Black athletes are 'slaves': NY Times columnist

Black athletes have wealth and fame but not meaningful power in the sports industry or in society, William Rhoden, a New York Times sports columnist and author of the new book, "Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Black Athlete," said in a lecture last night.

Rhoden began with excerpts from his book connecting to his original title choice, "Lost Tribe Wandering"— a reference to the Biblical tale of Exodus, the story of formerly enslaved Israelites wandering the desert for 40 years.

He went on to trace the history of black athletes through their early African-American heritage, describing the relationships between the three slave social groups of house servants, field workers and athletes. "The 'slave athletes' was the only group respected by the other two on the plantation," Rhoden said.

The near defeat of British boxing champion Tom Cribb by Thomas Molineaux, a freed slave, serves as early example of the simultaneous renown and discouragement that black athletes faced, Rhoden said.

"The money amounts have changed, but the power levels have not," Rhoden said. "One must always ask the question, 'Who's got the power?' "

He cited Muhammad Ali's renunciation of his boxing title in 1967 for refusing to fight in Vietnam due to religious beliefs, and the 1968 Olympics when American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists for Black Power.

Not only do today's black athletes wield less power through their influence as prominent African-Americans, Rhoden argued, but the few number of black professionals in the industry have failed to use their power in a positive cultural or racial role.

Bob Johnson, the owner of Black Entertainment Television and the Charlotte Bobcats, a national basketball team, "told me during an interview, 'I'm a businessman first,' " Rhoden recalled.

Rhoden's statements sparked a fiery response from the audience.Black athletes "are basically owned by businesses that force them to abandon their social consciences and cripple them from making this change," one listener said.

He also debated possible solutions with concerned members of the audience. "You don't need these rich players to make the change," Rhoden said. "The difference starts in the streets. If there was a movement in the streets it would force people to take a side." He added, "The public has convinced them in many cases to become nationalists, not capitalists."

In an interview with The Daily Princetonian following the lecture, Rhoden urged students to be aware that race is still important, and seek inclusiveness as the best way to combat racism. He also admitted his unease at what he perceives as growing apathy toward racial issues on college campuses.

"Our generation has done much to decrease the struggles of our kids and make them too comfortable," Rhoden said. "The university is typically a place for protest. I'd like to see more protests, people getting out of their comfort level."