Reading this after watching the women play last night is like a breath of fresh air. I love this era I'm in; I know more college women players than I do the men. Love your writing; you know how to cast a wide net at the beginning and really drill down to the heart at the end. I couldn't help but feel the cost of competition and joy in the game, especially as it relates to Black bodies. I'm thinking how the LSU women were made to be villains because they were passionate, and Ramadan Irving the same because he stood up (or better yet, opted out) for what he believes in. Deion Sanders got heckled when his winning season turned into a losing one. America hates an unbridled confident Black mouth. I love these players because they remind me that competition and joy are beautiful but feel like they come with a cost when you're Black. I want to be a bold writer like Angela Reese and Flau'Jae Johnson as players. But sometimes I play the role of "humble," because taking up space feels like it can be costly.
"... the cost of competition and joy in the game, especially as it relates to Black bodies."
Yes, bro. We must question who is allowed to fully express their competitive spirit, when those expressions are celebrated, and when they're not. There's an admiration extended to white players like Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink for their outbursts that aren't equally afforded to Black players like Angel Reese and Flau'jae Johnson. Basketball is such a beautiful, expansive game, and I hope we can learn to celebrate all of its expressions, especially the ones that are Blackity Black. And I feel you on the humble note. Our boldness is often vilified. Still, I'm grateful for the people I can be myself with, folks like you who feel me. All of me. Appreciate you, fam.
Second, I died when I read this, “ And when the ball dropped through the bottom of the net, Kyrie balled his fist as if to say, fuck your fave I’m Him (but again, in a way most pleasing to Allah).” 🤣
I know you met up with Robert but it’d be even crazier to have a Substack pick up game lol.
I’m an AD and have access to a gym if you fellas are ever in the Augusta area for the Masters / Peach Jam and want get some cardio in 😏
Lmaooo thank you! It was like, I can't imagine this topic isn't haram. So let me make sure Kyrie remains on a good and faithful path. And a Substack pickup game would be fire. Gotta start planting the seed!
I haven't been a big "March Madness" guy in a while, but I have been obsessed with the NCAAW tournament. I was glued to my screen for IOWA V LSU and live tweeted my sadness at Caitlin showing the world that she was in fact HER! I'm also equally obsessed with NBA basketball, but mostly NBA basketball from March-June, because that's when it's actually competitive.
I feel like you get me in this post lol. Thanks for writing.
Brother, we gotta talk basketball more! I'm a League Pass basketball junkie, and I'll especially be tuned in during the playoffs to see my Nuggets run it back. Also, the women's tournament is so much fun to watch, especially this year. Caitlin came back with a vengeance. I loved getting to see Audi Crooks play too. Excited for this Final Four. Appreciate you!
Let's do it, my partner is annoyed with me every morning because I always turn the tv on to NBA TV for the previous nights games that I already saw. Lol
Alex- Your article is thought provoking on many levels. Emotions, Competition, Injustice (on the field and off the field), Religion, Profanity, and doing something out of the ordinary. I am a big basketball fan- residing in Golden State Warriors territory - with the one and only Steph Curry who makes basketball extremely fabulous to watch. Your Grandfather Sidney and Uncle Tony would always immerse themselves in the sport. I learned early on that I better figure out how to join in or I’d be left out . I am happy that you too have such a keen interest in Basketball. It’s fun to get involved in something and take your mind off the heaviness of the world. While I agree Kyrie Irving is a great basketball player I remember he promoted an antisemitic video and would not back down from it and Nike cut him from their contract. I think it’s amazing that he can fast snd play ball , but have a problem with him promoting hatred. Just saying
As for the F word- it’s one of my favorites.. I am so happy you took some time out to lose yourself. That can be so much fun! ❤️Karen
Thank you, Karen. I appreciate you making time to read this piece. Funny enough, I went to college with Steph's sister. My wife and her worked together on a group project in one of their classes. Been fun seeing Steph go from being a college standout at Davidson to becoming arguably the most influential player in modern basketball.
Also, I appreciate your candidness about Kyrie. It's important to acknowledge the harm he caused by promoting antisemitism and doubling down before apologizing.
So I actually live with a guy who takes off the first two days of work every year when the March Madness starts. He’s my husband. He’s done this every year since I’ve met him (18 years ago).
This year, I’m in it, too. It’s become a family affair. Particularly because of what the female athletes are showcasing. We are noticing. My 10-year old daughter is watching every second of it and taking notes. My 16 year old son is more excited to watch Caitlin and JuJu than any of the male athletes. His friends are walking the halls of high school wearing #22 Hawkeyes jerseys proudly. This is a great moment for the sport.
This essay is fantastic and has such great depth. The line -“opposition doesn’t implicate hatred” is a sentiment we all should hold for a bit. In a nation that feels so divisive let’s consider this idea. Thank you for writing this 🙏🏼
Thanks so much for reading, Allison! I’m always hoping to move us closer to solidarity. For more on this, I published an essay in February on recognizing commonalities and shared goals through sports: https://www.feelslikehome.site/p/same-team
Your husband is now my inspiration. I’m never not taking off for March Madness again.
That’s amazing to hear your entire family is loving the women’s tournament, especially your kids! There are guys who used to argue with me about how women’s basketball is boring, and now they’re texting back and forth with me about Caitlin Clark & JuJu Watkins. I’m excited more people are waking up to the talent and toughness within NCAAW basketball & the WNBA.
Reading this after watching the women play last night is like a breath of fresh air. I love this era I'm in; I know more college women players than I do the men. Love your writing; you know how to cast a wide net at the beginning and really drill down to the heart at the end. I couldn't help but feel the cost of competition and joy in the game, especially as it relates to Black bodies. I'm thinking how the LSU women were made to be villains because they were passionate, and Ramadan Irving the same because he stood up (or better yet, opted out) for what he believes in. Deion Sanders got heckled when his winning season turned into a losing one. America hates an unbridled confident Black mouth. I love these players because they remind me that competition and joy are beautiful but feel like they come with a cost when you're Black. I want to be a bold writer like Angela Reese and Flau'Jae Johnson as players. But sometimes I play the role of "humble," because taking up space feels like it can be costly.
"... the cost of competition and joy in the game, especially as it relates to Black bodies."
Yes, bro. We must question who is allowed to fully express their competitive spirit, when those expressions are celebrated, and when they're not. There's an admiration extended to white players like Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink for their outbursts that aren't equally afforded to Black players like Angel Reese and Flau'jae Johnson. Basketball is such a beautiful, expansive game, and I hope we can learn to celebrate all of its expressions, especially the ones that are Blackity Black. And I feel you on the humble note. Our boldness is often vilified. Still, I'm grateful for the people I can be myself with, folks like you who feel me. All of me. Appreciate you, fam.
First, this was amazing.
Second, I died when I read this, “ And when the ball dropped through the bottom of the net, Kyrie balled his fist as if to say, fuck your fave I’m Him (but again, in a way most pleasing to Allah).” 🤣
I know you met up with Robert but it’d be even crazier to have a Substack pick up game lol.
I’m an AD and have access to a gym if you fellas are ever in the Augusta area for the Masters / Peach Jam and want get some cardio in 😏
Lmaooo thank you! It was like, I can't imagine this topic isn't haram. So let me make sure Kyrie remains on a good and faithful path. And a Substack pickup game would be fire. Gotta start planting the seed!
Marc - such a beautiful and powerful comment 🫶 Thanks for opening my eyes wider to a perspective I may have glossed over.
Write boldly, my friend ✨
Marc - such a beautiful and powerful comment 🫶 Thanks for opening my eyes wider to a perspective I may have glossed over.
Write boldly, my friend
And in the spirit of this piece, I’ll say… fuck, this was good
Fuck yeah thank you fam 🙏🏽
I ONLY say the F word when I’m being competitive. Great piece! Respect to Kyrie for playing ball while fasting. I can barely go for a walk. lol
Thanks, Rojeen! And for real, I can hardly imagine lol
The amount of blowback these women get makes me think society really just doesn’t like seeing women express powerful emotions.
Sadly yes
Also, I can't wait for Jalen Brunson to show whoever we play in the first round, who the Fuck he is! Ok, I'm done. haha.
Dude, I love that Knicks team. I’ve really enjoyed seeing Brunson and Hart come into their own and make it their team.
I haven't been a big "March Madness" guy in a while, but I have been obsessed with the NCAAW tournament. I was glued to my screen for IOWA V LSU and live tweeted my sadness at Caitlin showing the world that she was in fact HER! I'm also equally obsessed with NBA basketball, but mostly NBA basketball from March-June, because that's when it's actually competitive.
I feel like you get me in this post lol. Thanks for writing.
Brother, we gotta talk basketball more! I'm a League Pass basketball junkie, and I'll especially be tuned in during the playoffs to see my Nuggets run it back. Also, the women's tournament is so much fun to watch, especially this year. Caitlin came back with a vengeance. I loved getting to see Audi Crooks play too. Excited for this Final Four. Appreciate you!
Let's do it, my partner is annoyed with me every morning because I always turn the tv on to NBA TV for the previous nights games that I already saw. Lol
Alex- Your article is thought provoking on many levels. Emotions, Competition, Injustice (on the field and off the field), Religion, Profanity, and doing something out of the ordinary. I am a big basketball fan- residing in Golden State Warriors territory - with the one and only Steph Curry who makes basketball extremely fabulous to watch. Your Grandfather Sidney and Uncle Tony would always immerse themselves in the sport. I learned early on that I better figure out how to join in or I’d be left out . I am happy that you too have such a keen interest in Basketball. It’s fun to get involved in something and take your mind off the heaviness of the world. While I agree Kyrie Irving is a great basketball player I remember he promoted an antisemitic video and would not back down from it and Nike cut him from their contract. I think it’s amazing that he can fast snd play ball , but have a problem with him promoting hatred. Just saying
As for the F word- it’s one of my favorites.. I am so happy you took some time out to lose yourself. That can be so much fun! ❤️Karen
Thank you, Karen. I appreciate you making time to read this piece. Funny enough, I went to college with Steph's sister. My wife and her worked together on a group project in one of their classes. Been fun seeing Steph go from being a college standout at Davidson to becoming arguably the most influential player in modern basketball.
Also, I appreciate your candidness about Kyrie. It's important to acknowledge the harm he caused by promoting antisemitism and doubling down before apologizing.
So I actually live with a guy who takes off the first two days of work every year when the March Madness starts. He’s my husband. He’s done this every year since I’ve met him (18 years ago).
This year, I’m in it, too. It’s become a family affair. Particularly because of what the female athletes are showcasing. We are noticing. My 10-year old daughter is watching every second of it and taking notes. My 16 year old son is more excited to watch Caitlin and JuJu than any of the male athletes. His friends are walking the halls of high school wearing #22 Hawkeyes jerseys proudly. This is a great moment for the sport.
This essay is fantastic and has such great depth. The line -“opposition doesn’t implicate hatred” is a sentiment we all should hold for a bit. In a nation that feels so divisive let’s consider this idea. Thank you for writing this 🙏🏼
Thanks so much for reading, Allison! I’m always hoping to move us closer to solidarity. For more on this, I published an essay in February on recognizing commonalities and shared goals through sports: https://www.feelslikehome.site/p/same-team
Your husband is now my inspiration. I’m never not taking off for March Madness again.
That’s amazing to hear your entire family is loving the women’s tournament, especially your kids! There are guys who used to argue with me about how women’s basketball is boring, and now they’re texting back and forth with me about Caitlin Clark & JuJu Watkins. I’m excited more people are waking up to the talent and toughness within NCAAW basketball & the WNBA.
Oh, I'll definitely check out your other essay. I love the life lessons embedded in sports. Thanks for pointing me towards it.