Rex Chapman’s recent revelations about his draft experience with the Charlotte Hornets in 1988 shed light on the racial dynamics within professional sports at the time. Speaking on the show ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out,’ Chapman recounted a shocking conversation he had during the draft process.
“You know kind of I was like ‘what are you f***ing talking about’, they’re like well Rex most of the season ticket holders are white and the sponsors are white and you know the fans are white, so you know people want to come see people play that are kind of look like them and I was like ‘are you f***ing kidding me.'”
“Guess who took me, the Charlotte Hornets, brand new team right down there in the Bible Belt. When I got to Charlotte, met the owner for the first time, and then he took me in the basement to his house and poured me something to drink, and said, hey Rex, do you have a black girlfriend?”
“I was 19 or 20 and I was just so tired of hearing this and he immediately went, no, no, no, no, I don’t, I don’t care. That’s the, you know, I don’t care. It’s just, and he said this, it’s just, we live down here in the Bible belt. Good God-fearing people don’t like that. And you shouldn’t do that out in public.”
.@RexChapman talks about his experience going through the NBA Draft, and how he feels being white played a role in him getting drafted by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 8 overall.
Full episode: https://t.co/UH6Eu0lE0G pic.twitter.com/pZJXYp3rLe
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) March 22, 2024
According to Chapman, as he was being considered by various teams, he was confronted with blatant racial bias. In one particular instance, team representatives suggested that he would be selected by a certain team because he was white. Chapman was taken aback by the explicitness of the statement, expressing disbelief and frustration at the notion that his race would influence his draft position.
Ultimately, Chapman was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, a brand new team at the time. However, his experience with the team didn’t end the racial scrutiny. Upon meeting the team’s owner for the first time, Chapman was asked if he had a black girlfriend. The owner’s question, laced with racial undertones, highlighted the prevailing attitudes towards interracial relationships in the South, particularly in the conservative Bible Belt region where the Hornets were based.
Chapman’s encounter with the owner underscored the pervasive racial biases that existed within the organization and the broader sports community. Despite the owner’s attempt to backtrack and dismiss his initial inquiry, Chapman was left feeling disheartened by the underlying prejudices that he encountered.
The candid recounting of Chapman’s draft experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes of color in professional sports, as well as the need for greater awareness and accountability regarding racial discrimination. Chapman’s story prompts reflection on how far the sports industry has come in addressing racial inequalities while highlighting the ongoing work that remains to be done to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes.
Rex Chapman Rejected North Carolina Despite Call From Michael Jordan
Rex Chapman’s decision to reject a recruitment offer from North Carolina, despite a persuasive call from basketball icon Michael Jordan, exemplifies the strength of his convictions and the importance of following one’s dreams.
In a recent interview with DJ Vlad, Chapman reminisced about the pivotal moment when he had to choose between his dream school, the University of Kentucky, and the allure of playing for North Carolina alongside Jordan.
Despite the prestigious opportunity presented by North Carolina, Chapman remained steadfast in his commitment to the University of Kentucky. Reflecting on the phone call he received from Jordan, Chapman expressed gratitude for the experience but ultimately remained resolute in his decision. His loyalty to his childhood idol, Daryl Griffith, and the University of Louisville, combined with the coaching expertise of Eddie Sutton at Kentucky, solidified his choice to don the Wildcats’ jersey.
Chapman’s decision proved to be a fruitful one, as he enjoyed a successful collegiate career at the University of Kentucky, earning numerous accolades and surpassing the 1,000-point milestone. His time at Kentucky laid the foundation for his subsequent achievements in the NBA and beyond.
Despite choosing Kentucky over North Carolina, Chapman maintained a positive relationship with Jordan, acknowledging the legendary player’s impact on the sport. Their encounters on the court showcased the competitive spirit shared by both athletes, with Chapman relishing the opportunity to test his skills against Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
In hindsight, Chapman’s decision to follow his heart and pursue his dreams at the University of Kentucky rather than succumb to external pressure highlights the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the value of self-belief and perseverance in achieving success both on and off the court.
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