Wife'd Up

Basketball Wives. Football Wives. Hip-Hop Wives. Love and Hip-Hop. Real Housewives of _______(take your pick). Now I heard they're coming out with Mob Wives. All of the aforementioned shows are either guilty secrets or shows people shamelessly watch. But my question is, where are the REAL wives of Real Life?

When I say "Real Life", I mean the life we live when we wake up and there are no cameras rolling. I mean, are there any out wives out there in the Afro-Am community b/w ages of 21-39? There isn't enough material out there to generate "Section 8 Wives", "Real Housewives of the Hood" or "Real HouseWives of ____" where they just feature regular Afro-Am married couples? I guess the apropos title would be "Baby Mamas of Birmingham."

Including family and friends, I only know 4 black married couples (ages 21-39)! They represent healthy and wholesome relationships built on rock-solid foundations and substance. I can't speak for other regions, but I live in Atlanta. I've always said 'Atlanta is a good place to raise kids and a family, but a terrible place to find your soulmate and or family.' Everybody and their momma is trying to move to the A, and the perception of the city from outside looking in is far cry from the reality!

When you don't live in Atlanta, you think you're missing everything. Just because most of the music from your favorite show/artist is produced here, you think you have to be here. Because all of these rappers are name dropping clubs and malls like Velvet Room, Magic City,Lennox and Phipps, that has the whole black commerce nation thinking they can only buy their Gucci or Jordans on Peachtree Street. With all that said, the city perpetuates a superficial, opulent, glamorous, and excessive lifestyle that most people can't sustain. I can't front, people besides athletes, rappers, and dopeboys are getting it, but the pressure to conform to this affluent image can immensely affect the process of engagement and interaction between males and females. Meaning, if you don't adhere to a certain image, or you're not plugged into the industry, then you're not gonna get quality "buns" (video girl-esque) and conversely if you're a lady not conforming to this objectified image, you wont end up with a "baller." Thats just a presumptuous observation from an immature single dude who covets both substance and superficiality...but sophisticated or mature enough to value and cherish internal qualities and attributes.

It's either that (following the Atlanta blueprint) or you marry your highschool and/or college sweetheart. If that doesn't workout, most people marry who they end up working with...Taking it back to Atlanta screw marrying somebody, you just want to meet somebody! Because it's so spread, the best places to find women are surprisingly remote and humble locations like the grocery store, the gas station, and MAYBE church, but everyone is on to that....I don't know, I think the best way to court or meet someone compatible is to meet them somewhere where ya'll have a mutual connection or interest (ie if your an ant collector, and u go to an ant farm and find a cutie there, there's a good chance you guys are going to connect because of a shared interest... that interest is more substantive then going to the club and your shared interest with someone is your love for Young Moolah baby!)

According to US Census Bureau, 70% of black families were headed by married couples in 1963, and in 2002 that number was down to 48. As of 2011, these are the new marriage stats in the Afro-Am community:

*(1) Forty-two percent of black adults have never been married, compared with just 26 percent of all American adults.

(2) By the time most black Americans reach their early 30s, half have never married, compared with 31 percent or less for other racial and ethnic groups.

(3) Black women ages 35 to 44 are the only group of American women of child-bearing age with lower rates of marriage than men of the same race or ethnicity.

(4) By their early 40s, 31 percent of black women have never been married, compared to 9 percent of white women, 11 percent of Asian women and 12 percent of Hispanic women.

*USCensusBureau/TheYbf.com

Mike Check Monday

Now that most of the smoke has settled from "March Madness", only four teams remain in the tournament: (3)UCONN/(4)Kentucky, and (11)VCU/(8)Butler. As usual,this year's tourney was a bracket-buster and by the time the third round games came along, my bracket's were dinner for the shredder! Because parity is at its pinnacle in mens college basketball, I can't say this has been the best brand of ball I've ever witnessed, but its arguably the most "upsetting."

Upsetting in the sense that we have two "small-schools" featured in the Final Four, headlined by last years runner-up champ Butler and VCU. In fact the highest ranked team remaining, UCONN, is only a 3 seed and they play the next highest seed, #4 Kentucky. This is by far the sexiest game of the Final-Four matchups. For all intent and purposes, this is the championship game! The winner of this contest should recognize it as a possible "trap-game" and not overlook the winner between VCU/Butler (*recall Michigan falling victim to that mentality following their victory over a Jamal Mashburn led Kentucky in the '93 Final Four). Overall, the customary last second, buzzer beater drama that has come to define "March Madness"was apparent, but this year the individual stars left an impression on experts and fans alike.

Arizona forward Derrick Williams' NBA stock dramatically increased with his versatility (3 point shooting, inside presence), athleticism, dazzling dunks, and game-winning defense. Williams proved to be a bonafide "go-to" guy capable of putting a team on his back each game the WildCats advanced. BYU's Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker didn't disappoint either. Although Fredette and BYU were eliminated by Florida, Jimmer went out blazing like a true shooter (32 points,29 shots, including 15 three point attempts---are you kidding me?) and Kemba Walker is on a tear that reminds me of Dwayne Wade's domination in the 2006 Finals. Not suggesting he plays like Wade, Im merely suggesting his "take-over" impact is comparable (26 ppg as Big East Tourney MVP/two 30 point games in the NCAA tourney). I think NBA-TV/ChrisWebber.com's Kevin Cottrell is spot on with the Vinnie Johnson/Ben Gordon comparison, only Kemba's ball control is slightly better. Chauncey Billups and Derron Williams come to mind if I had to compare Jimmer, based on their upper body strength and jump-shooting ability. He may not be the "Great White Hype" in the pro's or come close to Billups/Williams in ability, but I'm predicting he'll be far more effective in the league then Adam Morrison, Gordon Heyward or JJ Redick.

Speaking of potential picks and professional basketball, the NBA's is starting to wind down a grueling season. Right now competitive teams are posturing for position and home-court advantage for the playoffs. One such team that grew accustomed to this routine was the Detroit Pistons. A prominent playoff team and consistent championship contender for most of the 2000s, the last couple of years have been dreadful for the Pistons (26-47 this year). It hurts me to say, but I attribute Piston legend and President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars for this rebuilding period. It's time someone brings attention to Dumars and the woeful job he has done recently. Actually, let's go back to 2003. Winning the 2004 championship was possibly the greatest mask to one of his biggest blunders. Besides the '84 and '96 Drafts, 2003 was probably the greatest in league history! In a Draft that featured Lebron, Bosh, Wade, Carmelo and even Josh Howard, Joe D decided to draft Darko Milicic (a bust compared to the aforementioned names) with the #2 pick! I love Tayshaun, Rasheed, RIP Hamilton, etc, but if you have the chance to draft a Melo, Bosh, or Wade, you pull the trigger! Okay, so when it happened, I gave Dumars a pass. Besides Lebron, no one really had an inkling of how dominant the players in that Draft would be, fine. Skip four years later to 2008. In the first week of the season Dumars trades the heart and soul of the team, Chauncey Billups, to the Nuggets for Allen Iverson. I can't lie, being the uber Allen Iverson fan that I am, when the trade transpired, I was ecstatic but we all know that movie ended with egg on the Piston's face. Then you rationalize and say, okay, if anything Dumars was trying to free cap space with an expiring contract to make room for the "summer of 2010." But in the "summer of 2009" Dumars blew millions on glorified bench player Ben Gordon and a one-year hit wonder with the Bucks, Charlie Vilanueva. Come on Son! With the slew of underachieving coaches following Larry Brown (Flip Saunders, Michael Curry, and presently John Kuester) I questioned Dumars commitment to the team. With the recent team mutiny against Kuester, I'm now questioning his competency. I'm not leading a witch-hunt to fire Dumars at all. No one is more thankful to Dumars for his on court and off court contributions then me. But as author Toni Morrison asked, "Can't we criticize what we love?"

Finally, catching my attention this weekend were events involving the Barry Bonds case. No, I don't care about testimony, witnesses or accusations. What caught my eye was the blind loyalty by long time Bonds associate and friend Greg Anderson. Anderson was sent back to jail again for not stabbing his friend in the back and testifying against him. I don't know too many brothers who would go to jail for their mothers let alone a (black) friend. I applaud Anderson's 'Death (in this case jail) before dishonor' approach, it's priceless. Bonds just better be sure to have all types of money on his books and take care of him handsomely when he's free.

"Our People"

Right quick, this has been a tripped out week for two Afro-Am male "celebs." The celebs I speak of are Chris Brown and Lawrence Taylor.

Chris Brown, wow where do we begin? First off, I'm not even going to get in the infamous incident that landed him on this redemptive comeback for his career, oh, I mean his life. But I will delve a little into the behavior patterns that repeatedly leave him in "no-win" situations.

Everyone wants to peg him as crazy or in desperate need of anger management. That maybe true, but I think his destructive behavior is a collaborative effort being enabled by his "handlers" and those close to him. Whoever is doing his PR, they need to stress to him the importance of humility and the true meaning of contrition (at the time of this blog, his Publicist decided to part ways with CB).

Like we all know that Chris Brown was never fully sorry for whooping on Rihanna. He was salty that the transgression basically RIP'd his career at the time and it put a little monkeywrench on his total potential earning power. In his post-Ike Turner interviews, he always came across as aggravated, agitated, and clueless to the bigger picture. In his world, the picture was 'dam, I eff'd up my bread', but the bigger picture he didn't comprehend was the magnitude, malice and cowardice of beating on a female. When it comes to that, it ain't no "two sides to a story…she hit me" bla bla bla. If you gotta beat her, u don't need her.

Dang, I used 3 paragraphs without talking about his most recent eff-up. I won't recount the story on GMA with Robyn Roberts, but I will say what happened at the TV studio is a clear indication that this dude is out of control. How are you gonna wild out on Robyn Roberts for being her normal classy, elegant and professional self? Its not like her line of questioning was a surprise, as it was known in Brown's camp that Robyn would question some of the things that happened as a result of the Rihanna situation.

What's wild is that Roberts is a proponent for looking out for her people in the Afro-Am community as evidenced by her convincing her colleagues not to press charges against him despite damage to property and emotional stress….I think his most egregious offense came in the form of calling her "that black bitch." That behavior is disgusting to me. But what's more disgusting are his advocates. Not in his camp, but his fanbase.

Ive seen/heard numerous of fan's always riding and standing up for this dude, and most of his fan's are chicks! How many times have u heard him run behind his fanbase when something bad happens with one of these numbers: "i want to thank Team Breezie for their support." I think Chris has a false sense of a machismo identity in the company he keeps or artists he collaborates with(ie Young Money, Lil Wayne,etc). I even think I heard him address someone as "Blood" in the media recently. Whatever it is, you're an R and B singer bro. I know R and B singers whooped much ass back in the day, but at least their persona and public image didn't suit that!

And then I heard something like "Why is everyone quick to bash Chis but celebrate Charlie Sheen's bs?" Well number one, Sheen earned CBS truckloads of money (explaining their patience) and number 2, Sheen didn't beat on any female. His behavior is more self-destructive whereas Brown is more destructive. Secondly, your timing couldn't be more wack. Beating up a popstar female on Grammy Night, and wilding out on GMA isn't exactly covert or subtle either. Your'e asking for attention…But this shouldn't be surprising for a cat that bleaches his hair and leaks "walkie" pics to the 'net leading up to the release of his album.

Now with Lawrence Taylor, this is just the messed up behavior by SOME black men going on for years. Mista in "Color Purple", R Kelly and these young girls, now LT and the 16 year old- girl Christina Fierro, who's prostitution services he was convicted of soliciting. A microcosm of his deplorable actions can be summed up in his quote (im sure it represents the mentality of a lot of "chesters" ):

"I didn't pick her up at no playground. She wasn't hiding behind some school bus….I don't card 'em or ask for birth certificates." Wow, like CB, that quote sounds like someone immune to the bigger picture but rather concerned with their own plight.

In that quote, Taylor inadvertently sheds light on little young fast girls in a rush to grow up and live that grown life. It also sheds light that creepy old dudes are on the loose, and they are only as moral as their options…meaning if you got a girl that's ready and coming across as mature, the thirsty dude isn't thinking about practical stuff (like properly extracting information to deem a girl as legal and mentally mature to engage in such adult behavior.)

The moral of that LT story is brothers: be an active positive influence in your daughter's life. Because for better or worse, they're going to spend their life chasing that fatherly influence; rather it's a pimp, abusive, spouse, boss, etc. Simply put, raise your daughters right because you don't want them getting sacked in the sack by LT!

*Dice isn't a traditional feminist or captain save a whoa, right is just right….and i do celebrate the presence and worth of a woman while recognizing her fragility, I ain't scared to say that!

_________ or Die

______ or Die

From being tagged by the invisible inventor of the Jordan high-heel to knowing about Pookie's newest mixtape, Face-Book and Twitter continue to represent the fastest and most up to date vehicle for promotion of all kind. And nowadays, everyone has something to promote. With so many options vying for your attention to distract you with their movement, how do you filter the "manoufery" (superficial) from the substance? Theoretically people should be applauded for using self-initiative, and exploring their passion with hard work and effort. But silently we're all shameless critics, and some of these independent "projects" we observe and absorb are wack! Well forget relying on your subjective instincts. Tired of waiting to find out if something (i.e. blogs/websites/video) adheres to your innate standards of quality? Don't worry, I got you! But instead of overdosing on the usual social networks, the good folks at "TLoD" are going to feature on seven "go getters." Below are 'Dicey Approved' independent movements you should keep your eye on. Not only for support, but check these brilliant people out to improve quality of lifestyle and other benefits.

HEAL OR DIE: Sharing stories we want to hear with his coined phrase "news you

can use", Dr. Mwata Dyson promotes a community of health

conversations at: http://www.thedysonreport.com. A fresh voice with

an urban perspective, Dr. Dyson juxtaposes alternative with

modern medicine. Dyson understands his demographics and

provides viewer-friendly videos, as evidenced in the above link.

PR or DIE: The good folks at ThinkMonline.com will take care of all your business

and professional needs regarding imagery, marketing and overall

branding. Specializing in web design, ThinkMonline.com will take your

vanilla website and "for the right price, will make your ish tighter."

(Jay-Z 'Ride or Die').

FUX or DIE: Taking the FaceBook nation by storm spanning from the West Coast

to the South, the FUX movement is virtually the digital form of No Limit

and Master P of the late 90s. Instead of selling cd's from the back of

a trunk, FUX (File Under Xenophobia) shirts featuring popular

onomatopoeia's such as "Pow", "Ging" are being supplied to a very

much in demand audience. Check for flavorful apparel and other

hip-hop options at fuxwitme.com or adrene's boutique if you're in

Atlanta.

WRITE or DIE: This shout-out/plug is for my SpelHouse connection. Check out

thecutecook.com for deliciously delectable delicatessens and other

treats, recipe's and everything food! Like the author, the site is

very yum-yum.

If you're into thrillers, mystery and suspense novels, my man

J.E. Cammon's new book, "Where Shadows Lie: Bay City" is

currently being sold on paperback on Amazon.com. Also James

has a blogspot with my brother Tony Starks at TheToyDepartment

(litset.blogspot.com). From there you can also click on Starks' link to his

PGA Magazine article.

For shocking subject matter and other spiritual soliloquies, seek Su-

Zanne at suzannesbleedingpen.blogspot.com.

BLOG or DIE: I recently heard this from the Spike Jonze directed movie,

'Adaptation': "We all write in a genre, we must find our originality

within that genre." Jackpot! Dice meet blog, blog meet Dice. You

mean there's a forum where traditional forms of conventional

grammar methods aren't stressed as much as candor, opinion

and establishing your own voice? I'm in love! If you know me, then

it's basically pick your poison: talk to you to death or write you to

death. In the midst of developing my voice and being a man of "my times", I want to mix

the perfect blend of not being too long or short while

retaining integrity. In addition to promoting dialogue at thelegendofdice.blogspot.com,

check me on the homie Chris Webber's site: Chriswebber.com

**** Future Blog Promo's featuring the musical waves of: AudFeed (punk/rock), Nesby Phips/Lim (hip-hop), Jeff Johnson II(hip hop) and Ray (hip hop) Reggie Lowe (Hip Hop Radio)************

REASONABLE DOUBT

New Jersey Nets point guard Derron Williams will miss the teams next three games due to injury. In an already abysmal season the arrival of Williams sparked some semblance of life for the fans of New Jersey. The outcome of the "Williams Experiment" will dramatically dictate the direction of the team. There are a myriad of tangibles that could factor in said outcome and direction, I argue none is more important then that of one Shawn Carter, aka Jay-Z aka Hovi Baby.

You're probably questioning the importance of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov and league respected coach Avery Johnson right about now, and you should. Prokhorov injected the city with a Siberian swag not seen since Schwarzenegger in "Red Heat!" His infamous '60 Minutes' interview captured a brazen billionaire playboy pedaling between pistols, palaces,precious metals and pretty women. He manifested that confident, "winning" attitude and even financed teams in Russia, but this is the NBA where he had zero experience! There's only so far an infectious attitude can take you when faced with losing. And on the opposite end of that attitude spectrum is the abrasive Avery Johnson. His record in his only stint as a coach (Dallas) was impeccable but he had the luxury of coaching all-stars and MVP's in Dirk Nowitzki. Despite his early success, Johnson is still a young coach that's relatively naive to extreme forms of both losing (such as this season) and winning (winning big in the playoffs).

While Jay's extent of experience in the NBA wasn't accumulated in a traditional sense; from a "public relations" stance, the Jigga Man's resume with the league and it's players is undisputed (technically he was with the Nets before the Johnson and Prokhorov). From coaching and owning teams in Rucker Parks Summer Leagues that featured NBA stars, Hov was always a ubiquitous presence in the NBA throughout the years. If he wasn't performing at NBA All-Star game parties or concerts, his music was being knocked in lockerrooms and advocated by some of the leagues biggest stars (thoughts of Kobe Bryant naming Jay his #1 selection when BET let him host his top 20 videos; Lebron James basically reciting the whole "Blueprint" album in the infamous hummer when ESPN did a special on him his last year in highschool; and of course the epic XXL Carter Administration cover featuring Lebron as an official "RocBoy"---he to this day throws up the Roc sign during the game). But as evidenced in the last eight months, affiliation doesn't equate to accreditation necessarily.

Ever since Lebron spurned the league of his talents and respectfully declined his good friend Hov so that Miami could use his services, it's been a flurry of rejection absorbed by Jay and the Nets by way of top-tier players. In Domino Effect fashion (with Lebron being the biggest piece to commence the collapse) Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony hit Hov with the "thanks , but no thanks" treatment. Hov maybe asking "Where's the Love?" When they finally landed a significant piece in acquiring the leagues best point-guard in Derron Williams, that acquisition almost seemed devalued as Derrick Rose is now widely considered the leagues MVP and by default, the best point guard in the league.

I hope this trend of players choosing to not align themselves with Jay-Z doesn't become chronic. If it's a matter of players wanting to create an identity independent of or in some cases being overshadowed by Mr. Carter, then fine. But if it's a matter of not wanting to be "guilty by association", then that's ludicrous to me. In the last 5-6 years, anything associated with the Jay-Z brand can be conjured with thoughts and association of class, premium quality, and exclusiveness (think businesses, music, and wife). People talked smack about former Heisman winner Riky Williams for hiring Master P as his agent in 1999 and entrusting P to negotiate his first pro contract, but Williams took a chance and was willing to go outside of the box. You have to give him credit for that. That was during a time P was still advocating a hardcore image and let's face it, wasn't nearly as opulent or influential as Jay-Z is now. Maybe Hov should let things happen organically like Kanye fell on his lap. Maybe Derron is his 'Yeezie to the Nets. Either way, the fate of Jay's legacy with the Nets rests in Williams' hands. Guys love point guards who are true point guards and are willing ball distributors. Who knows, if Derron stays in town, then maybe he can attract future free agents and big name players. Whatever the reasons are, I'm sure Mr. Carter will remedy the reasons why he can't "sign the unsignable (Lebron), draft the undraftable (#1pick)…it's Hovi Baby!"

Crowd Please!

No disrespect to the people affected by the earthquake in Japan, but Jalen Rose sent a seismic shock throughout the media world himself when he dropped the "Uncle Tom" tsunami this past Sunday on ESPN.

The aftermath continues to resonate in the major damage area was in Durham, NC. The main target of the "Uncle Tom" statements were Duke grad Grant Hill. I'm sure he felt a great deal of pressure of his family, friends, and school to retort and that's what he recently did via letter to the NYTimes online.

I must admit, as an admirer of multi-syllabic words and expansive vocabulary I was very impressed with Hill's submission. After analyzing what I read, however, I realized it wasn't much. The over-arching theme I gathered from the open letter was embarrassment and defensiveness. Surprisingly, Grant Hill wasn't the only person to take offense to the Rose comments. There are a significant amount of "well to do" black people (writers, columnists, "everyday folk") taking this to heart and personally. They feel as if his sentiment is antiquated and out of bounds.

But is it? Everything is all perception, at least initially. The reputation and perception of Duke as being a primarily white and traditional school existed well before the Fab Five. If you saw the Lebron James movie "More Then a Game", then you know the high school he attended (St Vincent St Mary) was considered a white school. In the movie Lebron discusses the criticism and ridicule he received from black peers for "selling out" and attending a predominantly white school. Lebron didn't come from a polished, two parent household family yet he was still subjected to similar "sellout" branding from other blacks that Jalen applied to Grant Hill. Being labeled as a "sellout" is synonymous to being called "Uncle Tom." "Uncle Tom" is a state of mind and is immune to background or social status. As a black athlete consciously enrolling to a school universally perceived by blacks as "the establishment", one (Lebron, Grant, whoever) makes themselves vulnerable to such epithets and labels.

We keep forgetting that these comments were made by a 17 year old Jalen Rose. To suggest he harbors the same feelings 20 years later would suggest a stunt in maturity and growth, and that's insulting. Do you really think a brash and wild Rose didn't let it be known to Duke in 1991 how he felt? That's why I'm baffled by the response Grant elicited. I know Jalen spewed that along with other toxic barbs to the Duke players when they played each other.

What's so funny to me is that people are acting like the Fab Five weren't pre-judged. If people, coaches, pundits, fans prematurely judged him, why couldn't Jalen do the same? Let's not forget were talking about a competitive athlete here. Athletes are always looking for that edge. Michael Jordan is revered and famous for finding any nugget of motivation against his competition but when the Fab Five do it, it's a problem. People are getting upset with things that are much ado about nothing, and the ones that are getting finicky seem to be protecting and justifying their own inner Uncle Tom.

twitter.com/thedelegate24

The Author and His Point Guard

Recently there’s been a lot of "Bieber Fever" going on for Chicago Bulls point-guard Derrick Rose. The lead candidate for the league’s MVP, Rose has been advocated by the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) Michael Jordan and Chicago-native, sports-columnist/analyst/author Mike Wilbon. In fact, Wilbon has done more then advocate Rose for MVP. As a visible and influential figure on ESPN game telecasts and other programs, Wilbon has taken the lead in spearheading the Rose campaign. Well I think it's time that this author advocates his point guard from a different era and for different reasons. This author is here to remind you how great Isaiah Thomas was as a player and to properly credit him amongst the best point guards in NBA history.

To understand this sentiment, let's examine my dynamic between Detroit and Chicago. Being that I lived in Chicago and Detroit as a youth, I consider both of them as home. But that's now. I come from the era when the Pistons and Bulls had the most bitter rivalry in the NBA. Withstanding the team colors, they were the Crips and Bloods of the league! Imagine a young boy leaving St. Mary's of Redford grade school in Detroit in January '91 to move to Chicago's William H. Ray School on the Southside. At the time, Detroit was the defending champion and had successfully eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs three years in a row. My assimilation to the school was tumultuous initially, but things smoothed out. Fast forward 5 months and I'm hosting a house party for my birthday (May 22) and all my school buddies are there. Game Four of the Bulls/Pistons ECF is on, and by the time the game is over everyone at my party is happy and celebrating except me. I'm in the corner of the room sulking as I knew the Pistons’ reign was over. I even remember listening to EPMD's "Rampage" as this unfolded. If you thought the Pistons walking past the Bulls without giving them dap was foul, imagine a 14 year old 'Martin Payne' kicking folks out with gift or no gift!

In fact, if it wasn't for Michael Jordan retiring in '93 and making the league so boring to watch (NBA League pass wasn't available then so I couldn't watch a certain rookie play for the Warriors), I wouldn't be the converted Jordan/Bulls fan that I am today. I'm uber proud that Michael Wilbon is campaigning for "Pooh" and isn't apologetic or afraid to show it. At the time of this blog, the Bulls were tied with Boston for the best record in the East. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had Lebron James slated as the MVP. But during a succession of national televised games, Lebron's MVP stock plummeted with each late game meltdown while Rose conversely became a hot commodity as the stand-out in big wins versus the league’s elite teams. Also, isn't this year and current Bulls team eerily reminiscent of the 2001 Sixers team that made the Finals and featured league MVP Allen Iverson? I'm not saying Rose is better then A.I., but the sum of the parts sure are. The Bulls no doubt defer to Rose like that Sixers team did, but Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng are better then Aaron McKie, Matt Geiger, or Eric Snow. Initially I thought Wilbon was delusional (even Rose too for his MVP slam cover that preceded the season), but he may have been on to something.

I just wish the influence of Michael Wilbon was prevalent in the late 80s/early 90s for another Chicago point guard: Isaiah "Zeke" Thomas. In my humble opinion, Zeke is the second best point guard in NBA history right behind Magic. If it wasn't for his off-court controversy, Isiah would've been etched along Magic, Bird, and Mike on the NBA’s Mt. Rushmore of greatness. Every time a player mentions the all-time greats as inspiration and Isaiah or those Bad Boy teams are omitted, it boils my blood! Who's the only player in NBA history to successfully beat Michael, Bird, and Magic in the playoffs? The answer is Zeke. Who's responsible for making Jordan and the Bulls battle-tested, tough, and ready for winning? The truth of the matter is that Isiah's insatiable desire to win (or "killer-kill" if you will) can only be matched by a hand-few. People forget that Isiah dropped 25 points in the 3rd quarter against the Lakers at Los Angeles with a broken ankle in the '88 Finals. Bird may have beaten the Pistons in the '86 playoffs thanks to the infamous out of bounds steal, but Detroit came right back the next year and defeated them. Before Michael Jordan became the great MJ we all remember, he had to overcome the Pistons hurdle, who beat them in the ECF 3 straight years! When most people think about a player scoring points in a flurry in the playoffs, Reggie Miller versus New York comes to mind but in 1984 Zeke scorched the Knicks for 16 points in 94 seconds! . Who was the first player throwing bounce pass alley-oops to Dominique Wilkins in the All-Star game or to Gerald Glass in regular season games? ZEKE! But more importantly, Isiah Thomas was the leader and heart and soul of the vaunted "Bad Boys." That hard nosed style of play and tough image the Pistons portrayed, perfectly personified the people who patronized the Palace, of Auburn Hills. The "Bad Boys" are to the NBA what the "Fab Five" are to the NCAA. Instead of transcending style of dress as Michigan did, the Bad Boys changed the league's style of play from finesse to defensive minded and gritty (i.e. Jordan led Bulls, Pat Riley Knicks/Heat).

When I look at celebrated players in the past or present achieve accolades that Zeke didn't amass, it makes me sad. What accomplishments do I speak of? How about MVPs and Olympic selections! Steve Nash is a two-time MVP but his career numbers pale in comparison to Zeke not to mention he's never made it to the Finals. John Stockton made the Olympics in '92, but up to that point trailed Zeke in career scoring and assists, yet he and his 13 straight All-Star Starts stayed home to watch his colleagues travel to Barcelona and make global history(shout out to Jason Kidd of 02-03, and Chauncey Billups of '06—you guys should've won MVP as well).

Let's be real. The main, if not only reason, Zeke has been ostracized from his just due and recognition is because of his poor relations with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Mike Jordan. I'm not here to criticize or defend Zeke's off court transgressions, but on the court there's no denying he's a monster. Pound for pound (all 6'0" and 180 of them) no one may have possessed the skills Isiah had. For those who didn't have the pleasure to watch him play,imagine a player the size of Chris Paul, who's handles, and crossover were more crispier then Allen Iverson, had the passing abilities of Magic Johnson, the heart/"killa kill" of Jordan and you have Isiah Thomas. If the Fab Five film taught us anything, it is that there can be a healing or transitional period where the villain can become hero. On the court, there were few who were more heroic then Zeke, so can we PLEASE cite him and those "Bad Boy" teams when we mention the greatest teams and point guards of all time?

I Don't Need Your Love Part 2

Forgive me for using the highly frequented cliche, but "I'm going in." Where am I going? Im going to a space that has recently thrown Fab Five legend Chris Webber under the bus. I guess I've got to play Shyne to Webb's Diddy and air the joint out. It's time to get in Young Buck mode and shank the Dre assassin.

All of this sudden criticism has stemmed from the well received and magnificently produced "Fab Five" documentary that ESPN aired over the weekend. In the grand scheme of things, the film was successful in catapulting them from urban legends to cementing their status in the cannon of American Icon. When you look at the NBA's most gifted player,Lebron James, compare his Miami Heat to the Beatles, you want to say "Child Please!" The Fab Five were the original hoop Beatles. Perpetrators often imitate them, but they fall terribly short in duplicating them! One must factor they were comprised of too many complex intangibles coupled with the improbable luxury of talent and timing.

Specifically, these are the three things that are "grinding my gears" more then Peter Grifiin: 1) the transgression of the UNC game and 2) his absence on the ESPN film 3)the Ed Martin controversy. To this day, I still don't get the morbid infatuation people have with other's time of adversity. It is what it is, you know what happened. My man succinctly stated what he needed to say in the classic "What I did is what I thought." We all saw what happened. Do people need a remixed, sensationalized version topped with icing and sprinkles? Foreshadowing how he would conduct his career in stand-up manner, the then teenager C-Webb attended the press conference and faced the music like a man. One time. That's all it takes. What more do people want? How can a man let a wound heal if you constantly prod and poke at it? ESPN brilliantly provided footage that would suggest evidence of his teammates signaling with their hands on the sideline. Even Jimmy King pointed out a teammate clapping on the sideline when it went down. There was obviously SOME confusion and miscommunication on the team regarding their dimensions and vital stats. What people need to recognize is the loudest statement he's made through the years has been in silence. He could've obviously placed blame on teammates, but he ate that criticism up like spinach. Instead of compromising the integrity of the group and tainting their legacy as a collective, he individually chose to fall on his sword for his brothers. That's selfless. Why doesn't this point get brought up more often?

People outside of "Fab Five Nation" think it's a pity-party post-1993. Once again, "Child Please!" That whole situation is worn proudly like a badge of honor. When was the last time a "Katrina" survivor not embrace their situation? If anything,their spirit inspired and carried the Saints to a SuperBowl. So dispel any premature rumors why Webb didn't make an appearance on the film . I can't confirm anything, but I can assure you he "ain't never scared" and his absence had nothing to do with dissension or beef with his brothers. As a highly confident, proud, and progressive brother myself, I would probably decline an appearance as well if I had to disclose periods in my life that were personal and sacred to me. In my Damon Wayans inmate voice from 'In Living Color', "How can my people ever advance if we're stuck in the past?"

The last thing is a touchy subject. I have absolutely no authority to discuss or probe the Ed Martin situation. I just know as a result of it, it caused a little tension between the brothers, and that's what ticked me off! As an Afro-Am kid growing up in the inner city, the aura of the Fab Five was imperative if not essential. They were like an Equal Opportunist gang anybody could join, and they preached positive messages of fellowship, brotherhood, loyalty, and hard work. Even in their darkest hours, the one calling card the Fab Five could hold on to was unison. The more controversy they attracted, the closer they appeared to be. This Ed Martin situation seems to be the one chink in their armor, and I'm selfishly salty because it minutely presents the chance of tainting the perception of the mighty superheroes from Ann Arbor. At the end of the day, it may all be hyperbole. But after 20 years of perfect camaraderie them having any kind of rift is a big deal to me no matter how minute it is.

All I know is, regarding Jalen Rose, he kept it so 100, I can never be mad at him. Through his words, I understand from a distance he and some of his teammates had relationships with Ed Martin for better or worse. To make things make sense in my mind, I look at it through a Jackson Family scope. Some siblings were Joe Jackson's favorite and loved him, some of the other siblings didn't get along with Joe. But as long as the brothers were cool, that's all that mattered.

So now there's a lot of expectations on C-Webb to say this or say that in regards to their relationship involving the University. Why is that? Is it because he was the man or the BMOC? It takes two to tangle. If you're my prom date and ditched me at the dance, why would I apologize to you for me getting home safely? I say that meaning when ish started to hit the fan with the NCAA investigation, it appeared the school abandoned them. Jimmy King made a good point about being the "bigger man" and the "bigger picture"; that theory is a two way street. I say until the UM show more contrition or accountability, stick to you guns Webb. We all know he's gonna be bombarded with hounding from Barkley and the TNT/NBA crew, but I'm sure he'll exhibit the same poise we've grown accustomed to. Remember, Dr.King said (and I'm paraphrasing) : " A man's character should be judged when he's faced with adversity and discomfort."

Leaders of the New School

This past weekend was a blessing sent from the basketball gods. If you're heavy into hoop history then you were treated to the televised Revolutions documenting Michigan's "Fab 5" and their blueprint, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. Considering the huge impact they made in basketball culture and society overall, I felt compelled to chronicle the four turning points that transcended basketball in the last 30 years.

Thirty years sounds like a random number but it denotes the foundation of the NBA's "Neo" era birthed by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird ("Neo NBA" meaning the age of cable rights, national TV games/highlights, sold out stadiums, etc.) If the Christian calendar recognizes the first year of Jesus' birth as "Anno Domini" or "A.D.", then 1979 should be the NBA's version of "A.D."—“After Drafted Bird and Magic.”

Acknowledging the trailblazing feats by these legends should be implicit, so the first person recognized in the NBA's "A.D." era as a transcendent figure is Michael Jordan. Jordan emerged on the scene in the mid 80s with an infectious flare and style of play that was foreign to the general public. He captivated the nation with an aerial assault that featured high-flying dunks and gravity-defying usages of hang time when driving to the rim. This unprecedented style of play and domination lent itself to unprecedented levels of commercial exposure and monetary success in Corporate America. Jordan is known as the godfather of Nike's success and popularity, along with introducing the world to other on-court fashion statements. The extent of Mike's influence reached global proportions as evidenced in the ‘92 Olympics, but his roots in Chicago may have been most pivotal in the shaping of his legend. The Windy City has the resources to be labeled as the New York City of the Midwest while maintaining its hard-working, blue-collar reputation. Michael Jordan encapsulated that double entendre beautifully. Besides, the Bulls had no substantive history or tradition so Mike could do no wrong. His work ethic mimicked the grit of the city's blue-collar side while his game performances suggested Broadway. As a 6'6" guard who could also handle the ball, shoot, pass, defend, and play above the ground, he set the precedent for the prototypical contemporary swingman (think Kobe, Vince Carter, Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Tracy McGrady all in their primes).

The next two entities that transcended the sport of basketball on and off the court are the aforementioned Fab Five and UNLV Runnin' Rebels. Setting trends and affecting the culture on the collegiate level rarely occurs. Historically, big time college basketball programs are mostly defined by their coaches. Typically, it’s the guys like Bob Knight, Coach K, John Wooden, Roy Williams, and Dean Smith who play the marquee name on the bill when their school is in town, and their programs usually adhere to strict discipline and honor codes. The running joke in Chapel Hill was that the only person to contain Jordan was Dean Smith, so the fact that these teams equaled their coach in stature (UNLV) and even eclipsed him (Michigan) is extremely impressive.

UNLV was the father of the Fab Five in so many ways, particularly because the make up of the teams was so similar. Both teams boasted versatile future power forwards that would eventually go on and become the #1 pick in the NBA (LJ/C-Webb). They both had the luxury of being afforded two head-strong, tough, and talented point guards for leaders (Greg Anthony/Jalen Rose). Everything UNLV did beforehand was subsequently embraced and enhanced by the Freshmen, including style (meshing street fashion with Nike) and social disposition (introducing mainstream sports to hip-hop culture). Additional crucial elements that Michigan inherited from UNLV were the Rebels' racial stereotypes and rivalry with Duke. HBO and ESPN both did an excellent job bringing insight to the magnitude of those social and racial match-ups, but I took the Duke situation far worse then most. In political terms I viewed Duke on the same level as the oppressive, Jim Crow government of the early 50s. When Vegas beat the Blue Devils in the 1990 title game, it felt as if my father just won a civil rights case in court. When the Devils beat Vegas in the Final Four the next year, it was as if government tried my old man in the same case but this time he was sentenced to life in prison. And then when his son (Fab 5) attempted to avenge his father of this injustice the next year, he was convicted to the same fate (loss to Duke in the championship game).

Speaking of the legal system, the arrival of Allen Iverson and his movement was the last lightning bolt to strike and transcend basketball. If UNLV/Fab Five were the malcontents to the media's bark, then Iverson was definitely the bite. What made Vegas and Michigan so scary was the "potential" factor. People really thought Ice Cube was killing people and Public Enemy were breaking people out of jail when the Fab Five hopped on the scene. When Allen Iverson became notorious, mainstream America was becoming more receptive and understanding of the "hip-hop" athlete. I'll never publicly throw the Answer under the bus, but most of the transgressions in his career seemed to substantiate a lot of the preconceived notions that were falsely placed on the likes of a Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, or Larry Johnson. But getting in trouble or being a bad-ass doesn't make you a transcendent figure. Iverson was able to parlay all of the negative press into a great career sans the final year. Corn-rows, arm sleeves, and a plethora of tattoos will forever be credited to Iverson. When the NBA institutes a dress code and Charlie Sheen quotes you ("Practice"), those are clear indicators to me that you transcended basketball on and off the court!

I'm really glad two of my favorite teams of all time got major shine this weekend. A lot of people slept on the UNLV documentary but ESPN wouldn't allow that to happen. They did a good marketing job; it seemed as if Onyx’s opus “Slam” was the soundtrack to every other commercial that came on television advertising the film. I really can't add on much except that I'm pretty salty all of my Detroit/Chicago urban legend stories were exposed to the masses (guess I'm not in the Cool Kids Club anymore). The whole phenomenon of kids going to the league from high school was a major turning point, and you can definitely credit Kevin Garnett and Kobe for that, but that option has since been eradicated. The perpetual and continuous affect of UNLV, The Fab Five, and Allen Iverson resonate to this day!

My Father's Brother, Thomas

If you're a hoop fan and historian, then the only way you don't know about ESPN's 30/30 "Fab 5" film is if you're living under a rock with Rick from that insurance commercial. For cats that are outside of the loop, 3/5 Fab Fivers made an appearance earlier this week on the network's show ("First Take") to promote the film and discuss it.

Jay Crawford interviewed Fab5 Alum's Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and Jalen Rose to get insight and talk about the old days in "A Square" (Ann Arbor, MI). One occurrence in the old days was the bitter feud between the U of Michigan and Duke. As Jay cut to a clip of the film, you saw Jalen express his feelings toward that school in Durham, NC: "…I hated everything Duke. They only recruit Uncle Tom black athletes."

Now keep in mind Jalen Rose is an employed NBA analyst for ESPN, and he responsibly made sure he wouldn't get fired for using such controversial language. Also, that was a 30+ year old man reflecting from his days as an impressionable teen-ager fresh out of high school. But usually where there's smoke, fire is right behind.

To some, Jalen's generalization of Duke and schools of that ilk (Indiana, Kansas) were the smoke, but to me, the fire is the reality. After ESPN showed the clip the adult Jalen didn't clean up or backpedal from his comments, rather restated his comment more politically correct. He basically said during the time of his recruitment, certain schools only recruited black athletes from a certain tenement: polished black families usually with two parent households.

The posterboy of Jalen's angst at the time was Grant Hill. Hill was an All-American guy who's mother was roommates with Hillary Clinton and dad played running back for America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys. Hill emerged from an astute and affluent high school in the suburbs, where Jalen conversely hailed from Detroit's Public School League ( sidetone: waddup Southwestern , shout out to Vashon Leonard and Howard Eisley!)

Besides playing in urban Detroit, Jalen's household was broken. His mom led a single-parent home while his Dad Jimmy Walker, also a pro athlete, was inactive in Jalen's life. Quite naturally that made Jalen jealous. Not of Hill, but of his fortunate situation. Assessing Grant Hill as an "Uncle Tom" isn't accurate. Uncle Tom to me is someone who goes out of his way to not be so associated or identified with his culture. G Hill and his family were just ahead of their time. How many black households do you know in 2011 where 1 or 2 parents are college educated with money?

Now for the "fire" part of my analogy, the reality. It is true during the time Rose was being recruited (91) , players from the Fab 5 weren't heavily recruited from Duke, and they were the top players of the country! Why is that? Is it because Coach K came from that Army/Coach Bob Knight dictatorial, disciplined style of coaching he didn't think was conducive for the Fab-5? Or was it because the Fab-5 were the first of its kind: hip hop listening, baggy shorts-wearing, trash-talking ballers from the urban city? Coach K must've been afraid for his life that these potential malcontents were thugs and killers.

Fast forward 20 years later, and the Fab-5 are respectable, suit-wearing, upstanding businessman and citizens of the USA. Not to be blasphemous, but they did sacrifice a lot and were scrutinized so much just so that the modern athlete could be accepted for embracing the hip hop culture and be free to express himself. Jalen's Uncle Tom comment wasn't a slight at Coach K or even an assault at the kids. Jalen's comment was to alert coaches across the country that basketball talent is basketball talent, no matter if it comes from the suburbs or the city. Take the time to know and understand me before you judge me. Only God can do that. Roses do grow from concrete!

I Love You Man: The Crying Game

So the new log of criticism added to the Miami Heat's fire is "crygate." Never-mind that info was voluntarily leaked by their head-coach Erik Spoelstra (I'm still baffled on that one, why invite more drama to a script you can barely direct already?), the point is that he left his players vulnerable to the world's opinion and interpretation of this watery controversy.

Crying in basketball is hardly new and has gone on for years. It's an emotional sport. I remember gaining added respect for Kobe Bryant in 2003 after the Spurs defeated the Lakers in the playoffs. LA was denied a 4th straight title as Kobe wept in surreal shock and disgust from the bench. The "Answer" Allen Iverson couldn't deny the tears from streaming when his upstart Sixers lost in the first round to Reggie Miller's 2000 veteran laden and Finals bound Pacers.

Witnessing this bold statement of security in one's manhood by two of the league's most elite players taught me that it's ok to be passionate for things you love. But I saw these examples transpire on camera. Kobe and Iverson were aware their emotions would be caught on film. They had an option to manifest or censor their feelings to the world and they did so to a relatively positive reception by the masses.

Lebron and Wades' alleged crying was TOLD to the world. We didn't SEE it. Human beings naturally imagine things for the worse when left with the option of open interpretation. With a mountain high of recent criticism permeating, it tends to alleviate any benefit of doubt for apologizing or defending the self-called "Heatles". Watching them meltdown in close game after close game would suggest tears of pity rather respect.

In the aforementioned Kobe/Iverson crying examples, it would imply tears of honor like Denzel tearing-up and staring at his counter-slaves while being beaten by his owner in "Glory." Because we didn't see the Heat players cry, coupled with their negative perception we automatically assume tears of pity a la Celie crying when "Mista" separated her from her sister in "The Color Purple."

I'll reserve my judgement for these boys until their season is over. As a competitor, losing can be extremely beautiful. The words of Ghost come to my mind in describing their recent funk: "We want it so bad, we may cry!" (Mighty Healthy) It's not about crying. It's about any excuse the hoop's world are looking for to "pooh-pooh" on the Heat, cuz right now it's a 'cool to hate the Heat' world.

Dice's Top 10 Dressed (women)

1. All the women in the world that's going to work w/ that lawyer, businesswoman corporate america look. I see ya'll rocking those heels, stockings (or leggings), dresses, skirts, skirt suits. Something ab a lady rocking that corp am look. it exudes confidence, professionalism, and sexiness all in unison. giggity.

2 Kim Kardashian: she be on her hovi all black everything, but her purse game is on point as well as her louboutin game.

3 Rihanna: from the Halle Berry to Ronald McDonald hairdo's, u cant deny her flavor. Nice heel game and colorful...i probably don't agree w/ everything she does, but her boldness and trendsetting capabilities give her the nod.

4 Amber Rose: kind of like the poor womans kimmy k....but 1 sex tape and a cpl more ballers later, she'll be in Kimmy's class. but seriously, i like her dual style. the only other chick w/ a "dual" style (rocking guy outfits, but no homo) is Ciara. But i like Rose's dual style better....i guess yeezie taught her.

5 lala: unlike beyonce, lala's man thoroughly upgraded her. nice purse/shoe/accessory game.

5b Angela Simmons: love that East Coast swag and flavor.

6. Michelle Obama: #Presidential....the black Jackie O'Nasis/Princess Di

7Marcia Dyson: she'd be #1 if she wasn't as humble as she is and invaded your house everynight on some reality tv show ish. But if you ever wondered where i got my love/infatuation for shoes, it's this lady. Ever wonder where I appreciated woman's details, it's this woman. My kick collection looks like a pack of gum compared to her....fabrics, accessories, shoes, patterns, purses,etc.....her shit its, fuggin ridiculous!

8 Maisha Dyson-Daniels: ditto what i just said ab Ms Dyson. She's an actress too, so imagine how many different looks, styles, etc she has. what's scary is the most lethal bullet in the arsenal just turned 3 yrs old. #layla'sworld

9 Gwen Stefani: it was either her or erykah badu...since i rep'd for the black weirdo's in my men's style edition (3 stax), i'll go w/ gwen. I love her steez (at times) b/c its a direct expression from her artistic tenement.

10 Teanna Taylor: like her versatility