Mom Helped Adjust John Wall's Attitude!

Future #1 NBA John Wall was 9 years-old when his father died of lung cancer. His mother knew that he had talent, but that he needed an attitude adjustment because of the anger and frustration that he had due to the loss of his father. The young Wall had trust issues with his coaches at a young age, and at the age of thirteen his mother had to give him an ultimatum, either begin trusting or give up basketball. Enrolling him in a Christian school, and taking her son to church changed the young man for the better and the result today is the best college basketball player in the country. Great article from the Charlotte Observer.

"My Mom Doesn't Have Her Papers"

First Lady Michelle Obama encountered a very different situation yesterday when she visited students at a Maryland elementary school. A second grade student at New Hampshire Estates Elementary School informed the First Lady that her mother, an immigrant, didn't have the necessary papers to be a legal resident of the United States. The First Lady responded that the issue is something that has to be worked on and solved.

The immigration issue is a hot topic without a real solution. Our First Lady found out yesterday how big of an issue it is with a first hand example of the problem.

"Obama Threw Me Under The Bus!"

Rev. Jeremiah Wright states in a letter obtained by the Associated Press that President Barack Obama and his administration no longer to will respond to him according to FoxNews. In strongly worded language, he states the following:

"No one in the Obama administration will respond to me, listen to me, talk to me or read anything that I write to them. I am 'toxic' in terms of the Obama administration."

"I am 'radioactive,' Sir. When Obama threw me under the bus, he threw me under the bus literally!" he wrote. "Any advice that I offer is going to be taken as something to be avoided. Please understand that!"

It would be interesting to get President Obama's response to Wright's assertions, but the White House is very quiet.

The Death of 7 Year-Old Aiyana Jones In Detroit!

Urban violence continues to kill our next generation, and the accidental killing of Aiyana Jones by a policeman's bullet has all of Detroit searching for answers. The shooting, which occurred Sunday morning, appears to be at the hand of a an over-aggressive police officer who was searching for a murder suspect. Aiyana was laying on couch when a police officer entered her home and got into an argument with her grandmother. The entire chain of events is bizarre to say the least, and the police officer is now on leave and an investigation has begun. Unfortunately none of these actions will bring Aiyana back to her family.

The Detroit Free Press provides complete coverage on the senseless killing.

Everyone Should Have Jay-Z's Problems!

The New York Post reports on Jay-Z's 99 problems highlighting the success and failures of the hip-hop stars business ventures. Interesting read, and needless to say everyone should have Jay-Z's problems.

Can't Get Back Your Youth!

Kevin Garnett had some advice for LeBron James last night as he ponders free agency since his basketball season is now over as Garnett's Boston Celtics vanquished James' Cleveland Cavaliers. Garnett told reporters that while loyalty to a team is fine, that you can't get back your youth and that he would've left his first team the Minnesota Timberwolves a lot sooner if he knew what he knows now.

While James states that he will consult with "his team" to make a decision regarding free agency, it's obvious that he probably will be leaving the Cavaliers. While the team has done it's best to give James a quality supporting cast, the team as assembled just isn't good enough. While LeBron James will get stronger from the losing, like Garnett said, "you can't get back your youth."

Is Rondo Altering The State of The N.B.A.?

Yesterday after LeBron James' listless performance against the Boston Celtics that put his legacy and time as a Clevaland Cavaliers member in jeopardy, the focus wasn't on the one player that's sending chaos through the city of Cleveland today, Rajon Rondo.

Rajon Rondo has quietly developed into one of the best point guards in the N.B.A. and has a killer instinct necessary to lead veterans to the promised land. Everyone forgets that this young man is a championship point guard who has developed under Doc Rivers as coach and Kevin Garnett as the team leader. Rondo has skills that can't be taught, and if the Celtics defeat the Cavaliers tonight in game 6 of this 7 game series, it will because of what Rondo has done to the Cavaliers. LeBron James is a great player, but justifiably his mental toughness is being questioned. Tonight's game either will continue the LeBron James quest for a championship, or cement Rondo's continued ascension as an elite player.

Gucci Mane Released!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on the release this morning of rapper Gucci Mane. Gucci Mane was released from jail after serving 6 months on a probation violation from a 2005 assault charge. Upon his release, the rapper made the following statement:

"I have made some mistakes in my life that have hurt a lot of people who care about me. I have worked very hard to get past them, but those mistakes have brought me to where I am today, and they will not be repeated. These past six months have been a difficult time, but fortunately I have learned a great deal from my experience. I was able to do a great deal of soul searching; I am coming out with a new attitude towards life."

Gucci Mane states that he's about to hit the recording studio and will be releasing a new album in the summer. Hopefully he'll stay out of trouble as well.

Court Hearing Continued For Afeni Shakur!

The Fayetteville Observer reports that a hearing for Afeni Shakur-Davis, the mother of late rapper Tupac Shakur has been continued until August 24. Shakur-Davis was arrested last month in Lumberton, N.C. and charged on April 16 with felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance and single possession of a controlled substance. Shakur-Davis has become a successful philanthropist, but has had past struggles with drug abuse.

R.I.P. Lena Horne!

Famed actress Lena Horne passed away yesterday in New York. She was 92. I'll always remember Lena Horne in the classic movie "Stormy Weather." She had been out of the limelight for a long time, but she's left her fans with many many precious memories of her unrivaled talent.

Lawrence Taylor Can't Fight His Demons!

NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was arrested at a New Jersey Holiday Inn yesterday accused of raping a 16 year-old girl who was being used as a prostitute and apparently forced to have sex with Taylor by her pimp. The whole story is so sordid and deplorable that commentary on it is really beyond words. Of course all of the accusations against Taylor are alleged at this point, but Taylor, who is 51, allegedly had sex with someone who could be his daughter's age which just makes no sense.

We see instances of athletes wasting fame and fortune everyday, and Taylor admittedly has battled drug abuse in addition to fighting other demons. It's a shame that L.T. couldn't fight the demons off, and whether these allegations prove to be true or not, they will always be linked to him.

Illinois Rejects School Vouchers!

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the fact that the state of Illinois rejected Sen. James Meeks' legislation to enact a school voucher system in the state of Illinois. The Chicago Teachers Union opposed the legislation and contributed to the defeat. Approval of the legislation would've given up to 30,000 students from low performing schools the opportunity to use vouchers to attend private schools in the area.

While I'm a supporter of the public school system, the system is broken and continues to falter leaving thousands of students without the opportunity to gain a first rate education at better quality schools. A voucher system would at least give students with potential the chance to go against the best and brightest and probably excel. While it's not impossible for a student from an inner city public school system to have academic success, the obstacles in the way make it more of a challenge.

Toni Braxton Has A New Album!

I always find it interesting when artists keep releasing music after they're no longer relevant as big selling artists. Toni Braxton released her first album in 5 years titled "Pulse" yesterday. The problem with the release is that Braxton doesn't have a single on the charts or receiving airplay. She's essentially fighting a losing battle without any type of radio airplay and relevant music. I'm wishing the best for Braxton's latest offering, but the prospects don't look promising.

Charlotte Area Ministers Convicted of Fraud!

Anthony and Harriet Jinwright were the co-pastors of Greater Salem City of God church in the Charlotte area for over 20 years. Yesterday Anthony Jinwright was convicted of multiple counts of filing false tax returns and tax evasion. A sentence that carries a maximum sentence of 53 years in prison. His wife Harriet, who is able to remain free unlike her husband, faces charges carrying a sentence of up to 20 years according to the Charlotte Observer. Federal prosecutors report that between 2002 and 2007 that the Jinwright's failed to report $2.3 million in income and paying $700,000 in taxes. While the Jinwright's were living the high life, the church was reportedly bouncing checks.

Good article that hopefully let's parishioners know that there has to be checks and balances even for ministers.

Floyd Dominates!

Floyd Mayweather Jr. dominated Shane Mosley on Saturday night winning a unanimous decision over the aging fighter. Mayweather Jr. reportedly pocketed upwards of $40 million for his nights work. If and when he fights Manny Pacquiao the money made by both fighters will be ridiculous. Mayweather Jr. is the ultimate pay-per-view fighter, and he's leaving his audience wanting more and more.

Jamie and Justin Working On A "Winner"!

The New York Post's Page Six reports that Justin Timberlake has been brought in to assist Jamie Foxx with his new CD slated to be released on July 20th. Timberlake has contributed to 3 tracks on the yet to be released disc, and also performs on the first single titled "Winner." Page Six reports that record label execs weren't happy with the initial recordings and solicited Timberlake's help. I'm not really a Jamie Foxx fan when it comes to his music, but I give him major props for putting together quality records. I'm sure the newest record won't be any different in terms of the quality of the music.

Is Woody On The Bubble?

The Atlanta Hawks suffered on of the worst losses in Atlanta sports history last night losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 91 to 87 after having a 9 point lead with just under 4 minutes left in the game. With the loss the Hawks now go back to Milwaukee with the opportunity to lose the series after having a 2 games to none lead over the Bucks. If the Hawks indeed lose this series, it's probably the end of the line for coach Mike Woodson. Woodson isn't under contract for next year, and it would be inexcusable to lose this series to the Bucks who are playing without center Andrew Bogut.

The True Lottery?

Many of us play the lottery on a daily or weekly basis with hopes of winning the tens of millions of dollars that supposedly will change our lives forever. Of course winning the lottery only happens for a few, and the rewards of winning often change lives for the worse. The New York Post profiles a documentary titled "The Lottery" that will profile The Harlem Success Project, which is a charter school in New York and the lottery process that families have to go through in hopes of their children being lucky enough to gain entrance into the school. The documentary will be shown tomorrow at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Ryan Howard's Big Pay Day!

The Philadelphia Phillies extended first basemen Ryan Howard's contract to the tune of $125 million yesterday over 5 years. It was only a few years ago that Howard was trying to pull all of the dollars he could out of the Phillies while winning an MVP award. Good to see Howard getting his just rewards for a job well done.

Seeking Free Health Care In Los Angeles!

The Los Angeles Times provides a glimpse into the need for quality and affordable health care as it profiles thousands of people who've camped out at the Los Angeles Sports Arena to take advantage of a 7 day free health clinic. One interesting footnote from the article is that Medicare, which targets our senior citizens does not cover vision or dental care at the present time.

Pulling For Dez Bryant!

In all honesty, I don't know a thing about Dez Bryant, the former Oklahoma State wide receiver who was drafted last night by the Dallas Cowboys. I am however, pulling for him to have success in the NFL. Bryant, is a young man who has parlayed his extensive athletic skills into a potential million dollar pay day with the Cowboys. Bryant comes to the NFL with supposed "life issues," and was suspended for most of his Junior year at Oklahoma State for lying about his relationship with Deion Sanders.

Bryant was born to a teenage mother, and obviously didn't develop some of the life skills required for long term success. I'm hoping that the Cowboys will assign him a mentor, so that the millions that he's about to receive won't lead him down the wrong path.

Rihanna Hospitalized After Concert!

Superstar singer Rihanna was hospitalized on Monday after performing a concert in Zurich. Details of her illness haven't been released, but at only 22 and one of the top female performers in the world if she has to take a break just to rest, it should be strongly advised by her handlers.

Donovan and T.O. Again?

Reports surfaced yesterday that Donovan McNabb is lobbying his new team the Washington Redskins to sign ex-teammate Terrell Owens as a wide receiver partner. If true, what is McNabb thinking. Owens' skills are obviously on the decline and he threw McNabb under the bus in a major way when they were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps McNabb sees the lack of receivers with his new team, but this would be a reunion that would probably end badly.

Rahm Wants To Be Mayor of Chicago!

President Barack Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told television show host Charlie Rose in a recent interview that he would like to become mayor of Chicago sometime in the near future according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Manuel was once an aide for present mayor Richard Daley and is Chicago born.

MAGIC in Chicago!

We always look at the daunting statistics for African-American young men as they try to navigate the process from going from boys to men. In Chicago, only 40% of African-American boys graduate from high school. That leaves 60% of the males trying to figure it out on their own usually with tragic consequences. Bryan Echols is the executive director of the Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization. Echols talks about the groups goal of targeting males born in 2007 with the goal of guiding them through society's challenges until they're 18 and hopefully headed to college in this uplifting article courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.