2010 Black History Month: #18 Black Sports Moment - Michael Jordan

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #18 Black Sports Moment

Michael Jordan's Flu Game

"We wanted it really bad, and as the leader I had to come out here and give it my best. Somehow I found the energy." - Michael Jordan

Somehow. Someway. The line, "impossible is nothing" quickly comes to mind.

Three words tell the entire story. Jordan, flu, game.

At the time it was the greatest athletic performance I'd ever seen. Currently, it safely resides in the top three.

The year was 1997, and the setting was Salt Lake City, Utah for Game Five of the 1997 NBA Finals. Led by John Stockton and Karl Malone, the Utah Jazz were in the NBA Finals for the first time and looking to prevent Michael and the Chicago Bulls from winning their second consecutive championship, and fifth overall.

As always is the case when a best-of-seven series is tied after four games, the fifth is absolutely critical. It's as close to a must-win without actually being a must-win as you can get.

Personally as a big Bulls fan, I never sweated during their first four championships. I had no reason to. During the 1991-93 stretch, I was too young to realize that sometimes the best teams don't HAVE to win it all. In 1996 I knew I was watching the greatest team ever (72 wins). But one year later, I was nervous.

That nervousness quickly became paranoia when I heard Michael was sick. When sick became ill, I almost lost hope. Word was that Mike had a stomach virus, wasn't able to eat or drink anything, and even had an IV hooked up to give his bodies fluids. His status for Game Five was uncertain.

But then, the game started. And well, I'll let the videos tell you the story.

Marv Albert called it a "courageous, classic performance." Despite that high praise, it still is not enough.

Whenever I get a migraine headache there are times when I can't do anything but sleep. Being sick hampers our lives. It affects everything we do. For Jordan to be able to not only function, but thrive at the highest of levels is nothing short of extraordinary. He scored 38 points, including the game-winning three pointer with less than 30 seconds remaining.

He had every excuse to fail, but he chose to succeed.

The image that will never escape me is when Scottie Pippen is almost physically carrying Jordan back to the sidelines during a timeout. It shows just how much Jordan gave ... everything.

It's inspiring, it's memorable, and yet it's just the 18th greatest black sports moment of the past 23 years.

Hint for #17: Not only was he an incredible athlete, but he was also responsible for one of the greatest video-games of the mid-90s.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #19 Black Sports Moment - Robert Horry

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #19 Black Sports Moment

Robert "Big Shot Rob" Horry

Al Michaels said it best during the 2005 NBA Finals, "this guy is off the chart." There's no other way to explain the brilliance of Robert Horry. First of all, he looks just like Will Smith, so you know he's going to be good. His seven NBA rings are physical proof.
If you were to look at Horry's NBA resume it could be assumed he was nothing more than an NBA journeyman, jumping from team to team throughout his career. He did play for four different teams in his 16-years of NBA action. And even if we were to assume that he was an NBA journeyman, then there is little questioning he was the greatest NBA journeyman ever.

16 seasons, seven NBA titles, countless big shots. Robert Horry is the epitome of a moment, and his nickname "Big Shot Rob" only reiterates that notion.

Horry was the 11th pick in the 1992 NBA Draft and found himself playing for the Houston Rockets and Hakeem Olajuwon. In his first year in the NBA Finals, Horry broke two records. Most steals in a game (7), and most 3-pointers in a quarter (5).

The next year, Horry sank the game-winning 3-pointer in the opening contest of the 1995 Western Conference Finals. After two rings with the Rockets and a one year stint with the Phoenix Suns, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers where he would win his next three NBA Championships.

His buzzer-beating 3-pointer against the Sacramento Kings not only capped a 20-point comeback, but is my personal favorite Robert Horry moment.

Then with the San Antonio Spurs, Horry won two more rings, playing a huge role in Game Five of the 2005 NBA Finals.

Two years later he knocked out Steve Nash in the playoffs, which sparked a controversy thanks to several key suspensions for the series-deciding game. So even when he's not making big shots, he's dishing them out.

It's hard to sum up how great Robert Horry was. Great is probably not the word of choice here. What we are looking for is clutch.

In big games, most players don't want the ball, they are afraid of it. Horry is the exact opposite. He will defer in the regular season, but when the playoffs come around, and the game is in the balance, Horry wants it.

It's a unique trait ... having seven rings is unique too.

Hint for #18: Greatness + Sickness = #18

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #20 Black Sports Moment - Emmitt Smith

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #20 Black Sports Moment

Emmitt Smith Breaks Walter Payton's Career Rushing Record

There must be something wrong with me. Something seriously wrong.

Yesterday I praised a UCLA basketball player, and today I'm doing the same for a Dallas Cowboys running back? Wow. Only in February.

There's a reason the Dallas Cowboys won three Super Bowls in a four year stretch in the mid 1990s. They had Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith carrying the load offensively. I hated them all. Still do. But you have to admit, what Emmitt Smith was able to do was impressive.

At the time, I didn't think Smith was all that good. Sure he rushed for a ton of yards, and sure he scored a ton of touchdowns, but I still thought he was over-rated. I thought Barry Sanders was better ... way better.

Looking back at Emmitt's career, you have to admire his consistency, which also accurately describes his rushing style. Consistent.

He was the first player in NFL history to run for 1400 yards in five consecutive seasons, and he was the first to run for 1000 yards in 11 straight seasons. Think about that for just a second. Every year, for more than a decade, Smith posted more than 1000 yards. He's the NFL's version of Hank Aaron. Maybe Aaron and Smith didnt break any single season records, but they were really good for a really long time.

On October 27, 2002, Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton's all-time career rushing record. Smith would play two more seasons in the NFL and ended with 18,355 rushing yards. Sure, he also has the most carries in NFL history, but that shouldn't take away from Emmitt's accomplishments.

Running backs just don't last. They never have. There's a reason Jim Brown, Robert Smith, and Barry Sanders stopped playing with seemingly numerous years left on their career. Running backs in the NFL take a pounding every time they touch the ball. Emmitt was the Energizer Bunny. He took a licking and kept on ticking.

After football, Emmitt had a tough time deciding what to do. He wanted to be involved with the league, so he took up a gig on ESPN. As the all-time leading rusher, ESPN had to hire him. But, as you are about to see, Emmitt was awful. In all my years of watching commentators on sports shows, it's safe to say that Emmitt Smith was the worst.

But that's okay. We all can't be good at everything.

Hint for #19: Our first collection of moments. This guy has more rings than Michael Jordan, and maybe just as many big shots.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #21 Black Sports Moment -Tyus Edney

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #21 Black Sports Moment

Tyus Edney's Buzzer Beater Sends UCLA to the Sweet 16

I have always enjoyed rooting for the little guy.

My first recollection of little guys playing basketball was in 1996 when our family took a trip to Bowling Green. The specific reasoning for the trip to my mother's alma mater is unclear, but we did get to watch a BGSU basketball game against Eastern Michigan.

Antonio Daniels (BGSU) vs. Earl Boykins (EMU).

Daniels was the rave of Bowling Green at the time and deservedly so. One year later he would be the #4 pick in the NBA draft. But as the game started I could only keep an eye on one player. Boykins.

Standing at five foot five, Boykins was easily the shortest player on the court. But, he might have been the best. I clearly remember my father raving about his play, about how he had to do the "little" things (pun) better than everyone else to make up for his small stature.

Eastern Michigan won by nearly 20.

I told you that story to tell you this one.

In 1995 I was a big UCONN basketball fan. Loved their coach, loved Ray Allen, even loved their mascot. Notre Dame wasn't in a conference for basketball, so I rarely, if at all, watched any of their games. Therefore, UCONN it was.

Ray Allen was the 1995 College Basketball Player Of The Year, and all signs pointed to a strong run in the NCAA Tournament. That lasted until Selection Sunday when I saw the one team I didn't want to see in UCONN's region ... UCLA. They had only one loss and were the prohibitive favorites to win it all.

I don't hate a lot of NCAA basketball programs, but for some strange reason, I despise UCLA. They are the USC of basketball for yours truly. Can't explain it, but it's always been that way.

So, when UCLA was trailing Missouri 74-73 with less than five seconds remaining in the 2nd round, I was firmly planted behind the Tigers' bench. A UCLA loss would clear the way for UCONN to reach the Final Four. But, then this happened.

I vividly remember sitting there, having just watched the following, with my mouth wide open. Couldn't believe it. Didn't think it was possible for a guy to go the length of a court in less than five seconds and get a lay-up. Thought there had to be a mistake.

Part of me still doesn't believe it.

At the time, I was angry, confused, and in disbelief. And wouldn't you know, UCLA would go on to win the entire tournament, including an Elite Eight victory over my beloved Huskies.

It wasn't until that trip to Bowling Green a year later, and watching Earl Boykins play that I started to appreciate what Tyus Edney did.

First of all, Edney was not the star of the UCLA team. Far from it. Ed O'Bannon was first in line, his brother Charles might have been second, and you could even have put Cameron Dollar in front of Edney.

Second, Edney was five foot ten, but looked a lot shorter. In order to get down the court as fast as he did, he needed not just the quickness, but superb ball-handling. Watch that clip again and notice the behind the back dribble, right after he crosses half-court. It sets the entire play up.

And lastly, as the years have gone by, it has become one of the most memorable buzzer-beaters in the NCAA tournament. I put it right up there with Bryce Drew and Valparaiso.

So maybe I didn't enjoy it when it happened. But I can appreciate it for what it's worth now.

Hint for #20: It was at this person's roast where the following joke took place, "Nate Newton wanted to be here, but he had too much trouble stuffing his weed into the over-head compartment. Jerry Jones wanted to be here, but he had ANYTHING better to do. Troy Aikman wanted to be here but he had a concussion opening the invitation."

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #22 Black Sports Moment - Quadruple Double

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #22 Black Sports Moment

Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson Record Quadruple Doubles

Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double for an entire season, and never accomplished this feat (NBA didn't record steals and blocks until '73). Michael Jordan and Bill Russell are the two greatest basketball players of all-time and neither could pull it off. Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game, averaged 50 for an entire season, led the league in assists another, and still was unable to reach this plateau.

A quadruple double.

Double-digit totals in four different statistical categories. It's happened four times in the NBA, with two of them qualifying for this list.

David "The Admiral" Robinson went for 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks, and 10 assists in 1994 against the Detroit Pistons. Hakeeem "The Dream" Olajuwon got his in 1990 against the Milwaukee Bucks when he recorded 18 points, 16 boards, 11 blocks, and 10 assists.

You have to be a completely well-rounded player in order to achieve this almost un-reachable feat. Points, rebounds, and assists are the prototypical ingredients for a triple-double, but a big man will almost certainly have to get his fourth category in block shots, while a guard will look to steals for his.

In 1974, the Chicago Bulls' Nate Thurmond was the very first NBA player to record a quadruple-double, and Alvin Robertson followed suit in 1986 (unfortunately it was five months shy of Matt Barnes being born).

There have been several players approach this historic quad, such as Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaq, and Chris Paul, but only four times has it actually gone down.

Four times in 35+ years of NBA basketball. The twist is that anyone can do it. It's not like Wilt's 100 points, or Oscar's triple-double average. On any given night, a person could put up a quadruple-double. What makes it such an occasion is the rarity in which it does. Four times.

The Dream and The Admiral are two of the best NBA players of the 1990s. They were both athletic big guys who could do anything you asked of them. I'd give the offensive nod to The Dream, and the defensive advantage to The Admiral. You can't think of 1990s NBA without these two being near the fore-front of your mind.

Will we see another quad? It's been more than 15 years since The Admiral accomplished it, and it might be another 15 more.

Hint for #21: Same sport as #22, but are polar opposites. #21 happened in college instead of the pros. #21 was one shot instead of one game. #21 is about one little guy instead of two big men.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #23 Black Sports Moment

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #23 Black Sports Moment

Jarome Iginla Becomes First Black NHL Captain

Jackie Robinson is remembered as the first black baseball player in the Major Leagues. But, he is also remembered as one of the best baseball players ever to play the game. It's a rarity to find an athlete who is one of the first, and also one of the best.

Unfortunately for Jackie, his playing days were well before Matt Barnes came along, so he does not qualify for this list. But thankfully, Jarome Iginla does.

Some of you may not know who Iginla is, and shame on you. Iginla is one of the best hockey players in the world, and has been for quite some time. He won the Art Ross Trophy (given to the person with the most points scored in a season) back in 2002. He helped lead Team Canada to a Gold Medal the very same year. He made it to the Stanley Cup Finals a year later, and most recently recorded his 900th career point.

Have I mentioned that he's black?

In a sport dominated by white athletes, Iginla is an enigma. Yet he is without question one of hockey's best players.

At the start of the 2003-04 season, the Calgary Flames made headlines by naming Iginla the team's captain, which is an incredibly high honor in hockey. It was the first time in the history of the NHL that a black player was the captain. Sure, there have been other NHL black players to come along before Iginla, and a few of them were pretty good players. Willie O'Ree was the first, and the likes of Grant Fuhr, Anson Carter, and Kevin Weekes all have contributed on a positive level.

But none have reached the super-star level that Jarome Iginla has.

It doesn't hurt that Iginla is a super-nice guy as well, donating thousands of dollars each year to charity, and being well-respected throughout the league. Alexander Ovechkin might be the league's best player, but he is not well-respected throughout the entire NHL.

With the Olympice approaching shortly, take some time and watch Team Canada play. You will get a first-hand look at Iginla's world-class abilities.

Not exactly Jackie Robinson, but close enough for me.

Hint for #22: It's been done only four times in NBA history, with the latter two occasions qualifying for this list.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #24 Black Sports Moment - Malivai Washington

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #24 Black Sports Moment

Malivai Washington reaches 1996 Wimbledon Finals

Who knew a kid could have so much fun with a tennis racquet, tennis ball, and a brick wall?

Chances are if one happened to drive down Lindsay Avenue during any decent day between 1991 and 2004 you would see a skinny kid hitting a tennis ball up against the side of his house.

As you could have guessed, that kid was me. What you might not have guessed was that I was playing a Wimbledon Finals match, or a French Open Quarter-Final, or even a Las Vegas Open 2nd Round battle. I had a rankings system, a highlight system for un-important contests, and the ability to mimic each person's serve and style of play.

For the first few years I put myself into the tournaments. Luke Florence vs. Andre Agassi happened. Luke Florence vs. Pete Sampras as well. And wouldn't you know, Luke Florence never lost. Undefeated. Won every match. But the person who gave me the closest battle ... Malivai Washington ... at Wimbledon.

In 1993 I was using ladies' rules, and only playing a best two-out-of-three. We split the first two with the last going to a tie-break. Of all the matches I've played using myself, I've never faced a match-point, until Washington. I ended up winning 12-10 in the last set tiebreak, and went on to defeat Tim Henman in the Finals. After that tournament I retired, partly because I wanted the tournaments to be fair, and partly because I felt bad for Malivai Washington.

Washington's real-life tennis career was never that great. He was an okay player with an okay game. He wasn't world-class anything. Wouldn't over-power you. Wouldn't get to every ball. He was just a solid tennis pro, with his highest career ranking being just outside the top ten.

So, when the 1996 Wimbledon came around, three full years after my experience battling Washington, there was little debate who I would root for after Andre lost in the 1st Round. Mal.

Unseeded, he dropped just one set en route to the quarter-finals. Defeating the likes of Richard Fromberg, Thomas Enqvist, and Paul Haarhuis. Then, in the round of eight, he rallied from two sets to one down to defeat Alex Radulescu. In the semi's he did the same thing against Todd Martin, including an incredible 10-8 5th set victory.

Wimbledon was made for people like Todd Martin, big serve and volleyers. It was not made for Mal, which made his run to the Finals even more inspiring. Not to mention he was the first African-American to reach the Finals at Wimbledon since Arthur Ashe in the mid 1970s.

Unfortunately, Washington lost to Richard Krajicek in straight sets to finish as the runner-up, but his moment of defeating Todd Martin and reaching a Grand Slam Final will never be forgotten.

My experience with Mal doesn't end there. In 2004 during the Cincinnati Masters, my good friend Kwame Christian and I made the trek to see the best of the best play. During our three-day visit, we sneaked our way up to the broadcast booth to get Cliff Drysdale's autograph. Cliff wasn't there, but our consolation prize was none other than Mal. We chatted for a bit (as Kwame and I were the only two fans up there) and even got our picture taken with him.

Then the very next day, we saw Mal doing an interview with Brad Gilbert (Andy Roddick's coach at the time) and again, we found ourselves being the only fans present. After getting Gilbert's autograph, we continued our talk with Mal. Maxine came over and we posed for another picture, and I asked who he liked in the Roddick-Agassi semi. He said Roddick in three, and then I promptly responded, "let me help you out, Agassi is winning this tournament." (Which he did)

So there you have it, my story of Maliviah Washington. From made-up, to afar, to up close and personal. Yes, maybe the Williams sisters should be here instead, but I'm not the biggest fan of women's tennis, and of all the titles they have amassed, is one really that more memorable than the other?

Hint for #23: The first black super-star of this winter sport.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #25 Black Sports Moment - The Rooney Rule

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #25 Black Sports Moment

NFL Implements The Rooney Rule

It's not uncommon for college friends to try and schedule classes together whenever possible. It helps lighten the burden of walking into a classroom full of students and not knowing a single one. It makes studying for tests easier, realizing you will have another mind looking at the same material. Skipping classes and not missing notes is a real possibility as well. And sometimes, it can create memorable moments.

Matt Barnes and myself took several classes together. Philosophy, Intro To Coaching, Youth and Sports, Information Gathering, two History of Baseball classes, and various others. Laughs were shared in most, but in only one did we actually get to do something we both love probably more than we should.

Argue.

Sophomore year we found ourselves sitting in Speech class, with our beloved teacher Rudy. Rudy was from 'out-of-town,' and had difficulty saying every day words. We immediately noted the irony of our Speech instructor having problems communicating, but at the very least we knew it would be an easy A. Barnes kept a running log of all the words Rudy mis-spoke, which kept us alive during those long and boring Powerpoints.

Nevertheless, we did have to give three speeches to the entire class. An argumentative speech was one of those three. So, as has been the norm for the past five years, Barnes and I wanted to do something different. We wanted to argue the same topic, but from two differing sides.

It took us about 3.2 seconds to decide which topic to present.

Affirmative action.

We each presented our case, and even though it was a real possibility our instructor was a benefactor of affirmative action, I thought we both "won" our debate.

With that back story in mind, it's easy to see why the Rooney Rule cracks this list.

In 2003 the NFL decided there were not enough minority head coaches in the league, so they implemented a rule which forced teams to interview a minority candidate for head coaching and senior management positions.

Some teams do a better job than others following this rule, but there would be little arguing that the Rooney Rule has in fact worked. More minorities are coaching in the NFL than seven years ago, and same goes for senior management jobs as well.

Here is my take.

The NFL doesn't have a rule in place saying you have to hire a minority, just simply interview one. Therefore, taking all biases out of the way, nothing but good things can come out of it. Maybe a minority will gain experience in a job interview that will translate to a hire down the road. Maybe, the minority will flat out win the job. It's a good rule when you consider the landscape prior to 2003 when they instituted it.

My one and only problem with this rule is that the NFL shouldn't penalize teams for not following it. They should be rewarding teams for abiding by it. Money, draft picks, etc.

The bigger issue, and has been for quite some time, is why the NCAA doesn't have anything similar. There are four times as many head coaching jobs available in Division I football, yet there are fewer minority head coaches than in the NFL. Doesn't make sense to me.

Hint for #24: It's not enough that most of the competitors are white, this event also makes you wear it. All the more reason why this accomplishment deserves to be remembered.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #26 Black Sports Moment - Magic Johnson

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #26 Black Sports Moment

Magic Johnson's Sky Hook Wins Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals

The phrase 'big players come up with big plays in big games' comes to mind almost immediately when you mention Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals. To be fair, just about everyone playing in the 1987 NBA Finals could be considered a 'big player.' Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin McHale, Larry Bird and Robert Parrish just to name a few.

When you think of the 1980s, the two premier teams were the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. One would have thought (including me) that they met up in the Finals for the entire decade. You would be wrong. In fact, they only faced each other three times for the NBA Championship.

The third, and final time (at least for the '80s) took place in 1987 and in some weird way marked the final conclusion of the Magic-Bird battle. Most, if not all of their meetings were memorable and Game Four of '87 was certainly not an exception to that rule.

With each team having one championship against the other, 1987 was the deciding series. The Lakers were up two games to one heading into Game Four, making it a must-win for Bird and the Celtics. Knowing that, the importance of what Magic did in the closing seconds was even more impressive.

Down by one with less than 15 seconds to go, Bird drained a three-pointer which probably should have been enough had not Magic pulled a rabbit out of the hat on the Lakers last possession.

I could tell you what he did, but in one of the greatest moments in NBA playoff history, images speak much louder, and in this case clearer than words could ever hope to accomplish.

Bird had a chance to make another three, but he just missed giving Magic and the Lakers a commanding three games to one advantage. Two games later the Lakers would defeat the Celtics and win their ninth NBA championship, and second over the Celtics.

Looking back on Magic's career, you could argue it's his signature play. Either way, it is enough to get a spot on this list. It would have been much higher had I remembered it, but just like Keith Smart, I was still crapping my diapers when it actually went down.

Hint for #25: Not a person, a place, or an event. It's a guideline.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #27 Black Sports Moment - Keith Smart

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #27 Black Sports Moment

Keith Smart in the 1987 NCAA Championship Game

Don't think Matt Barnes remembers watching this one live, seeing as he was less than one year old when it took place. But, it was a shot ... and a moment, that Bobby Knight and Keith Smart both will never forget.

Indiana and Syracuse battled back and forth in the 1987 NCAA Championship, and with less than 30 seconds remaining, Jim Boeheim's squad had a one point lead and one free throw left to shoot. With no three-point line in play, it was crucial that the Orangemen converted their last freebie.

Historically Syracuse is a notoriously bad free-throw shooting team, and the 1987 Championship game continued that notion. As expected, the 'Cuse missed their last free throw, and Indiana held for the final shot.

Keith Smart found the ball, and from almost the same exact spot as Michael Jordan was when he hit the game-winner five years prior, Smart showed no hesitation in burying the jumper and giving the Indiana Hoosiers a 74-73 victory.

Indiana's All-American guard Steve Alford was being shut-down by Syracuse during the final four minutes, so Smart figured prominently in the scoring column down the stretch. He scored 12 of the team's final 15 points and was named the NCAA Men's Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

Has there been a 1987 F'd Up Tournament, Keith Smart would have been a top four seed.

The NCAA tournament is known for buzzer beaters, but very rarely does it happen in the Championship game. The only reason this is so low on the list is because both Barnes and I were too young when it took place.

Hint for #26: He stole his teammates' signature shot to steal a victory.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: #28 Black Sports Moment - Shani Davis

By: Luke Florence

2010 Black History Month: #28 Black Sports Moment

Shani Davis in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games

Anyone who follows this blog knows about my love and passion for Cool Runnings. The rumors are true, I can quote any line of that movie verbatim. At one point, John Candy (their coach) is talking about how fast his guys are. A friend then asks Candy, "but can lightning run on ice?"

Shani Davis answers that question with a resounding YES.

FACT: Prior to 2006, no black athlete had won an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics.

FACT: Shani Davis was the first.

If I had to choose between watching the Winter Olympics or the Summer Olympics, I wouldn't have a tough decision. It would be the Winter Games hands down. One of the reasons I enjoy it over the ones held in Summer is because besides figure skating, I love all of the competitions held on ice - including distance skating.

I'm not going to watch some Kenyan run 400 times around a track, but I will watch the 1500 Meter speed skating. It's just more entertaining.

In 2006, Shani Davis became the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics thanks to the 1000 Meter speed skating event. Add a silver in the 1500 Meter race, and it's safe to say Davis was one of the bigger stories in the 2006 Torino Games.

If you were to look at Davis on the street, you would have no idea he was a speed skater. He's simply too tall. At six foot two, Davis is the tallest American speed skater, but once you learn his back story you begin to notice that ordinary and Davis do not go hand in hand.

At the age of three, Davis continued to get in trouble for roller skating too fast. The Chicago, Illinois native was then enrolled in a school for speed skating where he quickly shined. At the request of his mother, who wanted him to gain more endurance, Davis had to wake up in the morning and run a mile before school.

Add all of that up and you have a long-distance speed skater in the making.

Davis just cracks this list because I do remember watching him four years ago, and I do remember his historic victory. When you are the first to do anything, it usually adds to its' value.

The Vancouver Games are less than a week away, and expect Davis, who currently holds three world records to be in the mix for another gold medal.

Hint for #27: This "intelligent" basketball player was a big reason one of my favorite 40 sports personalities won it all.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2010 Black History Month: Black Sports Moments - An Intro

By: Luke Florence

Sometimes life gets in the way.

That's the only explanation for why we are six days into February and there hasn't been a single mention of Black History Month. Last year it was a bit easier to sit down for an hour each day and punch out my favorite black television characters. Didn't have a job. Didn't have a girlfriend. Didn't have a dog, let alone two (just happened three days ago). Didn't have a death in the family hit me.

Life just happens sometimes and when it does you have to prioritize. Unfortunately, this list fell by the way-side. However, it can still be salvaged. Here we are on the sixth day of February with the intro. By this time tomorrow, hopefully we are all caught up. It could happen, believe.

As our good friend and resident blacketologist (bracketology rip-off) Matt Barnes awaits, I present my tribute to him during his one month of the year. The best black sporting moments since July of 1986 (when Earth was first graced with the presence of Matt Barnes).
But first, some back story.

Barnes has already done most of that in his blog post HERE, but I felt it was important to provide a look into my mindset before we embark on this incredible journey together.

First, the question needs to be addressed, what exactly is a moment??

It's hard to define but impossible to forget. We all remember where we were when Barack Obama was elected because history deemed it a monumental moment. We all remember where we were when Syracuse and Georgetown battled for six over-times because we've never seen anything that crazy. We all remember where we were when the World Trade Centers collapsed because we all knew our lives would never be the same again.

It appears a moment can be a person, a game, an event, or even an entire day.

With that in mind, how will I determine what qualifies for this list?

Well, limiting my database to the past 23 years makes it a little bit easier because I should remember most of them. Sure, there might be something that takes place in the late 80's that I do not have a recollection of happening, but those will be few and far between.

Whenever I make a list, especially for Barnes, I try to implement a few things. First, I want to make him laugh. Secondly, I want to surprise him. Lastly, I want it to be accurate.

This specific list creates some challenges because the term "moment" (as we just discussed) is quite broad. My hope is to create a list that is full of variety. Unique sports, females, and firsts will all be given a preference.

But in the end, this is my list, so the order will be determined by my recollection of these moments. Whether it be a game, a day, an event, whatever, how well I remembered it, enjoyed it, and rooted for it, will all play a factor. Don't forget the black-white relationship and its' importance in my Black History Month (BHM) lists. It bumped Turk from Scrubs to #2 last year, and it just might do the same this year as well.

So there you have it, a long introduction to my BHM list this year. It's the least I can do for Barnes.

Enjoy February boys and girls. It's cold, it's short, but it's also important.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."