Stephon Marbury is blogging.

by Seth on Jul 16, 2007 7:46 AM EDT in Marbology

Listen, I'm thoroughly excited about Stephon Marbury's charitable enterprise. He's working hard to help countless people, and improving his image while he does so. That said, haven't we heard just about enough from him? Couldn't some other Knick be passed the mic during this offseason? Maybe Zach Randolph could introduce himself or Eddy Curry could describe his workout regimen or Malik Rose could regale us with his stories from 'Nam or something like that. Apparently not. Steph is guest-blogging at the New York Post website, and his first post is the chronicle of self-righteousness we've come to expect.

"Basketball is a gift that was given to me. But it is just a game. A game that I love but it does not compare to the gift of changing people's lives which is the purpose of this trip.

We are servants to the people. As we travel across the country, we are serving a bigger purpose, spreading hope and providing access for all.

People from all walks of life are lining up for hours to give back by showing their appreciation. It's something I never expected but am humbled by."

It goes on. I suppose the extensive media coverage of Steph's charity has rendered me numb to its valor. He has every reason to be proud, but I admit I'm a little sick of hearing about it. (Unless, of course, Marbury could somehow pause to take a phone call in the middle of a blog entry. Or if he went around the NY Post website and interrupted people's paragraphs in all capitals. That would be cool.)

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Show of hands

Who's really thinking that this is Stephon blogging, and not some PR-lackey?

I don't.
(far too few bizarre statements, right out of bat country)

Cya Wraith

by wraith on Jul 16, 2007 3:20 PM EDT 0 recs

His charity is admirable but...

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/240559/stephon_marburys_missed_opportunity.html

by roland737 on Jul 16, 2007 4:29 PM EDT 0 recs

Interesting.

I had thought about that, but never really looked into it. Not sure what to make of it.

Posting and Toasting: Unabashed Knicks fanaticism with the occasional poop joke.

by Seth on Jul 16, 2007 6:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

But what?

Nike's are made in Indonesia, Reebok's and Adidas are made in China. The only difference is that Marbury's sneakers sell for about $100 (sometimes more)less than those name brands. I don't see Nike selling their shoes for $15. Their markups are riduculous even though their shoes are made by slaves.

by marzak on Jul 17, 2007 2:39 AM EDT 0 recs

The point is

that although Marbury is generous, he still allows his products to be made by Chinese, slave wage labor when he could have chosen not to. Even if he couldn't open a factory in Brooklyn--as I suggested in the article--he could have found a legitimate unionized shop overseas to produce his shoes. Those do exist and a company called No Sweat produces their Chuck Taylor-style shoes at one. So, while Marbury gets credit for not being as greedy as Nike, Reebok, etc, he is still missing the big picture.

by roland737 on Jul 17, 2007 7:29 AM EDT 0 recs

moot...

How much do those "chuck lookalikes" sell for, and what is their quality?

I don't see, how Starbury's could be manufactured without sweat shops and still be sold for that low a price. So, with that quipp about a potential factory for Starbury's in th US, that is missing a picture... actually a whole gallery.
(and no, I don't support the sweat shop policy. But they are a reality, one has to deal with)

Cya Wraith

by wraith on Jul 17, 2007 2:42 PM EDT 0 recs

well

The Chuck lookalikes go for 40 bucks direct from No Sweat and the quality is just as good or better than the Cons.

I don't see how you so easily accept the globalization, sweatshop paradigm? Of course he could make his shoes in the US if he wanted to, or at least at a well run union shop overseas. The only reason Steve & Barrys/Marbury do it in China is so they can maximize profits. The truth is that if Marbury gave a shit he could manufacture the shoes under better conditions, still make a profit and still charge significantly less than Nike.

Listen, my gripe is that Marbury is presenting himself as this big humanitarian and community hero, and he has done many good things. But, he missed an opportunity to show people that there is a viable alternative to globalization.

by roland737 on Jul 17, 2007 3:12 PM EDT 0 recs

The point is...

Chucks are nothing like basketball shoes...
so, let's suppose, Starbury's were fabricated in one of those "no sweat"-shops... they would cost 60-80 bucks ('cause they are more expensive to manufacture)... so the whole point of "we're affordable for the poorer parts" would be moot. No one in their right minds would buy inferior quality shoes (which Starbury's are, according to several reviews I've read), that do not cost accordingly less. (And sorry, no, half price isn't what counts as "significantly less").

So it isn't the problem, that I accept globalization and the exploitation of workers as a good thing, but as a reality of the world we're living in. In my experience you can't get everything, if there are more than 1 or 2 goals to any mission, you'll have to choose your priorities. So, what Marbury's trying to do is help one group... one he cares for... and you can't blame him for it.

Cya Wraith

by wraith on Jul 17, 2007 4:25 PM EDT 0 recs

Also...

Steph is not Jordan, Kobe, Duncan or even 1st, 2nd or 3rd team all NBA. If he tried to get his kicks made in the US he wouldn't get very far with it. Dirt cheap labor unfortunately is a fact of life, at least he's making the most of the situation by trying not to let the status symbol shoes enslave the people in his community. I'm not saying he's Ghandi but compared to the rampant greed his counterparts display (Lebron James wouldn't even sign an open letter oposing Darfur genocide, this more than anything makes me think he's the second coming of Jordan)he's pretty damn good.

by marzak on Jul 17, 2007 8:42 PM EDT 0 recs

Although

you both make good points, Wraith and Marzak, but I still think that the root of the problem is companies moving their production ops overseas, and that is very damaging to Americans across the board--particularly those living in neighborhoods like Steph's. Also, American companies outsourcing and employing dirt cheap labor is a fact, but not one that cannot be overcome. The only reason that they are able to do it is because the tariffs that would protect American workers have been nearly eliminated. So, another option for Steph, if he really cares about the economic strain on communities, could have been to start a grass roots organization opposing the practices of Nike, Reebok, etc. He could have lobbied Congress to bring attention to the sneaker company boondogle. I think that a millionaire basketball player from NYC could make a pretty big splash by stepping so far out of line while everyone plays ball, so to speak.

But, maybe
i am being too much of an idealistm, and too critical, considering the fact that hardly anyone else in the league gives a shit as much as Marbury.

by roland737 on Jul 17, 2007 9:30 PM EDT 0 recs

Agreed.

You're dead on there Roland, I totally agree. I remember in the 80's people actually took the effort to make sure their items were made in America (remember the "made in the USA" campaign?). Now having your product made overseas is viewed as a wise business decision and no one blinks twice about it. Hopefully these are just baby steps and someone will be inspired by Steph and take it to the next level. I'd be completely shocked if this happened by the way but I'll leave the light on.

by marzak on Jul 19, 2007 2:47 AM EDT 0 recs

no objections

but also consider, what the goals are for Marbury... and those are not wealth and welfare for all of america.
And grassroot campaigns do one thing particularly well: cost time and money.

So, for Marbury to make a felt impact right here, right now, grassroots' not the way to go. For that goal a high-profile, high-publicity act, like Starbury's is the way to go.

Cya Wraith

by wraith on Jul 19, 2007 1:09 PM EDT 0 recs