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Wrongfully Accosted, James Blake Responds with Thoughtful Words

Vegas

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Two years after being on the receiving end of an appalling incident that remains startling to this day, former world No. 4 James Blake is moving forward with actions designed to initiate change.

In June, Blake’s second book, Ways of Grace: Stories of Activism, Adversity, and How Sports Can Bring Us Together was published. Blake, currently a commentator on Tennis Channel, was inspired to write it after a case of mistaken identity. While standing outside a Manhattan hotel during the 2015 US Open, he was forcefully and unexpectedly tackled to the ground by a police officer who believed Blake was part of a fraud ring. Blake was handcuffed and detained.

“I thought about how I could use that negative incident and turn it into a positive,” he says. “I thought about my idol, Arthur Ashe, and how he used every situation in his life to help others that were less fortunate.

“I realized that I actually have a voice that most victims of police brutality don’t have. That made me think of a way to use that voice to help others.”

The name of Blake’s book pays homage to Ashe’s revered memoir, Days of Grace. In the pantheon of athletes that have used their elevated status to make a difference on societal issues, Ashe is clearly among the most influential. The 1975 Wimbledon champion fought for justice in the United States and abroad, and his legacy has clearly had an impact on Blake, both on and off the court.

Wrongfully accosted, James Blake responds with thoughtful words
 

cezero

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he's not initiating any real change

he could have, and it would've been wonderfully brave and amazing.

now, he's just trying to sell more trashy ghost-written books.
 

ill

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he's not initiating any real change

he could have, and it would've been wonderfully brave and amazing.

now, he's just trying to sell more trashy ghost-written books.
how would you recommend he initiate change if this means is not acceptable to you?
 

cezero

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since the average american't attention span is 6-8 news cycles, i'd recommend speaking up a lot more about the injustice of what happened at the time instead of waiting a year to make money off it in promotion of a trashy ghost-written book, which will initiate zero change and give a voice to nobody but him.

it's not like this type of personal opportunism is that crazy to talk about. look at what jmac did with the press before the publication of his last book.

i like blake, and am happy for any success he finds, but timing of it rings a little disingenuous to me.

 

ill

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He spoke out plenty when it first happened.

Shit, the cop that got fired turned around and sued him and the city


Unfortunately, it takes time to write a book
 

nuraman00

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Why didn't anyone respond in the other thread that's been there for 2 years? I posted some updates in that thread and no one ever had comments.

James Blake takedown incident.
 

ill

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Why didn't anyone respond in the other thread that's been there for 2 years? I posted some updates in that thread and no one ever had comments.

James Blake takedown incident.
I looked that one up and was going to link to it, but it was clear no one cared since there were no responses.

Only reason I replied to this one is because cezaro was badmouthing James. Not cool.
 

ill

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the whole drama surrounding the cop. who is now suing anyone and everyone involved to try to salvage his career, is just nuts. There was absolutely no reason to take Blake down.

If he had injured Blake and Blake hadn't been retired, it would have been an even bigger clusterfuck.
 

nuraman00

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I looked that one up and was going to link to it, but it was clear no one cared since there were no responses.

Only reason I replied to this one is because cezaro was badmouthing James. Not cool.

I wasn't here two years ago and never saw that one.

Thanks. I only mentioned it because I had an update in that thread in September of this year, and still no one had any comments.
 

nuraman00

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@ill , where is your avatar from?
 

nuraman00

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movie from the 90s called Empire Records

Thanks. I assume you liked the movie. I'll add it to the DVR wishlist.
 

Vegas

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the whole drama surrounding the cop. who is now suing anyone and everyone involved to try to salvage his career, is just nuts. There was absolutely no reason to take Blake down.

If he had injured Blake and Blake hadn't been retired, it would have been an even bigger clusterfuck.

Blake plays on the old man tour. He would have had a case if injured either way.
 

Hs0022

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The only way the blind American audience will take notice is if he makes a movie, as he has sufficient material to initiate a "based on a true story" motion picture. I suggest the name "Wrongfully Accosted". Who will play Blake, that is the question.
 

Hs0022

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The only way the blind American audience will take notice is if he makes a movie, as he has sufficient material to initiate a "based on a true story" motion picture. I suggest the name "Wrongfully Accosted". Who will play Blake, that is the question.
 
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