Travis Thomas: Travis Thomas Experience Turns 33
This week, I embark on a new age. My fellow Libra's out there know what I'm talking about. The Travis Thomas Experience turns 33 years young and there are a few things happening in sports that, because I'm older now, I recognize for BS. Anybody else notice the nerve of the NFL with fining players for wearing those Beats headphones? The NFL has a strict policy after signing an endorsement deal with Bose that players can't wear any other headphones except Bose. In fact, they have been fining players upwards of $10,000 every time they don't comply. Now we see players taping over the logo on headphones so they appease the Boss. The NFL has some nerve. First of all, you should not be allowed to dictate to players (many of which had endorsement deals with Beats in place already) what kind of headphones they wear before or after games. Secondly and more importantly, doesn't the NFL have bigger problems to worry about? Roger Goodell and his cronies should focus all their energy on ridding the league of women and child abusers. Instead they want to make sure they continue the hypocrisy that is the NFL.
Speaking of hypocrisies, how about the NCAA suspending Georgia Bulldog Todd Gurley? I know the rules are in place for a reason (however brief in this case), but as usual the NCAA and University can cash in on this young man's talent, but he can't. If I'm Gurley, I shut it down for the rest of the season and start training for the NFL Combine. For what it's worth, that's the best thing for him anyways. Georgia fed Gurley on every play and we all know Running Backs are on "pitch counts" these days in football. The life of a premiere Running Back doesn't last long, so I hope Gurley shuts it down and kills it at the next level (possibly as a Raven?). Have you noticed the new wild goose chase to bring down FSU Heisman Trophy Winner Jameis Winston for autograph signing? The NCAA is a joke, and it's just a matter of time until these players get the earning rights they deserve.
As many of my loyal followers know, in addition to being on Radio, I'm a Producer at Comcast SportsNet in DC. One of my favorite assignments is covering the Washington Capitals. So needless to say, I love hockey and if any of the readers/listeners out there want to talk puck, I'm your man! But it always amazes me at how people respond when I tell them that. As a black man, do people expect me to only like basketball, or football? I must say, I'm very open when it comes to race and racial stereotypes. I've dealt with it my whole life and still do every day. With that being said, props to the NHL because if you look around at Pro Hockey now, it's full of black stars. The Subban Brothers, Jarome Iginla, even one of the best Capitals, Joel Ward, is black. There are a lot more in the league both young and old.
As The Travis Thomas Experience turns 33, I'm much wiser, open, and reflective on my views. I think it's time we throw out stereotypes in sports. Much like our society, sports is also much more diverse and accepting, it's time we ALL follow suit.
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