Is It Possible Marvin Harrison Couldn't Escape His Demons?

Imagine being one of the greatest wide receivers in the NFL, and destined for the Hall of Fame based on your football achievements, but your family lineage just took over your soul and leads you down a life of crime similar to your father and half brothers. We could be talking about just about anyone in the NFL who came from humble beginnings, but took advantage of God given talent to make a success of himself. Former NFL wide receiver Marvin Harrison meets that description as he used his athletic talent to rise to the top level of NFL wide receivers.

Harrison's life turned upside down on April 29, 2008 in his old North Philadelphia neighborhood when he allegedly got into a shootout with an old neighborhood nemesis. Long story short, Harrison has never been charged, but casings from the scene match a gun he admitted to owning. The Philadelphia DA at the time did not file charges, but everyone is lurking now with this excellent GQ article going into even more detail regarding the incident and the fact that the nemesis was eventually gunned down in his car.

Word came yesterday that the FBI is now looking into the Harrison incident. I'm not sure how all of this is going to end, but if it ends badly for Harrison, it will be due to him not being able to leave the old neighborhood and escape his demons.

The Haiti Tragedy and Crazy Comments!

I have to admit that it's difficult to watch the coverage of the Haiti earthquake without feeling a personal sense of loss. It's even more difficult to hear people like Pat Robertson make an asinine statement that the Haitians "swore a pact with the devil" in order to be free from the French which resulted in this earthquake occurring. Some people in our world are truly delusional.

Teddy Pendergrass Gone!

I was absolutely shocked to learn that R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass had died last night in a Philadelphia suburban hospital at 59. According to his son, Teddy had been suffering from colon cancer. Little did I know that when I was listening to "Love TKO" last night that Teddy may have been breathing his last breaths of life. Teddy P. was born in my hometown of Philly, and simply had one of the classic voices of all time. His career nearly slowed to a halt after he suffered a near fatal car accident in 1982 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Teddy started out as the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, and his lead vocals can be heard on the signature song "Wake Up Everybody" a song that still resonates today as an anthem for black people.

Teddy Pendergrass leaves a legacy that will probably become bigger in his death. His name belongs right at the top of the Mount Rushmore of R&B male singers.

David Paterson's 15 Year-Old Son Arrested For Playing Dice!

The New York Post reports that New York Governor David Paterson's 15 year-old son Alex was arrested for playing dice with friends outside of his high school yesterday in New York. Alex was also in possession of lost debit card, which he says that he found in a garbage can. The charges are not considered to be criminal, and will be purged from the younger Paterson's record when he is 17.

Obama Playing Serious Politics With Harold Ford!

I really can't wait to read the new political book "Game Change" regarding the 2008 Presidential election. Excerpts have floated out enough to cause a few problems for Harry Reid, and let all of us know how truly dirty politics can be. I guess in deciding to move to New York 3 years ago, former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford probably thought that he had a friend in President Obama if he ever decided to pursue another run at political office. Ford, who has floated the idea of running for Hillary Clinton's former Senate seat in New York apparently is being rebuffed by the White House, and being told thanks but no thanks because we're cool with Kirsten Gillibrand, who presently occupies the seat.

I guess when Ford was supporting Obama for President, he thought that the gesture would be reciprocated. Too bad he was wrong, but personally I hope Ford pursues the seat if that's his goal. Thanks to the New York Daily News for the update.

Derek Jeter Coming Off The Market?

If reports are correct, it appears that "Friday Night Lights" actress Minka Kelly is the one who has stolen New York Yankees star Derek Jeter's heart. Jeter and Kelly are reported to be getting married on November 5th. Jeter, now 35, has been one of the most eligible bachelors in sports for years. Congrats to the two if the reports of the pending nuptials are true.