The players let the NBA dominate them. The kneeling thing was the first time I can remember that the players got together to make a political statement.
The NBA could have been a means to create 100s of black millionaires from the 70s forward. We could have used the NBA or the players could have to build generational wealth, use their fame to further black empowerment, etc.
The players used their money to floss, be baby daddy to multiple women and chase Becky. Lets keep it a buck. It was so bad tha the NBA needed a class for the rookies. It was for all players but it was for the black players. The white players were good. They grew up in middle class families and had the foundation of generational wealth.
There was a stat in the '90s that said most NBA players (the black ones really) were broke within 5 years of retirement. Not the white players. Same in the NFL. The players aren't going as broke these days because the salaries and the endorsements have gotten so big, its harder to go broke. Second, thankfully, there isn't that locker room flossing, clout chase where they are competing with each other to see who has the most expensive suit, biggest gold chain, biggest house and most exotic car.
Not as much, it happens but not nearly as much. As black empowerment grows the players will be pressed harder to take one side or another. They will try to stay in the middle but it won't be easy if it all once we get more numbers.
