brooks. They are the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, extended family, significant others and friends of murdered athletes that will never get a chance to lace up their high-tops, take it to the hoop or hear thousands of fans scream their name.
Published by Gary 'The G-Man' Toms
In 2009, launched "From The G-Man": an independent news/information blog - In 2010, launched an online news/talk show based on the blog - Has received a total of 10 federal, state and local awards for journa... View profile
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15 Comments
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I'm with you Gary. Didn't see the incident you mention, but as a student athlete monitor for a PAC10 university, I can tell you 100% that school are recruiting "talent" that have strong gang ties. At least my school does. I am shocked at how much coaches know about a kid's gang background and still recruit them - violence ups their value I guess. Look at any major college in the nation, no one is immune. So what is the response from the NCAA then? Why not have background checks as a part of the initial eligibility process? Seems to me if you want to help stop the gang growth problem in the US, we have to stop rewarding it.
One more thing! Hey "jschoolgrad", I'll put up my nine (and counting) commendations for journalism and community service against YOU any day if the week. Unless you have credentials to speak of, I suggest you tell your story walking.
To all those attacking my article, THANK YOU! I greatly appreciate your comments. As far as the article having no validity or basis, you all should know that I contacted the University of Oregon's basketball program, and Brooks, for comment. To date, neither have issued a response or explanation, which I would gladly post on this site. I was fair and have given both an opportunity to reply to my comments.
obviously the university of oregon is overrun by gang bangers...
oh wait
Gary "The G-man" Toms smokes crack.
How do I know he smokes crack? Because he actually believes in the crap that he writes. If he didn't smoke crack, then he might better spend his time researching the horrible articles he writes. But he doesn't, because he is a crack head. He should come clean and stop smoking crack.
Someone should look into crappy journalism done by crack heads, and ways to prevent it in the future.
Put down the crack pipe and keep it real G-man
I love how you start by suspecting he flashed a gang sign and conclude by insisting Brooks is a gang member and he should come clean about it. Congratulations on opening yourself up to a libel suit, "journalist" G-Man.
Wow, you obviously are looking to further your own career at the expense of others. Good luck explaining how you could confuse Aaron Brooks as a freshman while having done exhaustive research into the story. I bet your research was nothing more than watching tv and writing a blog about it.