Steve McNair Memorialized!

The Tennessean reports on Steve McNair's Memorial Service held yesterday in in Nashville, TN. McNair's wife and 2 youngest sons were amongst the mourners. Bishop Joseph Walker III, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church eulogized McNair and didn't shy away from the circumstances of McNair's death, telling the mourners:

Walker related the New Testament account of an adulterous woman whom religious leaders brought to Jesus, suggesting she be stoned for her sins. Jesus replied, "Ye without sin, cast the first stone."

"And I have come to declare from the youngest to the oldest in America and over this world, it's time to have a stone dropping service," Walker nearly shouted to rousing applause. " … Next time you write about Steve McNair, drop your stone. Next time you text somebody, drop your stone. The next time you Twitter, drop your stone."

Here's saying a special prayer for McNair's wife and sons. As salacious as the circumstances of McNair's death are, the bottom line is that he's no longer here for his family, and they will need plenty of prayers and support to move on with their lives.

Rape Reported At Home Of Harry Douglas!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that a rape has been reported at the home of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas. Police say that Douglas is not a suspect, but the alleged assault did take place at his home, which could still place some liability on him from the victim. Below is allegedly what transpired:

The woman, who is in her 20s, called police about 5 a.m. Thursday.

She said she went to a party at Douglas’ home on Wednesday night. She got tired and fell asleep in one of the bedrooms. “She was then awoken by a male who was sexually assaulting her,” the police press release stated. “The victim fled the scene to another location where she called 911 to report what had just happened.”

The woman gave investigators the name of a possible suspect.

When investigators arrived at Douglas’ house, he told them the man they were looking for had left. The crime scene unit processed the scene for evidence.

Douglas needs to be more careful regarding who he lets in his home in the future. He's only 24, so hopefully this incident will be a learning experience for him.

Mariah Apologizes!

To say that Mariah Carey was pitchy while performing "I'll Be There" during Michael Jackson's Memorial Service would be an understatement. The New York Daily News reports that being overcome with emotion was the cause of the awful performance according to Carey. Mariah has been perpetrating as a singer for the last 10 years, unfortunately for her she simply can't hit the notes anymore. That's not a bad thing if she realizes it, and makes adjustments, otherwise her live performances will continue to be haunting to the ears.

A Send Off Fit For A King!

Michael Jackson was memorialized yesterday a the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The service was truly a celebration of Jackson's momentous but sometimes turbulent life. The really sad thing is that Jackson children won't have the benefit of growing up with their father, and as "different" as Michael Jackson appeared sometimes, especially in his later years, his children at least on the surface appear to be well adjusted. Sleep well Michael.

McNair Tragedy Continues!

The Tennessean reports that the Steve McNair tragedy is beginning to possibly get some closure. McNair's apparent girlfriend Sahel Kazemi purchased the gun that killed him early Saturday morning, and killed her as well. She purchased the gun shortly after being bailed out by McNair on a DUI charge last Thursday. The pain on the faces of ex-teammates Eddie George and Brad Hopkins shows the pain being felt by the tragedy. Bad decisions were made all around by all involved parties.

R.I.P. Steve McNair

Twitter was all ablaze Saturday afternoon even before mainstream news was reporting the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, who died from 4 gunshot wounds early Saturday morning. McNair was found in his rented condo along with female companion Sahel Kazemi, who was apparently killed by one gunshot wound. Police have ruled McNair's death a homicide, but haven't determined if Kazemi's wound was self inflicted although a semi-automatic pistol was found near her body. McNair, 36, who was married with 4 sons, apparently had begun a relationship with the 20 year-old Kazemi in the past few months. He had purchased her a 2007 Escalade as a birthday present.

I guess it would be easy to rule this a murder-suicide, but sometimes things aren't what they seem. In any case two lives have been lost tragically, and in a senseless manner. McNair was truly one of the toughest quarterbacks to ever play, and from all accounts a good guy. Kasemi was only 20, and had her whole life ahead of her. Prayers go out to the families of both.

Michael Still Had It!

This footage was released to CNN yesterday and shows Michael Jackson performing "They Don't Care About Us." Watching the footage gives me chills, and MJ obviously still had it. Watching this footage lends further credence to the reports that drugs were probably involved in his death.

Is Quincy Jones Being To Rough On MJ?

Quincy Jones gave an interview to Men Style in which he was blatantly honest about the loss of his good friend Michael Jackson. Quincy talks openly about some of the issues that Michael obviously had regarding his appearance, and he surmises that pressure and debt may have ultimately taken out the "King of Pop."

Q: You were there to witness the strange evolution in Michael's appearance. Did you ever step in and saying anything about it?
A: Oh, we talked about it all the time. But he'd come up with, "Man, I promise you I have this disease," and so forth, and "I have a blister on my lungs," and all that kind of b.s. It's hard, because Michael's a Virgo, man—he's very set in his ways. You can't talk him out of it. Chemical peels and all that stuff.

Q: Did you believe him about the disease?
A: I don't believe in any of that bullshit, no. No. Never. I've been around junkies and stuff all my life. I've heard every excuse. It's like smokers—"I only smoke when I drink" and all that stuff. But it's bullshit. You're justifying something that's destructive to your existence. It's crazy. I mean, I came up with Ray Charles, man. You know, nobody gonna pull no wool over my eyes. He did heroin 20 years! Come on. And black coffee and gin for 40 years. But when he called me to come over to see him when he was in the hospital on his way out, man, he had emphysema, hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and five malignant tumors. Please, man! I've been around this all my life. So it's hard for somebody to pull the wool over my eyes. But when somebody's hell-bent on it, you can't stop 'em.

Q: But it must've been so disturbing to see Michael's face turn into what it turned into.
A: It's ridiculous, man! Chemical peels and all of it. And I don't understand it. But he obviously didn't want to be black.Q: Is that what it was?A: Well, what do you think? You see his kids?Q: Did you ever discuss it? Did you ever ask, "Michael, don't you want to be a black man?"A: No, no, no, please. That's not the way you do it.

Q: But he was beautiful before?A: Man, he was the most gorgeous guy.

Q: But he seemed to have some deep-seated issue with how he looked?A: Well, that comes about a certain way. I'm not sure how it happens. I'm just a musician and a record producer. I'm not a psychiatrist. I don't understand all that stuff. We all got problems. But there's a great book out called Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart. Did you see that? That book says the statute of limitations has expired on all childhood traumas. Get your stuff together and get on with your life, man. Stop whinin' about what's wrong, because everybody's had a rough time, in one way or another.

Q: At root, what do you think killed Michael Jackson?
A: I don't know, man. I'm a musician. I'm not a psychiatrist. I would think that the pressure of the concerts and the debt and everything else . . . look, I've been in the hands of Nobel doctors for the last five years, in Stockholm, at the Karolinska hospital, which you can't even pay to get in. I've learned so much about the human mind and the body, and the doctors talk all the time about how you become your thoughts. It's true. With one thought it starts, you know, and if you sit there and just stay hung up on one negative thought, you will become that thought. I know that Lisa Marie Presley said that she always thought he was going to die like Elvis. You sit and think about that stuff, it'll happen to you. If you start thinking about darkness instead of light, or fear instead of love, you'll get in trouble. I really believe that.

An interesting read and thought provoking views by Q. Quincy Jones is now 76 years-old and hails from the hood of Chicago. He's seen everything, and experienced everything in his life. It's funny that no one wants to discuss the issues that Michael has obviously had through the years. If anyone is capable and qualified to speak about Michael Jackson it's Quincy Jones. Everything he said is probably true at the end of the day. Michael Jackson was our greatest performer, but also one of the most eccentric entertainers that we've ever seen as well.

Jackson Memorial Service Set For Tuesday At Staples Center

Roger Friedman, who now writes for the Hollywood Reporter, is reporting that Michael Jackson's funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 7th at the Los Angeles Staples Center at 10 a.m. Friedman has written about Jackson for years, and has usually always been accurate about anything related to Michael Jackson. If true, the funeral for our greatest performer should be a sight to behold. Once again, despite the circus that is taking place since his death, I hope Michael is resting peacefully.

Regarding Jackson's will which was filed yesterday, he named Diana Ross as a backup guardian to his mother. Hopefully everyone will respect his wishes, but with hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, I'm sure the Jacksons will find a way to embarrass their "golden child."

Nothing Like A Mother's Love!

If reports are true, Michael Jackson left the bulk of his estate to his 3 children and his mother Katherine. The Los Angeles Times profiles the relationship between the late singer and his 79 year-old mother. After the display that we've seen from Michael's father Joe over the past few days, it's easy to see why father and son may had a fractured relationship. The truth of the matter is that while Joe and Katherine have been married for 60 years, Joe really resides in Las Vegas, and according to Stacy Brown, a onetime family friend who co-wrote the 2005 biography "Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask," Mrs. Jackson ""Puts up with Joe when she has to, which is not too often."

Katherine Jackson will surely get the family through this tragedy, and despite his leaving her too soon, Michael Jackson did his mother proud.

Impatient Joe Dumars!

Detroit Pistons President Joe Dumars fired his 4th coach in 8 years when he canned Michael Curry as coach with the team owing him $5 million. Surely the money will ease Curry's pain, but Joe Dumars' impatience may eventually get the best of him. He's fired Rick Carlisle, Larry Brown, Flip Saunders and now Curry during his tenure. Carlisle, Brown and Saunders have all since found employment since being fired by the Pistons. Perhaps Dumars needs to think about putting together a competitive roster before firing his next coach. The Pistons have won a championship under Dumars, so he knows what he's doing, but his impatience may ultimately be his undoing.

Monica Conyers Resigns!

Monica Conyers, wife of U.S. Rep. John Conyers resigned from her Detroit City Council seat yesterday after pleading guilty Friday on a felony charge to commit bribery. Conyers had refused to resign until her fellow council members threatened to have her ousted. I wonder if any of this will rub off on Mr. Conyers, the influential Congressman from Michigan.

The Bizarre Joe Jackson!

Joe Jackson showed up at the BET Awards last night and was interviewed by CNN while on the Red Carpet. I never like to make assumptions regarding how individuals mourn, but looking at Joe on the Red Carpet, it appeared that he had just lost a commodity instead of a son. Joe even plugged some new business venture during the interview. Very bizarre, and the fact that his own daughter didn't acknowledge him while making remarks lends credence to all the stories that we've heard over the years that Joe is just a different type of guy.

Janet Speaks On Behalf Of Jackson Family!

Janet Jackson on behalf of the Jackson family at the BET Awards last night. She was obviously overcome with emotion, but made it through her brief statement. It was a little strange that she didn't acknowledge her father Joe Jackson who was sitting in the audience.

Rest In Peace Michael Jackson!

Days like yesterday seem like a bad dream. We lost the Greatest Entertainer/Performer of All Time with the death of Michael Jackson at the age of 50. I guess Michael was ready to take a rest from all the pressure that he was probably under, and decided to head to a much better place.

All of our lives are much brighter for having witnessed your talent Michael. Please have a good rest, and know that you will be missed by all of us. Special prayers go out to your family, especially your beloved mother. Such a tragedy when a parent has to bury a child, but you made both of your parents proud. There will never be another performer like you.

Shaq & "The King"

The Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers consummated the long rumored trade sending Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavs for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic a 2nd round draft pick and cash. This is a solid move by the Cavs and probably gives them a decent chance to come out of the East if Shaq can stay healthy. They probably need one more perimeter player and of course a new coach to win the championship.

Evander Holyfield Could Lose Estate!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield is in danger of losing his Fayette County, Georgia estate to a foreclosure sale on July 7th. The lien holder is demanding full payment of the original $10 million loan. Holyfield was able to stop foreclosure proceedings last June after reaching an agreement, perhaps he will be able to do the same this time.

Holyfield has made an estimated $248 million in the ring, however two divorces, failed businesses and an estimated $500,00 in annual child support payments have depleted his fortune. The estate is worth $20 million, perhaps Holyfield can stop the foreclosure, sell the property and downsize to a reasonable level.

Can Ebony and Jet Survive?

Recent revelations that Ebony Magazine's parent company Johnson Publishing is in trouble shouldn't be surprising in this economic climate, but it's hard to believe that CEO Linda Johnson Rice would allow her father's company to go under without making prudent moves to keep it afloat. Chicago Business reports that advertising revenue and circulation have dropped to alarming levels and creditors are beginning to position themselves against the company's assets. Long term employees have also begun to leave in droves.

Unfortunately for Johnson Publishing the Internet has probably taken a major toll on the mainstays of Ebony and Jet. Hopefully moves will be made that will keep the magazines afloat and viable as the number of magazine targeting African Americans is already pretty scarce.

Is Rev. Run Being Real?

Last night MTV televised the "Run's House" episode in which JoJo Simmons was arrested on marijuana possession charges a few months ago. A very good and honest episode, but perhaps Rev. Run needs to realize that he created this reality for his children in terms of opportunities and extravagance. None of the trappings of the Simmons family are real in the average African American young adult's life.

Yes JoJo made a mistake, but Run being more concerned with the family name is a bit disconcerting when he admittedly "smoked" like a chimney as his brother Russell had to remind him. Russell simply told JoJo, that pot smoking makes you "slow and stupid" and asked him if he wanted to be that way. JoJo is in a family with nothing but success around him. Hopefully he finds his niche and is comfortable with who he is and what the Simmons name represents.

4 Books By MLK Jr. To Be Republished!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that 4 books authored by Martin Luther King Jr. will be republished by Beacon Press in a deal brokered by his son Dexter King. The books to be republished are listed below:

_ "Stride Toward Freedom," first published in 1958, King's memoir of the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 and 1956;
_ "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?," first published in 1967, King's last book and an analysis of the state of American race relations and the movement after a decade of U.S. civil rights struggles;
_ "Trumpet of Conscience," first published in 1968, containing five lectures King gave in 1967;
_"Strength to Love," first published in 1963, a volume of his most well-known homilies and the book in the civil rights leader's briefcase when he was killed on April 4, 1968.

The books and other writings are scheduled to be released on January 18, 2010. I know the King children are feuding, but Dexter is making deals to keep his father's legacy alive and relevant for future generations.

No Jail Time For Chris Brown!

Ok, now that Chris Brown got off light for his assault of Rihanna, the world can go back to being normal. Brown plead guilty yesterday to felony assault and received 6 months of "community labor" with no jail time. He will also be on probation for 5 years, so if he has another incident similar to this one, he will likely do jail time if found guilty. Hopefully all parties involved have learned a lesson, and Brown's star has dimmed considerably for such a young man in the music industry. He's probably lost an enormous amount of earning power during these peak years in terms of his talent level.

Perez Hilton Alleges Assault By Will.I.am And His Bodyguards!

Gossip Blogger Perez Hilton went to Twitter when he was allegedly being assaulted this morning by Black Eyed Peas front man Will.I.am and his bodyguards in Toronto. The Detroit Free Press reports the following posts by Hilton regarding the alleged attack:

• PerezHilton: I'm in shock. I need the police ASAP. Please come to the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel now. Please.
• PerezHilton: I was assaulted by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and his security guards. I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke.
• PerezHilton: Still waiting for the police. The bleeding has stopped. I need to document this. Please, can the police come to the SoHo Met Hotel.
Hilton is in Toronto where he presented at Sunday night’s MuchMusic Awards.


As of this morning the assault has not been confirmed.

Rihanna Expected To Testify Today Against Chris Brown!

Rihanna is expected to testify today against singer Chris Brown in a preliminary hearing on Brown's assault charges in Los Angeles. Requests for cameras in the court room have been denied, and Brown's request for postponement were also denied by the Supreme Court last week. It's funny that Brown has been parading around at various events as if he's not facing potential jail time. Should be interesting in the courtroom if Rihanna does indeed testify.

Say It Ain't So Morgan Freeman!

The Post Chronicle is reporting on this bizarre story involving actor Morgan Freeman having an affair with his 27 year-old step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines. Freeman, 72, and one of our most beloved actors raised Hines along with his wife Myrna since she was a little girl. This report which originates from the National Enquirer is strictly rumor at this point, but the Enquirer was right on the John Edwards story.

Stallworth Suspended Indefinitely By NFL!

Commissioner Roger Goodell did the right thing yesterday and suspended wide receiver Donte' Stallworth indefinitely for his guilty plea this week on DUI manslaughter charges. Stallworth, who is presently serving 30 days in jail for killing pedestrian Mario Reyes, hopefully will be suspended for the entire season. His wealth undoubtedly contributed to reaching a monetary settlement with the Reyes family, and the minimal sentence in terms of jail time. Goodell has always said that playing in the NFL is a privilege, so the right thing is for Stallworth's work privileges to be revoked for at least one season.