Mr. Kevin Payne to the White Courtesy Phone... Er... Make That Just the Courtesy Phone, Of No Particular Color
I have no idea what to make of Marion Barry, on WTEM discussing the new ownership of the Washington Nationals, saying (and this is not a precise quote, but apparently close enough) "I predict to you when DC United negotiations are done, the majority of owners will be African-American".
Really? Has DC United actually promised Mr. Barry that 50% ownership will be African American? This seems odd to me. Actually, it seems ridiculous. While I can imagine that new ownership for DC United will (and should) have a significant minority stake (and that minority may not be just African American, but should certainly include other minorities), I can't imagine that Kevin Payne has promised a 50% share for only African-American investment. Or even a 25% share, for that matter.
The DCenters will investigate this matter, and see what we can find. Any information you might have, please let us know (comments or email).
posted by D @ 2:03 PM
4 Comments:
That's Marion Barry for ya, making promises that come out of nowhere, make no sense, and that he can't keep. What a nutjob.
I heard his comments on the radio. He didn't make any promises, he said "DCU WILL have 50% african-american ownership." I don't know how privy he is to the ownership discussions, but it was clear from the interview that he is a big fan of United and not so of the Nationals. I think that's great for us because he still has tremendous clout in the community and will be a great asset when it comes time to dealing with the Council. Personal problems aside, he actually sounded very intelligent on the radio and made many good points about the importance of local ownership and African American involvement in local sports.
Yeah, I think minority investment is a good thing, and a helpful thing (provided minority is not used in a narrow sense to only mean African-American). What I am afraid of it a situation where an expectation is set that the ownership group must have X% of this and Y% of the other, and it is isn't exactly like that, then we have problems. That's my concern. If the expectation is out there that the minority ownership will be 50%, and it is only, say, 35%, is that somehow a disappointment? I would hope not, but you never know...
Barry just runs his mouth to get the media attention and then shows up, does the exact opposite of what he said he was going to do (remember he voted YES on the ballpark lease in the end) and inserts himself into the center of the picture. He's might be greatest egotripper ever.
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