One day, opposite ends of the globe, and two extraordinary events involving alleged racial activity.
You might think what's the big deal? Two racial events in one sport is probably on the low side. The "extraordinary" I'm referring to is the responses from the athletes involved in the incidents.
"Measured" is the word that instantly springs to mind. In the heat of battle you're focused, you have prepared exceptionally for an important match. Your family and friends have gathered with thousands of your fans to push you to the finish line of your chosen sport.
Your team is playing soccer and you have won a corner kick and as you bend over to pick up the ball you get hit with a banana, what do you do?
I'm not sure what I would do, perhaps I would turn around angry and throw it back, others might walk of the pitch and leave the game.
What I can tell you is what Dani Alves did playing for Barcelona did, he saw the banana hit the ground after it him and without hesitating he picked up the banana, began to peel it and then ate it. He promptly kicked a solid corner kick and continued playing.
As a sports fanatic I have seen many magnificent things in sport that steal my admiration. This single act from an athlete I've never heard of, from one of only a handful of sports I cannot stand (soccer), now stands among one of my greatest sporting memories.
The Other Event
The other event that involves alleged racism is a very murky situation between the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA Franchise and the playing roster he employs.
After allegations of a recorded conversation emerged that appears to be racist the entire Los Angeles Clippers staged a silent protest during an on-court warm up that was a nationally televised game.
They through off their team logo singlets, and warmed up in sweat shirts that were inside out. Not a huge provocative act but another well measured act that drew applause from the wider sporting community.
It was such a positive response to the unfortunate alleged events that President Barack Obama made a strong comment from the White House.
I know it's only two incidents, but it is great to see athletes continuing a rich tradition of showing the world that racism will not be tolerated, in sport and in life.
Josh Hinds is a school chaplain on the Gold Coast, a family man and PSI's IT professional. Josh is an experienced writer on international sport.
Josh Hinds' previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/joshua-hinds.html