There are times when reading prompts action – this in one of those times. Following the reading of the article, “Marshawn Lynch Is Not A Black Media Hero,” I felt obligated to respond.

First, the goal of this piece is not to debate and deconstruct the author’s argument, but to advance his thinking and begin to steer the conversation in a place of challenging, as opposed to attacking.

I am a football fan (Go Bears!), but happen to be one who believes in the power of choice, despite the need to appease the status quo (mainly the media outlets). Let me explain: Marshawn is a professional football player, who does his job on the gridiron, and even champions causes while not on the football field. That alone gives me reason to support him, and wage war against the ideology that he needs to just answer questions.

The original article outlined three main points: 1) “He signed the contract,” 2) “Be a professional,” and 3) “Horrible example for youth.” I, too, will address each of these points by adding another perspective – ones that the author neglected to consider.

1. The Contract

Marshawn fulfills his contractual obligations by speaking to the media in his own way. During one of his full interviews (I believe that it was last week), Marshawn explained his decision not to answer questions directly. Interestingly enough, when Marshawn did complete the interview, it was called “bizarre.” Perhaps it was because he explained that his family meant more than a conversation with the media, or the fact that he began to shoot-out the “real Africans” and the people of “Africa.” Marshawn, a Black man, connecting his existence to Africa? Yes, that is a bizarre occurrence, and too far fetched for the media to comprehend.

Although I have no concrete contract details to provide points of reference, the reality is that Marshawn is not the only one who does interviews using phrases. Bill Belichick repeated the same phrase in response to every question during a post-game interview.

Wait. I know: He is a coach.

Marginalizing players (especially Black players) is exactly why progress is difficult. Marshawn is a leader on his team, and quite frankly, probably would not be in the Super Bowl without his talent and leadership both on and off the field.

2. Being A Professional

Malcom X stopped talking to the media because of their inability to assert statements properly. At that time, there was no language to describe the “sound bite,” as journalists would twist words to create different meanings. Albeit a new day, not much has changed. Fascinatingly, Sherman has made poignant and direct comments about the image of Black players in the NFL. Somehow those sound bites never seem to make is as far as Marshawn’s refusal to provide actual interviews. I am sure that is by design.

Additionally, I consider the person with a “mop” just as professional as the person playing professional sports. Who are we to create and implement the model of professionalism? Visuals can be misunderstood, just as the author’s intent to illustrate the model of what is considered unprofessional.

3. Example For The Youth

Urban youth are constantly at a disadvantage because they witness so much of the world from a flat screen television, as opposed to going out there and experiencing the world for themselves. Any athlete who gives himself (or herself) and his (or her) time to the betterment of urban youth ought to be applauded.

From birth, urban youth are given directions and expected to follow them to the letter. When time comes for them to actually complete a task without directions, people question their ability to succeed in completing the tasks. I see a person who has found an uncommon approach to doing what he must to continue playing the game he loves. Similarly, urban youth must discover uncommon methods for being successful, despite systemic and structural inadequacies.

Marshawn has taken a chance to challenge the system – and challenging the system is a task we must all undertake.

What if the Clippers’ players would’ve taken a similar chance and decided not to play the game during the Donald Sterling scandal? Imagine the message that would’ve sent to our youth about standing up, as opposed to sitting down.

Think about it…

“People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply; by the lives they lead.” – James Baldwin