I am not the biggest NBA fan around, although I do love my Toronto Raptors, but there is one story from NBA Land, that captured my heart.
On TSN2 I had the pleasure to watch the wonderful documentary on Ernie Grunfeld and Bernard King. Those two are defining everything I hold sacred, true friendship. The documentary gave a very candid look into their lives from their days at the University of Tennessee through their NBA career and beyond.
What an unlikely duo, the black kid from Brooklyn (typical , stereotyped poor kid) and the Jewish immigrant from Romania who made his home in Queens. On the surface they may have been a mismatch, but at a closer look, it all makes sense.
Both kids, although from very different backgrounds, wanted to prove that they are worthy. They both wanted to be accepted in this huge social experiment called the Melting Pot. They both found their outlet in basketball. Their story could again reinforce the stereotypical "only in America" view of success. We could focus on the glamour, fame and respect their game brought them. However, I cannot shake Bernard King's words when he said, they can retire your number, you can be indicted into the Hall of Fame, but you cannot forget the policeman hitting you with the butt of his side arm for no reason. That lives with you forever.
Ernie and Bernie have proven to us, what matters is talent and passion in whatever you do. Their friendship withstood political turmoil, religious differences, racism and any obstacle you can imagine. I want to believe that this is the norm and not the exception.
Do you have your own "Ernie" or "Bernie" ? I do.
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