Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Entitlement

Above: At the White House in 2006.

One of the things we associate with sexual assault is entitlement, people thinking they can have what they want. No need for permission. You're just supposed to get it. No need to ask, not if you really are special. And you get to feeling special if people lavish you with attention and prizes, wealth. Success doesn't go to everyone's head, of course, but it's certainly a toxic variable for some. We see a sense of entitlement associated with athletes accused of acquaintance rape.

Those who feel entitled take liberties in relationships, not just athletes, too. People who are married rape their spouses and until relatively recently, thought they were entitled. The king of the castle.

Being a professional athlete is like being a king. They're treated like royalty.

So we're thrilled, amazed, and hopeful that young people are paying attention to the subtext of what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is saying. The subtext is:

You're not entitled to anything vis-a-vis relationships. You can't take what you want, you can't act aggressively off the court, and you surely need permission for sex.

That's my interpretation. If he said it, it's not in the article.

What he did say, however, is that there’s a disturbing sense of entitlement among many of today’s young pros.

And more: kids shouldn't expect huge salaries and the NBA should raise its minimum age for entry into the league to 21.

He's telling young people, young athletes, that they should finish college. Get an education. Pursue your dreams but don’t let your education suffer.

This in NYC, home of Boys Town, founded by the Rev. Edward Flanagan. Get it in the curriculum, Reverend, and please, please, please. Have someone discuss the laws about informed consent in sexual relationships..

The more professionals who preach the anti-entitlement message, the more professional future professional athletes will be.

Thanks Kareem.

Defense-wise