Here in the United States, we were slow to truly comprehend the scope and stature of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the international superstar famously known as Pelé.
It’s really no one’s fault. We’re just not wired like the rest of the world, where soccer reigns supreme and unrivaled as the most popular sport. America simply doesn’t follow “futbol” with the passion found elsewhere on the globe; we reserve that level of fervent affection for football.
Pelé, who died Thursday at age 82, was the planet’s most famous athlete long before coming to New York in 1975 to resuscitate a floundering pro league. He had already won three World Cup titles (still a record) with Brazil — the first in 1958 as a teen prodigy. He had already scored more than 1,200 goals with Santos, the Brazilian club team that toured like rock stars throughout the ‘60s. He had already been retired for a year — three if you count hanging ‘em up with the national team.
Not that I’ve watched loads of
soccer in this lifetime, but Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and
France was the most exciting match ever!
Don’t take it from this casual observer
of the planet’s most popular sport. Numerous experts and devotees say this game
was the greatest
of all time, a back-and-forth rollercoaster of emotions that ended in a
penalty-kick shootout. You didn’t have to be an aficionado expert (especially
on what constitutes being offsides) to enjoy the high-stakes drama that
captivates the world every four years.
Lionel Messi scored twice for
Argentina to capture the lone trophy that his remarkable career lacked. But Kylian
Mbappè (four goals) stole
the show for France, which won the 2018 World Cup and finished second this
year with a lineup full of brothers. The French squad could almost pass as Team
Wakanda.
“Today, football continues to tell
its story, as always in an enthralling way,” Brazilian legend Pelè posted on Instagram.
“… What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.” He
also congratulated Morocco for reaching the final four, adding “it’s great to
see Africa shine.”
The Mother Continent shone brightly over here, too.
Brittney Griner will be home for
Christmas, the best gift imaginable for her wife and loved ones.
Griner’s release from a Russian penal
colony was high on many wish lists, including fans who are upset that WNBA
players earn tens of millions less than their NBA brethren. The pay gulf is a
major part of Griner’s 10-month ordeal that ended Dec. 8 and brought the issue
to light.
WHY WAS SHE DETAINED?
Officially, authorities accused
her of carrying vape cartridges that contained cannabis oil as she entered the
country on Feb 17. Her lawyers said Griner has
a prescription, to help her with pain, but inadvertently brought the
substance into the country with other belongings packed in her luggage. Griner
pleaded guilty during her trail in July.
Unofficially, her celebrity as an international
basketball star could’ve played a role. Griner is an eight-time WNBA all-star
who has won two Olympic gold medals. Standing 6-foot-9 with long dreads and
well-tatted arms, she’s among the world’s most recognizable women athletes, making
her attractive
as a bargaining chip if that was the Russians’ goal.
Few basketball coaches can rival “Coach K” in wild success and immense popularity. Before he retired last season, Mike Krzyzewski led Duke University to five national titles and led Team USA to three Olympic gold medals. But his most impressive work off the court might be a passionate video he released in June 2020.
“Black lives matter,” he begins, pausing between each word and then following with a dare to the hesitant: “Say it. Can’t you say it?
“ … Do we not see the problem, the disease, the plague that has been with our country for four centuries? Do we not see systemic racism and social injustice? … It’s manifested in so many ways: criminal justice; the killings we’ve seen and haven’t seen; the denial of economic opportunities for our Black community; educational opportunities; health care.”
He’s preaching to the choir over here, but the message is appreciated.
It’s posted on the home page of Coaches vs. Racism, which launched around the time Coach K implored America to quit being so racist. The national nonprofit is hosting its second annual HBCU Roundball Classic in Houston this week, continuing to raise awareness of the obvious.
While scrolling through social media recently, I came across a post that led to a spontaneous decision. I was seated at Howard University hours later, enjoying a screening and discussion of “Kaepernick & America.”
We haven’t heard much about Colin Kaepernick since he blew off the NFL’s charade of a tryout three years ago. The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t sign him after a May workout. Despite his lack of job offers, I’m convinced you can’t list 64 NFL quarterbacks — starters and backups — who are better.
He hasn’t played since 2016 and seems unlikely to ever suit up again. But his career won’t be defined by six years with the San Francisco 49ers and leading them to the Super Bowl. He’ll be remembered as a soldier for social justice, an athlete whose inspiring and iconic gesture will last forever.
Olympic sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos exercised Black power by raising their fists on the medal stand.
Kap exercised his by taking a knee on the sideline.
I never thought Deion Sanders would remain at Jackson State long-term and continue to illuminate HBCUs with his personal shine. I never thought he would stay content below the top level of college football, making do with a sliver of the resources and prestige that Power 5 schools enjoy.
I never thought he would consider the SWAC big enough for his brand. For selfish reasons, I didn’t want to be right.
His staying would’ve been a great story, a fairy tale for Jackson State and other schools reaping prime benefits. As an HBCU advocate, I wanted the ride to last longer. I wish he’d continue to highlight their value and lure top recruits with an alternative they typically disregard.
I also wish folks weren’t getting this moment twisted, though it was inevitable. There was crazy talk about Sanders’ potential departure from the day he arrived three years ago.
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