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Like most coaches in the Chicago Public Schools, Simeon's Robert Smith is deeply concerned about reports that all of the city's interscholastic sports programs below the varsity level will be scrapped unless educators find other ways to pay for a $700 million budget deficit.
"We're setting our kids up for failure if there is no underclass or feeder programs for athletics. What will they be doing? They can't go to the parks," said Smith, who guided Simeon to its third boys state basketball championship in the last five years in March.
"All of the young men and young ladies aren't good enough to play on the varsity. They already have too much idle time as it is. Will they hold a basketball or baseball or football in their hands? Or will they hold a gun in their hands? We have to help them make a decision as to what they will be holding in their hands."
Smith, who recently declined an invitation to apply for the head coaching position at Chicago State to stay at Simeon, points out the values of participating in high school sports. Surveys indicate that athletes have better attendance records than other students, that they have better graduation rates, that a higher percentage of them go to college. And they aren't prone to be involved in gangs, drugs or street violence.
"So you're going to take that away from us? Smith said. "There are kids on the streets right now, from 2 to 7 o'clock, when kids get shot and killed. They have nothing to do during a time when they used to be involved in after-school activities. Dropping sports isn't the answer."
Smith said he and many other coaches are searching for answers. "With so much debt in the school system, I don't know what the answer is," he admitted.
He called upon all former and present professional athletes with Public League roots to give back to their schools. He pointed out that two of his former players who currently are playing in the NBA, Derrick Rose and Bobby Simmons, have donated money to Simeon.
"All professional athletes should be giving back," Smith said. "They have to realize that they wouldn't be where they are at if they didn't have sports, if they didn't come out of the city schools.
"I do know that if I didn't have sports, I wouldn't be where I am now. It got me through everything else. At this point, we're killing our youth. We've got to do something about it."
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I think the ill affects of the "streets" and the youth who "choose" to participate in sports... Is like comparing an orange to a banana.
First, at best... there may be 40-50 players participating in the boys basketball programs at Simeon.
Simeon's benefits, as it relates to boys basketball; are far more enjoyable than 90 percent of other boys basketball programs in the Chicago Public League. So, in using the influence of a few players on their program as a whole, is somewhat a slap in the face.
From a corporate standpoint, Simeon benefits more by its "associations" to those who can provide the "freebies", far out weigh the impact of what a few players "donate".
The problems the CPS kids face on a daily basis is far more encompassing than just the possible removal of "feeder sports programs".
I have few questions...
Why can't the CPS, per sport, develop a meaningful "corporate partnership" with the very companies that make the most from our at-risk youth, such as: Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Coke Cola, Pepsi, Mc Donald's, Burger King, Levis, Gap, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, etc. ?
We see our kids get "exposure" for their efforts on the court with METV, but; what finacial exposure do we enjoy from such productions that can serve as "revenue generating-like" program to support volleyball, softball, swimming etc.?
It seems to me, that our "broader focus" as to how we make a meaningful effort to remedy the problem, is stuck in the mud of politics and those who "do for self". Its seems to be time for a more open minded approach to the ill's of CPS sports... But, to the issue of our kids daily pressures of "the streets", makes talking about the influences of a few lost programs- overall- a drop in the bucket as a whole in saving our children- sometimes from themselves.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
CPS SAID THEY WERE GOING TO LAYOFF 2,000 TEACHERS, THAT HAS BEEN REDUCED TO 700, SO RELAX, THE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS WILL BE FUNDED NEXT SEASON!
Curtis :
You're wayyyy off on this one. Coach Smith is absolutely correct. Curtis, you must not like Rob, but the issue is state funding. Sports impacts not only the players but the total school community. It builds school spirit and a social avenue for students, parents, community, and faculty. Do you think the spectators benefit from the experience of cheering on their classmates???? Sports are needed in the inner city more than anywhere else. You've made intelligent comments here but you're off on this one. How easy do you think it is to get sponsorships? evidently you have never experienced trying to. The only reason METV shows basketball games is because certain sponsors want to fund it. Other than a few football games, the other high school sports are not attractive enough to sponsors for them to want to pay fees to televise it. There is no benefit to the business. Also, the talent level that makes basketball entertaining is not present in the other sports. Basketball shoes are still being sold more than any other merchandise. Do you take the offer to show basketball, or do you say no because you think it's wrong. You should know this based on the knowledgeable comments you've made on past issues on this blog. there's no corruption around this issue. The funding or lack thereof is the issue. Kids will be affected and it has nothing to do with ills or selfishness within the CPS coaching ranks or the sports program. Your comments shouldn't be personal on this funding issue. Stick to the facts. You're straddling the fence and losing more street cred all the time. I'm just sayin..... I always tell it like it is. Now, you tell me what the lack of funding has to do with the ills and selfishness you mentioned here. What does it have to do with education funding? Interscholaastic sports is funded through the educational funding system right? Get your facts straight, and educate yourself about the lack of state funding. You are not an expert on the chicago public league. You have fooled no one. You get an F for your comments here. Coach Smith is on the money.
Hmmm... an "F" awwwwww, you serious? I'm not that moved, I tend to get myself in some "words of struggle" when I don't buy into the ways of those who sport morality, but; deep down... are in love with the "game" within the game.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Ps. Heading out-of-town for a little vacation, take care guys.
By the way... Mr. Hill
Your comment on my "street cred", is at best comical. I assure you, my "overall" body of work as it relates to getting program funding and sponsorship; directing and consulting over tournaments, camps and talent evaluations; coaching, commenting, and reporting on the sport of basketball- and the business of basketball- over more than several decades... is probably way beyound your reach. So, my comments are "not" for the sake of conversation, my comments come from experiences you would never understand and levels you probably will never reach.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
What I don't get is only 20% of every dollar the cps gets goes into the classroom and 80% goes to administration.It should be the other way.
Curtis:
Let's face it. You are a fake, but I'm not fooled by your double talk. You're talking to someone who has played in CPS and college, has taught,is an administrator, and is from the community. I know a faker, and i can recogneize BS when I see it. I am a masters prepared administrator. What you wrote about CPS is BS, and you used personal feelings within your comments while showing your ignorance to the real issue of the lack of state funding. I know how CPS benefits from basketball and the TV deal with METV, and it's a good thing for the kids and the organization just as the weekly CPS sports show is. So what if Rob and Simeon, and Whitney Young, and Morgan Park gets gear and shoes from nike. They need it. funding is the issue. You can fake Taylor and others out, but I'm in the community and in the know. You are a fake sir. I've been waiting to bust you out since you said something negative about Hambric. You are just the type of brother we don't need faking to represent our community. You have no idea who you're talking to. You're a straight up fake and everybody knows it. Step off this issue because you're ignorant to the fact. Whatever decades you've written, you've held no substantial position in sports in Chicago, and you've played no significant role to contribute to anything in sports. Curtis, you are a fake who uses double talk to validate yourself. Tell me why I'm wrong, and i'll comopare resumes with you. Your whole card just got peeped. You need to go on vacation. You have no street cred in the city. You better ask somebody about me. By the way, I came off the bench at Dunbar back in the day when I played with Ronnie Lester, Calvin Davis, and Ken Dancy.
I bet you never played anywhere.
First, I will and have always used my "full" name to say whatever it is I have to say.
Secondly, it should be known, that the statement I made- whichever your refering to- I can not only document, but; it can be backed by the player involved- again, whichever statement your refering to.
So, whenever, Sir; you would like to openly talk in a manner that is respectful, factually, with a full name... I'm always game.
Also, if your refering to any staement that was published within a blog on this site, please specify, because it should be known that I have already stated my concern directly to Mr. Bell as to a"specific" I gave him verbally, that was not intended for the blog subject manner. Having said that, I again- openly, with my full name stated, can back up my words.
All due respect, Mr. Sammy,
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Any idiot whether he uses his full name or not can sit back and criticize the minorities who are ostracized at the highest level while receiving the crumbs of the pie.
Do something to help. Talking negative smack here about black folks (including the few black administrators) doesn't bring in state funding. Most people with average intellect form opinions based on facts and not personal feelings. Write your state senator and ask them to make sure the CPS gets level funding to keep sports programs in place. That's something all of us can do to help, because Curtis Sr., YOU damn sure cannot run the citywide sports program. You have no clue. Again, you lost all of your street cred. The word is out. We don't need any fake brothers rolling with the folks in the sports community. Notice I didn't use your full name here, but we know who you are.
You know, you have stated that you are an administrator, yet; there are several factors- as an educated man you are- you have failed to acknowledge...
First, in my response to Mr. Bell's blog on this particular issue, I never mentioned the coach personally, my point in my response was that the submitted equation of:
Robert Smith, his success as a coach, and Simeon as a whole... fails in its application to the other issues mentioned:
CPS shortfalls as to being able to support non-varsity sports, and; the "everyday" ills kids- athletes or not- face on the streets of Chicago.
Now, you say or imply that you have been lying in wait to challenge my "motivation", that's fine...
However, I ask you... Do you think as an CPS administrator, that you are portraying the best image as a well-educated, and civil debater? Or, are your emotions running too high, making your "challenge"- minus the street bravado, which validates the ongoing stereo-type that African-Americans can't debate without losing their cool in the heat of a aggressive discussion- an impossible feat?
Running the CPS athletic administration is a challenge, I'm sure... However, I don't think there is any state or federal law the prohibits me from stating my displeasure as to how it is being ran. Remember, whomever runs the CPS athletic administration is acting on behave of the "public".
So, Sir... I will return to preparing for my vacation, and; your remarks are accepted, but; have no validation as to the issue whether or not I have "street cred"... Besides, there are more streets in America, other than Chicago. And, I would like to think in the grand scope of things... my "overall street cred" is just fine and will grow with my "work", not just words.
Mr. Sammy, I look forward to your reaction to my literary works, and; if your listed... I'll personally make sure you have an invitation to "scrutinize" my "work", in "public".
I appreciate your passion and fight.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Sammy,
you keep mentioning "state funding", so et me ask you a question,
Why is it, that everytime something goes wrong in the chicago public schools system, insiders responses are always along the lines of "Give us moe money and the problems will be solved"?
This reminds me of General George McClellan during the civil war. Lincoln kept asking him to attack. He responded, the enemy has two or three times the number of troops my army has, I need more men.
In reality, McClellan had the numerical superiority.
Gen McClellan did not use what he had to the best of their ability.
If there is not enough money in CPS, take what you have and use it WISELY.
You say you are a CPS administrator, well I am a businessman and city taxpayer, so, since I pay your salary, quit your whining and do your job with what you have.
When the economy improves, the money will return.
Im from the burbs; but Sammy is dead on. Its all state funding..clear cut. The state feeds the schools. Due to macroeconomics across Illinois schools are being underfunded; so what do they do..look to cut back until the money arrives. I wont knock Curtis K Jackson like Sammy but I will say this..
So what if a school or program receives higher sponshorships than others. If it is about do for yourself then everycoach should do it
WY, MP, SImeon, deserve the sponshorships. If your program is successful more power. Once Marcus Jordan arrived at Young the team was decked out in Team Jordan gear. SHould their coach or admin have said "nope we cant do it. our team is going to wear chuck taylors to keep it natural" HA!!!
IF you beleive that than you are way to naive to even be taken has a serious basketball commentator.
The problem lies with recruiting(from coaches..kids will recruit each other regardless they are peers) and illogical transfers in HS. But thats another subject.
Waukegan my alma mater built itself from the ground up the past 30 years. Do you think Waukegan should have turned down the ESPN exposure, new uniforms this season, and focused attention...NO.
Success of a program breeds both tangible and intangible rewards that no successful program should be ashamed for receiving
GEAR AND SHOES AREN'T THE PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM IS PAYING THE OFFICIALS, PAYING THE COACHES, PAYING FOR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE GAMES, NOW IF EVERY CHICAGO PROFESSIONAL FRANCHISE WOULD STEP UP TO THE PLATE, AND SUBSIDIZE THESE COSTS, THE CPS CAN MOVE FORWARD AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PAYING FOR SOMETHING, THE PROS CAN DO FOR THE YOUNGSTERS OF CHICAGO!
I REMEMBER WHEN LEO DURHAM OF THE CUBS WOULD GIVE EQUIPMENT TO EVERY CPS HIGH SCHOOL WHEN HE HIT A HOMERUN!
WE NEED MORE HOMERUN HITTERS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND SWING FOR THE FENCES!
PUNCH AND JUDY HITTERS NEED NOT APPLY!
Guys:
Joseph clearly gets it, and he's from out of town. Caps and Curtis, you're both still a little twisted. Your opinions are flawed because you fail to understand that state funding is the issue. You continue to criticize things you don't understand. If sponsorships and funding from professionals was easy to acquire, don't you think CPS would have it? Leon Durham's gesture was nice, but it was peanuts compared to the 10 million or so CPS needs to run interscholastic sports programs annually for the almost 700 schools. Running the largest program in the state and arguably in the country is more than a notion, and much more than $500 in equipment to a school per home run. This includes the 17 sport-2 level elementary sports program that I'm sure you guys know nothing about. Caps you're one of the biggest whiners on this blog, and Curtis you continue to talk in circles. Reading your works would probably give me a headache. Both of you guys need to "get real". Opinionated guys like you two should educate yourselves about the impact of the nearly 1 billion dollar deficit CPS is dealing with. You are clearly dabbling into an area where your specific knowledge is limited. Don't try to be experts outside of your areas. Sports and education is being impacted in a negative fashion due to lack of state funding more than ever before. Do you know that Illinois is 49th out of the 50 states in state funding for public schools? As an advocate for interscholastic sports, I understand that interscholastic athletics impacts every single thing including attendance, gpa, social development, discipline, and graduation rates. The notion that you guys are fans and followers of sports is great, but don't try to pretend you're experts because NEWSFLASH: You're not! The answers to this crisis is funding. FYI Phil, it's not asking for more money, it's asking for level funding to maintain the existing programs and classroom sizes. Don't just speak aimlessly, do the research, or do business people and fake writers do that?
Sammy,
before you go insulting anyone who has a viewpoint other than yours, answer me two question since you are so informed.
1) Last school year (2009-2010), what was the total amount of money the city/state/fed government gave the CPS system for its high schools?
2) How many total students attended CPS high schools last school year.
Answer these two questions, then well continue our conversation.
Phil K:
My man. You've really got a lot of nerve butting in here and challenging my intelligence with elementary questions. First of all I have no interest in conversing with you. Secondly, most people know the CPS budget is over 5 billion each year and that approximately 425,000 CPS students attend school in Chicago. Everyone that is, except you. Take this as your educational informational lesson for today. I'm sure these guys don't need you to defend them. We already know where you stand with the comments you've made on this blog showing your jealousy of the CPS basketball success by pointing out all you believe to be negative. Go wipe your nose, and stay out of grown man conversations.
By the way 125,000 of the 425,000 CPS students are high school students.
WILL ROCKY HILL REPLACE CHRIS HEAD AT BROOKS OR WILL ROCKY TAKE THE CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY JOB?
STAY TUNED!
Sammy,
Have done a little research and can't find where Illinois ranks 49th in funding. Can you tell me where to find that information?
Jay:
I'm not sure of a link, but I've attached excerpts from the Illinois School Board Journal below stating this fact. It's been listed in numerous articles. The only state that funds less than Illinois is Nevada, which compensates with the gambling revenue.
ILLINOIS SCHOOL BOARD JOURNAL
March/April 2010
Although Gov. Pat Quinn's budget spared cuts to education and actually funded programs that were slated for the chopping block, the summer of 2009 was no victory for school funding advocates. The inequities between districts in Illinois are still quite significant.
At the October 7 EFAB meeting, Ralph Martire, CTBA executive director, told the board that Illinois ranks 49th out of 50 states in the portion of education funding covered by state (versus local) revenue. Illinois is more reliant on property taxes than even seven other states that don't have income tax.
To: Sammy,
After reading your responses to other bloggers re: budget short falls, and; reviewing some of the alternative means the Detroit, Philadelphia, New York City and a few other Public School Systems used as an approach to adressing some of their respective sports budget woes, I had few questions.
What is exactly the ratio of the monies received for sports in CPS is used for administrative pay, coaches pay, operational expenses, and product for performance (equipment, referees, transportation, sports wear, etc.)?
Also, have CPS sports administrators whom are due raises, made any offer to take that money donate for alternatively run programs?
Finally, what "specific" plans or actions have CPS taken to approach major corporations for off setting some of the cost to administrate and operate some of the sports programs that likely will be loss?
Getting ready to catch a connecting flight for a long trip, so... Please be patient with my reply.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Sammy,
Thank you.
IT IS TIME FOR A PERSON OR PERSON'S WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS TO RAISE MONETARY FUNDS TO STEP UP, THE OLD DAYS OF WAITING ON THE STATE TO FUND EDUCATION HAVE COME AND GONE!
AT BLOOM TOWNSHIP THEY HAVE COMBINED THEIR ATHLETIC TEAMS, THAT WOULD BE A SHAME FOR SIMEON AND ANOTHER SCHOOL TO HAVE TO COMBINE TEAMS TO MAKE ONE TEAM BECAUSE OF BUDGET SHORTFALLS!
ALL THE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES, ACTORS, DOCTORS, ACCOUNTANTS, ETC,...., MUST STEP UP AND SIT DOWN AND COME UP WITH A MECHANISM THAT PUTS THE BACON ON THE TABLE!
CURTIS, SAMMY, PHIL K., I NEED YOU TO CHIME IN WITH SOME POSITIVITY ABOUT WHAT I AM SAYING?
THE CPS SHOULDN'T GO UNDER LIKE BP, OUR YOUNGSTERS DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS!
YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE CHARTER SCHOOLS YOU WANT, BUT SOME YOUNGSTER OR YOUNGSTERS WILL ALWAYS ATTEND A PUBLIC SCHOOL!
Phil:
I'm definitely in lock-step agreement and will chime in with you to say that corporate partners, professional athletes, and famous alumni must step in to help. They did it in Detroit. Chicago is so large that it is a special case. here's the inside scoop: Most people don't know that the CPS ethics policy prevents Board employees from soliciting, so the external partners office has to do all of the district's fundraising. Central office employees can only refer potential donors to that office or execute contracts after legal review. Knowing these things makes me sensitive to comments stating otherwise. Curtis my brother, regardless to what you read the CPS sports administration office hasn't had a raise in two years, and they are not unionized employees. As a matter of fact they've had to take 7 furlough days this year. The citywide sports administration's salary is about 12% of the sports budget. The coach's salaries is 90% of the remaining budget. Other costs like transport, officials fees, awards, and etc is 10%. Schools pay most of their own transport and non conference expenses. Solicitation and fundraising efforts are ongoing. A number of school and community groups have surfaced and presented plans to address the funding issues. How successful they will be, no one knows. Neither does anyone know what the budget will dictate for CPS sports next school year. it has not been announced. Though all are hopeful, if the sophomore funding cutback is an indication, it is expected that some level of the program will be lost. Maybe supplemental funding will be secured. Supporters are working behind the scenes. I applaud superstar Derrick Rose because my inside source has informed me that he has made a monetary donation to the sports program already. A press conference could be coming up soon.
I looked over the CPS budgets from 2009 (couldn't find this years).
From a monetary standpoint, there is alot of 'wasteful spending' throughout the system.
For instance, throughout the nineties and early 2000's, pension costs rose at an average rate of about 5 or 6 percent. Over the last five or six years, pension expenditures have risen an average of 19 percent EACH YEAR!
OUT OF CONTROL!
The CTU won't like my suggestions, but something could be done about that. I e-mailed some teachers in CPS and they said that many teachers recieve huge raises just before retiring so their pensions inflate. THis practice could be ended.
I noticed ALOT of unneccesary "Directors of...", Several of these 6-figure administration positions could be eliminated.
Just some suggestions.
Phil K, I know they really have cut a lot of positions at the Board's central office this year. My hero Bo Ellis and about 15 others were cut from sports this spring. The FY 2010 budget is on the CPS website and has this years funding. Sammy is right in that Board employees cannot fundraise or solicit. Schools can, but what they raise is peanuts in comparison to what it takes to run the largest sports program in Illinois and arguably the country because of how it's configured. Maybe 11-12 million each year? help me Sammy.
To: Sammy and Phil and others who are interested,
To be honest with you, I kinda already knew, or; shall I say "expected" you to respond as such. I get it, and; I also have a father who taught in the CPS system for over thirty years before retiring and is also a undergraduate of Chicago State University.
Sammy you stated: "Most people don't know that the CPS ethics policy prevents Board employees from soliciting, so the external partners office has to do all of the district's fund-raising. Central office employees can only refer potential donors to that office or execute contracts after legal review. Knowing these things makes me sensitive to comments stating otherwise."
I am also aware of this, however; I have personally been successful at "legally" working around- but within- the set rules of other Public School Districts to solidify corporate partnerships that address both sports and academic sponsorship needs. This is why I was curious.
To me, CPS sports funding could be accomplished via an meaningful- yet external connectivity- if it- as a public entity- could be more open to private entities with established relationship with major corporations that have funding set a side for just this purpose.
The legendary Rucker Summer League, in NYC; was faced with the lost of major operations & free lunch program sponsorship from record labels and entertainers for the past few years that threatened its continued existence. However, with some creative marketing and promotional plans that suggested a corporate partnership for not just the league, but; with the community- hiring Harlem youth to satisfy its pooled respective need for holiday and seasonal temporary hires- it became more than just a "basketball league sponsorship", it resulted in an year around social economical partnership.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
It true. Many people don't realize that Sports Administration also runs citywide Driver Education and oversees all of the Physical Education teachers from grades K-12 in CPS. There are about 900 P.E. teachers. This department also manages the academic debate and decathlon program which is an interscholastic academic competition program which is much like sports, as a city and state champion is crowned. My buddy C. Davis has a whole lot on his plate, and the budget is about 12 - 14 million annually. He does a great job and quietly takes the criticism with the territory.
DRIVER ED MONEY IS IN A SPECIAL FUND, THAT MONEY COMES FROM THE STATE, ALSO DRIVER ED, IS WHY SOME PE TEACHERS DON'T COACH, THEY MAKE MORE MONEY TEACHING DRIVER ED AFTER SCHOOL THAN COACHING!
ALSO EVERY PE TEACHER ISN'T QUALIFIED TO TEACH DRIVER ED!
YOU HAVE TO TAKE EXTRA COURSES TO GET THIS CERTIFICATION!
Curtis:
If you have corporate sponsorship ideas that can bring in anything close to 10 mill annually, please phone the external partnerships office at CPS. Also Phil is right about driver education and coaching. Sources tell me that around 200-250 Phys. Ed teachers are endorsed to teach driver education, and it pays a good amount more money than coaching sports because it's year round.
Sammy,
Thank you, for the invitation. However, can you specifically share what ideas and/ or efforts you or any employees or officers of the CPS sports administration have suggested to this office of external partnerships to off set ten million dollars of your budgetary need. I ask this, because; given the record of "our dialogue", thus far; I'm not quite sure if your invitation is genuine, or; one laden in sarcasm, all due respect.
You see, corporate partnerships are not built on a foundation of "name calling" or "antagonism"... No, there developed with a mutual respect involving a thirst and want to serve a better good.
Finally, I have to admit... I have absolutely no interest in participating in such a endeavor with CPS, because such an participation would go against what I fundamentally believe in, and would not help me in my cause.
You see, Mr. Bell has my intentions on record... Which encompass 100% of my efforts benefiting the "kids and their parents" by providing resources directly to them on the business of basketball while pursuing an education.
This is my passion...
So, though I appreciate your invitation, I have to say that particular ship has long sailed off . But, my efforts in the private sector for the near future involves former influential college and NBA players- not just limited to the Chicago area- which will give me an alternative means to interact via a "hands-on-approach" to the abuses that occur on the grass roots basketball level.
So, you may find error or dislike in my response, and that's fine. However, this is the path I have chosen to "give back"... in a way that I can "directly participate" in- not by sitting on my hands from them bench- no pun intended.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
I KNOW THIS IS GOING IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION, BUT A BIG SHOUT OUT TO GARRETT WOLFE OF THE CHICAGO BEARS FOR STEPPING UP AND BUYING THE NEW UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT FOR EISENHOWER HIGH SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL PROGRAM!
A NATIVE CHICAGOAN GIVING BACK, THAT IS THE KIND OF HEART AND EFFORT THAT IS NEEDED BY PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES, HE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO IT, BUT HE DID IT, OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF HIS HEART!
GARRETT WOLFE A REAL HERO!
Curtis:
My invite was borderline sarcastic and you answered just as I thought you would. I already know you are not a genuine individual who brings something to the table. I knew you would have nothing to offer. The funding crisis is not about me, or you, or name calling. It's about the largest interscholastic sports program in the state possibly needing support. I say possibly because the jury is still out on the funding for next year. Many things are in the works to support the effort. All you can give is your uninformed opinion which has no value. You're just a blog head who fakes as if he has an agenda, but really doesn't. I will now end my dialogue with you, but understand that you have been exposed to all who read here. Be aware that you're talking to someone who has the information you're faking to have. Hopefully you'll get my drift and stop fooling yourself.
Sammy,
I will continue to give my opinions, whether or not; you agree with them. As to your invitation, well...you said it all. And, as to your comments about what you know, again... I'm not moved, nor worried. But, again... I like your fight, wish that fight in you would was not shackled by the contraints of politics and rules that prohibit you from doing more. I also wish you would share "exactly" what your own ideas are of how you would address the 10 million dollar budget crunch... I mean, your official capacitiy does not prohibit you from stating your ideas, do they?
So, again... your challenge is accepted, and my "public" invitation is meaningful and you can bring whatever or whomever you like to address my "work". I absolutely welcome it.
So, I guess we'll have to just agree to just disagree. Enjoy your summer, and I wish you well with your efforts.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Curtis:
We definitely have to agree to disagree. You're on a different page and your opinion means nothing because you are uninformed and unqualified. Tell the truth, you really have no work, do you? Name a position you have held, or currently hold. I dare you to lie. I mean, you're out in space. You mentioned the Rucker League? That's a community summer league that is by no means a comparison to interscholastic sports and education. Keep working on your syntax too so you can write a sentence that expresses a complete thought. I won't share any ideas with you, but I will end my ongoing communication with you. I'm going to switch back over and begin to re-focus on the positives like what Phil mentioned about Garrett Wolfe's equipment contribution to the suburban school. We need more pros to make contributions like that, and monetary ones as well. My time shouldn't be wasted on exchanges with a faker like you. It should, and will be directed in areas where a positive difference can be made. You're living in fantasy and I'm in reality. That's why we have clashed.
Sammy & Curtis Sr,
As a product of the Chicago Public School System, and now; as lawyer I find it somewhat disappointing that two men with obvious interest in the CPS funding crisis are unable to see that their problem is issue is with one another, but should be with a Judge refusing to act on its due discretion, that being Taylor Bell.
Mitigation is a tool that most lawyers tend to resolve legal disputes where the cost of pursuing or defending a matter legally is in the best interest of both sides, from a monetary standpoint.
I must admit, for full disclosure; that I am familure with Curtis Sr., because I have been a member of the South Side YMCA for over twenty years and I recall a basketball event he ran there that benefited some 100 high school players from CPS schools. To this day, he is still viewed a "mythical" figure as to his influence on youth basketball, but I do recall him being able to get Juwan Howard to visit the South Side YMCA to speak to day care kids upon his return from the Dapper Dan All-Star game. I remember, because he passed out several boxes of that T-shirts and shoes he brought back from that game to kids at the Y free of charge.
After reading the opening blog by Taylor Bell on "this" issue: Public League in crisis, it seems that Curtis Sr. was making a point towards Taylor, not towards any other specific person. It appears his argument made issue with Taylor's inference of Coach Robert Smith and Simeon's success as a single school was a bad example in its comparison to the affect of the streets upon our youth as a whole.
In Court, his complaint would have to be taken as is, and not used as a vehicle to take opposition with by bringing up facts or issues that have no probative value. In other words, it appears Sammy used his dislike of a statement Curtis Sr made in a different, unrelated case or comment; to establish a basis to take issue with him as a person. And, that is wrong and should have been resolved by Taylor Bell himself.
Sammy, its obvious you do not like Curtis Sr, and your defending your boss (Calvin Davis), friend and former teammate is respected. But, in a Court; it would have been stricken as having no relevance to the "issue" that was up for debate. Also, Sir you may want to remember that as a employee or director representing the CPS, you should always represent yourself professionally. Because, the name calling you used followed by no direct evidence to support it would be seen as a potential case for libel.
Finally, it appears Curtis Sr has offered you a chance to direct your issues with him and his work in person, so why don't you take him up on it. You never know, under different circumstances you all might find common ground to resolve your cases against one another.
Think about gentlemen.
Wow! A mythic figure for running a camp for 100 kids. That's a good one. So Taylor's the judge, I'm the bad guy, and I guess you're the jury. You and your old pal Curtis are wasting your time on this blog. You need to take your act on the road. Ever heard of Jokes and Notes on 47th Street? They're looking for new acts. Your analysis is ludicrous. I can see why you guys are friends. Thanks for the free advice but it's not useful to me. I've already removed myself from conversing with Curtis. If you read my previous entry you'll see that I expresed a desire to end my communication with him and I have no interest in talking to him further. I will refrain from responding to any more comments from Curtis, or from you. (I will practice my self restraint) It is a waste of words.
To: Sammy & Taylor Bell
Final reply...
Sammy, I personally don't understand your negativity, or the lack of understanding the simple points that have been made to you in a respectful manner.
I don't know Curtis Sr. as well as you have suggested. I only made a reference to what I recall about him, and; his actions as a witness.
As to my description of him being a "mythical figure" in regards to his contributions to youth basketball were submited as a personal view, and comprised of what I've heard about him from others who do know more about him. Hence, the word mythical.
Taylor, my efforts to offering a possible solution to these two men were made mostly for a mutual benefit. But, for the record, you may want to educate your blog site contributors on the term "internet defamation".
Good night, gentlemen.
To all of those who blog here:
For the record, I made an attempt to call Mr. Bell last night, to have a discussion concerning the "professionally damaging" intent of blogger Sammy (a CPS Administrator). However, due to the time zone differences, I believe I may have called Mr. Bell a bit too late for him to accept.
For this, I apologize.
There are individuals who blog on Mr. Bell's web site who do so with the intent to make a meaningful comment on his offered subject matter, from a particular point of view. And, whether or not; someone opposes that view point, that opposition is done so via a challenge, but; with respect- for the most part.
However, during the recent subject manner offered for debate entitled: "Public League in crisis" I took issue with Mr. Bell's presentation of that subject, because; I felt that he could have chosen "better" examples to illustrate his proposed subject. Such as; a freshman or sophomore coach who could best provide examples of how the proposed state budget cuts would affect his or her freshman or sophomore CPS sports program.
This was my intended opinion "point".
However, Sammy (a CPS administrator) used comments to defame me as a person, professional writer, and; as to my ability to "meaningfully" act or participate in ways to address the needs of kids who attend CPS schools, whether or not; they participate in sports (particularly basketball). However, he done so using "mandatory language" without proof.
As a matter of law, I have been advised, that I would not only have a case to pursue him, a public entity, and others for punitive and monetary damages, I could also seek injunctive relief to permanently stop this from ever happening again. Not to mention, he refused to "act" in a way to validate his assertions.
I find it disturbing, that someone like Sammy refused to "read and comprehend" my comments as offered, in the "spirit" as they were offered, simply because he has a "personal agenda" that includes manipulation with unrelated subject matter.
Maybe, he should have "noticed" something, no other bloggers who frequent this site openly supported his "damaging tirades" spewed for the purpose of executing me personally and professionally.
As advised, "internet defamation" is a crime that not only affects me, but; everybody whom I'm professionally connected to as it relates to my character in the business of basketball and as a writer.
I end my comment by saying I encourage all comers as to challenging my ideas, thoughts, or comments posted to this blog site.
Please, keep it coming...
However, frame your remarks in a way that attack me nor anyone else, personally or professionally with the intent to "damage"- without proof.
Because, I won't.
As I have said to Mr. Bell a few times (metaphorically speaking) keep this in mind- "Never go to a gun fight, carrying only a knife".
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.