What I chose to do was type out the text of what he read, then do a cursory analysis of my observations, forcing myself to assume that the audio clip is authentic and hasn't been doctored for the benefit of the listeners of this radio show out of New York.
Here's a pic of that cursory running record:
Everything is about perception and perspective.
Here's mine:
1. Context: He's preparing for the recording of a commercial to be played before thousands, if not more, listeners - You wouldn't be nervous?
2. He rereads in an attempt to get it "right" (a strategy)
3. He self-corrects (another strategy)
4. He checks for comprehension (as particularly indicated by his constant rereading of the word "show" after the article "the", which, in this case, would normally would be read as a noun and not a verb considering that most words following the definite article "the" are direct objects/nouns)
5. He omits the "I" in "I Heart Radio" for reasons that can be explained. His brain is likely processing "I" to mean himself (and why shouldn't it). In this case, however, the "I" is *not* talking about him, Floyd, but is rather used as a part of the proper noun for some entity followed by the word "heart".
I heart?? Yes, another irregularity.
"Heart" used here defies the use of the word as a noun and makes it a verb, which is commonly used in youthful colloquial conversation (i.e. I heart you). That said, it's not uncommon for his, or any, brain to initially omit "I" because of the perception that it's an error and "doesn't belong" next to the noun-turned-verb "heart".
No doubt there is much more that can be said, particularly about his fluency, whether or not the script he was given was on a teleprompter or not, whether the script he was given was written using punctuation, whether he needs glasses to read (not normally used for boxing, but I digress) or whether the writers used title case for "I Heart Radio", etc.
The logistics of reading aside, what is most troubling is the exploitation of a perceived inability to read by a radio personality and that radio segment going viral on social media. While one star's calling out of another star on social media is not uncommon, it's reprehensible that a radio station decided to dig into its archives and air what they called an "unedited" (though I believe it was doctored for this particular segment) drop of Mayweather's reading of this script.
Assuming that the tape isn't doctored and assuming that Mayweather does have some reading difficulties and assuming that it wasn't just his nerves getting the best of him as he was preparing for this radio commercial (those are a lot of assumptions and there are more), illiteracy isn't a joking matter. Laughing at another's inability to read is what kids do before a responsible adult corrects the behavior. Furthermore, as if black men in America don't have enough problems, one of the last things we need is for "brothers" to be calling out other "brothers" and mocking the other's perceived illiteracy (although this script is hardly the basis for a diagnosis) and going to great extents to do so!
I admire the courage of the other radio personalities who at least said something in opposition to their colleague's choosing to air the segment.
At a time when the funding of public schools is low, particularly in urban areas where there are large numbers of blacks, Latinos, and other minority groups, this could be any. of. our. kids!!!
That said, *if* Floyd Mayweather is having reading difficulties, I challenge him to hit me up. I'll be more than happy to provide some remedial instruction! And I don't need his money. That's not the point! If there is a problem, he needs help. If he doesn't have any reading challenges and this is all pure 'bafoonery', well...people have sued for less!
A set of statistics can be found here--> http://www.ets.org/s/sponsored_events/pdf/16818_BlackMale_trifold3_WEB.pdf
I cannot speak to the accuracy of the stats, but they are starting/continuing points for discussions and debate.
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