The Black Men Did It!

Bonnie Sweeten has gained national headlines for alleging that 2 black men abducted she and her 9 year-old daughter in Bucks County Pennsylvania. It turns out that Mrs. Sweeten made the story up, and was found with her daughter in Florida. She's now facing numerous charges and has been extradited back to Pennsylvania. Annette John-Hall writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer that it's "Time To Stop Demonizing "Black Men." She writes correctly that when a crime is being fabricated that the "black man" is usually the fall guy and gives these examples:

It worked for Susan Smith. South Carolina mother. Children missing. The black man did it. Racial tension. Turns out she had driven her "missing" car into a lake to drown her kids.

Charles Stuart, Boston store manager. Pregnant wife murdered in a carjacking. The black man did it. The case ignites fear and door-to-door searches. Except that Stuart did it.

Tanya Dacri from Philly. Child missing. Black men did it. Three of them. It worked until police discovered that Dacri had drowned and chopped up her infant son.

Ashley Todd, John McCain campaign volunteer in Pittsburgh. Accosted at an ATM. A backward B (presumably for Barack) cut into her forehead. The black man did it. She gets sympathy call from Sarah Palin. Todd was sentenced to probation this week, having confessed to her self-mutilation.

Bucks County District Attorney Michelle Henry even made the following alarming statement:

"It's a terrifying thing for a community to hear that two black men in a black Cadillac grabbed a woman and her daughter. . . . It's terrifying,"

Admittedly black men are not perfect, but they are not at the root of all that is violent in America.

Rodney Rogers Update!

Sometime during tonight's NBA basketball game between the Cavs and Magic, TNT will broadcast an interview that Chris Webber conducted with former player Rodney Rogers who is now paralyzed from the shoulder down due to a dirt bike accident last November. I found this article from SPORTSbyBROOKS.com which profiles Rogers. The interesting part of the article highlights the fact that although Rogers is "financially set" he took a job working for Durham, N.C.'s public works department. The health benefits that he secured has helped pay his medical bills since the NBA's collective bargaining agreement doesn't cover for catastrophic insurance for retired players. Rogers is dealing with his paralysis in an upbeat manner with the help and support of his fiance Faye Suggs.

Is Michael Jordan Wanted As An Owner In Charlotte?

It was announced last week that BET founder Bob Johnson is rumored to be willing to sell the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats to the highest bidder. Michael Jordan, who is currently a minority owner, is also rumored to be interested. Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer feels that Jordan would be a bad fit as an owner because he's not visible and even questions whether Jordan has made the "nice" moves that he's been credited with making in the last year since Larry Brown has been the coach. If Jordan wants to purchase the team he has the money and right to do so. The Bobcats are still essentially an expansion team, and I find it amazing that Sorensen appears to be questioning Jordan's ability to do the job.

Dirk's Ex Is Pregnant!

Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki's ex-fiance Cristal Taylor, who has been in a Dallas jail since May 6th after being charged with felony crimes in 2 states is indeed pregnant as she has asserted for the last week. Nowitzki has refused comment on Taylor's incarceration since she was arrested at his home earlier this month. Looks like Taylor may have finally hit the jackpot if she can overcome her legal issues. Thanks to the Dallas Morning News for the article.

Twitter Wants To Make Money!

The Houston Chronicle reports that Twitter co-founders Biz Stone and Evan Williams state that they will eventually charge fees for some of the online text based platform's services, which has become the rage over the last year. The company, which has doubled in employees to 43 since January, been linked to buyout rumors, however the co-founders indicate they'd prefer to keep the company privately held for the foreseeable future.

R.I.P. Exodus Tyson!

It was very sad to hear that Mike Tyson's 4 year-old daughter Exodus died yesterday after a tragic accident while at home in Phoenix, AZ. Prayers go out to Mike Tyson and his family for their tragic loss.

Roland Martin Not Campbell Brown!

CNN political commentator and replacement host for Campbell Brown's "No Bias No Bull" during her maternity leave has seen his star ascend during the last year. Page Six is reporting however, that the shows ratings have nosedived since Martin has taken over hosting the show. Martin isn't alone in his struggles, as Anderson Cooper's ratings are down 30 percent in key demographics.

Mike Tyson's 4 Year-Old Daughter On Life Support!

This is a very sad story. Boxer Mike Tyson's 4 year-old daughter, Exodus Tyson is on life support in a Phoenix area hospital after being found with a treadmill cord wrapped around her neck. We wish all the best for the family.

Richard Parsons Fathers Love Child!

The New York Daily News reports that former CEO of Time Warner and present Citigroup Board Chairman Richard Parsons, 61 and married with 3 children has fathered a child with model-philanthropist MacDella Cooper who is 32. The baby was born last August, and of course both persons are calling the birth of the child a private matter, but when you're in the public eye and and major business power broker is anything private.

Natalie's Blessing And Sadness!

When singer Natalie Cole received news this week that she had a compatible kidney available that could save her life, she was at the bedside of her dying sister Carol "Cookie" Cole. Natalie's older sister had received news the week before that she had a cancerous spot on her lung, but chose to reject chemotherapy treatment. While Natalie was receiving the kidney transplant, which was a success, her sister succumbed to cancer. Natalie is expected to leave the hospital this weekend, while dealing with the loss of her sister. Thanks to Page Six for the update.

Will Michael Vick Have To Get On His Knees?

Michael Vick was released from federal prison yesterday and now will be serving the remaining 2 months of his term under house arrest. Everyone has an opinion on whether Vick should be given the opportunity to play football again in the N.F.L. and Commissioner Roger Goodell continues to say that Vick needs to show remorse for his involvement in a dog fighting ring. Hopefully Goodell will realize the Michael Vick has essentially lost everything and paid his debt to society. Even if Vick is reinstated, there's no guarantee that N.F.L. owners will take a chance on Vick, and there's no need for Vick to have to get on his knees and beg for an opportunity to regain his livelihood. Everyone deserves a second chance, and Vick's entrance back into society will be tough enough with all of the publicity of his celebrity.

New Orleans Area Teacher Charged With Having Sex With 14 Year-Old Girl!

The Times-Picayune reports that Patrick Williams, 33 an assistant band director at a local school was arrested Monday evening on charges of having sex with a 14 year-old girl, and contributing to the delinquency of other students at the school.

Williams allegedly brought four students to a home in eastern New Orleans on Oct. 24, said New Orleans Police Department Assistant Superintendent Marlon Defillo. There, the students -- two 14-year-old girls and boys aged 15 and 17 -- engaged in or witnessed various sex acts, Defillo said.

Williams is accused of having sex with one of the girls. He was booked into the Orleans Parish jail with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, conspiring to commit felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and four counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.

Defillo said police learned of the matter just days ago, when one of the girls told her mother what happened during a heart-to-heart conversation. Her mother brought the matter to the attention of the Police Department's child abuse investigators, Defillo said.

As of Tuesday evening, Williams was being held in the Orleans Parish jail without bond. He likely will have his first court appearance today to determine whether he is eligible for bail.

Too bad we can't trust our children with teachers anymore. Nothing is sacred!

King Children Still Split After MLK Jr. Film Rights Sold To DreamWorks!

Yesterday it was announced that DreamWorks movie studios announced that it has obtained the rights to put Martin Luther King Jr.'s life on screen. Under normal circumstances this would be a normal story, however, with King's children still feuding, nothing is normal. Dexter King negotiated the agreement, apparently without siblings Martin III and Bernice's permission and the two plan to fight the agreement. Bernice made the following statement according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

“We are taking action. We cannot reveal what it is at this time,” she said. “Dexter King has entered into an agreement without approval of his shareholders,” she said. “It’s about Dexter King and the empire he is trying to build with Madison Jones.”

It's a shame that the King children can't find common ground concerning their parents' legacies.

Rapper Dolla Slain In Los Angeles!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that rapper Dolla was slain outside a Beverley Hills area mall on Monday. Only 21, Dolla had been in involved in an altercation earlier in the day with a male and female, and apparently was followed to the mall. A "person of interest" was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. Dolla, who was signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik label was being touted as the next Tupac. Too bad the young man's dreams will never be realized as violence has taken the life of another young man.

Wayman's Lost Battle!

We lost Wayman Tisdale on Friday to bone cancer. This is one of the last segments filmed about Wayman's ordeal. Wayman leaves behind a wife and 4 children.

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.