Chicago Tribune speculates on the Winter (Olympics) of Shani Davis’s discontent

Sportswriter Philip Hersh over at the Chicago Tribune was evidently as baffled as we were by Shani Davis’s recent comment calling Stephen Colbert a “jerk”, and he’s come up with an interesting theory regarding what might have been behind it.

Old skit may be why Shani Davis called Colbert a jerk
By Philip Hersh

I have been trying to figure out what led Olympic champion Shani Davis last week to call U.S. Speedskating’s new benefactor, Stephen Colbert, “a jerk.”

. . .

Or, as I suspect, did it have most to do with the way Colbert treated the controversy involving Davis and U.S. teammate Chad Hedrick over team pursuit at the 2006 Olympics?

Even knowing the nature of Colbert’s shtick, it is easy to understand how a Feb. 22, 2006 skit (video below) could have offended Davis.

The part where Colbert says, “Shani Davis should have skated in the team pursuit even though it interfered with his training for the 1,000 meters. . .sometimes you have to put aside your ego and sacrifice individual glory for the sake of the team if you are black” does not seem entirely tempered by the satirical context the comedian adds in the next minute or so. As a rare black man in his sport — the first black athlete to win an individual event gold medal in the Winter Olympics — Davis long has dealt with stereotypes that discouraged other African Americans from competitive speedskating.

The Colbert Report Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Speed Skating Debacle

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor U.S. Speedskating

. . .

Read the full article here

As it happens, I think it’s crystal clear from that segment that Stephen is speaking in the context of Black History Month to point out the number of times black men have “taken one for the team”, with little or no recognition or thanks. Given that, the sketch ultimately seems more approving of Davis than of Hedrick. Nonetheless, I think the segment’s main critique was historical, rather than being aimed at either of the skaters.

Either way, I’ve gotta say that I’m intrigued by this theory, and I’m glad Hersh reminded us all of that older sketch. It certainly fleshes out the backdrop against which to consider Davis’s statement.

Categories: The Colbert Report, Zeitgeist

Comments

jennie

said on 10th December: Reply

I think it’s more than clear that he was defending Davis’ choice here. He even implies that Hedrick’s reason for complaining is less to do with “the team” and more to do with his onwn personal goal.

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- Roland
  
  said on 10th December: Reply
  
  Agreed! When I heard the Davis comments I immediately re-checked out this video.
  
  When I saw it, it reminded me of all the media unjustified backlash when this went down. Davis was not even eligible to skate for the team. It also seems like the media was quick to take Davis’ he’s a jerk comments out of context.
  
  I also agree with looped linear’s comment below.
  
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looped linear

said on 10th December: Reply

^ agreed.

I can’t see the video, but the implication behind the quote itself (ie. you must give up your personal glory for the good of the team,*if you’re black*) is quite clear.
No one would have complained if a *white* skater had made exactly the same decision as Shani Davis did, so the criticisms seem racist.
Thus, Colbert was definitely on Davis’ side.

So Davis misunderstood Colbert, if that was indeed what caused him to call Colbert a jerk.

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Sardinia

said on 10th December: Reply

I read an article where, at a race event, Davis and his mom were told there would be a break. When they returned, the race was in progress and he was unable to participate. And he was, at the time, just a kid – he was EIGHT years old.

He’s had to face some cr*p from a young age, so I give him some slack on this.

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Vic

said on 16th December: Reply

Shani Davis is a malcontent. It’s not a coincidence he’s in the mix constantly. He left the 2002 Olympics after the opening ceremony (albeit to compete in an another event) – I can cut him slack on that, but then why go at all. If you’re gonna go for support, stay and support. If you’re going for the experience, experience it. There’s a reason he left and I believe (admitedly without proof and possibly being unfair) pouting was involved.

I also read the story about him not being eligible. I think it’s a spin. I find it hard to believe the entire USA speedskating team wouldn’t know he wasn’t eligible. It was reported he wanted to focus on his individual events, which does make sense (it’s a grueling sport) and it would be more historical to win the individual. The spin story also says how he wanted to allow skaters who’s only event was the “team pursuit” to skate. He didn’t want to take their spot. Hmmm, wouldn’t that be a great story especially in the spirit of the olympics. I have hard time believing the newswire would pass on that. Yet I never heard that story.

And regardless of all that, his beef with Colbert holds no water (or ice :)). The skit above kinda defends him (certainly doesn’t demonize him – you have to see the video – the text attributed to it is rediculously misleading and leaves out the most important aspect of the skit) and Colbert’s attacks on Canada are in jest. He’s attacked Mexico and other countries too. Remember, he’s a comedian. The show is satire. He’s not Bill O’Reilly. Does Shani think Borat really poops in a bag when staying at someone’s house?

Shani needs a new training program that develops a sense of humor. 1,000 knock-knock jokes a day. Or maybe take a day off an lay in the sun for a change. The ice is tightening the sphincter.

He’s entitled to his opinion on calling Colbert a jerk, but he needs to look in the mirror and loosen up. Oh by the way, that jerk just raised more than $250,000 to help save your Olympics you ingrate.

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Albee

said on 21st January: Reply

Where do I find a clip of Colbert vs Davis in a speed skating race with apparently a significant head start for Colbert?

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- Ms Interpreted
  
  said on 21st January: Reply
  
  Here’s the segment with the actual race: Skate Expectations – Speedskating Race – Shani Davis.
  
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Dave

said on 18th February: Reply

I know Shani Davis — he was a student of mine at Northen Michigan University. He’s a good kid, bright, and very dedicated — to both his schoolwork and his skating career. Vic, every argument you make you backtrack on and realize that he might have had a point. I don’t like the way he has been portrayed in the past as being selfish. That’s bull. He’s had to put up with a lot in the past and he’s in an INDIVIDUAL sport. When Michael Jordan is cutthroat we appreciate him for his killer instinct, we don’t say he’s a malcontent. How about giving Davis the same kind of respect?

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