I am thankful to those who left comments and would like to further open the dialogue on the topic of race and journalism in sports. In my last post, I specifically stated my observations of how many blacks play in the NFL and how poorly represented blacks are in NFL coverage (broadcast booth and NFL shows).

While I do realize that there are more blacks covering NFL games today than ever before, I must admit that the minute proportion of blacks covering a sport they dominate is still alarming. There is small percentage of white players in the NFL, but whites make up the vast majority of the NFL experts, commentators, reporters, and analysts on popular TV. I will easily concede that in the past, blacks were not given opportunities to become part of popular sports media, but I feel that blacks are STILL not given enough opportunities today.

In case you missed the detailed breakdown of NFL experts on the different popular tv networks, go back and read my previous article from September 25, 2009. In short, I am not accusing popular sports media of being racist. I am merely articulating my observation.

I assume that the general prerequisites for becoming an NFL expert in popular media is to have some form of higher education in journalism or have some sort of experience in the NFL (coaching, playing, officiating or even as an owner). For the time being, let us group sports broadcasting with sports journalism.

NFL experts with a background in journalism tend to be aloof when it comes to the emotions and thought processes of the players and coaches on the field, which is why color commentators are needed (b/c color analysts are usually experienced in the NFL as opposed to journalism). Guys like Jon Madden are able to use their experience to identify with what is happening on the field.

Since most color commentators are players or coaches with NFL experience and no background in sports journalism, it would be nice to see the racial proportional in those positions resemble the racial proportion on the field. These coveted jobs should be equal opportunity jobs.

Instead, there is an unequal number of white retired players who are offered these positions, many of them quarterbacks. Since quarterbacks are the leaders and the face of the team, it makes sense why TV programs want to put these players front and center, but these TV programs are making very little effort to put black faces in these positions.

For example, while players like Trent Green, Troy Aikman, and Phil Simms are in the broadcast booth for big games, there are not many black quarterbacks who are in those spots. Guys like Warren Moon and Charlie Batch are offered inferior positions as analysts on inferior networks. The same goes with coaches.

The media will blame the NFL for the racial disproportion. The media will state that they want big name NFL quarterbacks or big name coaches and since there are not many big name black retired quarterbacks and big name black coaches, these positions usually go to white guys. This seems like a cop out because the networks do not have to place quarterbacks and coaches in such high esteem. They may just be using the quarterbacks and coaches excuse to keep their booths lily white.

I think there are too many cop outs when it comes to racial inequality in sports. It’s 2009 and the U.S. has a black president. I am tired of hearing excuses about how long it takes things to change. These TV networks have the ability to change immediately, but they choose to make slow minute changes. They are able to keep things status quo while also claiming to be tolerant since they throw blacks a couple token positions here and there. In large, nothing changes and I do not expect to see NFL media dominated by blacks anytime in my life. So even though blacks are the ones doing the dirty work and making the money for the NFL and companies that cover the NFL, there are still excuses being made for why blacks are not fairly represented in NFL media coverage or in NFL coaching positions or NFL front offices.

I am sure most of you will think I am reaching on this subject. Crying racism when there is no racism. My opinion is that there is NO real racism here. I am not accusing the networks of being racist, but I am saying that when there is an obvious inequality, we don’t just shrug and accept it or try to make excuses for why things are unequal. When you see a problem, you address it. There is a problem when the sport is dominated by blacks, but all the coveted positions associated with the sport are dominated by whites. It is reminiscent of, as much as I hate to say it, slavery…

I am just wondering if anyone else sees the disparity in the media coverage. I cannot argue with you if you do not see it because it is a subjective thing. I put out the detailed data in the last article. According to the facts, there is a gross disparity in the number of blacks playing in the NFL and the number of blacks covering the NFL. Does it concern you or is it no big deal?

Even though I am making an observation based on race, I do not believe there is any racism at play. I just feel like the odds are stacked for those favored by the popular networks. Though it may seem that the networks prefer lily white, I do not believe this to be the case.

The networks are afraid to make any sudden changes. So while popular sports media 30 years ago was basically all-white, networks have enacted a quota that opens up token positions here and there for new types of employees such as minorities (blacks, Hispanics, and women), comedians (Frank Caliendo), controversial figures (Rush Limbaugh), and former athletes with colorful personalities such as Terry Bradshaw, Michael Irvin, Keyshawn Johnson, and Mike Ditka.

Guys like Moose Johnston and Trent Green fit the network’s traditional mold so I have no problem watching and hearing those guys in the broadcast booth. I just feel misled when the broadcast booth consists of two stale guys like Troy Aikman and Joe Buck and they try to explain the emotions and thoughts of guys on the field who are nothing like Aikman or Buck. It would be nice to have someone who can truly identify with a majority of the players on the field, regardless of color. Listening to a guy like John Clayton analyze the diva attitude or wide receivers is far and away different from getting insight from a guy like Michael Irvin or even a wholesome guy like Cris Carter.

I think there are great candidates being passed over because so many popular NFL media positions go to the traditional types like Kenny Albert and Joe Buck. These are guys who may be articulate, but have almost no clue about the sports they are talking about.