Does Magic Get A Pass On This One?

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas were once kissing buddies on the basketball court and best friends off of it. Something changed in the relationship at some point, fracturing it beyond repair. That moment was probably when Isiah established himself as close to Magic's equal on the basketball court and "big brother" Magic couldn't accept it.

Their duels on the basketball court took place 20 years ago, so it's interesting now that Johnson is releasing a book in which he dedicates quite a few pages to his friendship with Thomas. Magic asserts that it was Thomas who began spreading rumors that Johnson was possibly gay or bisexual after he contracted the HIV virus. Magic states that the rumors hurt him to his core, but he never took the time to tell Isiah how he felt. Thomas now feels betrayed by the new revelation, and states that Magic should've stepped to him as a man with his issues.

Magic Johnson post basketball has established himself as a successful businessman and ad pitchman. I'm sure he will smile his way out of this latest controversy with everyone taking Johnson's version as the truth. Thomas' reputation has taken major hits over the last few years, and this is just another blow for him. Too bad Johnson will probably get a pass for reopening old wounds with his once best friend.

Randy Jackson Says Brother Michael Didn't Sign Will!

With the news that upon his mother Katherine's death that her proceeds from his will go to his 3 children, it was a just a matter of time before the Jackson family began to go after the money. TMZ is reporting that Randy Jackson is stating that his brother Michael Jackson couldn't have signed his will on July 7, 2002 because he was in New York protesting against then Sony chairman Tommy Mottola. Jackson is confirmed to have been in New York at the time, so there appears to be some inconsistency concerning where the will was signed. Of course family friend Rev. Al Sharpton has been consulted.

Rihanna's "Russian Roulette!

Rihanna released her latest single "Russian Roulette" yesterday. On first listen, the song, which was written by Ne-Yo is very average. Rihanna is much too young to be at the point where she thinks everything that she produces is hit material.

Manny Being Manny!

I guess when you have a guaranteed $20 million contract and a player option for next year it gives you a license to to anything that you want to your employers. While the Los Angeles Dodgers were being beaten by a Jimmy Rollins double on Monday night during game 4 of their series with the Philadelphia Phillies, left fielder Manny Ramirez, who had been removed for defensive purposes in the bottom of the ninth, was in the shower instead of being in the dugout supporting his team. Manager Joe Torre basically laughed off the incident saying that's Manny simply being Manny. It's amazing what you can get away with when you're a commodity that is able to generate dollars for an employer.

Ramirez, who was suspended earlier this year for steroid use is fortunate that next year of his contract is guaranteed. I'm sure the Dodgers would surely love to rid themselves of Manny being Manny at this point.

Kandi Burruss Opens Boutique In Metro Atlanta!

Kandi Burruss is maximizing her stint as a "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member, bringing renewed attention to her abilities as a songwriter with her work on the "Tardy For The Party" song for cast member Kim Zolciak who is just a little challenged as a vocalist. Burruss is also expanding her business opportunities by opening a clothing boutique in metro Atlanta with friend Peaches Chin who will run the boutique on a day to day basis. The store called Tags, will focus on affordable men's and women's clothing. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details on Burruss' business venture.

Here's wishing her well as she's opening the store during a challenging economic climate, but by marketing affordable clothing she's at least giving the store a chance to succeed.

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Let Go By Fox News!

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill was one of the few consistent African American voices on Fox News programs, regularly appearing on the Bill O'Reilly show to offer his liberal commentary. Hill, who is a college professor at Columbia University, was let go from his Fox News commentary job last week because of his liberal opinions. Too bad Fox's "fair and balanced" stance couldn't accept Hill's varying opinions on anything cultural and political. Despite this setback, Hill remains one of preeminent African American commentators.

Is "Good Hair" Not Connecting With Audiences?

Chris Rock's documentary "Good Hair" has received a pretty heavy media blitz over the the last month, but after 2 weeks at the box office admittedly in a limited number of theatres, the movie has generated less that $1.8 million in receipts and only $437,000 over the weekend. It appears that this is a topic that black people just don't have an interest in despite Rock making the rounds on every show imaginable to laugh about the texture of hair. Glad to see that black folks just won't fall for any form of entertainment.

25% Voter Turnout For Memphis Mayoral Election, Wharton Wins!

A C Wharton won the special mayoral election to replace embattled Willie Herenton (facing a federal investigation) as mayor of Memphis with a turnout of only 25% of the just over 423,000 registered voters in the city. Wharton won 60% of the vote and will serve out the remainder of Herenton's term until 2011. Memphis is facing the same issues as other cities with high unemployment, under performing schools and crime. Here's wishing Wharton well in his new job.

Tom Joyner's Relatives Pardoned After Being Executed 94 Years Ago!

Syndicated radio talk show host Tom Joyner was able to get his two great uncles pardoned by the state of South Carolina for a murder that they never committed 94 years ago and for which they were executed. Thomas and Meeks Griffin were black land owners who were forced to sell their land at the time to defend themselves against the charges of killing a white man. Joyner learned about the fate of his uncles after Dr. Henry Loius Gates traced his family tree through the PBS show "African American Lives 2." The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional information regarding Joyner's ordeal and triumph for his family.

The Rush Limbaugh Debate!

It's not surprising that everyone with an opinion is chiming in regarding whether Rush Limbaugh has the right to be part owner in a bid to purchase the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. The NFL is comprised of a select group of owners who all are millionaires and billionaires. Gaining ownership in the league requires 75% approval by the 32 owners in the league.

We all know Rush Limbaugh as the conservative talk show host who has turned his ability to hit the right pulse into millions. It's no secret that Limbaugh has made more that one comment that could be considered at the edge of decorum when related to African American people and our abilities. However, when did Rush Limbaugh wanting to purchase a NFL team become a civil rights issue? NFL players are coming out of the woodwork saying that they would never play for Limbaugh, but they never seem to have an opinion when the most recent black on black murder hits the news wires.

Rush Limbaugh does have the right to go through the ownership process if Commissioner Roger Goodell allows his ownership bid to get that far, but I trust that Goodell has a handle on this Limbaugh situation, and that it will quietly go away. If Goodell does allow Limbaugh's bid to go through the process, then know that it's all about the money, and perhaps African American players who comprise 70% of the league will realize that at the end of the day that they are only commodities with no real leverage in a league where they are the majority employees.

King Children Now On One Accord!

The remaining children of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King reached a settlement in the ongoing dispute over King Inc. late last night. King Inc. is the company that Dexter King has been presiding over which controls his father's intellectual properties and papers. The settlement outlines that a third party custodian will come in to run the company, which will protect the interests of Martin King III and Bernice King the other living King children. It's obvious that Dexter will eventually be removed as president of the company, and hopefully end the contentious relationship that had emerged between the siblings. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provided the update.

Paul Anka Getting 50% of MJ Song Proceeds!

When Paul Anka heard the newly released Michael Jackson song "This Is It" he immediately knew that it was identical to a song that he and Jackson wrote in 1983 titled "I Never Heard." At the time the song was never released but Jackson had taken a tape of the song. Anka was not given writers credit upon the release of the retitled song, but Michael Jackson's estate has agreed that he is due 50% of the publishing writes since Anka and Jackson wrote the song together. The New York Daily News reports that this has to be the one of the fastest made deals in show business history.

Khadijah Williams: Homeless to Harvard!

Khadijah Williams' story is one that I admittedly missed this past summer, but this young lady should become the face of any impoverished teen in our country who thinks that they can't overcome odds and forge their life in a positive direction. Khadijah, who was featured on Oprah this week, overcame homelessness, and the lure of the streets to receive a full scholarship to Harvard University.

Khadijah fell in love with the library and used reading and the desire to learn as driving forces that wouldn't allow her to be denied in her quest to overcome her circumstances. Her story needs to be the rule instead of the exception for young teens trying to get an education against the odds.

President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize!

They say timing is everything and amidst all of the chaos that he's been facing at home, President Barack Obama needed a bit of good news and he received it today when he was announced as the winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama won the award for his efforts to improve international diplomacy. He's only the third sitting President to win the award.

Is "The Answer" Breaking Down?

As Allen Iverson enters his 14th NBA season with his new team the Memphis Grizzlies, it appears that father time may be finally taking a toll on the diminutive guard who throughout his career has been relatively injury free. Back injuries cut short Iverson's season last year with the Detroit Pistons, and now it looks like Iverson will be sidelined for the remainder of the NBA pre-season with a partial tear in his left hamstring. Iverson continues to oppose becoming a bench player, thus taking less of a beating as a player, but it looks like his body may dictate the final years of his career and the level production that he will be able to contribute to any team.

Mayor Bing Trying To Point Detroit In Right Direction!

Dave Bing is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and has been a successful business man. As he navigates running the city of Detroit he's facing some tough decisions and if the city will go along with them, Bing could well save the city from financial ruin. The mayor of Detroit has a plan in pace to save the city $500 - $600 million dollars over the next two fiscal years, but the saving will not come without some deep pain. Bing's plan focuses on privatizing the airport, closing a major power plant, closing out extra accounts and renegotiating city contracts according to the Detroit Free Press. Bing has to be commended for at least wanting to make the tough decisions for a city in financial turmoil.

Usher Singing But Apparently Not Signing "Papers"

Usher Raymond released his highly anticipated new single "Papers" to radio on Monday, but apparently he's not in a hurry to sign final divorce papers to end his marriage to wife Tameka according to the New York Daily News. According to sources Tameka is ready to move on with her life and waiting for the singer to sign on the dotted line. Perhaps Usher has a song on his new album titled "Dollars" and he's just not feeling what he's seeing in the settlement.

Respect Continues To Kill!

I'm sure when Ashley "A.J" Jewell signed on to be shown on the Bravo reality show "Real Housewives of Atlanta" as cast member Kandi Burruss' then fiance, he probably didn't realize that it would forever change his life making everything that he'd done in the past and future would become fair game for the media.

While on camera Jewell appeared to be a pretty low key young man who supported his fiance. He became a source of conversation because he had fathered 6 kids by many different women. What is now old news is that Jewell lost his life senselessly in what the Atlanta Journal Constitution is calling a fight that escalated because of "a respect issue" with an employee of a local strip club that Jewell apparently had a business interest. The sad part about this story is that "respect" continues to kill black men senselessly. Jewell's family will lay him to rest later this week, and wonder what may have been if someone had just turned the other cheek.

Nicole Richie OK After Car Crash!

Although Nicole Richie has chosen to live her life in relative quiet while raising her children, it doesn't seem to prevent her from being followed and having her life put in jeopardy. Richie was rear-ended yesterday by a freelance photographer, and thankfully appears to be fine. Even when you try to move away from the spotlight obviously your every move is still desired.

Mo'Nique's Talk Show Debuts Tonight on BET!

Mo'Nique debuts a new talk show tonight on BET at 11 p.m.. She tells Rodney Ho of the Atlanta Journal Constitution why her show is a must see event. It will be interesting to see if Mo'Nique can survive in the competitive world of late night talk shows. The show which tapes in Atlanta will feature Steve Harvey and singer Monica in the debut episode.

14 Year-Old Destinee Parker Dies From Swine Flu In Baltimore!

The swine flu has claimed the life of 14 year-old Destinee Alicia Parker on Tuesday night in Baltimore. She was the first youth to die in the state from the flu, and sadly she died a week before the state of Maryland was going to begin vaccinations. The Baltimore Sun provides additional information on this sad story. Prayers go out to the family.

The Sean Taylor Story Becomes Even Sadder!

I was introduced to the story via Twitter last night from ESPN reporter Jemele Hill and the Washington Post. Sean Taylor the former NFL star was murdered nearly 2 years ago, leaving an estimated $5.8 million estate to his 3 year old daughter (who is taken care of by her mother and Taylor's fiance at the time of his death), a $650,000 life policy to his sister and over $300,000 to his father as proceeds from a joint bank account. While living, Taylor paid cash for a home that he gave to his mother Donna Junor, but he died without a will and left nothing in death to mom. Fast forward almost 2 years, and Junor is facing foreclosure on the home that she owns free and clear because of back taxes and homeowner fees.

Money often fractures family especially in death if there are riches left in the estate. Taylor didn't have a will, so his baby daughter is and should be fine. It's just interesting that no one has stepped to the plate and assisted his mother, who simply wants to keep her home.

Good and Bad Day For Michael Vick!

I'm sure Michael Vick is elated to be out of prison and playing football again. Yesterday was a day that allowed him to relive the good and bad about the last few years of his life, as he was resigned by Nike yesterday per his agent Joel Segal. That announcement was tempered by the fact that he has to repay $416,000 that he illegally withdrew from a pension plan that he had sponsored through a marketing company that he once owned.

Michael Vick is still wildly popular as a football player, and if he's able to perform at a level similar to his past then the debts that he owes will gradually be paid.

Sharpton and Gingrich Together For The Same Cause: Education!

Who says that political adversaries can't come together for a common cause. Yesterday Rev. Al Sharpton and Newt Gingrich along with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan visited Philadelphia schools as part of the "Listening and Learning Tour." The goal of the multi city tour is to bring attention to Education Reform in our country, which I think is far more important that Health Care Reform at this point in President Barack Obama's tenure as President. However, in our President's defense he did suggest that the trio get together for the tour.

The great thing about the trio visiting the schools is that they went to some of the poorer schools in the city, which had to be uplifting for the students. Sharpton is really trying to make his voice relevant, which is commendable on his part. The Philadelphia Inquirer provides an additional update on the tour.

$5 Million Bond Set For 19 Year-Old Man Who Kills 5 Month Old Son!

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the disturbing death of a 5 month old baby boy dying allegedly at the hands of his 19 year-old father Robert L. Thomas in Chicago after being suffocated. Thomas is being held on $5 million bond. I wonder what makes a father intentionally kill his son. The craziness in Chicago continues.