"Lucy, I'm home!": My triumphant return to putting the FREE in freelance journalism

Alright folks, I know it’s been a while. Did you miss me? I know, I know, silly question. Of course you did! The sports world has left plenty of “while you were out”s on my desk (which is actually someone else’s desk, but they were addressed to me just the same) so I know we’ll have plenty to discuss. In case you were wondering, I spent my hiatus roaming this great nation in a fifteen-passenger van along with ten other radical young adults. You’ll hear more about that later, but in the meantime let’s talk about what really matters: grown men being paid millions of dollars to play sports!

Speaking of aforementioned grown men, did you know that the NFL released its schedule for the 2014 season?? I know, I just squealed too! We now know exactly when we’ll get see rematches of the AFC Championship and Super Bowl, both games that left something to be desired from the losing teams. We’ve also learned that the Seahawks will only play one home game in primetime because apparently, they’re just too good and the league is tired of them blowing out opponents when they’re trying to boost ratings. But the real story here is the fact that on December 7^th, 2014 the New England Patriots will play an away game against the San Diego Chargers. As a Patriots fan in San Diego, this was already news worthy of excitement. However, even more important than that is the fact that I can now find redemption for this:

That’s right, at a booth in a farmer’s market a few weeks ago I laid eyes on that beauty and instantly fell in love. So in love, in fact, that I borrowed $40 from my friend to purchase it on the spot. The conversation went something like this:

Salesman: $40 out the door, right now man

Me: $40? Aaagh…Edwin should I do it?

Edwin: I don’t know man, is it worth it? I have forty bucks right now

Salesman: Why don’t you try it on? Full length mirror right over there

Me: *tries on jacket, looks in mirror* Why does it have to be so fresh?! It’s so fresh!

Edwin: It does look pretty sick, man

Me: You know what, man? Whatever. I’m 19 and I’m buying this frickin jacket right now

And so…a star was born! Now, if I don’t go see the Patriots when they’re in town, I’ll just be another dumb kid who can’t manage money. I HAVE TO BE AT THAT GAME, PEOPLE!

In other NFL news, Earl Thomas signed a new deal with the Seahawks on Tuesday. His deal is for 4 years, worth $40 million with about $27 million guaranteed. Earl Thomas, as we would say where I’m from, cashed out. Thomas is now the highest paid DB in the league, the best at his position at the young age of 25. Along with his partner in crime, Kam Chancellor, and the rest of the self-proclaimed Legion of Boom, Thomas is the best player in the league’s best defensive backfield. In case you’re wondering whether he’s worth what Seattle gave him, well…

Unless you literally live under a rock in the arid desert of Arizona (like my friend Michelle did as a kid), you’ve heard about Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s comments regarding the African-American race. Now, I’m sure you’re curious about my thoughts on this situation being that I myself am African-American (if you even knew that), but the truth is there isn’t much to say. On Tuesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the NBA for life and stated his intent to force a sell of the team.  This decision is being celebrated around the sports world, and with good reason, but the fact of the matter is that racism goes much deeper than Donald Sterling’s Pockets. If the next owner of the Clippers is a black man, I’ll still have to look over my shoulder in white-majority residence areas and the entire South and Mexicans will still be examined more closely at border crossings. Every kind of racism should be as outrageous to us as an old white man being a jerk to his girlfriend and getting caught on tape. That still counts though. 

There is, however, one shred of silver lining in this whole mess. As I said earlier, Adam Silver is forcing a sale of the Clippers. This means that there will be new ownership, maybe a new name, maybe even a new location. That’s where the amazing happens. In the last six months, the purchase of San Diego Clippers merchandise has sky-rocketed in this city. It seems like everyone woke up at the same time and remembered that the NBA had once graced our beautiful paradise. Well, my friends, it’s San Diego’s time once again! I’ve been in talks with Silver about sending the Clippers back to San Diego, and it seems like I may have a real reason to wear these socks soon besides looking cooler than other people. Huzzah!

You guys, I’m so excited I just can’t contain myself! We have a whole lot to catch up on, and I can’t wait to talk about it all. If there’s something you want to read about, or just a welcome back message for me, feel free to drop it in the comments section, email me at gyasi.redding@gmail.com, or even hit me up on Twitter @GSRudy. Until next time!