ESPN's Jim Rome: Blind To The Issue Of Blacks In Sports

Radio and TV Commentator Jim Rome made his name by being beaten up by then-LA Rams Quarterback Chris Everett on Rome's TV show, after insulting Everrett to his face and ignoring his requests for Rome to stop. So, it comes as no surprise that Rome will continue to make outrageous statements to continue to gain viewers and listeners. But when Rome takes on subjects that do have a racist perspective, he not only falls short, but comes off as blind to matters of racism.

I write this because -- unfortunately -- Rome has a megaphone from which to issue his ideas. Let's take the matter of Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis' 10 - year contract extention. Everyone knows that former Notre Dame Head Coach Tyrone Willingham (who's only problem was offensive coordinator Bill Dietrick, or more to the point Willingham's loyalty to him) should have received a similar offer when he took the Fighting Irish to an 8-0 record during his first year. Rome said that Willingham didn't receive the same comments that he could jump for an NFL team -- actually, that wasn't true. It was a common speculation at the time -- Rome's memory's short.

Rome remarked that it wasn't an example of racism. And here's the problem, Rome's so much an appologist for the culture as it operates that to him it's OK for someone to think of a black person when another says "we need a running back" or to think of someone white when another person remarks "my team needs a new coach." In other words, he's brainwashed. So much so that he can't spot racism where it exists, and of course can't begin to see sexism.

But, I forgot, this is the guy who always talked against the WNBA, right?

Or let's focus on the Terrell Owens issue. Rome can't see that there still is a culture where blacks are not expected to raise their voices against authority. As long as blacks "know their place" they're just fine. That's the message Rome sends. It's rather hard to take and anti-intellectual. But Rome's not trying to be smart, that much is clear.

Now, I'm not saying that Owens was totally correct -- that's another post. But Rome's view -- that Owens should know his place -- is (what's the street term?) tired. Maybe Rome's style is too.