The blogosphere was buzzing this past weekend when the new coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Byron Scott was photographed repeatedly on media day wearing what the media was quick to call 'the swastika tie.'

A shocking headline certainly, especially when you consider the fact that the man they are accusing of wearing antisemitic apparel is an esteemed former NBA player who has acted as coach for both the New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets before taking on the coaching position for the Cavaliers.

During his playing career, Scott suited up for the Lakers, Indiana Pacers and Vancouver Grizzlies but is best known for his ten consecutive seasons playing for the Lakers. Scott is well liked and extremely respected among his peers, and goodness knows, he has given no one in the Jewish community any cause to be suspicious that he might have underlying antisemitic sympathies.

The truth regarding the 'swastika tie' (insert gasp here) is that plain and simple, it is not a swastika tie. It is merely a tie with a not overtly original, but harmless nonetheless, gray and black pattern that when photographed from a certain angle, can be misconstrued. See for yourself. An unfortunate pattern, sure... but not quite an 'I support Hitler' sign. 

The Tie... dun,dun, dun

For those who remain unconvinced, should you need a reminder of what Nazi-sympathizers usually do wear, please see the photos that Jesse James took a few months back. THAT my friends, is a Nazi sympathizer uniform. And by the way, when someone actually has antisemitic tendencies, they don't tend to let you know via secret 'tie' code. VirtualJerusalem has been in contact with the press department for the Cavs (who incidentally -  are owned by a Jew,) and who can blame them if they refuse to even dignify such a lurid accusation with a response?

Indeed, the true problem here is not a man who wore a tie, the true problem lies with the media, and more specifically the ever-addicting, but often character-slaying blogs. Lets face it, there is more than enough antisemitism happening around the world - there is certainly no need to fabricate more.

The truth is, there is so much antisemitism happening out there that the mainstream media blatantly ignores, that we here at VirtualJerusalem will be unveiling a new part of our website very soon - The Antisemitism Awareness Project. At long last there will be a place online where you can find out whats really happening, not just from the media, who has given us great cause to distrust most of what they say (raising such dribble like this,) but directly from the people who have come into contact with bigotry on a daily basis.

Someone has to do something about what's happening. And part of taking a stand against true antisemitism is recognizing when the media wants to cause a sensation and uproar over nothing, marring an innocent man's reputation over nothing more than an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction is wrong.

Try to maintain some perspective people.

by T. LItvin