Unfortunately, we’re living in a nation where RACE fuels politics, economics and society as a whole. Our nation is built on the concept of slavery, even though the Constitution said “all men are created equal”. In their haste to build a democracy, The Founding Fathers forgot that women created men.

Regretfully, racial discrimination is wrapped in our social fabric. Even in sports, racism has its place. USA Today printed 41 National Football League on its front page last year. Black players made up 39 of those listed. The newspaper also made a point by publishing the players’ mugshot, as if saying “they were arrested” was over our heads.

A baseball diamond, a basketball court and a football field are sanctuaries for athletes. When 9/11 occurred, America had to avoid sports for a week out of fear. However, our country rebounded (like a basketball) when our sports returned to entertain us.

But, racism has contaminated our sports world, like a rampaging flu. Black athletes are called “niggers”, “monkeys” and “coons”. Latino athletes are referred to as “wetbacks”, “beaners”, “illegals” and “spics”. Asian athletes are identified as “gooks”, “slant eyes”, “Chinks (for Chinese) and “Japs”. It has become so much a problem that stadium invoked “Codes of Conduct” rules for its fans. One, East Coast city earned legendary status for chasing away its superstar athletes.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

THE CELTICS

The Birthplace of The Revolution has a disturbing reputation of being racist. Boston’s issues emerged when long before the volatile, forced bussing movement of the 1970s. The Celtics franchise treated their 11-time, NBA Champion and hall of famer, Bill Russell, downright rotten.

Russell’s ill treatment, even irked his cigar-smoking coach, Red Auerbach. Like the Brooklyn Dodgers coach, Charlie Finley did for Jackie Robinson (1947), Auerbach protected his star athlete. He never made Russell and Sam and K.C. Jones feel apart from the team. When a restaurant refused them service, THE TEAM ate somewhere else. Auerbach coached MEN. He demanded his team to be treated, like MEN regardless of some players’ skin color.

The Celtics endured a 22-year, championship drought. Prior to this year’s title, rival players warned Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen not to play for Boston. They had concerns of the racist both superstars could receive. However, an epic season ended with KG, Ray Ray and team captain and Finals MVP, Paul Pierce sipping champagne while holding the Larry O’Brien trophy.

THE RED SOX

One name: Jim Rice

Rice had a celebrated career with the Boston Red Sox. He reached the World Series (1975) in his rookie year. From 1975- 1978, he and his team battled their hated rivals, the New York Yankees in thrilling ALCS (American League Championship Series) matchups.

With all he accomplished, he failed to deliver one championship. On the field, Rice garnered respect from his team and his opponents. However, the fans treated him, like gum on their shoe. Off the field, he endured the suffocating effects of being African American in a mostly Irish-American metro. The media villified him in the press. They called him “surly”, “selfish” and “not a good teammate”. Rice accumulated 30-plus homeruns and 100+ runs batted in a year for six, straight seasons. No one cared. Every year, fans wanted him traded.

Baseball’s Hall of Fame hasn’t admitted Rice yet. The former superstar has bitterness over the ill treatment he received in Boston. Baseball has yet to invite back for any festivities. In the Red Sox’s two World Series championships, Rice received no invite.

Jim Rice received the same treatment as wedding rice. It is always tossed away and forgotten.