INDEFENSIBLE
Stephen Jackson’s defense of DeSean Jackson proves he’s the ultimate hypocrite
Jul 10, 2020, 8:06 am
Photo by Cooper Neill/BIG3/Getty Images.
Former NBA champion and frequent ESPN NBA contributing analyst Stephen Jackson has been an uplifting voice in the wake of the murder of his childhood friend George Floyd. Jackson has been at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement yet has tarnished all the good he has done by defending DeSean Jackson's anti-Semitic Adolph Hitler post on Instagram and continuing to come out and double down on his support of the post.
I'm not a genius but I think it goes without saying that anytime you are quoting Hitler, a man responsible for killing 6 million people, you are in the wrong but hey not according to Jackson. Stephen Jackson said on his Instagram that DeSean Jackson's statements were "speaking the truth" and said that DeSean didn't say anything wrong at all. Stephen Jackson went on to say that "the Jews are the richest" and asked an Instagram follower if he knows "who the Rothschilds are?… They control all the banks. They own all the banks." Jackson spouting off untrue stereotypes exposes him for the anti-Semitic hypocrite he is. Jackson also came out and showed his "love" for Louis Farrakhan. Farrakhan is a leader of the Nation of Islam and has made numerous anti-Semitic claims in the past.
How can you be a leader in a social equality movement and support anti-Semitism? It's one thing to not condemn it, that's about as hypocritical as it gets but to support it and perpetuate hurtful Jewish stereotypes? How does Stephen Jackson think he's helping to promote any meaningful change in this country? Stephen Jackson should be ashamed of himself and ESPN should think twice about ever giving him a platform again.
Either we are all against hatred and injustice in the country, or we aren't. We don't get to selectively choose what to be outraged about. I know people whose family members were ripped out of their homes, forced to work in concentration camps, and were gassed during the holocaust, so I find anyone defending a quote from Hitler reprehensible and you should too.
At least DeSean Jackson apologized and showed remorse. He deserves a second chance to make up for his actions. However, Stephen Jackson's comments are disgraceful to everyone in our country trying to fight against hate, racism, and bigotry, and if you defend Stephen Jackson in any way you are part of the problem.
You can listen to The Jake Asman Show weekdays from 8 AM -10 AM Central on SB Nation Radio.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
How Houston Rockets hold the cards for a franchise-changing summer
May 8, 2025, 5:45 pm
In Houston, the winning standard has been set so high that anything short of World Series contention now feels like failure. And yet, the 2025 Astros find themselves at an unfamiliar crossroads—caught between the fading brilliance of past stars and the uncertain promise of what comes next.
Jose Altuve is at the center of this issue. His early struggles (-0.5 WAR) may indicate more than just a temporary slump. And when he swung at the first pitch after Lance McCullers had just endured a grueling 33-pitch inning on Sunday, it raised a bigger question: who has the influence to talk to Altuve?
The Astros’ culture has long been praised for its accountability, but who inside the clubhouse has the standing to challenge or counsel Altuve or other vets when needed? With so many veteran voices gone, there’s a growing sense that no one does—and that’s a problem. That’s why the idea of bringing back Michael Brantley—not as a player, but as a respected voice—could make some sense. Brantley was always viewed as a quiet leader, and his presence could restore some of the guidance this roster desperately needs.
Batter up?
While the Astros have built a reputation for reviving pitchers' careers, their track record with hitters is far less impressive. There are few, if any, examples of a bat joining Houston and unlocking a new level. That failure in development becomes especially stark when considering how much they’re currently leaning on homegrown youth.
Which brings us to Zach Dezenzo. The 24-year-old rookie is showing he belongs—his .737 OPS makes him one of the more productive bats in a lineup that desperately needs stability while Yordan Alvarez nurses an injury. While Victor Caratini provides the Astros with the ability to switch hit, he's hitting just .217. Dezenzo should be starting every day in left, with Yordan out. Jose Altuve, who has already played too many innings this year, should be shifted to DH duties to ease his physical burden. The Astros should go with Cam Smith in right and keep Jake Meyers in center to round out the outfield.
GM Dana Brown has made clear that he views Dezenzo as a first baseman or left fielder for the future. So why not get him in the lineup while Yordan's out and see what he can do with consistent playing time?
Of course, losing Yordan Alvarez is always going to hurt. But the numbers tell a surprising story. Yordan currently holds a -0.4 WAR, right there alongside Altuve and Christian Walker as the only Astros with negative marks. On paper, the team hasn’t lost much production. But let’s not kid ourselves—Yordan’s mere presence alters how opponents pitch to this team. The lineup without him lacks fear factor, and the margins get razor-thin.
Speaking of margins, one move that may haunt this front office is the decision to sign Christian Walker. The veteran first baseman is hitting just .205 with a .617 OPS—far below the level expected from a player earning $20 million annually through 2027. Compare that to Jon Singleton, who posted better numbers in 2024 and currently boasts an .880 OPS in Triple-A with the Mets organization. Walker's defense is strong, but it's hard to argue that justifies the price tag. Singleton might not be a Gold Glover, or anything close, but he came much cheaper and was quietly more productive with the bat.
No regrets?
There’s also a broader question looming: if fans had known that Altuve’s massive contract extension would potentially cost the team the ability to re-sign current MVP candidates Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, would they still have supported the deal? Hindsight is cruel, but with Altuve’s decline and Tucker and Bregman thriving, it’s a fair debate. Houston might have paid for the past instead of securing its future.
Big deals on the horizon?
All eyes now turn to owner Jim Crane. This winter, Houston's payroll will have considerable room to maneuver. But will Crane commit to restocking the lineup with All-Star-caliber bats, or will his reluctance to offer long-term deals keep the Astros stuck in a holding pattern? It’s one thing to let players walk. It’s another to fail to replace them.
The Astros still have the bones of a contender, but the road back to dominance is getting steeper. The team can’t simply rely on what used to work. It’s time for difficult conversations, bold lineup changes, and a rethinking of how this organization develops—and retains—offensive talent.
We have so much more to get to. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!
*ChatGPT assisted.
___________________________
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!