St. Louis Ram's players walked into the field of a home football game with their hands up. They did this showing support for unarmed teen Mike Brown. In a silent protest, they did the "Hands up, don't shoot" gesture. Although, many did not like the gesture and the players received death threats; numerous people thanked and applauded the players. In other words, people were grateful that someone of their status care enough to make such a powerful headline. Basically, this raised the question for me. What is the importance of the African-American athletes in and out of sports, and were does the two paths meet? Earlier in one of my articles I wrote a open-thank you letter to LeBron James, Derrick Rose, and others for doing something that many athletes did not have the nerve to do. That is speak out and not be quiet about your belief. I believe that the role of an African-American athlete in politics and life can be a lot bigger. However, as time goes on; I b...