This hypocrisy stands regardless of color of the viewer, because in our postmodern era, blackness has come to be associated with violence and the "gangsta" lifestyle. The truth is that the blackness of yore, where an athlete fought for black equality, no longer exists. .

             Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers epitomizes the blackest of black athletes at the start of this millennium yet represents nothing positive off the court. Regardless of his basketball skills which surpass those of all other current basketball players, he is a negative icon because, in truth, his "flava" is fake. Steve Rushin of Sports Illustrated is one of the most critical sports writers of the idea of blackness in sports. In the October 23rd issue of SI, his column was spent criticizing Iverson's fakeness and flawed perspective on black America. With the recent release of his album 40 Bars, Iverson raps about murdering "faggots, niggas and bitches" and the hardships that come with being one of the most overpaid athletes in the NBA. Rushin mocks Iverson's comments:.

             "So when A.I., who has a five year old daughter, busts a rhyme about his desire to 'kill and f--- bitches,' that ain't him really flowin'. It's his MC alter ego - whom Iverson calls 'Jewelz' - keeping it real by rhymin' about all the wack shiznit that a playa sees everyday on the mean, clean, privately maintained streets in the gated communities of suburban Illadelph. YouknowwhatI'msayin'? [Sic]".

             or.

             "Sure he's makin' mad paper: $71 million over six years from the Sixers, plus $50 million cash money to wear Reeboks. But check this shiznit: In the NBA, ballers are only clockin' $85 a day in meal money! For real! Try getting a Cristal breakfast at the Ritz-Carleton Laguna Niguel for $85, yo. Or what if your posse is visiting from Newport News, Va-then e'ybody goes hungry. The little orchid in the tiny vase on the room-service tray costs more than that!".