Eden Prairie Coach

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Anyone have any insight into what happened here? Read an article yesterday that stated he was suspended for a racist remark and then brought back, and North St. Paul refused to play them.
 

I live in Eden Prairie. In general this is a community with zero tolerance for racism. It's generally moderate-progressive-moderate in views. There is strong community support for Flom where there would not be if there was substance to that. I don't think anyone senses he's in any way a racist.



A few days after the alleged incident, the Star Tribune reported Flom was accused of reading a racial slur aloud in a classroom, which the district said was part of a lesson about responsible use of social media.

In a statement sent to KARE 11 Wednesday, Coach Flom apologized for the harm caused by his actions.

"I could not possibly be more sorry for all the harm that I have caused," Flom said. "We are trying to focus our attention and energies on helping the players, school and community to move forward with the lessons learned. I am amazed by the support we have received and continue to receive."
But some scholars steeped in the study of race and racism said despite Flom's alleged use of the slur as part of a teachable moment, the term in question should not be used in any context.

"We take David Flom at his word that what he was attempting to do is to educate these young people on the appropriate use of social media. That’s a positive and you know, in this moment, it is important to recognize the importance of what young people do online," said Dr. Yohuru Williams, chair, professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at St. Thomas University.
 

I live in Eden Prairie. In general this is a community with zero tolerance for racism. It's generally moderate-progressive-moderate in views. There is strong community support for Flom where there would not be if there was substance to that. I don't think anyone senses he's in any way a racist.



A few days after the alleged incident, the Star Tribune reported Flom was accused of reading a racial slur aloud in a classroom, which the district said was part of a lesson about responsible use of social media.

In a statement sent to KARE 11 Wednesday, Coach Flom apologized for the harm caused by his actions.

"I could not possibly be more sorry for all the harm that I have caused," Flom said. "We are trying to focus our attention and energies on helping the players, school and community to move forward with the lessons learned. I am amazed by the support we have received and continue to receive."
But some scholars steeped in the study of race and racism said despite Flom's alleged use of the slur as part of a teachable moment, the term in question should not be used in any context.

"We take David Flom at his word that what he was attempting to do is to educate these young people on the appropriate use of social media. That’s a positive and you know, in this moment, it is important to recognize the importance of what young people do online," said Dr. Yohuru Williams, chair, professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at St. Thomas University.
How can you help kids if you can't be honest with them? If he was trying to teach kids what not to say, then this is just woke gone mad.
 

As a tangent to the OP, North St. Paul is 4-23 on the season. They sure have fallen in terms of wins-loses since Damion Johnson left three years ago for BSM. Meanwhile, BSM seems to be winning a lot more games now that he's there (someone with more time can double-check that for me). Damion seems to be the "real-deal" when it comes to coaching.
 

Hmm, found this little twist to the story... Ends up the North St. Paul coach previously was an assistant coach at Eden Prarie.

1674928970061.png
 


I live in Eden Prairie. In general this is a community with zero tolerance for racism. It's generally moderate-progressive-moderate in views. There is strong community support for Flom where there would not be if there was substance to that. I don't think anyone senses he's in any way a racist.



A few days after the alleged incident, the Star Tribune reported Flom was accused of reading a racial slur aloud in a classroom, which the district said was part of a lesson about responsible use of social media.

In a statement sent to KARE 11 Wednesday, Coach Flom apologized for the harm caused by his actions.

"I could not possibly be more sorry for all the harm that I have caused," Flom said. "We are trying to focus our attention and energies on helping the players, school and community to move forward with the lessons learned. I am amazed by the support we have received and continue to receive."
But some scholars steeped in the study of race and racism said despite Flom's alleged use of the slur as part of a teachable moment, the term in question should not be used in any context.

"We take David Flom at his word that what he was attempting to do is to educate these young people on the appropriate use of social media. That’s a positive and you know, in this moment, it is important to recognize the importance of what young people do online," said Dr. Yohuru Williams, chair, professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at St. Thomas University.
So if they agree the term shouldn’t be used in any context then absolutely nobody regardless or f race should be using it.
 

The articles in the Strib make it clear that it was the players that elected to not play, not the coaches or administrators, but the adults are supporting their choice. I don’t know if that changes anything, but it seems worth pointing out.

Second, this is so tough for a white coach. I mean, it’s a pretty simple rule to not use the n-word, period, full stop. But, watch any episode of Last Chance U basketball and you’ll hear the n-word from the players in regular conversation. I saw an episode where they got a visit from an NBA coach - who is black - and he used the n-word multiple times when addressing the players. If you’re a white coach, you cannot speak in your players’ language, and that’s a bit problematic.
 

I think this is a situation where multiple things can be true.:
1. It sounds like Flom is a decent guy who made a mistake. He used a word that has tormented the Black community for many, many decades in a non malevolent way.
2. He's acknowledged the mistake and is atoning for it. He got his job back. That seems fair.
3. That word cannot be used by anybody outside the Black community without prompting a strong reaction. Full stop.
4. That word is a common part of the lexicon in the Black community now. If you aren't Black, it doesn't matter what you think about that.
5. If I were a Black adult, I'd probably look at the whole situation and forgive Flom. If I were a 17 Black basketball player, I probably would vote not to play against a team coached by him.
 

The articles in the Strib make it clear that it was the players that elected to not play, not the coaches or administrators, but the adults are supporting their choice. I don’t know if that changes anything, but it seems worth pointing out.

Second, this is so tough for a white coach. I mean, it’s a pretty simple rule to not use the n-word, period, full stop. But, watch any episode of Last Chance U basketball and you’ll hear the n-word from the players in regular conversation. I saw an episode where they got a visit from an NBA coach - who is black - and he used the n-word multiple times when addressing the players. If you’re a white coach, you cannot speak in your players’ language, and that’s a bit problematic.
It's not that hard. Just don't use that word.
 



Eden Prairie is interesting politically -- and generally zero tolerance for racism.

Kendall Qualls, 2020 Republican Nominee for Congress for Eden Prairie District and Candidate for Governor
1674942907300.png

Eden Prairie was usually moderate Republican for a long time, sometimes splitting ballots between parties.

And then many Republican women turned hard left angered by Trump's comments about women. Almost everyone elected here now is a Democrat. I do think any elected official probably has to be moderate/fiscally conservative (if that exists anymore) on taxes and economics/business regardless of party.

And zero tolerance for racism.

For the Eden Prairie Minnesota House race I voted in this last election, the Republican nominee was Marla Helseth.

Marla Helseth Republican Nominee for MN House 2022 Representing Eden Prairie.
1674943436145.png


Business executive and army veteran Kendall Qualls who ran for Congress for my district in 2020 narrowly lost the Republican nomination for governor in 2022. He led in the 4th to 5th or 6th ballots I believe before losing to Scott Jensen.


Kendall Qualls Article


Kendall Qualls Article Written by Kendall Qualls


Qualls Loses Nomination on the 9th Ballot
 

Eden Prairie is interesting politically -- and generally zero tolerance for racism.

Kendall Qualls, 2020 Republican Nominee for Congress for Eden Prairie District and Candidate for Governor
View attachment 23480

Eden Prairie was usually moderate Republican for a long time, sometimes splitting ballots between parties.

And then many Republican women turned hard left angered by Trump's comments about women. Almost everyone elected here now is a Democrat. I do think any elected official probably has to be moderate/fiscally conservative (if that exists anymore) on taxes and economics/business regardless of party.

And zero tolerance for racism.

For the Eden Prairie Minnesota House race I voted in this last election, the Republican nominee was Marla Helseth.

Marla Helseth Republican Nominee for MN House 2022 Representing Eden Prairie.
View attachment 23481


Business executive and army veteran Kendall Qualls who ran for Congress for my district in 2020 narrowly lost the Republican nomination for governor in 2022. He led in the 4th to 5th or 6th ballots I believe before losing to Scott Jensen.


Kendall Qualls Article


Kendall Qualls Article Written by Kendall Qualls


Qualls Loses Nomination on the 9th Ballot
Off topic from the OP, but this is the guy, Mike Murphy, that kept Qualls from winning the Republican primary and gave it to Jenson. During the voting Qualls wouldn't promise a role for Murphy in his administration whereas Jenson did, so Murphy once he was eliminated told his voters to vote for Jenson. If not for that move, Qualls would have won and we'd probably have a different gov now...

1674946258075.png
 

Off topic from the OP, but this is the guy, Mike Murphy, that kept Qualls from winning the Republican primary and gave it to Jenson. During the voting Qualls wouldn't promise a role for Murphy in his administration whereas Jenson did, so Murphy once he was eliminated told his voters to vote for Jenson. If not for that move, Qualls would have won and we'd probably have a different gov now...

View attachment 23482
yeah but can he play point guard?
 





I think this is a situation where multiple things can be true.:
1. It sounds like Flom is a decent guy who made a mistake. He used a word that has tormented the Black community for many, many decades in a non malevolent way.
2. He's acknowledged the mistake and is atoning for it. He got his job back. That seems fair.
3. That word cannot be used by anybody outside the Black community without prompting a strong reaction. Full stop.
4. That word is a common part of the lexicon in the Black community now. If you aren't Black, it doesn't matter what you think about that.
5. If I were a Black adult, I'd probably look at the whole situation and forgive Flom. If I were a 17 Black basketball player, I probably would vote not to play against a team coached by him.
What about the rapper Logic? I think we could use your knowledge to determine the one drop law. Following that approval, word usage is cleared.
 

Politics is like sports...it's simply entertainment. Non-stop talk that has no effect on anything. Anyone who thinks their vote matters ought to have their head examined.
 


Eden Prairie is interesting politically -- and generally zero tolerance for racism.

Kendall Qualls, 2020 Republican Nominee for Congress for Eden Prairie District and Candidate for Governor
View attachment 23480

Eden Prairie was usually moderate Republican for a long time, sometimes splitting ballots between parties.

And then many Republican women turned hard left angered by Trump's comments about women. Almost everyone elected here now is a Democrat. I do think any elected official probably has to be moderate/fiscally conservative (if that exists anymore) on taxes and economics/business regardless of party.

And zero tolerance for racism.

For the Eden Prairie Minnesota House race I voted in this last election, the Republican nominee was Marla Helseth.

Marla Helseth Republican Nominee for MN House 2022 Representing Eden Prairie.
View attachment 23481


Business executive and army veteran Kendall Qualls who ran for Congress for my district in 2020 narrowly lost the Republican nomination for governor in 2022. He led in the 4th to 5th or 6th ballots I believe before losing to Scott Jensen.


Kendall Qualls Article


Kendall Qualls Article Written by Kendall Qualls


Qualls Loses Nomination on the 9th Ballot
Some of this is true, but there has also been a demographic change in Eden Prairie that always drastically impacts voting. It's the reason why Texas WILL go blue in the next few years.

White people now make up about 70% of Eden Prairie, they made up 90% in 2020.

If white people were 60/40 Republican and minorities were 80/20 Democrat, the area has shifted left with the demographics. The percentages I'm using are just a hypothetical to show how it's not usually the people's minds that change it's usually the people, themselves, who have changed. I'm also making no argument whether this is good or bad, some people celebrate that Texas is going blue and some people find it horrifying, I'm merely pointing out that drastic demographic shifts have a much larger impact on voting than people changing their minds (for better or worse depending on how you see it).

Total Population: 60,000
White Votes: 42,000
  • 25,200 GOP
  • 17,000 Dems
Minority Votes: 18,000
  • 14,000 Dems
  • 3,600 GOP
Total Vote:
  • 28,800 GOP
  • 31,000 Dems
 


Seems like Flom is genuinely contrite. Seems like you are disingenuously outraged. Makes sense.
They replaced him with a rapist in the name of progress. I doubt the outrage is fake. In fact, Flom being contrite is part of the reason for the outrage.

It should be make sense because it's a logical deduction.
 

Hey, I'm a white guy who has spent most of his life living in small towns. So I'm probably the wrong guy to weigh in on this.

but the question seems to hinge on whether it is ever OK for a white person to use the N-Word.

Personally, I think context does matter. If it is being used in a historical or educational context - and the use of the word is clearly explained up front - then I can see how that might be justified.

it's hard to discuss a topic if you can't even use the word at the heart of the topic,

and when you consider that the vast majority of HS kids probably listen to music that uses the same word, the whole thing just gets murkier. (disclaimer - I do not like hip-hop......)

this - to me - seems to be a case where the coach was telling his players to be mindful about what they post on social media. a good message to deliver to young people. he used a word to illustrate his point - and got suspended for it. He has apologized. He deserves a chance to prove that his apology is genuine.

that's just my 2-cents worth. from an old white guy.
 

What a world.

They have replaced him with a man who was convicted of assaulting a woman in an attempted sexual assault.

The progressives and the "women who turned on Trump" really have this all figured out.
It is really odd that Mbakwe works at a public school
I am all for atonement and everything but you don’t have to atone in a public school when you have violent crime on your resume.
 
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Yes athletes and entertainment industry it's that simple
It is simple. If you are black you can use that word. If you are white and you use that word, there are consequences. Black folks flipped the script and the white folks who used the word out of hatred and with impunity for a long time are sort of outraged by it.

Move on to other things to pretend to be upset about.
 


It is simple. If you are black you can use that word. If you are white and you use that word, there are consequences. Black folks flipped the script and the white folks who used the word out of hatred and with impunity for a long time are sort of outraged by it.

Move on to other things to pretend to be upset about.
So, 1 drop law in play?
 

Was Mbakwe convicted of rape, barrister?
I didn’t think he was. Knew he had a violation of a no contact order, but I always thought he was acquitted of the sexual assault charge
 


Hey, I'm a white guy who has spent most of his life living in small towns. So I'm probably the wrong guy to weigh in on this.

but the question seems to hinge on whether it is ever OK for a white person to use the N-Word.

Personally, I think context does matter. If it is being used in a historical or educational context - and the use of the word is clearly explained up front - then I can see how that might be justified.

it's hard to discuss a topic if you can't even use the word at the heart of the topic,

and when you consider that the vast majority of HS kids probably listen to music that uses the same word, the whole thing just gets murkier. (disclaimer - I do not like hip-hop......)

this - to me - seems to be a case where the coach was telling his players to be mindful about what they post on social media. a good message to deliver to young people. he used a word to illustrate his point - and got suspended for it. He has apologized. He deserves a chance to prove that his apology is genuine.

that's just my 2-cents worth. from an old white guy.
I seem to have a similar background and have similar view points.

Flom is a good guy but is old enough to probably believe there is more latitude to teach than the current Z generation think is appropriate (see Hamline fiasco). I believe context and intent matter when using words. The words don't harm. The context and intent does. Teachers need to have the ability to teach.

The generation Z players need to quit being hypocritical and quit listening to music that uses the N word and be vocally against anyone using the N word. Being okay for one person to use the word but another person of a different race can't use the word - that's racism by definition.

The worst part is Flom is a good guy and we're all missing the main issue. There are still truly racist people out there including in the basketball community. We're being distracted from the real problem. Racism is way too common in sports including in the metro - pretty much every school has issues. With a kid in HS I can't believe what is still going on and can't believe some of the (non-exurb) schools that have issues.
 






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