I Guess We Will Fall For Anything!

U.S. Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana is facing a 16-count federal indictment that accuses him of funneling bribes to family-owned businesses in exchange for helping companies get business deals in western Africa. The former nine-term congressman is scheduled to stand trial June 2 in federal court in Alexandria, Va. Last night in New Orleans he gathered with friends and family to recognize his 3 decades of public service. The fact that an offering was collected to help defray "Dollar Bill's" legal expenses is a joke. If Jefferson is guilty of his pending charges, then he will spend the rest of his life in jail. Why are black people collecting money for him. We really will fall for anything! Thanks to the NOLA.com for the article.

DMX Released From Jail!

Rapper DMX was released from a Phoenix jail after serving a 90 day sentence on felony convictions according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons still faces additional charges added while incarcerated for allegedly throwing a tray at a jail officer. DMX needs to get his life together, he has a teenage son who's really tired of his father's juvenile antics.

R.I.P. Chuck Daly!

The Detroit Pistons were my favorite basketball team during the Isiah Thomas era when they won 2 NBA Championships. Chuck Daly was the head coach during this time, and was known as "Daddy Rich" to his players. Daly was laid to rest in South Florida after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer yesterday. Most of "the Bad Boys" were there and served as pallbearers for their old coach. The Detroit Free Press remembers "Daddy Rich." Daly's memory card contained the following quotes from the coach:

“Never trust happiness.”
“See that bridge? I ain’t jumpin’.”
“No one looks bad in a blue suit.”
“Get past mad.”
“I’m just a guy who gets to ride the bus,” was left off but noted in the article.

Rest In Peace, Chuck.

Mr. Big Shot/Smooth!

I found this awesome article on ESPN.com that profiles Denver Nuggets superstar Chauncey Billups titled "The Disposable Superstar." Last night Chauncey led the Nuggets into the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years. Chauncey's journey to super stardom is a great story in overcoming disappointment and learning from your elders. Chauncey's father Ray laid the foundation for his son regarding just plain hard work, and the family turned down Chauncey's offer to buy them a new home and even retire Ray. A great read for anyone facing adversity, and looking for inspiration. Bottom line, if the talent is there, sometimes reaching your ultimate goal takes a little time. Patience indeed has been a virtue for Chauncey "Mr. Big Shot" Billups.

John Conyers Trying To Put Black Radio Stations Out Of Business?

Michigan Democrat John Conyers is head of the House Judiciary Committee, and advocate of "marking up" the Performance Rights Act which who require radio stations to pay artists who have performed on a record that's being played. Opponents of the bill include Rev. Al Sharpton who says that the bill would increase expenses of black stations, which are already struggling in tough economic times. The New York Daily News reports:

The fate of the bill in the full House is uncertain, but it seems to have its best ever chance to pass. It is expected that amendments will be added to make it more palatable to opponents, and Conyers offered one of the first on Friday when he proposed small stations pay only a $500 annual blanket royalty fee. "Small" stations are now defined as those billing less than $1.25 million.

Tom Joyner stated on his show that if the bill passes that black stations will no longer play new music, and would focus on the music established artists. In these times, this bill doesn't sound like a good idea. Music on black radio is already too monotonous, I would hate to see it become even less diverse.

Mark Cuban! Do The Right Thing!

Mark Cuban is a self made billionaire, and up until the the last week one of the coolest owners in sports. Cuban is one of the most passionate owners in the NBA, constantly feuding with commissioner David Stern over something that he feels isn't fair and affects his team the Dallas Mavericks. However Cuban's behavior in the last week is highly questionable and over the top regardless of wealth and status.

Depending on which version you believe, Cuban told Denver Nugget Kenyon Martin's mother that her son was a thug. This set the fans of Dallas into a frenzy which led them to verbally harass parents, fiance's and wives of the visiting Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Cuban has since apologized, but he did it via his blog instead of personal apology. Cuban and the Mavs misery will end tonight when the Nuggets unleash their frustrations on the Mavericks in Denver. I hope Cuban does personally apologize to all persons who were harassed. It's just the right thing to do.

Michael Jackson Getting Ready!

As Michael Jackson prepares to take the stage for his first extended tour in 12 years. I have no shame in saying that Jackson is my favorite artist of all time. Whether Jackson, now 50, can pull this off beginning July 8th in England is anyone's guess. Jackson is presently preparing in a Burbank sound stage 4 mornings a week for 6 hours, and the Los Angeles Times reports that the production budget for the tour is $20 million. Either Jackson will flake out and not make it through the tour, or he'll have one of the greatest comebacks of all time. I wish I was optimistic, but MJ's track record recently doesn't breed confidence that this will end well.

Love Amongst Brothas!

While Wanda Sykes is getting plenty of play for her Rush Limbaugh joke at Saturday's White House Correspondents Dinner, The U.S. World & News Report posted this quote from President Barack Obama directed at Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele:

He did, of course, take swipes at his foes like Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and even Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele. Taking aim at Steele's hip-hop image, Obama said: "Michael Steele is in the house tonight. Or, as he would say, 'in the heezy.' Wassup? Where is Michael? Michael, for the last time, the Republican Party does not qualify for a bailout. Rush Limbaugh does not count as a troubled asset. I'm sorry."

So how did Steele react? "It was much love between brothers," says Steele, who said he simply appreciated a presidential shout-out.

Steele has had his challenges as he's gotten into verbal barbs with Limbaugh. At the end of the day brothas have to show each other love.

Wanda Sykes Coming Under Fire For Limbaugh Joke!

Wanda Sykes performed at the White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday and made the following joke about Rush Limbaugh:

"You know, you might want to look into this, [President Obama], because I think maybe Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker, but he was just so strung out on OxyContin he missed his flight. ... "Rush Limbaugh hopes the country fails? I hope his kidneys fail, how 'bout that?"

Mike Lupica from the New York Daily News doesn't think that Sykes should get a pass for the joke. I'm sure Limbaugh will have something to say today on his show.

Ulysses Bridgeman, Jr. One Of The Richest Black Americans!

Ulysses Bridgeman, Jr. was known as Junior Bridgeman when he played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks. Bridgeman quietly parlayed his basketball career into becoming one of the richest Black Americans. He's listed as one of the top 20 "Richest Black Americans" and Forbes describes how he built his wealth:

Bought five Wendy's franchises to generate income while planning his next career. Today controls 161 Wendy's and 118 Chili's restaurants. Total payroll: 11,000 managers, cashiers and cooks. Sales of holding company Manna Inc. in 2008: $530 million. Sits on board of PGA. Also owns small stake in Milwaukee soda bottler Black Bear Beverages.

Bridgeman Jr. who is now 55, accomplished this when players weren't making what they make today. He should give a class to today's athletes on wealth building, so that they can be prepared when the cheering stops.