Higher Expectations---Now.

If the reader this morning can hold on to my premise just perhaps they'll get the proper read of this writer's thought and commentary intent. Then again, you may jump to the conclusion of your heart's desire.

I'm tired of observing the on-going abuse of young Black male athletes. I talking about the youthful Black athlete...the Black boy in middle school and high school, which even carries over into college if they get that far. Okay, let's identify those abusers: Often, they are Black mothers, mentors (teachers) and athletic coaches.

 I just upset some folks. Well, chill out Mommies, I want what us best for your child.

Generally speaking, most mothers (white & black) have a tendency to be enablers in so far as making lame excuses for their children for not measuring up to some standard of expectation. Due to the frequent absence of the father-figure in the Black family, this enabling tendency is magnified by African-American mothers. The explanation for this is for another blog, another day.

Too often the coaches and mentors of the young Black male athlete makes the academic road easy in the attempt to 'keep the kid academically eligible' and that's abuse. If that's not abuse, I don't know what is!

As a sport consultant, I have proposed to the Decatur School District that it implement a 'athlete-academic-tutor-tracking program.' It would work as so: when a freshman enters high school with sport aspirations, he or she must attend an informational meeting with a parent. That meeting will explain the academic tracking  philosophy and process. The student-athlete must sign an agreement that they will attend a minimum of once-a-week study tutoring table where their grades have been assembled weekly and tutor help is available. Failure to meet this standard keeps the athlete from participation. More frequent study table attendance will be required if grades are below expectations.
No longer will the District allow sport play without academic tracking. This will likely eliminate the all too frequent scenario, which finds the skilled athlete at the end of his high school experience unable to attend College due to academic shortfalls for meeting college entrance requirements.

My vision is having more Black athletes going to college to enhance their employment opportunities versus Black athletes going to the streets and then to prison as they get caught up in the drug pit.