ESPN is Racist I
Two weeks ago the San Diego Chargers took the field against the New England Patroits in one of the best playoff games this post season. The Chargers had the best record in the NFL this season without the help of their leading tackler and defensive captain, Steve Foley.
Foley was out for the season recovering from injuries after being shot by an off-duty police officer. ESPN has failed to provide the facts in this story, and most of the sports media have ignored developments in the case. Foley’s story is a blatant example of how police officers target athletes, rappers and Black men in general.
Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006, Steve went out with his girlfriend, Lisa Maree Gaut and after a night on the town, a 23 year-old off-duty rookie cop named Aaron Mansker felt that Steve appeared to be driving under the influence.
Mansker trailed Foley for what was reported as 10 to 15 miles before Steve pulled over. Mansker announced himself as an officer, but since he didn’t have a badge or squad car, Steve pulled off. The off-duty cop then followed Foley out of his jurisdiction, through two counties, back to Steve’s neighborhood.
When Steve finally got out of the car and walked toward Mansker, the cop announced himself again. Mansker fired shots at Foley’s car when Gaut tried to run him over with Foley’s 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The off-duty rookie then shot the unarmed Foley in the leg and the thigh because he claimed he saw Foley put his hand in his pocket.
Foley, a pro-bowl athlete, missed the entire season, which possibly could have been a Super Bowl year, because of the actions of an overly aggresive off-duty rookie cop outside his jurisdiction with no badge. Because he was listed on the non-football injury list, Foley didn’t receive his $775,000 salary for the year. What’s worse is that Foley may never play the same way and this officer could have killed both Foley and his girlfriend for ’swerving in traffic.’
ESPN has failed to bring this injustice to light and also failed to report that DUI charges were dropped against Foley. It’s the officer’s word against Foley’s and the officer accuses Foley of speeding with no radar evidence at ALL. Foley’s girlfriend, Gaut has been charged with assault for trying to run Mansker over. She has pleaded not guilty.
It’s fine and suitable for ESPN to lynch a Black athlete with acusations, but to report the reality of racial profiling by the police is too much for the network to cover. Next time you watch Sportscenter get your sheet and torch ready for the action.
