With President Trump’s feud with the NFL still swirling around the liberal media, sportscaster Bryant Gumbel signed off of his HBO show, REAL Sports, on Tuesday by thanking Trump for waking up American athletes. But being Bryant Gumbel, he had to go as low as he possibly could. With claims that the President was being racist, he lamented that America hasn’t come that far.
“Finally, tonight, a quick thanks to the current occupant of the White House for energizing the social consciousness of the modern American athlete,” Gumbel began.
“That occupants weekend series of racist, churlish, and childish comments drew a variety of stunning rebukes and actions, which suggests that jocks may finally be realizing that apathy won't cut it anymore,” he smeared and praised. “That, in conjunction with their fame, they have important civic roles to play, especially now.”
Playing himself up to be some sort of intellectual, Gumbel opined about he and certain others were looking forward to the day athletes would become politically motivated en masse. “Those of us who’ve long focused on the intersection of sports and society have often wondered what it would take for today's athletes to forsake the path of least resistance and actually stand for something, and now we know,” he told the camera.
“Many suddenly seemed not just willing but also eager to follow in the giant footsteps of Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russel, Billie Jean King, Roberto Clemente, Arthur Ash and many others who courageously use their athletic platforms to challenge authority in the pursuit of justice,” he added.
Gumbel wrapped up his monologue by lamenting how somethings in America have changed very little: “Back in their day, Bob Dylan famously said, "The times, they are a-changin'," and that’s still true today, as well as is the sad reality that certain things haven't changed at all.” Presumably, he’s referring to America’s racism.
Transcript below:
HBO
REAL Sports with Brant Gumbel
September 26, 2017
10:58:24 PM EasternBRYANT GUMBEL: Finally, tonight, a quick thanks to the current occupant of the White House for energizing the social consciousness of the modern American athlete. That occupants weekend series of racist, churlish, and childish comments drew a variety of stunning rebukes and actions, which suggests that jocks may finally be realizing that apathy won't cut it anymore. That, in conjunction with their fame, they have important civic roles to play, especially now.
Those of us who’ve long focused on the intersection of sports and society have often wondered what it would take for today's athletes to forsake the path of least resistance and actually stand for something, and now we know. Many suddenly seemed not just willing but also eager to follow in the giant footsteps of Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russel, Billie Jean King, Roberto Clemente, Arthur Ash and many others who courageously use their athletic platforms to challenge authority in the pursuit of justice.
Back in their day, Bob Dylan famously said, "The times, they are a-changin'," and that’s still true today, as well as is the sad reality that certain things haven't changed at all.
And that is our show for this evening. For all of the good folks here at Real Sports, I'm Bryant Gumbel. Thank you so very much for being with us and good night.
