Now it’s time for me to rail against ESPN for their continued dick sucking of the SEC. Yes I know just about everyone has that opinion that doesn’t support an SEC school, but the reality is there are schools outside of that conference that are awesome and deserve to be ranked higher and given more attention.

How Alabama, who lost at home, is ranked higher than Florida State and other Power 5 teams that are undefeated is really amazing to me. I get it that the whole media universe thinks that they are the best things since slice bread and their conference is the most dynamic on the planet, but when you lose you should fall.

Also, I find it funny this season that ESPN is promoting Clemson like world beaters and when they win games that aren’t really impressive, they are amazing; but when Florida State goes out and destroys Louisville in the second half its a narrow win. I think we can see the narrative coming for this season. If Florida State manages to win all their games and the ACC title game, they will be 13-0. I dare someone to tell me that an undefeated team that beats top 5 Clemson, top 12 Florida and other Power 5 schools, should be left out of the Playoff 4 for a 1 loss team, you would be stupid.

My hope is that ESPN is not penalizing FSU for their Houdini like escapes last season getting all the way through to the Playoffs, by trying to persuade folks to believe that FSU isn’t a really good football team worthy of inclusion should they win all their games. Not to mention Dalvin Cook is like beasting it this year and yes I totally agree that Leonard Fournette of LSU is one of the most dynamic backs that I’ve ever seen in the country, but the truth is that Cook is absolutely right there on the same level as Fournette.

But if you let ESPN tell it, it’s Fournette and then everyone else who’s not even in his league. I really wonder how this will play out of FSU and LSU are both undefeated and these backs have amazing seasons. Will they consider Dalvin seriously or will it just be the coronation of Mr. Fournette this year? Half a season down and still the other half to go. And this is where the money will be made, because both schools have big time matchups coming down the line.

My hope is that these two get to decide it for themselves and not ESPN’s overt nut-hugging of the SEC’s schools.

I absolutely love Empire and the first season was such an amazing masterpiece. Lee Daniels wrote a superb script, along with the other writers, and it has been absolutely refreshing to see a show about Black folks and the actual real life struggles that encompass the Black community.

As this season is starting to come together I’m glad the Lee and company have gotten back to the authenticity of the show and having amazing storylines filled with drama and action and twist and turns. I have a great appreciation for the dynamics he’s presenting. How much Lucious sees himself in Andre and nobody actually knows it. It now makes so much sense as the show continues to develop.

To see Lucious rule like a king is very intriguing and funny. He often refers to himself a God, but in a times of crisis you see him defy the stereotype portrayed and remembers that his seed is important. I was shocked that the photographer went after the boyfriend and damnit Kelly Roland is doing an amazing job portraying the mentally challenged mother of Lucious.

How this show and series will play out is anyone’s guess but I do love that they address mental issues, homosexuality and homophoebia. There is also the dynamic of the power struggle of the mother and father that want power and control of their families. But you also see how when things are rough they will always come together for the betterment and sake of the family.

All I can say is that I hope people truly understand how ground breaking this show is. Lee Daniels has managed to tackle so many of the issues confronting the Black community. From gangs and drug dealing to family turmoil and traditions, and all things inbetween. Please remember that before this show it was always the happy and pleasant Black families. We finally see the true issues: church, a gay family member, a rebellious son, a strong black woman, a crazy black man. Imagine how much better the world would be if everyone took the time to take the lessons from this show and try to put themselves in the shoes of the characters.

Would our world be better off? Hmmm…. what do you think? Drop your thoughts, I promise I’ll respond

You know let me be clear in saying that I am biased in my opinions of the protests and grotesque actions of the police across the country, but now most specifically in Baltimore. Having my own personal experience here where I live, I will say continue the peaceful protests, continue fighting to get your voices heard. I am absolutely in full support of these folks trying to recapture their city and hold the “thugs” in the Police Department accountable.

I am so pleased to see that the Community Activists, Pastors, students, fraternities, sororities and the older guard are in place to restore the peace and order to the protesting taking place. I think we all must understand that we are now in a time where we must support the city of Baltimore and the residents that are trying to get a sliver of justice. They are trying to get their moment to show the world that things need to change. They are trying to show that it’s not always the people doing wrong, as it can be the law enforcement that is wrong.

Lets not forget why this is all happening, because once again, a man of color was needlessly beaten, dragged, ravaged inside the police van and ultimately lost his life. The cops who were responsible for this were celebrating the arrest and take down, as this young man clung to his life. The blatant disrespect and boasting was something no one should be able to look at with a smile on their faces.

As I say all of this, once again the country hinges on a verdict to come on Friday, delivering the results of the report and whether or not there will be charges for the officers who committed such a heinous crime against a defenseless man.

This is one of the few times where I feel that the President, now, needs to do more than issue a statement. I need him to come to Baltimore and tour the streets and towns affected. I need him to feel the pain of this movement and of the people affected in the movement. It is time to bring the Federal Goverments weight to this matter and in a strong and powerful way. There needs to be change as a result of this.

I am proud of the work that these folks are doing today. Lets not make this mission get detracted and turned into the typical Black thugs show. Let’s make sure the world knows that we are a race of people that are strong and can voice our outrage numerous ways and with a sustained persistence that will make change tangible and real for all citizens in the city, not just the rich.

Again I say, stay strong Baltimore, fight the good fight, keep it civil and respectful and let the world know that you will not tolerate abuse from anyone, civilian or law enforcement.

So I was watching a basketball game and the announcer said that the player who made a clutch shot for the road team was what he called a “shut up” player. Mind you this is the first time on a nationally televised game I’ve heard the announcer say that the player was the sit down and shut up player.

When I first heard it I thought maybe he was just a bit a excited and he would clean up his comments. But as they were doing the replay of the shot, he kept repeating himself saying, “He’s telling the fans to sit down and shut up” and then said the best teams have a “shut up” player.

To someone like me who grew up hearing this term and other statements like it I found it refreshing that announcers were finally using lingo that was extremely current and relate-able. I also found it amusing as fuck because he really was serious about the description of the player.

What it did though was got me to thinking that inside of the three major sports where one individual can be that shut up player, how many teams really have that person. And it also made me want to rate my current shut up players and my all time shut up player lists.

But for the sake of time I’m just going to focus on pro football and basketball, because if I included baseball and college ball I’d be here way to damn long..LOL, so lets look at my lists for the NBA first, and yes I’m perfectly fine having the debate as to whether or not you agree with the list. This is my order and yea I will say I am a little biased on this current and all time list.

1. Kobe Bryant 2. Dwayne Wade 3. Kevin Durant 4. LeBron James 5. Russell Westbrook 6. Dirk Nowitzki 7. John Wall 8. Damian Lillard 9. Derrick Rose 10. Anthony Davis

For full disclosure I don’t like the Lakers or Kobe but the reality is, he is that sit down and shut up guy still even at his current age. I love the Bulls and D-Rose but he’s still rebuilding that rep if this were three years ago he would be top 5 fa-sho. All-time list next….

1. Michael Jordan 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabar 3. Bill Russell 4. Wilt Chamberlain 5. Kobe Bryant 6. Larry Bird 7. Tim Duncan 8. Paul Pierce 9. Shaquille O’Neal 10. LeBron James.. This was a very tough list and there are names left off, but please remember this isn’t an all time best player list, this is that guy that when the ball is in his hands you know he will make you sit down and shut up. Honorable mention: Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Vince Carter.

My NFL list is going to be slightly predictable and also a little longer on the honorable mention side because quite frankly there are to me more of these type players but I will do my best to not have too many…

Current players: 1. Aaron Rodgers 2. Tom Brady 3. Peyton Manning 4. Tony Romo 5. Calvin Johnson 7. Dez Bryant 8; Ben Roethlisberger 8. Drew Brees 9. J.J. Watt 10. Richard Sherman 10. Darrell Revis; Honorable Mention: Terrence Williams, Matt Bryant, Patrick Peterson, Terrell Suggs, Marshawn Lynch, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Brandon Marshall, Andrew Luck. Yes there may be omissions, but I want two years at least of play making to put you on my list.

All-time list: 1. Terry Bradshaw 2. Troy Aikman 3. Tom Brady 4. Peyton Manning 5. Jim Brown 6.  O.J. Simpson 6. Deacon Jones 7. Charles Haley 8. Deion Sanders 9. Michael Irving 10. Ray Lewis 10. Emmitt Smith 10. Rod Woodson 10. Charles Woodson 10. Lynn Swann 10. Tony Dorsett 10. Earl Campbell and many more from the days gone by.

Let me say that for as long as I’ve been in this lifestyle as a gay man, I’ve realized that the most powerful word to tell another man is No. It amazes me how many times when you tell someone no when you are first meeting and learning each other, how many times conversations end and wild assumptions begin to be made about the type of person you are.

I would like to suggest to some of these dumb ass people, walking around thinking that the beginning of something new is when you should always get a yes answer, to get a fucking clue and realize that just because you might be pretty or handsome or have some good ass or dick, it doesn’t entitle you to anything let alone a yes to anything you ask.

I find it absolutely laughable that there are actually guys out there that think this way. I don’t know if people are just use to insecure men doing whatever they want to keep getting a taste of some good wood or ass, but I think it’s really ignorant.

And then add to that, I’ve never seen so many niggas who a problem with a person who has rules and guidelines for how they live their lives. To make the association that because will not buy you something because they don’t believe in it that they are cheap is stupid and ignorant and quite frankly immature. it’s the first lesson that you’re taught, which is that you must stand for what you believe in, even when someone else doesn’t like or agree with your stance.

I am using this blog as my vent session because I think I’ve reached my fucking limit with niggas who want to think that cuz they let you fuck one that they are entitled to something. That just because you don’t bend over to kiss their ass when they want something that you don’t add up and now all conversation must cease. To you who believe I say, check your egos at the door and come to the modern world. You might be cute, you might have that good good but make no mistake about it, it’s not all about you.

I’m sure all of us know someone like this, have experienced someone like this and have a similar story to tell. So by all means share your story or drop a line, I wouldn’t  mind the debate on both sides of this topic, I think it would be fascinating.

Man.. I am a proud American and as such I am certainly saddened and disappointed about Sony’s decision to pull their movie “The Interview”. Yes, quite honestly I truly understand the hesitation and conservative position Sony took. The desire to protect their employees and the employees of the movie theaters that would have shown the movie is definitely understandable. But let me be clear, we are not a nation to be bullied.

I don’t care what someone else is threatening to do. We are the freest and most powerful nation in the world. Yes, I get it, there are many people who disagree with my view on this matter, but think about it for one second; what would you do if your job stopped you from posting on your personal social media account because they didn’t like the content that you were posting? Is that fair? Is that American?

See when the President spoke today and said that we cannot be bullied, or tolerate foreign countries using fear tactics to stop us from living the freedoms that are endowed in our Constitution, he was speaking about the fundamental foundation of what we as Americans hold dear. We should not, will not, and cannot allow anyone to stop us from carrying out American business in the American way.

See what I think should happen is that this movie should be released in theaters and online. Let those foreign son of a bitches know that we will not cower to your threats. We are a nation of freedoms that we will not allow anyone to take away. We should be defiant in our actions and stick it in the faces of the North Korea.

You know people here are so scared and pessimistic because of the attacks and wars we’ve had. But as I was once told, powerful and great things are constantly attacked by those who want what they powerful possess. That is what’s at stake here. The power of America, which is freedom. Whether you like or dislike the laws or the man elected to lead this country, the fact remains if you want to continue to enjoy the freedoms our American Military fight to protect, you must bow your back and not always scream uncle when things happen.

God Bless American and all the folks who make this nation great. And it is that premise that we must continue to live and not be afraid, for we are a nation of people protected by the mighty hand of God. All the steps of the world are ordered and we must never forget that. So live free and passionately and with great fervor.

I’m baaaaaack.. While I’ve kept myself involved with all the current events that have been happening the past month, I’ve also been a busy guy working and enjoying the holiday season. Refreshed a little, saddened and disappointed a lot, shit going on that keeps my mind constantly churning and me in a state of uncertainty.

Lets talk about the two biggest events in current news lately. One, the decision not to indite in Ferguson, MO and the decision to not indite in New York. While I must admit that I’m not surprised by these decisions made to not bring those officers to trial, I will say that I am extremely disappointed, hurt, and sad. See as a Black man in America, I know that we are always guilty until proven innocent in the eyes of the law, unless we have lots of money.

I have never seen a case where a prosecutor decides to unload all the evidence in just a Grand Jury indictment proceeding. I’ve also never seen a state telegraph the decision of said Jury like I did in Ferguson. Unless you have been in the situation that Mike Brown was in you don’t know how threatening it is to be approached by law enforcement that don’t really have your best interest at heart.

I will never condone committing a crime, which yes Mike Brown did steal cigars, but if anyone thinks that taking some cigars is justification for you to be shot and killed then I’m sorry you lack basic humanity. Just the same, Eric Gardner was put in a choke hold and killed because he was selling single cigarettes on the streets.

Again, it was a petty crime and only a crime because New York wants to make their money on the taxation of cigarettes; but the fact remains when he was stopped by those officers, he did not have any cigarettes on him and also he was not being unruly or disobedient to the officers. He was shown on camera with his hands up in the air and kept repeating that He couldn’t breathe.

I’ve been in situations similar to both men. No, I have not committed a crime, but I did have someone anonymously call the police and accuse me of breaking into cars downtown. The irony is that I was just standing outside of my car eating my food and talking to a friend. I had no less than six marked and unmarked police cars pull on me, guns drawn, police dogs in the back waiting to unload their guns and sick their vicious dogs on me.

Never in my life have I felt more afraid, embarrassed in my life. I was being treated as a criminal when I had done absolutely nothing wrong. The police could not figure out who called and never offered any apology. They just laughed it off, got back in their cars and disappeared as quickly as they arrived. So when anyone speaks to me about these cases, my first question is have you ever had the experience these men had. If you answer no, then quite honestly I don’t want to discuss this with you because you will never understand.

And No, I do not ever condone vandalism or arson, but as Dr. King so perfectly said it, Vandalism is the act of the voiceless. When you feel that you have no where to go and no one to listen to you how else do you make your point? I do have the solution and hence the title of this blog. The people have the power and its called voting.

There is a reason that millions upon millions marched and fought for the right to give Black people the right to vote. They knew the impact and importance of voting. See we elect these people who run these states and counties and towns into office. We decide who will be hiring the folks to police our streets and protect us as citizens. If you really want to make your voice heard, the next time an election is held in your state VOTE!

And I’m not saying that this is the only thing that needs to happen, because lets face it, the Justice system is not really a fair system towards all people. The law does not necessarily look favorable of people of color. So there are many layers to this problem, but I do know that it starts with exercising your right to vote and to know what the folks running for office stand for.

Stop electing people whose policies don’t speak to your issues. Stop voting for people who don’t give a damn about you and allow new, fresh and caring blood to run for office and make a difference. My prayers and thoughts go out to the families of Mike Brown and Eric Gardner. America lets make sure we do our part; lets have the dialogue needed and make the necessary efforts to change our country.