Huby's Halftime: Ja, WNBA, and the Florida Man
Welcome to Huby’s Halftime. As the end of school approaches I want to thank everyone for riding with me in this new creative endeavor. It’s been a joy to see y’all support. Let’s hop into this conversation about Ja Morant, the WNBA, and the state of Florida.
Ja Morant
I’ve had the privilege of being a middle school teacher since 2017. Over this time I have had the joy of seeing children grow into themselves and be people that make great impacts in their communities. A few weeks back I was scrolling through Instagram stories and came across a former student’s post. This student and a current student of mine were flashing wads of money and vapes. Immediately the thought comes to mind, “why are y’all moving like this?” Did they not remember the conversation we had just had about Ja Morant? Does Ja not remember the conversation we had about Ja Morant?
It is completely fair to say that Morant is moving like a middle school boy. Flashing weapons on IG live, for what? Clout? Just mere weeks after telling us that he was done making these decisions, Morant is back like he never left. We must move to truly holding him accountable for his actions. Not just for his money and generational wealth, but his life.
When I see these IG posts, I see my students. Someone making irrational and short sighted decisions. As someone who is entrusted with teaching and mentoring young Black and Brown folks, this world does not offer us the room to make irrational and short sighted decisions. Sure, there is a conversation about equity and fairness but now is not the time for that. I want Ja Morant to move differently not because he is an incredible basketball player who we need in the game, but because he is a person deserving of a good life. I do not know him personally, but I do know people who have moved like he is moving and it typically does not end well. Not always in a loss of life but in ways most would deem negative.
With this accountability, comes a measure of care and help. Anytime a student makes an irrational and short sighted decision, yes I must hold them responsible for their actions but we must also ask “Are you good” or “Is there a way I can help you”. As we push Morant to accountability, I pray there are also people there to support him. Can we stop thinking about Ja the basketball player and care for Ja the person for a minute. If the league is going to say “Black Lives Matter” then let’s take care of the ones we currently employ. Not just for ticket sales, but for the flourishing of Ja Morant’s livelihood.
WNBA
It is time for the W! After an incredible off-season, the WNBA is ready to tip this Friday May 19th. So many great storylines to follow this season. My Atlanta Dream has a sneaky good roster. Can the Las Vegas Aces repeat as champions with the addition of Candace Parker? How quickly will first overall pick Alyiah Boston find her groove in the WNBA? After a long period away, will Britney Griner still be an elite basketball player?
So many great storylines to go along with some of the best basketball on the planet. If you enjoyed watching the Women’s NCAA tournament this year, the W is for you. Tap in.
Florida
Check any preseason college football rankings and you will find two teams nestled into the top 25, Florida and Florida St. Florida, heading into their second season under coach Billy Napier just saw their QB Anthony Richardson drafted in the top five of the NFL draft and will be looking to improve on their lackluster season.
The Seminoles are returning a lot of players and coming off a 10 win season. The hype is back to a place it has not been in years in Tallahassee. Will this be the year Mike Norvell gets the Seminoles back to prominence?
Or will the football dreams of a return to the rivalry in the 90s be thwarted by the sinister policy decisions of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis?
Earlier this week, DeSantis signed a bill into law that bans public universities from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These programs exist on college campuses to ensure that there is a safe space for students of diverse backgrounds and that there is diversity amongst the staff being hired. All things that would be of importance to the many Black athletes these universities will be recruiting to be so called student athletes.
If we are going to pretend that these athletes are just the same as the other students that attend these universities, where are these coaches, ADs, and other support staff in calling out these racist policies? How can they confidently walk into the homes and towns of these prospective athletes and say that they will be safe and protected?
Norvell has shown himself once, when he lied about having conversations with his players about the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Will he do what is right by his players and program and call out DeSantis? It would be wise not to hold your breath.
Perhaps a group of players will walk out. We also saw in 2020 the power of the players when former Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill helped to force the state to remove the Confederate Flag from the state flag.
While the players have power and we would love to see them flex it, I will never expect that from them. They have much more to lose by taking such a stand. But for those who are some of the highest paid state employees in the state of Florida, the least they can do is stand up for those whose labor makes their salaries.