June 25, 2008The rap on ShaqNo one ever mistook me for a fan of rap. Bad rap is even worse, and that's what rapper wanna-be and basketball has-been Shaquille O'Neal demonstrated the other night in his turn at free-styling at a mic. Besides being a horrible rapper, O'Neal used crude language in his put-down of NBA brat, whiner, ball-hog and accused rapist Kobe Bryant. Whatever you think of Bryant (let's just say I was pulling for the Celtics), O'Neal showed absolutely no class (or talent) in his rap put-down of his former L.A. Laker teammate. One of the guys in the sports department asked me, "Is this really that big of a deal? Wasn't he in a private club?" No and yes. But whether athletes want to accept it or not, they are under heavy scrutiny. Besides, this is Shaquille O'Neal, not some no-name bench scrub. Additionally, this coming from a guy who wants to be a face of law enforcement? I applaud the Bedford County (Va.) and Maricopa (Ariz.) sheriff's office for stripping O'Neal of his honorary deputy status after his much-publicized stint at the mic. Whether Shaq or Dudley Doo-Right, the public has a reasonable expectation that its guys in uniform shy away from disparaging women, using racial slurs, boasting about their sexual prowess, shaking their butt, etc. under the guise of rap. Shaq proved he spends about as much time practicing rap as he does his free-throw shooting. None. s
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About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
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Comments
[June 26, 2008 9:38 AM]
Donna MartinBeing a resident of Bedford, I'm glad that Mike Brown made the decision he did. There is great comfort in knowing that as small as the town is that you live in, that the officers hold a higher expectation of respect for what they do here, in protecting the laws, lives and children in this town. It's not a job they take lightly. Had one of our officers made those statements towards any citizen, they'd be off the street and behind a desk if not, terminated.
[June 26, 2008 1:39 PM]
Ed S.I just don't understand the recent trends of rap, like "gangsta" rap and the like. Why glorify murder, being a "thug", raping or otherwise using women?
It's a disturbing trend that is not limited to rap alone. Look at the shift in movies/tv/writing and the viewers/readers away from the knight on a white horse to cheering the villain. Overall its a trend away from the civilized, "fight for what is right" to the vain "hey, its cool to be like this".
I won't even go into the part of the racial slurs. That's an entirely different story just on length alone.
Good on those people for divorcing themselves from him. He could have been a positive influence. If this is the case, he has just lost credibility. Bryant will be seen for what he is by his actions...one need not sink to the cesspool to try and highlight them.
Well, at least it wasn't David Hasselhoff trying to rap.
[June 27, 2008 11:46 AM]
Terry BWhat Shaq did was wrong,
Yet I feel he was blowing off some steam by playing the game called " The Dozen". By venting his frustration in his weak attempt to hide his pain of Poor basketball play, failing Professional Friendships within the NBA and family life in the form of a Divorce.
By lashing out in this manor has cost him his "Honorary Badge" and respect in the law enforcement community and the NBA League. The appropriate action took place with dealing with him and I am sure more disciplinary action to follow.
[June 27, 2008 9:35 PM]
Mike"Shaq proved he spends about as much time practicing rap as he does his free-throw shooting. None."
Well, at least something humorous came out of this sad and unfortunate display by the shaq. Good one.