Is Game Over?

Early this week I heard a rumor that rap artist, The Game, was involved in an altercation outside a Los Angeles recreational center on February 24, 2007. Allegedly, The Game, whose real name is Jayceon Terrell Taylor, was playing pick-up basketball, and an opposing player stole the ball from him. Game took exception with this and punched the other guy in the face. Apparently, words were said and pushing ensued, and Game then pulled a gun from his red Cadillac Escalade and threatened to shoot the opposing player.

As a result of the altercation, The Game was charged with three felony counts of making a criminal threat, possessing a firearm in a school zone and exhibiting a firearm in the presence of an officer. He plead "Not Guilty" to the above-referenced charges.

My only comment is Game, you’re 27 years old – grow up. It’s one thing to punch a guy, we all get caught up in the moment of sports, but it’s a completely different situation to escalate the matter by allegedly pulling a gun on the guy. A life shouldn't be lost because of a game of basketball. Use your common sense, you're a multi-million dollar rapper, you've traveled the world, you've met important people, and in some circles, you're an important person yourself. Don't believe your own hype - just because you supposedly grew up on the streets, that doesn't mean you have to continually follow your supposed "street mentality". Use some of the knowledge and experiences you've acquired, and act like you have some damn sense.

Too many youth are dying because they're molding their responses to situations after your responses (and other rapper's responses) to similar situations. They think every perceived "disrespect" is a life or death situation, when in reality it's minimal and inconsequential. Like my mom use to always say, think before act because you never know who may be watching (and following) your response.