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."
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