Let the Games Begin

LeBron James and Steve Nash are among several NBA stars set to take center stage in the playoffs, which started on April 21. But, for the next two months, I'll be keeping my eye on another marquee name: Mark Cuban.
The owner of the Dallas Mavericks has been instrumental in the team's turnaround from league laughingstock to championship contender. Ten years ago, mentioning 'Mavericks' and 'NBA Finals' in the same sentence would've been considered an oxymoron. Now that they've compiled a 67-15 record, they're ready to compete for a shot at winning their first title. But, as any sports fan knows, the regular season doesn't mean anything once the playoffs get underway.
The Miami Heat may be focused on defending its basketball crown, but 15 other teams are just as eager to take it away. An athlete's desire to reach the pinnacle of their sport is what drives them to endure countless obstacles. It's not so much about proving the doubters wrong as it is about proving to themselves that they can achieve the ultimate success. That same character trait can be found in businessmen like Cuban.
Through the years, the technology guru has endeared himself to many people because of his entrepreneurial savvy and outspoken persona. Cuban has drawn the ire of NBA commissioner David Stern for his constant criticism of the referees, which has led to fines totaling more than $1 million. (He even spent a day working at Dairy Queen in 2002, after being fined $500,000 for saying the league's director of officials wasn't capable of managing the fast-food restaurant.) He writes off the penalties as "a business expense" by donating matching amounts to various charities.
The only quality that outshines Cuban's willingness to help others is his accessibility to the public. He maintains a blog for admirers -- and detractors -- to contact him, and is just as likely to be seen sitting in the nosebleed seats as he is courtside at American Airlines Center.
Given Cuban's marketing acumen, one can't help but respect a man who's rewriting the rules on how to manage a sports franchise. Instead of being at odds with him, the NBA should follow his lead in making the sport more accessible to the fans. It would be a win-win situation that extends beyond the playoffs.

Making Sense of the Senseless

What was supposed to be another day of school at Virginia Tech became a bloody footnote in American history on April 16, when a student unleashed his inner demons to the world, killing himself and 32 other people on campus. But the only thing more troubling than the loss of life is seeing one man's act of rage used as a springboard to debate the Second Amendment.
I don't have a problem with responsible gun owners keeping and bearing arms, but I'm troubled by the ease with which firearms can be purchased. Even though the suspect bought his Glock 9-millimeter handgun and Walther .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol legally, having the right to possess a gun doesn't give one the right to take a human life unless it's in self-defense. Besides, that constitutional right only applies to a well-regulated militia -- not troubled young men.
What makes this massacre even more difficult to comprehend is that the gunman's former classmates, professors, and even neighbors admitted to seeing warning signs -- from social isolation to disturbing writings. (Two of his plays, Mr. Brownstone and Richard McBeef, are about revenge killings.) Hindsight is always full of what ifs, and saying what one could've, should've, or would've done is meaningless now.
As easy as it is to point fingers at the university or police over their handling of the situation, only one person is to blame for what happened. Now is the time to mourn for those who died, not to politicize a senseless tragedy.

Imus Flames Out

Until April 4, most people wouldn't have mentioned Don Imus and women's college basketball in the same sentence ... but, on that day, the radio talk show host referred to the players on the Rutgers team as "nappy-headed hos." He said the inflammatory remark was a failed attempt at humor, but he forgot the cardinal rule of comedy: jokes are supposed to be funny, not hurtful.
Imus' comments were immediately condemned by individuals and groups alike, from civil rights activists (Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton) to advocacy organizations (National Association of Black Journalists and National Organization for Women). But what really sparked his downfall wasn't public outrage -- it was the almighty dollar. (Full disclosure: I'm a member of one of the organizations that called for his dismissal.)
General Motors, American Express, Sprint Nextel, Staples, and Procter & Gamble pulled advertising revenue from Imus' show. As if that wasn't bad enough, Cal Ripken Jr. canceled his appearance on the program. These factors meant it was only a matter of time before MSNBC and CBS Radio dropped Imus from their airwaves.
The cable television network yanked his simulcast on April 11, and the radio programmer fired him less than 24 hours later. As much as I want to applaud those media outlets for their decision, I suspect they took such action because of financial pressure -- not moral indignation. Imus had a history of making offensive statements, so the hand-wringing over his latest imbroglio seemed disingenuous. (His original punishment was a two-week suspension to be served beginning next week.)
I don't condone what Imus said ... but I don't believe taking his job away will change his mindset, either. Given his standing in the broadcasting community, I wouldn't be surprised if he lands a gig on satellite radio after the controversy dies down. Whatever happens, it should be noted that those who have access to public airwaves have a responsibility to choose their words carefully. If nothing else, radio personalities will think twice before spewing vitriol for cheap laughs.

Defining the Disabled

Joni Mitchell once sang "you don't know what you've got until it's gone." It's easy to ignore this sentiment until one acknowledges the simple things usually taken for granted.
Within walking distance of my job is the headquarters for the National Institute for People with Disabilities. The organization provides services, education, and training for people who have developmental and learning disabilities. Every time I walk by the building, I think about my younger brother. He'll be 23 years old in May ... but autism has rendered him with the intellectual capacity of a 5-year-old.
My compassion for the disabled comes from not only having a mentally impaired person in my immediate family, but also in knowing that a freak accident could happen to anyone at any time -- including me. When I see a disabled person needing a caregiver or wheelchair to get around, I realize how lucky I am to have the ability to do mundane activities like answer the telephone or take a shower without assistance.
Million Dollar Baby put a spotlight on what it means to be disabled (controversial ending notwithstanding), but the real lesson lies in how quadriplegics like Darryl Stingley lived their lives. He never expressed bitterness about his predicament, and he used a negative situation to spark positive change in the NFL. His story should inspire all people -- especially able-bodied ones -- to do a better job of extending goodwill toward their fellow (wo)man.