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It’s as simple as that. If you want to compete in the hood you have to be able to hold your own. If you’re not strong mentally you won’t be able to compete let alone win. So kids in that environment learn to be tough early on or they won‘t make it. You can’t afford to get labeled as the kid that can’t take the trash talk because you’ll get targeted everyday. Guys will intentionally go after you just to break you down mentally. Those are the rules.
It’s more than just a game it’s about who is tougher between the ears. Those that are the toughest mentally usually become the better players. Those that aren’t, typically quit before they get out of middle school. That’s just the way it is. It’s cultural and there’s nothing anybody can do about it. This is the way these guys were taught to play the game. How can they get an edge on a guy that has the same amount of talent that they have? There’s no secret formula or magic potion, just rattle the other guy until he breaks.
Also the game is a lot more fun to play when everyone understands the rules of engagement. The weak individuals were eliminated in middle school so that the real trash talkers make it to high school. Then the celebrations and talk gets even louder and more harsh. By the time guys make it to college it’s at a fever pitch. Why do you think that the Miami Hurricanes were so successful in the 1980’s thru 2001? Yes, they were obviously better than other teams but they also got into their heads and wore them down. It's much easier to beat guys that were internalizing the trash talk and taking it personal. It’s called “gamesmanship”. I can beat you as long as I’ve got you doubting yourself and many times that means trying to embarrass you in the process. If I'm successful, I win.
That’s what Michael Irving “The Playmaker”and Deion Sanders “Prime Time” were able to do to their competition. Remember when Billy “White Shoes” Johnson would do the crazy legs in the end zone and people would go crazy? That made the game fun to play and to watch. It's entertainment isn’t it? Why are people trying to take the attitude out of the game? That’s what makes the game the game!
I hear the commentators so many times demonizing the actions of players like DeSean Jackson by saying that he’s disrespecting the other team. That’s exactly what he’s trying to do. Point blank! He’s trying to get into their heads so that he can win the game. However, the only people that make comments like that are people that didn’t grow up in that culture.
The only guys on the field that get offended by DeSean falling backwards into the end zone are guys that didn’t grow up in the hood. Well…80% of the guys on the field grew up in that culture and already understand the rules. So who's being disrespected?
Players know if they don’t want to see this guy dance, celebrate or talk trash; they’ve got to keep him out of the end zone. They don't care that the guys calling the game and the rules committee may be offended because they aren't competing against them. They're trying to do what's necessary to beat the guy in front of them. If you're not from the hood and don't understand it. I can only say, "It's not going anywhere. Charge it to the game!" What’s your opinion?
Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
Twitter: @jaygravesreport
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