response to the racialization of "beast"

In response to willy's post below, I say it depends on context. Using a non-human nickname (Beast, Terminator) may be dehumanizing, but I don't know that it's necessarily racist. Two other complicating factors. Firstly, he's mixed race (an identity that would have to be universally understood, given the constant shots of his parents). Secondly, he probably likes those nicknames -- that is, they are delivered in a sporting context that privileges the characteristics of beastliness and terminateability. Of course, the name could still be racist alongside these qualifiers (or a subconscious expression of racist sentiment for some).

If racism plays a role in Griffin's coverage, I am partially convinced by Freeman's thoughts on the Church of Hansbrough. But even then, I think the general pro-UNC bias of ESPN plays a major role in the infatuation with Hansbrough (though race certainly matters too). Plus, Griffin is just way too athletic to be the archetypal heart and hustle guy.