THE STEELE CHRONICLES 

THE STEELE CHRONICLES

The Steele Chronicles
San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist David Steele brings his heartfelt stories from the African-American perspective.

By Felicia D. McDaniel
Sports Business Simulations

In the multicultural and diverse melting pot called the Bay Area, it is a surprise that D.C. native, David Steele is only one of two black sportswriters for a major newspaper in the area. (The other is Monte Poole of the Oakland Tribune). Entering his eighth year with the San Francisco Chronicle, this 18-year veteran and University of Maryland graduate knew by his mid-teens that he wanted to be a sportswriter.

Guided by his personal beliefs and upbringing, Steele approaches his writing style with sincere honesty and intensity.

Felicia McDaniel: How do you feel about being one of two African-American sports writers representing the top newspapers in the Bay Area?

David Steele: It's great, I feel like I have a lot of responsibility. I take it upon myself to make sure things are put in the paper that are normally not put in. It would be cheating everyone if I didn't. Growing up, I only read things from one perspective and there were no black columnists. If a voice is missing, I try to be that voice and shape powerful and positive images.

FM: How do you justify the print media not hiring more blacks?

DS: It's all about whom you know but I believe that the most qualified should be hired to represent. The big corporations know that we're out there and the process shouldn't be restricted to people they know. They need to broaden it and open the pool.

FM: Is it sometimes hard to stay focused when you look around and you're the only person of color in a room?

DS: Sometimes. You have to have the mind set that you're part of a large group. Of course you sometimes feel like you're being watched closely and you're walking a tight rope. You are always aware of how you conduct yourself because you come from completely different places. If you are alone and talking to a player it's the feeling of "What are they talking about?" and you can hear a pin drop in the room.

FM: Why do you feel that black athletes don't commonly receive the kind of "fluff" coverage generally provided to some athletes?

DS: People tend to think we're superhuman and if we have a physical weakness we're shiftless and lazy. I can recall getting 300-400 emails and dozens of letters and phone calls from readers who called for my resignation when I wrote a column defending Serena Williams after she was ripped in the papers and called soft for complaining of pain at Wimbledon several years back, meanwhile they've dominated the tennis world since.

FM: What type of things did people say?

DS: That I was a racist for defending her. That she wasn't a good player and that the truth would come out and I would be proved wrong because the Williams sister's were basically a fluke. People were outraged.

FM: How did that type of negative reaction make you feel?

DS: It scared me. I couldn't help but think, "Is this how bad things really are?" Black athletes are a lot more mentally tough than you think, look at Allen Iverson. What are the odds of someone like him not even making it? Words like "legendary" are used when referring to people like Joe Montana but they talk bad about Barry Bonds if he doesn't want to give an interview. Our players should be commended more for all they do, not just highlighted when they have a joint in their car.

FM: Have you ever encountered any blatant remarks from a colleague?

DS: I was on a discussion panel about a year ago (the only African-American participating) and a known sportscaster made mention that it would be harder for him to get a job today in media because the sporting fields are primarily dominated by blacks.

FM: Many think your job is glamorous and easy. What advice would you give to those wanting to break into the business?

DS: It's fun, a dream job and I know a lot of people would love to be in my shoes but you also get to deal with some serious issues. People are territorial and will try to make your job and life difficult every step of the way. Stay committed and don't let anyone take your passion away. You can't leave at the first sign of adversity, you have to grind this job and take control. Just have faith and you will be rewarded.

FM: What does the future hold for David Steele?

DS: I would like to write a book but not only sports related; I would like to do something like the observations of society and why people do what they do. I think a lot of people have a story that needs to be told.

This story originally ran in CityFlight Magazine, http://www.cityflight.com. David Steele's column appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays in the San Francisco Chronicle.