The Olympians: Shani Davis

Texas76132
February 13 2006, 10:31AM

Good for him. He has every right to persue his dreams to become an Olympian the way he sees fit. There shouldn't be any controversy about him not being a team player because if he gave up his spot on team events, it should be a non issue because someone else was given an opportunity they wouldn't have gotten otherwise. I would love to see a gold metal around his neck.

K
February 13 2006, 10:33AM

Keith, I think Mr. Davis has a right to want to compete individually. Unfortunately, on his website some of the threads people have left are extremely insulting, including calling him a "N". Hopefully most people do not share these same sentiments.

Kenneth Winfrey
February 13 2006, 10:47AM

He should be permitted to follow his own star and not be forced to comply with what others thinks he should do. He probably understands this having grown up and overcome the hyper-masculine, self-imposed self-sabotage slave mentality that led his peers to criticize him back then as well.

Danny
February 13 2006, 11:53AM

If he loses the individual competitions he could end up having no gold medals; at least if he joins the team competition there's a good chance he'll get one. It cuts both ways but yes he has the right not to join the team competition.

Perry
February 13 2006, 12:08PM

Kudos to Shani Davis for perservering to reach excellence in his sport. Best of luck to him in his Olympic pursuits.

octavio
February 13 2006, 2:03PM

DANNY...you sucker! joining the pursuits doesn't ensure his chances of winning a gold medal any more than if he does the 1000 or the 1500, and let's not forget that he set the world record for the 1500. Chances are he won't be doing this in another four years, so why not shoot for the stars? You clearly don't have the heart of an Olympian, save your risk-adverse advice for the next conservative. It's do or die time and Shani's got my support! Go Davis! And fuck a team, Shani is tryna make history! Win or lose he can bring his proper, 6'2" 185lb speed skatin ass home to me:)

phd2b11
February 13 2006, 3:17PM

I ain't mad at Shani. The olympics is a once in a lifetime event for many people. You live for today because tomorrow is not promised!

DRCOOL
February 14 2006, 1:57PM

Shani is a medal contender in the 1000m and 1500m longtrack speedskating events. The pursuit is the day before the 1000m. Participating the in pursuit will be in conflict with the 1000m. Other competitors in the same situation are also choosing to forego the possibility of racing the pursuit for the same reason. I have not yet seen any media questioning those competitors.

FRE
February 15 2006, 8:18PM

This thread reminds me of something I heard at Home Depot.

I was in the paint department and heard a young black employee telling a white employee what had happened to him earlier in the day. A couple black guys he knew confronted him at work and berated him for having a regular job. That's similar to what happens to some black high school students when they do well in school - they are berated for "acting white." I've heard that some good black students even hide the fact that they are getting good grades because otherwise they would be harrassed.

I don't know what the solution to all this is and, because I am white, I don't pretend to understand it completely. But it looks to me as though social pressure from some blacks is preventing other blacks from reaching their full potential.

As long as people are acting in a responsible manner, they should not be harrassed by others.

foxtrout2006
February 15 2006, 8:59PM

Amazing and Inspiring are the two words that describe atheletes. Atheletes of color who participate in white dominated sports are on an even greater scale. I personally was an athelete in college who competed in a white dominated sport (swimming and waterpolo). When I hear of atheletes of color competiting in white dominated sports I get this feeling of euphoria. Feelings much like I felt when I attend National competitions of about 5oo+ people in attendance. Where I would only see one maybe two other people of color, also competiting.

Hopefully the next Winter Olympics will have even more people like Shani. Great job and good luck.

foxtrout2006
February 15 2006, 8:59PM

Amazing and Inspiring are the two words that describe atheletes. Atheletes of color who participate in white dominated sports are on an even greater scale. I personally was an athelete in college who competed in a white dominated sport (swimming and waterpolo). When I hear of atheletes of color competiting in white dominated sports I get this feeling of euphoria. Feelings much like I felt when I attend National competitions of about 5oo+ people in attendance. Where I would only see one maybe two other people of color, also competiting.

Hopefully the next Winter Olympics will have even more people like Shani. Great job and good luck.

Chris
February 15 2006, 8:59PM

Davis is a selfish loser. Member of the team in January. Only made it public that he never had an intention to skate 4 days ago. LOSER

Marc
February 16 2006, 8:44AM

I live in chicago and was appalled to hear some african american youths speaking about Mr. Davis at a coffee shop near the Northwestern Campus. Their contentions were that it was doubly important for Mr. Davis to skate for himself and not help his white team mates. The more he wins on his own and not part of a team the better for Mr. Davis.

I wonder what the response would have been from the African american community if the day before the team trials the white team members "pulled out" for their own self interest and left Mr. Davis the only one holding the bag.

# posted by Anonymous : 7:41 AM

Alfred
February 16 2006, 10:10AM

SHANI DAVIS FOR 2006 LEON AWARDS!
This is a no brainer. If he skates with the pursuit team he is almost guaranteed a team gold medal. Then if he is lucky enough to win an individual gold, he is a double winner. He gets more gold and looks like a good guy.

However, by not skating he hurts his teamate's chances in both the team and individual medals, while improving his own chances. However, he puts more pressure on himself in the individual races, and, as before, nothing is guaranteed. If he loses in the individuals, he is a goat, and it is his own fault.

Way to go Shani!

Bill W
February 16 2006, 12:45PM

Shani's behavior is a disgrace to the US Olympic Team.

NamGirl
February 16 2006, 3:55PM

I say Go SHANI !! I hope you win. as for his behavior..."Disgrace" is a bit harsh. the man trained for this event,its his life, his body and his CHOICE of how he wants to compete. Worrying that the team is might not win without him implies little faith in the rest of the team member. God speed SHANI!!

DRCOOL
February 16 2006, 5:01PM

Ignorant statement:

This is a no brainer. If he skates with the pursuit team he is almost guaranteed a team gold medal. Then if he is lucky enough to win an individual gold, he is a double winner. He gets more gold and looks like a good guy.

I am a speedskating coach and have been involved in the sport for 28 years. There are NO GUARANTEES in speedskating or in sports for that matter. There are so many factors which make an athlete successful. A full discussion would take volumes on this topic.

Where did you get this idea?:

Davis is a selfish loser. Member of the team in January. Only made it public that he never had an intention to skate 4 days ago. LOSER

Davis never ever indicated he was going to race the pursuit. US Speedskating may have conjectured the notion. The press may have reported it as fact. As a member of Davis' staff, I make the official statement: DAVIS NEVER EVER INDICATED HE WAS GOING TO RACE THE PURSUIT.

To review the offical Davis rebuttle under the announcements header:
http://shanidavis.org

Hector
February 17 2006, 1:10AM

Is it Shani Davis's right to opt out of the pursuit? Absolutely! However; he had better train very hard for his premier events, and win Gold. If he fails to win Gold after his snubbing of his fellow U.S. teammates, then he had better take his time coming home. Not because he failed to win Gold, but because he chose his own selfish interests instead of putting the team first. Yeah! I know, it's not a team sport! I wasn't aware that Shani Davis was representing himself, and not the U.S. uniform he's wearing and the country that helped financially to get him where he's at. I guess he can be part of the U.S. team when it suits him. It's funny, that every other countries star skaters, decided to skate in the pursuit for thier country and team. What does that say about Shani Davis? This attitude, that it's all about me and getting mine is really old. If he want's to be an individual, then let him do it on his own and pay his own way. The U.S. should get ride of anyone who let's the team down in that manner, no matter if they are black, white, brown, or blue for that matter. That means idiots like Bodi Miller also! It's the United States Olympic team, not the Shani Davis or Bodi Miller team!

Ands
February 17 2006, 10:07AM

The recent negativity in the press regarding Shani Davis’s decision to focus on the 1,000 meter and 1,500 meter long track speed skating events in Torino has led me to seek out pertinent quotes regarding fair competition. Taking the high road is the only fair path for all.

So to give you some perspective on fair play, here is a quote from Ambassador Sotos Zackheos, Permanent Representative of Cyprus, to the UN General Assembly in a letter from November 1997:

“. . . In the search for excellence every athlete is equal; and victory is the result of ability, training, hard work and perseverance. Discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, sex or otherwise is incompatible with the Olympic spirit. . . It is important, to strengthen adherence to the Olympic ethics, especially the need to conduct the Games in a fair way. . .”

And this from the UN General Assembly, prior to the 2004 Summer Games in Athens:

“the goal of the Olympic Movement is to build a peaceful and better world by educating the youth of the world through sport, practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding, promoted by friendship, solidarity and fair play”

Maybe Bode Miller is right; I don’t think many of the journalists or broadcasters lend any credence to the concept of fair play. It is clearly being ignored. (Incidentally, I find it curious that a Google search of the NBC Olympic site for “the Olympic ideal” yields absolutely nothing of relevance whatsoever.) It is sad to me that the true ideal of the Olympics—and I stress the terms MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING and FAIR PLAY—are being forgotten these days. And by solidarity, I don’t think they mean flag-waving nationalism, either.

Shani Davis deserves to compete on a “level playing field” where all athletes are treated with respect whether they choose to participate in a certain event or not. He deserves more respect than he is getting, and I am ashamed of our local press in particular for spreading fuel on the fire and making him an unnecessary scapegoat before he’s had a chance to display his true talents to the world...namely, the 1,000 meter and 1,500 meter events.

babubby
February 17 2006, 10:35AM

Shani Davis is not a team player. He has disrespected his US Olympick team, his country and his self.

He doesn't understand this yet because he is not a mature man, but a little boy. He should be sent home immediately. But the USOC will use him to garner a few medals instead.

The writer of this article talks about his negative publicity as if it is undeserved. This is incredulous as the MEDIA HAS BURIED THIS STORY.

LBC
February 17 2006, 12:31PM

Regarding Shani Davis.
Pulled out of the team pursuit? BALONEY
Shani was NEVER on the pursuit team! All the negative and vicious comments are coming from people that don't know one end from the other!
Also - MY OPINION - Regarding the TP. Who ever heard of a sport or venue that picked the third place as the winner?
STUPID.

Sam LBC
February 17 2006, 12:33PM

Regarding Shani Davis.
Pulled out of the team pursuit? BALONEY
Shani was NEVER on the pursuit team! All the negative and vicious comments are coming from people that don't know one end from the other!
Also - MY OPINION - Regarding the TP. Who ever heard of a sport or venue that picked the third place as the winner?
STUPID.

Mark
February 17 2006, 12:41PM

The race issue notwithstanding: Did you all realize that he's the sole team member not wearing the US sponsorship, and is instead wearing a *foreign* sponsorship logo?

Did you realize that this guy was kicked out of numerous high schools for fighting? Did you realize that he doesn't even *train* in the US?

I agree that skating isn't necessarily a team sport. But just what is it about Shani that's, ummm, *AMERICAN*???

Other than the American welfare $$ that Momma has undoubtedly collected at some point in time, that is...

American
February 17 2006, 1:10PM

Let's get this straight. Shani is as selfish as they come. To those of you that argue "if he doesn't want to compete in the team event to enhance his chances by conserving energy..." Blah blah blah.

He attempted to skate both the long events *and* the short events. He failed to qualify for short events, but let's assume he qualified. He'd be skating a helluva lot more than just a quick team pursuit event within short track events, rest assured.

Difference is: He'd be (yet again) skating for Shani Davis in those short track events, and NOT for America or for his team. Just like he's doing in the long events. Gawd, what a selfish prick.

I hope this guy gets his ass handed to him before he skulks back to Canada. To the extent that this nimrod doesn't want to be American -- there are those of us that don't want Shani Davis living here and/or calling themselves American. It's just too embarassing to his countrymen.

GO HOME.

NamGirl
February 17 2006, 1:32PM

Man, there are some vicious people in here. Its just a stupid sporting event. no need to go insulting people's Mamas and calling them "welfare queens" keep your racist comments out of here. The bottom line is...if Shani wins anything, the GLORY goes to America [too]. so all you proud Americans who are ready to eject him to Canada, calm your nationalistic asses down. As for "foreign" sponsorship, A MAN'S GOTTA DO WHAT A MAN'S GOTTA DO. If "foreign" sponsorship is all he could get, then i say do whatever it takes to further your olympic games.

Nirvana
February 17 2006, 1:56PM

MARK--I DO NOT appreciate your remark..."But just what is it about Shani that's, ummm, *AMERICAN*??? Other than the American welfare $$ that Momma has undoubtedly collected at some point in time, that is..."
First...I think Shani's birth in Chicago is more than ENOUGH to qualify him as an AMERICAN.
Second...please, do not poison Keith's website with *racist* stereotypical remarks about black women and welfare. I DO NOT appreciate your insinuation that Shani's mother was what ignorant people like you call a "welfare queen".
Third...Shani's mother had a nice job working for an attorney and thus did NOT need to be on welfare.
Fourth...just so you don't continue life in ignorance regarding welfare: A MAJORITY OF WELFARE RECIPIENTS ARE...WHITE!!!! Let me spell that out W-H-I-T-E. Not Black.

mbubby
February 17 2006, 2:32PM

There is no excuse for the generalizing about his mother.

However, there is no excuse for Shani Davis feeling that it it just fine to not care about his fellow American Olympians or his country.

To clarify the endorsement situation...he can get endorsements from whomever...but he is in current litigation for not using US Speedskating sponsors who pay for US training.

Once again Davis is not part of the team. He is not liked by his teammates and he has earned that distinction.

I have more respect for a Chinese athlete than I do this alleged American.

Mark
February 17 2006, 4:51PM

OK Nirvana, I'll bite.

I began my post with "The race issue notwithstanding". Please look up 'notwithstanding'. My post was initially qualified thusly, because, let's face it -- it's being posted at a site for blacks, largely frequented by blacks, and with it's own "racist" bias. His skin color (or yours, for that matter) aren't a factor in either Shani's role in (mis)representing our nation, nor in my need to vent - here in the only forum I could find dealing with his (most recent) transgression.

I'm trying to say that if this guy were white, blue or purple I would find his self-centered, alienating behavior deplorable.

For the record, I'm Jackie Robinson's biggest fan.(Jackie - who understood his awesome charge as a role model, as opposed to sending a "me, me, me" model to his youthful admirers).

Shani Davis has abundantly shown that he's no Jackie Robinson.

You know -- I'm not entirely sure his mother is even black. Her appearance, in fact, suggests otherwise. Rather, my welfare comment was based on the fact that she's on record as exploiting every advantage on her son's behalf. Involved in litigations with the USOC, skating committee, domestic sponsors, et al. From http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/special/story/389635p-330591c.html
"'She plays the race card early and often," Jim Jeter, an international speed skating race official who is black, told the Chicago Tribune.'"

SHE plays that despicable $&%# race card.
Her. Cherie Davis.

So perhaps my welfare comments were out of line, perhaps not. Seems entirely plausible that if working the system, and if exploiting every possible advantage is her order of the day...

But Mbubby's right -- I shouldn't have said that. And I apologize.

The fact that YOU equated welfare with blacks when skin color was *never* mentioned - well, knock me over with a feather! See, the thing about stigmas and generalizations having basis in fact is not lost on me here. I'm a white man and - OK I'll admit it - I can't jump worth a damn.

Hence, W-H-I-T-E (sic) welfare percentages: You're palming that card you're holding in your hand there, Bud, and you know it.

Whites are 80% of the nation's population, comprising 37% welfare repiciency. Blacks 12% pop./ 36% recip. Trust me, you DO NOT want to start flinging facts & figures here on a subject of this sensitive nature - especially while so obviously resorting to skewing an example to fit your personal agenda. Ding ding ding -- thanks for playing.

Look, this isn't about race. It's about a very lonely speed skater. A *Canadian* speed skater wearing a US outfit. A *Canadian* speed skater wearing a US outfit NOT adorned with the US sponsorship worn by every last one of his teammates, but that of a Dutch corporation. Yeah, he may have been born in Chicago -- but he lives in Canada, all the while very visibly snubbing his teammates, his nation's corporate sponsors, and - by logical extension - anybody who values the patriotic aspect of these Olympic games.

Maria Sharapova was born in Russia, yet lives in Florida, and *plays* Davis Cup for the UNITED STATES team. Likewise Martina Navratilova.

Gotta love the fact that their patriotic colors are flown proudly for their, umm, for lack of a better term, HOMELAND. I like to think that upon their return to Russia/Czech they'd play for those respective teams.

Any honorable person would.

The day the Williams sisters move to Canada, endorse foreign sponsors, eschew Davis Cup for a more lucrative (read: self-serving) tournament elsewhere and continue to accept US/WTA money (while simultaneously litigating with the hand that feeds them, no less!) is the day I STOP being a Williams fan. White, blue or purple though they may be.

cmoney
February 17 2006, 7:02PM

With racist comments made by so called "Americans" like Mark up here, is it any wonder he lives in Canada? (and yes, your "welfare" comment was racist). There is no rule that says people competing on behalf of the US need to live in the US. With the reputation of this country abroad, you should be glad that anyone would want to be associated with this country overseas. If you don't like it, watch American Idol like everyone else is doing this year. The Winter Olympics suck anyway.

Nirvana
February 17 2006, 8:43PM

MARK__I am not skewing. you said the facts: 37% whites, 36% blacks on welfare. we're not talking about national population percentages here, we're talking the composition of welfare recipients.

If you want to go into why proportionally more black people are welfare recipients...bring it on! I got historical and current events and practices on my side.

Furthermore,Living in Canada does NOT make Shani a *Canadian*. Please, stop that. One's nationality is not necessarily one's place of residence. I am an INDIAN living in America, but i am in no way shape or form an American.

...And IF Shani is "transgressing" by not wearing American uniform or being sponsored by American companies or performing in the American team event...is it any wonder, when people like you are so ready to DISOWN him and DIVEST him of his nationality?

And I wouldn't blame him if he didn't identify as "American" for all the horrible ways in which "Americans" (like you perhaps?) treat BLACK PEOPLE, men especially.

Zeus
February 17 2006, 10:13PM

After this dull Olympics is over the Shani Davis controversy will die a quick death. When you put it in perspective their simply is NO controversy. He decided that he wanted to focus on two other events instead of the team event. Big deal.

Not every black athlete will coon for American when asked on demand. He is being labeled as unpatriotic, and his mother is being villified for her decisions when she simply is just looking out for her son's best interests.

Everytime a black athlete doesn't do the "negro shuffle" for white folks they are vehemently attacked. Having courage to withstand this negativity and doing what's best for you is hard to maintain. Shani did not buckle to the pressure and for that he deserves a gold medal in my eyes.

Michael-Vincent Crea
February 18 2006, 12:08AM

I wrote the following, today, since NBC Sports has continued sniping at African American World
Champion U.S. Olympic Team Speed Skater Mr. Shani
Davis, who shall be competing and favored for
'gold' in tomorrow's 1000-meter event.

NBC's site otherwise promoting U.S. athletes, sent me a "Shani Davis Alert" challenging his commitment to his teammates, as he follows his own discipline and his Coach Bob Fenn's counsel.

They question former five-medal Olympian speed skater, now, Team Physician Eric Heiden whether Shani is "smart" in setting his sights on his own goals, as well, as what might have been done in 1980, as if such a conjecture has any consequence on competition and for this competitor, now.

In support of Mr. Davis, and our other Black athletes whose images do not appear in any of the
television opening 'panoramas' of participants, I sent NBC Sports:

17 February 2006
11:28 am

NBC Sports/Torino Olympics
Director of Press Communications/Promotions
Torino, Italy

TO WHOM IT DOESN'T SEEM TO CONCERN OR CARE:

For years now, since NBC pulled its bureaus out of Africa and re-developing, post-imperial states for bidding wars and a purely jingoistic, journalistic monopoly over the Olympics, I have long-suffered your myopic, megalomaniac and medal-obsessive media coverage, almost entirely on Americans without due respect to other athletes with the professional parity that goes beyond
'patriotic' propaganda.

Today, for the second time while at Torino, your propaganda machine is making personal attacks on Shani Davis, already a history maker before teammate Chad Hedrick stepped on the ice for his 'race'.

Mr. Davis, already a world-class champion, as the first African American Olympic Team speed skater is rightly deciding his own destiny and smartly developing his skills and achievements, only he can fulfill.

Did you pull out critics against or even better, call for the suspension of admitted drunk Bode Miller, darling of a derelict democracy, ignorant of its own ongoing international war crimes, in large part to NBC News' self-imposed censorship of a autocratic, myopic head of state, and family, with similar habits and tastes for
'Miller.' Bode does what Bode wants and everyone laughs. FOOLS!

Along with the blatant discrimination against Black world champion skater Shani Davis, how do you justify posting a photo of African American pairs figure skater Aaron Parchem, alone, fallen on the ice?! Again in professional parity with all the other athletes your Olympic site is promoting, you have exposed yourselves and NBC's operations as 'separate and unequal' in your coverage of our young, Black men athletes.

These two individuals have displayed discipline, prudential judgment, athletic and social maturity, well beyond their years, especially given their generation seeing America morph into the 'Land of the fearful and home of bravado,' and experiencing still ongoing inequities evidenced in NBC's reports.

Having been mentored in athletic administration by once athlete, 1951 Olympic usher and finally 1980 U.S. Olympic President Robert J. Kane [denied his dream with Carter boycott of Moscow] and two Directors of Sports Information, Hall of Famers, I find your treatment of the talents, antagonistic analysis and unjustifiable inequalities and disrepect of our African American men, as abhorrent and cause for apology not only to them and African Americans but to the 'wide world of sports' fans.

I pray, and one may only hope, that Mr. Davis not only achieves his Olympic gold in the 1000-meters
on Saturday but celebrates for himself, his Olympic history memory, being like his mentors Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the Mexico '68 medal stand. Already, Shani deserves a salute from us, all!

Sincerely in the Spirit,

Michael-Vincent Crea, Pastor
One World Life Systems

NamGirl
February 18 2006, 1:14AM

Amen, Brotha !! Well said. I love the poetic way in which you balance Eloquence with Righteous Indignation.

mbubby
February 18 2006, 9:08AM

Dear Pastor,

Stick to preaching the gospel because your interpretations on international politics and Olympic history are tainted with ignorance and radicalized interpretations which are accepted by about 300 people worldwide.

"I pray, and one may only hope, that Mr. Davis not only achieves his Olympic gold in the 1000-meters"

Pray for more important things like the saving of souls.

"...on Saturday but celebrates for HIMSELF"

Righ on the money. I am sure he will celebrate for himself since he cares little for his fellow American teammates or his country.

"...Olympic history memory, being like his mentors Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the Mexico '68 medal stand."

Hopefully he doesn't go as far as those anti-American idiots who have ruined their reputations for eternity. He is still young and may eventually grow up.

If he wins medals, he gets deserves them due to his accomplishments and I respect that. But for the majority of Americans and myself, he will have a hard time earning respect due to his not being a team player and not wanting to use his skills to represent a country that gives him freedom and opportunity. PS. Don't expect to be on the Wheaties box when you act like the horses patooty.

James Simpson
February 18 2006, 9:13AM

WHY are the WHITE PEOPLE BEING SO EXTRA? DAVIS doesn't owe America or Hendrick anything? The thig about WHITES is whenever a black person DOESN"T DO what they WANT....THEY get all RACIST....There is NOTHING in the rules that says Shani had to do the Team sports...SO SCREW OFF...LEAVE THE BOY ALONE....

Mbubby
February 18 2006, 9:41AM

James,

Are you saying that acting like a team player for your country during the Olympics, is a "white" way to act?

CrystalKlear
February 18 2006, 10:07AM

No, that's NOT what he's saying Nimrod. He's saying people like you need to leave Shani alone. And you know what...in this case, Shani doesn't owe anything to AMERICA or YOU, only himself, his sponsors and his coach. Its not like he was funded by taxpayers $$, so in that sense he really doesn't owe you or America anything. This is his occupation, his job! its not like he's in the army fighting a war or something. so please, all of you...step off and let the man compete!

mbubby
February 18 2006, 10:40AM

Crystal,

Do you always resort to namecalling when you are on the wrong side of an argument?

Shani Davis can do whatever he likes. But in free countries you get criticized when you act like a self serving, "it's all about me,me,me individual.

It's not about owing American anything. It's about respecting his teammates and his country. He doesn't care and it is obvious. His actions speak quite clearly, crystal.

Zeus
February 18 2006, 2:31PM

Shani has won gold! Congrats!

Michael-Vincent Crea
February 18 2006, 2:40PM

18 February 2006
1:42 PM

RAISE A FIST FOR BLACK POWER! DAVIS DEFEATS CRITICS AS 'GOLD COAST' IS FREE IN SAILING ON HIS OWN SELF-DETERMINED COURSE INTO DESTINY & A SPEEDSKATING HISTORIC VICTORY!

Peace to All!

I am proud to share this news just received [probably held back on TV to boost ratings later]!

I'll let this "young, Black and proud" Man's beautiful skating speak for himself, and perhaps you can
listen with me to Nina Simone, singing in the background, when they hoist those stars and stripes!!!

Mr. Davis: You've Done US Proud, OVER & ABOVE, the present Fuhrer & his followers in the USA!

WELL DONE! I am so very proud of YOU!

With peace, prayers, joy, pride & LOVE,
Steadfast in the Spirit,

Michael-Vincent Crea, Pastor
One World Life Systems

Emailed 18 February 2006 @ 2:27 pm Props/Thanks to KB!

From: "NBCOlympics.com"
Reply-To: mailer@mailer.NBCOlympics.com
Subject: NBCOlympics.com Shani Davis ALERT: Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 13:08:14 -0500 (EST)
............................................
NBCOlympics.com Athlete Alert: Shani Davis
..................................................Davis wins gold in 1000m
FULL STORY:

YHamilton
February 18 2006, 3:39PM

As we know, Shani has won the gold medal in the 1000M. The media is just hyping the entire issue. One person is not responsible for carrying the weight of the entire race on his shoulders. There are plenty of athletes, of all ethnicities, that catch flack for acting arrogant, aggressive, not team-players, etc. America is so obsessed with race that any issue easily becomes a racial issue. No one has lived in this guy's shoes and has no right to speak. This has nothing to do with welfare or any other irrelevant comments made by ignorant people on this site. It's a disgrace. Kudos to Shani and all obstacles he overcame to earn this glory.

bill milner
February 18 2006, 3:55PM

Life is full of tough decisions. i don't know if it was difficult or not to decide on which events you would or wouldn't be in but I think you made a good one that would bring you the best opportunity to win a medal for yourself. Next time the pressure will be less and you may want to try a more risky approach with more events.

Congrats!!!