Jackson Free Press

Mr. Announcement: "Controversial independent filmmaker Kunta ‘Rahsheed X' Toby presents a scene from his new epic movie ‘Kunta King James: Runaway Franchise Athlete.' Look for guest cameo appearances from Rev. Jesse Jackson, Mel Gibson, tea-party protesters and the NAACP.

(Kunta King James enters Franchise Coach's office and sits at his desk.)

Franchise Coach: "Are you happy now? Are you happy with the fact that you've disrespected me and your former hometown fans? You kicked us to the curb like an old rusty can! Why did you do it?"

Kunta King James: "I'll answer your question with these words: free agency. An old Negro League baseball player told me a story called ‘Legend of Curt Flood: The First Renegade Runaway Franchise Athlete.'

"There once was a baseball athlete named Curt Flood. He believed that Major League Baseball's reserve clause was unfair because it made a player obligated to a team for life, even when he or she had satisfied the terms and conditions of a contract. One day a mid-level manager informed Curt Flood that he would be traded to another team. Curt Flood was angry that his coach did not inform him; therefore, he refused to report to his new team and demanded the baseball commissioner to declare him a free agent.

"‘I do not feel I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes.' Flood said."

Franchise Coach: "Who are you?"

Kunta King James: "I'm Kunta King James: Runaway Franchise Athlete, coach!"