Dr. Boyce Watkins is a very outspoken college professor who regularly makes his way onto CNN, FOX News, BET and ESPN as a guest. He’s discussed what it would be like if George Bush was black, he’s worked with the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and he was outspoken about Barry Bonds, Michael Vick and OJ Simpson.

If it has anything to do with the black world — and then some — Dr. Watkins probably has something to say about it, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent.

Which is where Brandon Jennings comes into play:

Other than the fact that his hands need to be handcuffed behind him because he moves too much on camera, the enthusiastic Dr. Watkins has some valid points. Yes, the big-name universities thrive on the athletes’ abilities. But are they always black? No. Hello Matt Leinart, Tyler Hansbrough and Kevin Love.

And why does he keep bringing up Dick Vitale? People don’t want to go to a game to see Dicky V? I’d pay money just to shake his hand! But Dr. Watkins, would you ever make this argument about a black commentator?

We’d like to think that in 2008 racism is gone. But it’s not. It’s not even close from being gone, and that’s heart-wrenching.

It makes you wonder: If Brandon Jennings was as good of a basketball player as he is, but he was white, would Dr. Watkins still care? Would America still care? If white Brandon Jennings was the No. 1 high schooler in America but couldn’t pass his third SAT test, so he decided he’d play in Europe and make a few million dollars for his family before going into the NBA, would anyone care?

It’s sad that we’re still living in the past.