Shirts vs. Blouses

The big news coming from the New York Jets camp this week was unfortunately for the team from an unusual place. The news wasn't coming from the field or from any of the players whining about their contract as the New England Patriots had to deal with. The big story came from the locker room.

Female reporter from Mexico Network TV Azteca, Ines Sainz (took me a few times to get the spelling right on this name, was covering a story for the Mexican TV station on the Jets and claimed she felt "very uncomfortable" around the Jets players. She claims the NFL players let out a few catcalls and whistles directed towards her in the locker room while she was waiting with two of her co-workers to interview Mark Sanchez who is of Latin descent.

Players also reportedly made her feel uncomfortable on the practice field when Jets assistant coach Dennis Thurman seemed to deliberately throw in her direction on the sideline to receivers in the area. At the end of the drill, Jets coach Rex Ryan threw a ball to Thurman in the area of Sainz where he held a brief conversation with her, which made her even more uncomfortable. After the incident was made public, the Jets front office issued her an apology and the NFL is now in the process of reviewing the matter to determine if any actions should be taken against the personnel involved. Sainz also went to twitter with her issues, expressing how uncomfortable she was and thankful for the support from other women who were familiar with the story.

Sainz is marketed as a reporter for Mexico Network TV Azteca but also as a model who on their website is labeled as the "Perfect woman," featuring her in a skimpy bikini (http://www.tvazteca.com/ventaneando/revista/galerias/ines-sainz.shtml.) Googling her name would also produce a number of sexy photos that aren't usually seen from a sports reporter.

Now that all the facts are in, people are questioning whether women should be banned from the locker room of professional athletes. Why even question this...OF COURSE THEY SHOULD! Let's also make them walk around in old Puritan dresses with their bodies covered from head to toe around men to keep them from being tempted. Hey, while we're at it let's also only allow white males in the locker room and put a "Whites Only" sign on the doors. Lets have a completely separate entrance for White and Black reporters so the Blacks will have to get interviews last and let their White counterparts be the first to break the story. While we're at it, let's bring back slavery and not even allow black players to be professional athletes....LET'S GET REAL!

This is 2010 and if you didn't notice we've evolved from the Stone Age. There are female reporters now doing a damn good job in their profession and some are even stomping mud holes in their male competition. The idea of women not being able to be allowed in locker rooms is sexist and ridiculous to say the least. The NFL has had equal access policy since 1985 and even questioning female reporters place in the locker room would be taking a step back.

I'm sure the question will never be asked of if males should be allowed in the WNBA locker room so why create a double standard. The only issue I have with this story is the sensitivity of Sainz. Now I may be Rodney King'd for saying this but female sports reporters have to understand what they're getting themselves into before they go through those locker room doors. Especially attractive ones. Sainz already being on the Mexico Azteca TV website in skimpy clothing is a sign of degrading herself. You would never see Cheryl Miller, Sage Steele or Pam Oliver in skimpy clothing or sexually leading positions, so Sainz needs to get with the program and find ways to gain respect.

That's the way it is and will always be. This isn't the first time this has happened, surely. A group of men see an attractive woman and the barking and catcalls will commence. Not to completely dismiss being sexist but that's the way it is, has been, and will be. Men and women are two different creatures with completely different approaches to situations. Sainz has to deal with it and move on. It comes with the sports reporter job as a woman. Get with it or get lost.

5 Reasons Miami Heat Will Fizzle

Now that all the "Decisions" were made, the celebration has ended and the smoke has cleared, let's get down to the only thing that really matters in the NBA, getting a ring.

The Miami Heat, who in some circles are referred to as the "Super Friends" now is suddenly everyone's favorite to come out of the East and win a ring now that Bosh and LeBron have brought their talent to South Beach, but is this seriously realistic? We've seen superstars team up before to win rings but this is a completely different scenario.

The stars aren't aligning perfectly for the self-titled Team John Dillinger and there are five reasons the Heat will not only fizzle, but never win a championship ring with this team.

1. Actually, number one could also be two through five but it's one word: Lakers. Suddenly everyone is discounting the talent that the Lakers have on their PROVEN championship team. Since the beginning I've said LeBron would not win a ring as long as Kobe Bryant is still in the league, even if he had went to the Bulls. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Derik Fisher are somewhere laughing at the predictions of the Heat winning a ring instantly; and Ron Artest is just somewhere with a tin foil hat on laughing at himself in a mirror. Surprisingly the Lakers, despite winning five rings in the past 10 years, are still the underdog and ready to prove themselves again where it counts, the court.

2. The performance I saw from LeBron in the playoffs this past year showed me that he crumbles under pressure and media scrutiny. The second reason the Heat and the "King" will not win a title is the "King." With his latest questionable move of joining the Heat, LeBron has proven that he doesn't have the mental toughness to perform in crunch time. When you have the greatest player ever in the NBA questioning your move to join a team of superstars, you have to question yourself. Even Jordan agreed that Kobe Bryant was still the best player in the NBA over the self-titled "King," which I'm guessing would make LeBron the Prince???

3. Erik Spoelstra. I'm sure he's a good coach, but he's no Phil Jackson or Doc Rivers who both have signed on to come back to their teams. Spoelstra's a young coach still trying to find his niche in the league and his stint as head coach might be shorter than people expect. Pat Riley dangling Spoelstra on marionette strings from his skybox won't be enough to take this team to a title. Working with three superstar ego players has never been an easy task for any coach. Even Phil Jackson lost a couple....hundred strands of hair dealing with the egos of Kobe and Shaq but once again, Spoelstra's no Phil Jackson.

4. 1 ball, 3 egos. The big three have already taken huge pay cuts to be on this Dream Team of sorts. Sharing the ball for 82 games out of the season will eventually be a problem. We've seen the social networks and reality shows that actually show us that the characters on Any Given Sunday and The Game are real. These players have egos and pride that their not willing to compromise with. By the 60th game, someone on the team will be referred to as a gun or ball hog by another teammate and it'll be all downhill from there.

5. Dan Gilbert. Ok, this is a comical one. Or shall I say a "comic sans" one. I actually ran out of reason and this one seemed perfect to end with. Dan Gilbert and every die hard Cleveland sports fan will do everything in their power to make sure the LeBron James will NOT win a ring. Some saw Dan Gilbert letter as comical, but I saw it as a threat. Maybe Dan Gilbert and Ron Artest should be taking the same medication because both are a sandwich short of a picnic. Gilbert promised the city of Cleveland that the Cavaliers will win a title before LeBron and I honestly believe in his word. Of course the Cavaliers will never win a title but the threat made me believe if LeBron came close to a title, he would come up missing; similiar to Damon Wayans in the 1996 movie Celtic Pride. And his promise would hold true. Don't be surprised if it happens. Crazier things have happened in Cleveland history...the shot, the catch, the fumble, the drive, the decision and next....THE DISAPPEARANCE.

End of Convention

Ok, so I lied. I didn't have time to blog everyday about my experiences at the convention but just to update...I met plenty of people in the journalism industry who I admire and networked with numerous individuals.

The event I was in charge of, "Salute to Excellence," went very well even though there was some confusion at first. Usually I'm not the loudest person in the room but I had to step out of my comfort zone and put on the journalist cap which makes me break out of the usual laid back and reserved Royce and become aggressive, persistent, won't accept no for an answer Royce Strahan.

By the end of the convention I couldn't believe I was getting paid to do something that I love. Working with other journalist who are on the same path as me and want nothing more than to get their big break was a priceless opportunity. Many people have the same dream but never manage to implement the actions necessary to make their dream a reality. The people I encountered at the convention were completely different. Every single individual had drive, passion, and a desire to just break out of the norm and become a leading figure in their specific field.

The last day of the convention brought emotions to most of the staff. We all pretty much spent most of the day working with each other without any tempers flaring or problems arising. Our staff was the epitome of a team that worked well together to plan the largest event for journalists of color. I came to love this organization for the things they have accomplished and the impact the organization has had on journalists of color around the world.

Unfortunately my "vacation" only lasted so long. Coming back to my dorm at Howard, I realized I had been locked out of my room as a result of not having fall housing. It's amazing how things can all of a sudden change in the blink of an eye. One minute, I'm living it up in Tampa Bay and the next I'm a homeless college student trying to exhaust every option in order to have a place to sleep.

Luckily, a friend allowed me to stay with them until I came back to Chicago. If I didn't learn anything else in Tampa, I learned to let people know how much I appreciate their help when they go out of their way to assist me in anyway. Whether it's a server in a restaurant or someone who helps me with a situation with a smile on their face, I'm sure to let people know I appreciate the time they take to make my experiences in life a little easier.

I'm now back home in Chicago, hoping to hear something back from the places I've applied to live for the fall semester. Hopefully everything works out. Pray for me...to be continued.

Convention FINALLY starts!

It's Wednesday morning! Which means the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) Convention officially starts. All of the preparation and preliminary work I and the staff have done will finally be seen throughout the remainder of the week.

Firstly, let me start by talking about a funny comparison. I was told yesterday that I have a celebrity twin and was mistaken for Andre 3000. The concierge at the hotel thought I was there to perform at the convention. I've heard this comparison before from a friend but I just don't see it at all. Rajon Rondo...I can understand how people say I look similiar. Chris Tucker...maybe when my voice is really high, but not looks. Mr. Burns...I hate anyone who has ever made this comparison lol.

Yesterday I was walking into the hotel and I spotted a familiar looking guy who I thought was just one of the members who was here for the convention but didn't put two and two together until he had walked pass me and was gone. I thought about it for a second after he passed and realized I had just walked past Detroit Pistons president, Joe Dumars. Also a NBA Hall of a Famer, Joe Dumars gave me my first star struck moment at the convention. Still upset that I didn't get a chance to speak to him.

While down here, I'm trying to make as many connections as possible. Still waiting to talk to one of the sports journalist who is here in regards to being my mentor but I haven't gotten the chance yet.

Tonight is the all-white party at the poolside of the Marriott. The event should be packed judging by the small size of the pool area and the many individuals who plan to attend.

I definitely need to get a new phone. My blackberry has cut off on me continuously since I've been down here, which is not a good look when you have people calling you to get logistical information and when you're giving out your number to professionals. Can't miss that call! Whoever it's coming from. A BROTHA NEED A JOB AFTER THIS!

Life From Tampa

As I stepped off the plane and came through the Tampa International Airport, I was oblivious to the experience I was about to encounter. I'm in the city for ten days working for the National Association of Black Journalist Annual 2009 Convention and I had no idea what to expect.

I and several other staff members made our way to baggage claim, retrieving our bags and then heading to get cabs to take us to the Marriott. As soon as the doors to the airport opened, the heat hit us. It was hot, humid, and sweat began forming on my forehead before I even got to the cab. Now the trip to the hotel.

Being new to the whole traveling aspect of journalism, I hadn't been outside the parameters of Chicago, DC and the surrounding areas. It was an entirely new experience and I was prepared to take advantage of every opportunity. I was in amazement in the cab feeling like a toddler at Christmas, seeing palm trees for the first time. The heat became a non-factor because of my excitement from being somewhere I had never been, but that was only temporary because of the air conditioning in the cab.

After a 15 minute cab ride, we were at the hotel. As a part of the staff, we were the first of journalists to check in. Jubilated to have my own room, I got my key and came to my room which would be home for the next ten days. 12th floor overlooking the bay and the poolside of the hotel, I realized how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. Scheduled to only put my bags down in my room and head back down to the lobby for lunch with staff, I didn't want to leave the room that displayed a view of downtown Tampa's skyline (which is no competition for Chicago's skyline above).

Making my way downstairs in an obviously good mood as a result of my room, I and the staff settled on a restaurant in the hotel, Champion's Sports Bar & Grill. The walls were plastered with autographed sports memorabilia and pictures which was a welcoming environment for anyone who has loved sports as much as I have over the years. The slow service was an afterthought as a result of the great environment. I tried my best to hide my excitement amongst my colleagues, but it was clearly visible in my expressions and shown on my face.

Meeting journalist who are in the position I wish to be in has a profound effect on any up and coming journalist's life. To actually call these people your mentors after meeting them and talking with them over a drink or through casual conversation is a priceless opportunity. I will definitely come back from Tampa with a new outlook on life as well as my career.

On my way out for a board meeting now, but stay posted. Much more to come!

Lakers Now a Dynasty

Now that the confetti has fallen, bottles were popped and tears were shed, the Lakers are once again the NBA champions, and without Shaquille O'Neal. The Orlando Magic fell seemingly without a fight in Game 5 and some are questioning whether they were the best team in the Eastern Conference to face the Lakers.

Nathaniel Sligh, senior business management major, wasn’t pleased with the outcome of the game, but gave credit where it was due.

“Even though I didn’t want the Lakers to win or go to the NBA Finals at all, I feel that Kobe Bryant did a great job leading his team,” Bryant said. “He was able to take control of the game when he needed to as well as delegate tasks to his team.”

One can't seem but wonder if the outcome of the series would have been the same if the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, would have beat the Magic as predicted. Everyone had Kobe and LeBron facing off in the finals, even Nike, which used commercials of Kobe and LeBron puppets to promote the two going to battle for an NBA title.

I'm sure we would all agree, unless you're a die-hard Magic fan, that a Kobe and LeBron matchup would have been more entertaining than the quickly subdued Orlando Magic. The Magic fizzled out quicker than Master P's basketball career, playing like they were just content with being in the Finals instead of having the Lakers hunger to win.

While Dwight Howard reevaluates his position with the Magic and prepare for next year, Kobe Bryant is in his glory after winning his fourth NBA title. Bryant led his team to winning their fourth title in the past ten years as well as solidified himself as an immortal in sports, silencing all critics who claimed he was incapable of winning without Shaq.

"It was like Chinese water torture," Bryant said in reference to his discontent with critics saying he couldn't win without Shaq. "I would cringe every time. I was just like, it's a challenge I'm just going to have to accept because there's no way I'm going to argue it. You can say it until you're blue in the face and rationalize it until you're blue in the face, but it's not going anywhere until you do something about it."

Although both have taken their jabs at each other in past seasons, it seems they have finally found a common ground being away from each other.

O'Neal acknowledged Bryant on his Twitter page saying, "Congratulations Kobe, you deserve it. You played great. Enjoy it my man enjoy it."

The Lakers have solidified the team as a dynasty without the assistance of two star players, but one. With Bryant and the tandem of the core players who played major roles this season, the Lakers are prepared to be a force in the NBA for years to come. Now that the cloud of O’Neal and the doubts that Bryant couldn’t win without another star player have been removed, Bryant has placed himself in a position to be considered one of the greats in sports history.

Shock of Playoffs

Upsets in sports are inevitable, but no one saw the upset of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James not facing each other in the finals.

Keeping up with the NBA playoffs this year has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. Being a die-hard hometown fan, of course I was crushed when the Bulls didn't take the series against the Celtics but as a Chicago fan you get used to the phrase "Wait until next year." We've actually all been brainwashed to believe this optimistic phrase year after year. Most of us are still waiting for a ridiculous Billy Goat curse to be broken.

With all of the commercials and advertisements playing the role of the Oracle, it was almost a certainty that King James and Kobe were going to face off for the ultimate prize in the NBA. Some even questioned whether the entire playoffs were fixed to have the two best players in the NBA compete, which would ultimately boost ratings and mean more revenue for the NBA. Although this would have meant more revenue for the NBA, the Orlando Magic defied all the corporate big wigs and fans rooting for a Kobe/LeBron matchup.

Capturing the Eastern Conference title, the Magic have positioned themselves to be a force in the finals as well as for years to come. With young players that have a drive and passion to win, the Magic may be a force for the Cavaliers and King James to reckon with even in the distant future. Dwight Howard is gaining more experience as he goes along and is averaging over twenty points and fifteen rebounds in the playoffs and is emerging as a powerhouse of the NBA to the likes of Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Charles Barkley.

The strong supporting cast of Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu are becoming more unified and providing their opposition match-up problems as a result of the height advantages of Magic players.

The Lakers have their work cut out for them come Thursday night on their home court. Orlando has become the Cinderella team that no one expected to get this far. The NBA now has to pull the Kobe and LeBron commercials and replace LeBron with Dwight Howard. Might not sound as appealing, but the Magic have earned their place in history.