The Rev. Al Sharpton and others have spoken out against Arenas' behavior, and I can't help but to agree with them. A message must be sent, and while I hate the idea of Arenas being made an example of, the truth is that this incident cannot be ignored.
When I spoke to Rev. Sharpton on his radio show for 3 hours this week, one of the topics that consistently came to the forefront of the discussion was the Arenas incident and the impact that it has on youth violence. Many of the young people in black America look up to men like Gilbert Arenas as role models, and we can't live in a world where our role models are teaching kids that packing heat in the locker room is OK. Whether we know it or not, many of our kids are victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from massive violence in our communities. It's time for us to speak up.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (3)
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By: James Williams on 1/06/2010 1:34PM
So Watkins, you think you have an issue. Well you don't. Now you want to throw this guy to the Wolves to further your wild, and stupid writings. Writings that you put on here everyday or so. You try to paint a picture that you are well informed. Well Doc. you are all talk, Bull at that. It's Black's like you thats holding Black people down,and you can't see it, not the Whiteman. Now I ask you. Why would it come as a suprise to see this young Basketball player with a gun. Don't you know all young Blackmen carry guns. Where in the hell have you been? You think that stops when they move into a higher level? Let me give you a little advice. Go into the Jungle ( BLACK COMMUNITY) and talk to 'the real guys on the corners'. Get the facts right, and quit running this game, like you know what the hell you are talking about. I know,....... you fool White folk with that jive,........ but not us.
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By: LaToya W. on 1/08/2010 2:59AM
First off James do some research before you comment! It is illegal to own a handgun in DC. I was born & raised there. Now as a mother of a young black man (he's 6) he will neither carry nor have the need for a gun! I know soooo many black men that don't carry guns, so for you to say that is ignorant by itself. Furthermore, I resent the fact that you would dub the so-called hood as the "jungle". We are not anilmals! & trust I know hood! Many hoods have produced very productive black men!! Gilbert having enemies does not justify him having a gun & pulling it on someone in the locker room. He threw himself under the damn bus. It seems to me you are one of the ones that are holding us back as a people. How dare you even condone his actions? Now that he's suspended, let's see if your jackass will financially support him?!?! The hood mentality doesn't think past the moment. What happens now that he may never play again? Do you think it was worth his career? & let's not forget that he pulled a gun out & didn't shoot anyone! Smdh what is the point in that? If ur so hood you would know, never pull a gun unless you plan on using it!! Man up & let him take responsibility for his actions.
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By: Nicia on 1/06/2010 7:21PM
It is not against the law to possess a gun. It is a right. Gilbert is a rich black athlete that has plenty of haters after him. I see nothing wrong with him purchasing a gun. Most athletes need this type of protection as they are constantly being robbed and sought after. He has the right to protect himself just like every other American. However, he is in no way above the law and if he has those guns unregistered there are consequences for that. He makes enough money to do the proper thing when it comes to registering his weapon. He and anyone else should learn from this that there is no way you can be a thug and a millionaire. The two just don't coexist.
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