Former Hip-Hop Mayor Could Earn 300K-360K In New Job!

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick could earn up to $360,000 in his new position of selling software products to the health care industry for Compuware Corp. according to the Detroit Free Press. Kilpatrick's base salary will be between $100,000 and $120,000, however, company chairman Peter Karmanos has stated that Kilpatrick is on a short leash. He's vowed that if there's any additional legal problems for Kilpatrick, or if he simply fails at the job that he will be let go quickly.

America is the country of second chances, so here's wishing Kilpatrick well with is new position. Welcome to the real world, Kwame!

Jayson Williams' Wife Seeks Divorce!

The New York Post reports that former NBA player Jayson Williams' wife has filed for divorce claiming physical and emotional abuse, family abandonment, adultery and substance abuse. Tanya Young Williams is also accusing her husband of threatening to kill her and faking to commit suicide among other scandalous accusations.

Williams is infamous for allegedly killing limo driver Costas "Gus" Christofi. He avoided jail time on a charge of aggravated manslaughter, but jurors at the time could not decide on a lesser charge of reckless manslaughter, although he was convicted of trying to cover up the murder. It appears that when many ex-athletes escape jail time, that they can't outrun those inner demons.

Jermaine Jakes Posts Bail!

The Dallas Morning News reports that 29 year-old Jermaine Jakes, son of T.D. Jakes posted $1,000 bond yesterday related to an indecent exposure charge in a South Dallas park last month. Jakes is accused of exposing himself to undercover police while in the park area on the night of Jan. 3th.

Tameka Foster Recovers From Cardiac Arrest!

Tameka Foster, wife of R&B singer Usher is recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest prior to undergoing a liposuction procedure in a Sao Paulo hospital. The couple has 2 young sons, the youngest Naveid Ely Raymond is only 2 months old. Here's hoping for a complete recovery for Ms. Foster. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the link.

Kwame Expected to Get Job With Compuware!

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Kwame Kilpatrick is expected to receive a job offer in Texas with Covisint, an affiliate of Detroit-based Compuware Corp.. Compuware Chairman Peter Karmanos was preparing to announce the hiring today. It's good to see that after costing the city of Detroit millions of dollars that Kwame has apparently landed on his feet. Let's see how much outrage will occur over this apparent hiring fiasco.

With all of the potentially qualified people needing a job, if Kilpatrick is indeed hired for this position, it truly does matter who you know in business and how much influence one can potentially have within a company in terms of impact. Kudos to Kwame if he's indeed hired. I hope Christine Beatty receives the same treatment.

21 Year-Old To Be Charged With Murder!

Ciara Craig became pregnant by a man she didn't know, didn't want her parents to know about the pregnancy, and apparently didn't know about Louisiana's safe haven law. She's now being charged with murdering her baby that she never wanted according to the Times-Picayune. Ciara is now hospitalized under police guard. A very sad story.

More Employers Challenging Unemployment Benefits

While unemployment hovers near 8%, the Washington Post reports that more and more employers are fighting former employees for Unemployment Benefits. While employers are contesting the benefits on such issues as employee misconduct, employers are losing those claims two thirds of the time. Just a reminder that benefits that we think are guaranteed in the event of a job loss, may be challenged by the former employer.

Elgin Baylor Files Suit Against Clippers Claiming Racism

Elgin Baylor is an NBA Hall of Famer and worked with the Los Angeles Clippers for 22 years before retiring last year. Yesterday Baylor filed a civil suit against the team alleging racism according to the Los Angeles Times. Baylor claims that owner Donald Sterling made the following comments regarding player negotiations and about the team:

The suit alleged NBA Commissioner David Stern was present when Sterling allegedly said of Manning, "I'm offering a lot of money for a poor black kid." That tone was echoed in another alleged incident in which Baylor claimed Sterling told him that "he [Sterling] wanted the Clippers team to be composed of 'poor black boys from the South' and a white head coach."

During Baylor's tenure, the Clippers made the postseason only 3 times and made some truly horrendous draft picks. This suit clearly appears to be about money as Baylor contends that his salary was capped at $350,000 since 2003, while the Clippers gave Mike Dunleavy, who is equally incompetent, a 4 year contract for $22 million.

Did A Text Message Start The Fight?

Yes, this is a little overkill, but the story is sad and fascinating at the same time. The New York Daily News is reporting that singer Chris Brown received a text message for an alleged "booty call" from a female acquaintance, and when Rihanna saw the message she became upset, and the alleged assault took place. Being young, famous and having money sometimes is a combustible combination. Very sad!

Chris Has 99 Problems!

The New York Post is reporting that hip-hop legend Jay-Z "hit the roof" when he heard about his protege Rihanna allegedly being assaulted by singer Chris Brown. E! news reported the following regarding the alleged assault last night:

Brown then allegedly choked Rihanna and said, "I'm going to kill you," E! News reported. When she slipped into unconsciousness, Brown allegedly fled.

The fallout for Brown also continues as many stations throughout the country have stopped playing his music until the allegations are resolved.

Our First Lady Will Cover Vogue Magazine!

Michelle Obama will grace the cover of Vogue magazine for the March issue. She's a great choice to cover the magazine, and I'm sure the pictures will be classy and elegant.

In The Dumb And Dumber Department!

Former NFL wide receiver Freddie Mitchell was briefly handcuffed last Thursday outside of his Lakeland, Fl restaurant after a package allegedly containing 7 pounds of marijuana was delivered to the establishment according to the Ledger.com. Mitchell was not arrested, and claims that the package was not intended for him. Mitchell, who attended UCLA and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, better hope that the package wasn't intended for him, as the police are still actively conducting their investigation.

Rihanna Is Cooperating With Police!

The Los Angeles Times reports that singer Rihanna is cooperating with Los Angeles police while they build a case against her boyfriend Chris Brown. The singer, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty is providing "ongoing" cooperation to detectives who booked Brown on Sunday on suspicion of making criminal threats against her. An early morning altercation left Rihanna with bruises and a scratch to her face according to a police source.

The fallout for Brown has already begun as the makers of Doublemint gum suspended Brown's endorsement deal stating the following:

"Wrigley is concerned by the serious allegations made against Chris Brown. We believe Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen. However, we have made the decision to suspend the current advertising featuring Brown and any related marketing communications until the matter is resolved."

If the accusations are indeed true against Chris Brown, this may be one of the quickest falls from grace in recent memory.

Jennifer's Return!

Jennifer Hudson, who won a Grammy last night for Best R&B Album performed "You Pulled Me Through" during the telecast. Welcome back Jennifer, your voice is a treasure.

Chris Brown Arrested And Released!

R&B singer Chris Brown, who up until this point has has a pretty squeaky clean image was arrested last night in Los Angeles on suspicion of making a criminal threat against an unidentified woman. Police received a 911 call in which a woman accused Brown of hurting her. The woman has not been identified citing confidentiality for victims of domestic abuse.

Brown and his girlfriend Rihanna were both scheduled to perform at last night's Grammy Awards, and neither showed up for the telecast, with Rihanna's publicist declining to say why she did show up for the performance. Rumors all over the Internet are that Rihanna is the unidentified woman. If the rumors are true, Chris has really put a major dent in what has been a potential legendary career, and at 19 to be threatening or hitting a female is not a good look. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the update.

Jamal Not So Smart!

Former NFL running back and Atlanta Falcon, Jamal Anderson was arrested early Sunday morning after being caught sniffing cocaine off of a bathroom toilet tank with a 20 year old male at 3 a.m. in the morning. Anderson, 36, most recently worked as an ESPN studio analyst this past season.

Tiger Has A Son!

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Tiger Woods' wife Elin gave birth to a son last night. The couple's first child, Sam Alexis, who was born June 19, 2007. Congrats to Tiger and Elin for the new arrival.