Charlie, Kobe & Tiger!

Charlie Sheen was arrested Wednesday after going into a racial and profanity laced rage in a New York hotel according to the New York Daily News. Charlie went into a rage after 22 year-old Capri Anderson requested $12,000 before the 2 had sexual relations. Prior to this, the couple had smoked cocaine in the room. Charlie Sheen is the highest paid actor on television and has had numerous brushes with the law. America tried to tear down both Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods for their indiscretions. We know that Kobe has fully recovered and headed towards Top 5 All-Time in the NBA, while Tiger had a rough year but could be seen smiling last night while attending the Orlando Magic basketball game. Neither man was broken down by the media deluge which is a testament to their will.

Charlie Sheen is not completely getting a pass in this situation, admittedly because he's a "bad boy." However, if he truly was spewing the N-word continuously because he didn't want to give Ms. Anderson $12,000, he should be held accountable by the media, fans and his employer.

LeBron's New Nike Commercial!

LeBron James unveiled his new Nike commercial this week, and played 2 games with his new team the Miami Heat. The Nike commercial takes jabs at his detractors, using the tag line "What Should I Do?" James' commercials are always entertaining, and this one is not any different, overall I give it a B+ grade. James' team, the Miami Heat have had mixed results, losing to the Boston Celtics and beating the Philly 76ers.

James has had 18 turnovers in his first 2 games, showing that the Heat experiment will be a work in progress. I think the Celtics will ultimately win the championship. The Heat just aren't big enough up front to compete with bigger teams in the league, but the season will be entertaining.

Juan Williams' Good Fortune After Being Fired By NPR!

In these times of economic uncertainty, and continued 10% unemployment, Juan Williams was fired Wednesday by NPR for comments that he made on "The O'Reilly Factor" stating that at times he feels uncomfortable when he sees Muslims in full in "full garb" when on airplanes. Williams was stating how he felt in the statement, but NPR felt that he was stating an opinion and not meeting the journalistic standards of the company. Williams, who appears the Fox News in various capacities promptly signed a 3 year $2 million contract with Fox yesterday.

Juan Williams is a best selling author and liberal commentator who regularly appears on "The O'Reilly Factor". Now Williams is not considered a "far left" liberal on most subjects, but he's a avid supporter of liberal issues and can hold his own with any conservative opponent. NPR's loss in Fox News' gain, and with this firing more people will be more aware of Williams and the contributions that he makes to fair journalism.

Kanye's Diamonds!

Kanye West is such a talented entertainer when he's on his game. One of the best rappers in hip-hop and a top producer. His achilles heel has always been his uninhibited personality that causes him to do things without thinking first. The Taylor Swift incident is an example, with the assistance of a few drinks. Kanye's all over the place now promoting his album slated to be released next month and a short form movie for his song "Runaway". If you pay close attention to him now, you can see that he's replaced the bottom row of his teeth with diamonds.

I'm not sure what made Kanye replace his teeth with diamonds, but I hope that he's not headed to a world that only he understands. Michael Jackson went into his own world and we lost him forever. It would be sad to lose the talented Mr. West the same way.

Does Seau Need To Play Again?

Yesterday we got word that former NFL player Junior Seau was arrested for felony domestic violence against his 25 year-old girlfriend and later his drove his SUV off a cliff in California. That's a lot of activity for anyone, and Seau is obviously having some issues in post retirement at 41. Seau told authorities that he fell asleep at the wheel, which appears to be plausible according to police, while drugs and alcohol don't appear to be factors in the crash.

Luckily for Seau he escaped the crash with minor injuries, but he's having some issues that get pronounced when you're a former NFL superstar. Seau won't be able to deal with his issues in private, with TMZ already all over the story. He can only hope that Deadspin doesn't come knocking at the door.

Obama's Change!

Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News writes a good article about what President Barack Obama is facing in 2 weeks when his real change will take place in the mid-term elections. Obama and the Democrats are about to have their clocks cleaned because people simple aren't buying the change that our President promised two years ago. Obama is traveling the country vigorously campaigning for his party, surely knowing that in 2 weeks he will be faced with the challenge of convincing an electorate that he deserves to keep his own job.

Bill O'Reilly Laughing All The Way To The Bank!

This is the clip of Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg walking off the set of "The View" yesterday when Bill O'Reilly, who is promoting his book "Pinheads and Patriots" made a statement that Muslims caused the destruction of 9/11. Behar and Goldberg objected to the statement and walked off the set, later returning.

During his show last night O'Reilly had what seemed to be a very mischievous grin on his face when discussing the incident. O'Reilly, who has the highest rated news show on cable continues to grin and smile all the way to the bank. This may be a cynical view, but America loves fireworks especially when people have opposing opinions. and O'Reilly is promoting a book.

What Does Randy Jackson Really Think?

Randy Jackson, Michael's baby brother went on Twitter this week stating his disappointment with his parents granting an interview to Oprah Winfrey. Randy stated that Winfrey would be the last person that Michael would want to to be around his children. Randy mentioned a show that Winfrey broadcasted on pedophilia during Michael's trial as a prime issue.

Randy Jackson is the Jackson brother that we've never heard from regarding his brother's death and legacy. Randy is also alleged to have been heavily involved in Michael's business dealings in his last years, so it would not be a stretch to assume that he was perhaps his closest family member in the end. I don't think a new Oprah interview will provide us with any new revelations regarding Michael Jackson or his children that we don't already know. With this being the last year of Oprah's show, it just seems a little exploitative on her part to rehash old wounds for the family.

What's Mark Richt Doing At UGA?

University of Georgia running back Caleb King became the 11th player arrested during this year's football season and all of the arrests really gives the appearance that coach Mark Richt has lost control of his football team. Now to be honest King was arrested after being in the car with his brother and having police run a check to discover that he had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear at a court date for a speeding ticket, but an arrest is an arrest. Also this is King's second arrest in 3 years since joining the team which is ridiculous.

The bottom line is that Coach Richt has to instill some discipline into his team. Having arrests on top of the team not performing well opens Richt up to all sorts of questions, and as the coach he's accountable for the team's performance on and off the field.

The President Campaigning Vigorously!

Despite low poll numbers and the perception that he's the worst President in our history, President Barack Obama has been campaigning vigorously throughout the country in hopes of duplicating Democratic voter turnout from two years ago when he was elected. Republicans are looking at victories throughout the country if poll numbers are any indication. It's interesting that Republican candidates are leading in polls regardless of the candidate's personal or financial issues. The resurgent tea party has been an unstoppable locomotive in terms of raising issues that are personal to conservative voters, and changed the political landscape from where it was 2 years ago.

President Obama has failed to get his message out in a clear and concise manner. The few clips that I've seen while he's been on the trail show him being reactionary to criticism. He appears more like a candidate than the President of the United States. It'll be interesting to see if he can get his previous mojo back. It's probably too late for the November elections, but our President needs to go back to his past successes and simply become more presidential.

Toni Braxton's Money Woes!

Toni Braxton was once a multi million selling artist who probably made millions as one of the top female R&B artists. Braxton even had a successful Las Vegas stint that was cut short by a heart condition. Unfortunately for Braxton, although she had insurance, the company states that because she had a preexisting condition that it wasn't going to cover the losses that resulted from her leaving the Vegas show. Now Braxton has been forced to file bankruptcy with debts that she states could be as high as $50 million. Braxton didn't write on any of the hits that she sang when she was with LaFace records, so she has no residual income when they're being played on the radio.

Artists such as Janet, Mariah and even Mary figured out that part of the music business a long time ago, so long past when they're careers are over, they still will be receiving paychecks. Too bad Braxton didn't ask for songwriting credit on those early hits that are getting played throughout the world. The music business is unforgiving if artists don't have the savvy to use it to their benefit.

Real Housewives Of The Scripted!

Bravo is stretching the Real Housewives franchise to it's limit at this point. "Real Housewives of Atlanta" debuted season 3 last night with the usual drama as NeNe and Dwight got into what seemed like a totally scripted argument over money that Dwight supposedly lent to NeNe's husband Greg. The funny part of the argument was Dwight tearing up the check, but nothing in the altercation seemed real. When the show initially premiered the cast seemed much more natural and spontaneous, but now almost everything in the show seems very scripted and planned.

I was really looking forward to watching the new season of Atlanta last night, but it left me wondering if anything on the show is the truth.

Will Fame Derail Bruno Mars?

Singer/songwriter Bruno Mars is one of the hottest artists at the moment. He currently has the #1 song in the country with "Just The Way You Are" but is facing felony cocaine charges after being arrested in Las Vegas last month. Mars, 24, releases his debut album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" tomorrow, but it appears that he may be allowing the trappings of his new found fame to derail him his promising career.

The New Poverty!

The Charlotte Observer profiles the new face of poverty in Debra Cherry. Cherry is 47, college educated and previously making $75,000. Laid off due to job cut backs, she's unemployed and now living in an apartment after previously residing in a $250,000 home. McDonalds says that she's over qualified for working in the fast food industry. Unfortunately this is the new reality for the working class. Hopefully Cherry's profile will improve her job prospects.

What Is Carmelo Really Thinking?

Carmelo Anthony began his 8th media day with the Denver Nuggets yesterday amid trade rumors that have him being traded to either the New Jersey Nets or the Philadelphia 76ers. Anthony is a free agent after this season and has a $65 million contract on the table from the Nuggets that he has refused to sign. The Nuggets fearing a LeBron James debacle have decided to trade Anthony if he doesn't sign the contract extension.

Anthony may be making a bad decision along with "his team". It's likely that next year the owners will lock out the players in an effort to bring costs down which will likely impact player salaries. Anthony's probably looking at his last $20 million a year payday but is acting like he has all the leverage. If I were the Nuggets, I would make him play out the season. I know they run the risk of losing him for nothing, but Carmelo Anthony as much as I love him as a player is not even the leader of his own team, that happens to be Chauncey Billups, and he's definitely not LeBron James.

Eddie Long's Not A Perfect Man!

Bishop Eddie Long finally spoke to the members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church yesterday morning stating that he's not a perfect man, but definitely not the man being portrayed amid the sexual coercion charges that surfaced last week. He stated that he's going to fight the charges, but since he never stated that the charges weren't true my guess is that settlement talks will be taking place at some point.

Long still appears to have the support of his church, but if he allows these suits to go to trial he runs the risk of being exposed if any of the charges are proven to be true. It's my guess that he won't be willing to take that chance.

Woody Paige's Gift In The Wake of Kenny McKinley's Death!

Columnist Woody Paige wrote the following words in this article yesterday in the Denver Post:

"Why would a smart, personable, resolute, "happy-go-lucky" Kenny McKinley — with a college education, a young son, a $385,000 contract and a bright future in football and life — commit suicide Sept. 20, 2010?"

It turns out that Paige had suicidal thoughts 8 years ago. Lucky for Paige, he had friends who saw his desperation and saved him. McKinley, apparently had made comments about taking his life, but no one ever imagined that he would actually do it. He obviously had demons that he was fighting that he couldn't shake. I hope that his death will not be in vain, and that anyone who is having suicidal thoughts will seek help . McKinley will be memorialized on Monday in Austell, GA, hopefully he has the peace now that he couldn't find in life.

Jesse Jr.'s Girl!

I guess Eddie Long has taken up all of our time with the allegations against him, that we ignored the end of a once promising political career for Jesse Jackson Jr.. Jesse was exposed as having a social acquaintance in Giovana Huidobro, who Jesse's buddy Raghu Nayak told Feds that he personally paid to have flown from Washington to Chicago on at least two occasions on Jackson's behalf. Jackson has slanted it as a private matter that has been handled by him and his wife, however, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell takes it a little deeper, stating that Jackson has positioned himself as the pro-black candidate who has taken on a blond "social acquaintance" in this article.

Truthfully, Barack Obama's ascendance ended Jesse Jackson Jr.'s rising political career. The Jackson name simply carried too much baggage and Obama was a fresh face with a fresh message. This scandal will simply be a footnote in what could've been an even more promising and effective political career.

At Least Kevin Kolb Got His Money!

Yesterday Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid stated that Michael Vick is now the starting quarterback for the team replacing Kevin Kolb, who sat out Sunday's game because of a concussion. The Eagles traded "5" or Donovan McNabb in the offseason to the Washington Redskins because they felt that Kolb was ready to take over the reigns of the team. Michael Vick obviously had other ideas, because he looks better than the old version of himself and as Reid stated has been playing out of his mind.

Don't feel too sorry for Kolb because he did get a signing bonus of $10.7 million to sit on the bench and back up Vick. Vick is starting his second act and has done what I doubted he could do, which was get back in shape and work towards becoming a real quarterback. He's finally putting his immense talent to work on the football field, and may indeed have a successful comeback.

Sex Allegations Against Eddie Long!

Anthony Flagg, 20 and Maurice Robinson, 21 have brought sexual coercion charges against Bishop Eddie Long, leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta. New Birth is a mega church with an estimated membership of more than 25,000. The young men allege that Long coerced them into inappropriate relations with lavish gifts and even the use of his Bentley. The young men are represented by B.J. Bernstein who assisted Genarlow Wilson in the appeal of his aggravated child molestation conviction.

It should be stated that Robinson was arrested in June for burglarizing the church and has confessed. Bernstein states that the act was in retaliation after discovering that Long has been having relations with other "spiritual sons" within the church. Long, through a spokesman has denied the charges, but one has to wonder why these young men would expose themselves to this scrutiny if there wasn't some truth in the charges. The whole story is sordid and disgusting and Long owes it to his followers to speak the truth, whatever that is in his mind. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional information on this story.

R.I.P. Kenny McKinley!

Second year Denver Broncos football player Kenny McKinley was found dead yesterday in his Denver area home of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. People will speculate why a 23 year-old NFL player would apparently take his own life, but I really pray for his family and young son. McKinley, was from suburban Atlanta and a stand out at South Cobb High School in Austell, GA. He was also the all-time leading receiver at the University of South Carolina and a 5th round draft pick of the Broncos in 2009. Injuries had derailed his progression at the pro level, but by all accounts he had a promising future.

It's difficult to speak about a 23 year-old in the past tense who had the world at his feet. This is a devastating and senseless tragedy that simply has no answers.

A.J.'s Story!

This is an inspiring story that I found in the Detroit Free Press focusing on A.J. McLittle. A.J. has risen from the streets of Detroit and is now a sophomore at the University of Eastern Michigan. He comes from a family history of males who just don't make it, but he's trying to end the cycle. He was admitted to college under a special program and his first year performance was closely monitored, but he made it through to the second year, and he's determined to graduate. We all have to hope that A.J. reaches all of his goals.

Trouble For Clifford Harris?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on possible issues for Mr. Clifford Harris, better known as hip-hop artist T.I.. The judge who sentenced Harris in his firearms conviction has signed an order for Harris to appear before a federal judge to explain why his probation shouldn't be revoked due to his arrest in California on September 1st. The embattled star is facing 3 possible probation violations: possession of Ecstasy, testing positive for opiates and associating with a convicted felon.

Perhaps Harris forgot that he has to follow the same rules as other people who are on probation or simply forgot his precarious legal situation. He's had to cancel a concert at Penn State later this month, so it's assumed that his travel privileges have been revoked. This is a perfect example of when "Keeping It Real" has gone wrong.

Goodwill Training Program Helps Ex-Con Get Job!

The Charlotte Observer reports on Paris Friday who served 17 years in prison for conspiracy and racketeering. The first thought would be that Friday would have difficulty finding a job, however, he used his stint in prison to take job skills classes, and upon leaving prison in March and unable to find a job, he joined the Goodwill Occupational Training Program. Friday now works 2 jobs, one of which is a front line commissary cook. Friday is now working 75 hours a week and is a productive citizen. He's begun his "second life" learning from the mistakes in his first life and thriving. His second life opportunity is off to a good start, and inspirational for anyone who has lost hope for future job prospects.

Causing Commotion In Philly!

When the Philadelphia Eagles exiled Donovan McNabb to Washington in the offseason they assumed the Kevin Kolb would assume the throne as leader of the team as the starting quarterback. A suspect offensive line and a perhaps not ready for prime time Kolb have thrown a wrench in the Eagles succession plans. Kolb suffered a concussion in the game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, and someone named Michael Vick came off the bench and nearly lead the Eagles to victory.

Vick at times looked like the Vick of old, with the same blazing speed and arm strength. Clearly Kolb is the future in Philly but Vick may have a chance to start Sunday against the Detroit Lions and at least for a short period of time cause head coach Andy Reid a few sleepless nights and a mild quarterback controversy for his team.