Friday, September 25, 2009
Crackin' Up
My blog this week centers around a one-time star basketball player of the town of which I grew up nearby. Emanuel Mayben of Binghamton University has just recently been arrested for the selling of CRACK COCAINE! This was beyond a shock to me, as I can't believe someone with a promising future would throw their lives away in such a careless matter. His attorney stated in an article that Emanuel was released and back in class by the following day, which is almost unbelievable in my mind. Since when does someone convicted of selling hard drugs get released by the following day? His bail money certainly couldn't have been cheap, but someone obviously paid it, which leads me to my next point. WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU SELL CRACK IF YOU HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY?! Couldn't he have just borrowed some from his parents? A coach? Hell, he was the all star of the 2005 high school basketball team in Troy NY, where he then got a scholarship to play for Syracuse, although his grades were too low for him to ever step out onto the court. After being transferred around for a while he recently found himself in Binghamton for at least one more year of college ball. He might not have been a top round draft choice for NBA teams, but whatever chance he had to become a professional player is now out the window. I think it should go without saying that he should never wear a team jersey again if he is found guilty. I have plenty of friends who live in Binghamton and have been in and out of that town my whole life, and it's no secret that there are certain streets that you just do NOT go down because of the serious crack problem's in the ghetto districts, I've even had friend's who lived in the city get robbed by men who were looking for things to sell for crack money (the robbers were all caught and convicted and, luckily, my friends survived). I guess the real question here is whats happening to our youth? How can someone be so willing to absolutely destroy their future, especially after we've grown up in a time that's seen and exposed us to the sad and serious dangers of hard drug abuse. I'm extremely angry with Mayben's actions, he's disgraced himself and further damaged the reputation of a college that is trapped within a declining city. But at the same time I feel a small amount of sympathy for the young man, because this is a mistake he is never going to recover from. Never.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This was a great article and I can't believe this kid;s actions. I can not say that I know of him, but I don't understand why someone could throw away their future like that. This is unbelievable to me. If I had that skill I would find anyway not to screw it up. I am a sports freak and if I had the skill to become pro, I would do my best to make sure that happens.
ReplyDeleteHey Tom, great article. I also grew up right around the capital region, so I have some recollection of Mayben. Even during high school, I could remember hearing about how good he was, but behavior problems and grades set him back a great deal. Yes, your right, I think with hard work, and determination, Mayben probably had the skills to go pro, if not here, than over seas. However, I agree, the real question is what's up with our youth willing to throw their lives away like this. Also, where are his peers? his coach? his parents? Obviously if he is selling crack, he clearly at one point or another has exhibited some behavioral issues somewhere along the line. How has no one stepped in to help him? I understand that D1 sports are a demanding, in terms of performance, but a lot of these kids need coaching on life, rather than on the court. Some colleges should reconsider how, and what they are teaching their young athletes.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your article, you make some excellent points about college ball and lost opportunities. This athlete seems that he made really dumb decisions and the point that you make about how he was easily bailed out is very surprising to me! You are so right! Why should he be bailed out so quickly if he has the money to spend on crack and deal? This must have been a real eye opener for the athlete himself and for you. Because you live around the area and have friends and are aware of this street must have really surprised you. Great article! Keep it up!
ReplyDelete