TheStartingFive Launched Feb.1: Come On Over

Be Peace

It’s time to do some renovations.

They’ll also be subtle changes to the new site as we settle. Any questions, complaints or concerns, hit me up by email.

Our previous posts will be archived here if anyone wants to check ’em out, but there won’t be any new posts. We are also working on a redirect regarding the url you are used to using to make the transition seamless.

The site now offers our readers an opportunity to be more interactive. There’s no charge–we ain’t all that–but you do have to sign up at the top left of the page.

The instructions are pretty much self explanatory. After you sign up, you’ll see TSF has been introduced to a new Internet space. You can create your own profiles and post our pieces to any other social networking sites such as Myspace, Facebook or any of the other popular alternatives.

They’ll be a podcast tool implemented very soon to give a more well rounded feel to our interviews.

We are also working on some other very exciting things. Stay tuned.

Thank you all for your contributions and incredible insight over the past year. As we enter a new stage of development, we hope you all continue to visualize our goal of providing a formidable alternative to the present media construct.

Things are about to change….

Where Were You When Doug Williams Shocked The World?

 

 

Today marks the 20th Anniversary of Doug Williams successfully leading the Washington Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXII. In the process Williams became the first Black quarterback to do so.

I’ve asked a few friends of mine (high quality products to sports fans) to recall that day and relive what was truly one of the great events in sports history.

I am also extending this invitation to you – TSF readers to share your thoughts as well.

One of the questions asked was where were you, how did it make you feel and how have things changed for the Black quarterback in the last 20 years?

Throwback Thursday: Doug Williams, Soul Survivor

The position of quarterback has been a microcosm of the Black struggle in America – a door supposedly “open to all” – except for us of a darker hue who continuously knock, kick and scream until an answer comes.

For eighty years, the Black man has fought tooth and nail to be in a position to lead a professional football franchise to glory. Many came before Doug Williams some may have even been better skilled. But looking back on the life of Douglas Lee Williams -none were better prepared.

Five Questions To Take Advantage of a Black Sense of Urgency

I sent out five questions to folks (writers, bloggers an athlete or two) of all races–including The Starting Five collective–and I received 21 responses. To those who didn’t get an email I apologize, but please comment. Many respectfully declined and others simply ignored my request. I have to say maybe some didn’t receive my email or were too busy. The questions were worded to elicit candid thoughts of whom I consider conscious peers. I thank those from the bottom of my heart who chose to participate. My mind constantly wonders why this and why that, so this is a way of expressing my true concern of how we can all can move forward in a productive sense while also respecting the experience of our collective past.

Chris Webber and Don Nelson Reunion? Tiger Dominates Buick; Roger Clemens Goes Damage Control; LeBron James Sends Kobe and the Lakers On A Slide

Calm yourself Michelle. Be EZ.

Coming out of Michigan in ’93 it seemed Chris was headed for the same success he’d had in college. The second sophomore drafted first overall (Magic), was in a position early to contend for a championship with the passionate Warriors. Remember how Spreewell was dunking on everyone?

Ron Artest Bangin’ In Salt Lake: “No Layups!”

Hat Tip to Hardwood Paroxysm

This is what every team needs–a cat that won’t take any smack down low.

Ron Artest is my dude. Utah past, present and future is the wrong place for Ron Ron to bang like we do summer time in the hood talking trash on every possession–mouth all dry. They just ain’t havin’ it. Even Bennett Salvatore knew the whole scene was foul. His crew had no control.

Sixers trade for him pleaaaaaaaase. Ron would give me the best quotes.

Remember when Chuck used to do this?

Barack Obama Wins South Carolina 2 to 1 Over Hillary Clinton

We’re in uncharted waters politically. Blacks are getting out to vote and Whites are making a statement never before seen in the South.

NBA On TNT Notes 1/24/08: All Star Game Starters Announced

 Nate Dogg takes center stage at The Commission

TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader

Magic Johnson on what playing in the NBA All-Star Game meant to him: “One of the greatest honors besides winning the (NBA) Championship, is playing at the NBA All-Star Weekend. You get to see great players and you get to play with those great players. It was great when I got to see Charles (Barkley) and Dr. J (Julius Erving) and Michael (Jordan) and Larry (Bird). Playing against them was the most exciting basketball (game) I ever played.”

Friday Fire 2: Is Kobe Bryant the NBA Midseason MVP?

Top Four?

In our Eastern Conference Preview, I predicted Kevin Garnett would be MVP. No flip flopping here, so I have to stick with my choice even though Kobe most likely has a stranglehold on the award. There are many deserving candidates and this season is shaping up as one of the most competitive in recent memory.

Who ya got?

Friday Fire: Choose Your Weapons

The Super Bowl is a week from Sunday and the New England Patriots are in a position to complete the second undefeated season in NFL history. On one hand – I would like to see it done for the historical value and so Mercury Morris can finally shut up. Here’s a newsflash Merc; they’re in your neighborhood, they’ve been your block and now they’re at your door.

Throwback Thursday: Andre Tippett

In football more than any other sport there is always the debate of “Who ranks where?” The discussion can gofrom quarterback – down to the special teams gunner.

In most of these discussions, there is always a player or two who falls between the cracks for whatever. Talent aside, it could be the stigma of playing on some not-so-great teams or simply because he played in an era where other players simply received more shine.

In the case of Andre Tippett – it was both.

The Chuck D of Public Enemy Interview Part II: Whos Your Hero

Whos Your Hero.

We live in time where trust, loyalty and honesty mean absolutely nothing. Folks say they are your friend one minute and hate you the very next second. Hate you so much they could care less if you live or die and will tell you so to your face probably in the presence of your children. Whos Your Hero.

NBA On TNT Notes – The MLK Day Editon: Carmelo Anthony Goes Down; Kobe Bryant and the Lakers Keep Pace

Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley

Barkley on the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his lifetime: “Even the short period of time (Dr. King) lived, his legacy speaks for itself. Some people will live to be 100 and don’t do anything (in their lifetime). If you get to live a certain part of your life, you should have accomplished something. What Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and all the other civil rights leaders have accomplished will live on into eternity. It doesn’t matter how long you live, it’s what you did while you were alive.”

The Chuck D of Public Enemy Interview: Soul and Sports Part 1

Just so you know, this entire week is dedicated to Martin Luther King on The Starting Five. We don’t do the one day thing…April 4th is just as important because it documents the true struggle of Blacks. I won’t belabor you with an extensive lede on the accomplishments of Chuck D and Public Enemy. We all have recited his lyrics at one time or another on the site, so just see this as a P.E. discussion continuum. Part II tomorrow.

Who Da Cap Fit

   

 “Every Brother aint a Brotha, ‘Cause a Black hand squeezed on Malcolm – X’d the man.
The shootin’ of Huey Newton – From the hand of a nig that pulled the trig.”

Chuck D – Welcome To The Terrordome

NFC Championship: Green Bay vs. New York Giants

We goin’ to the Super Bowl baby!

The Pats are in the Super Bowl awaiting the winner of this game right hurrr.

Show of hands…

AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers

LT will bring the pain if he plays but can the rest of his team follow suit?

I don’t think most realize how nice a team the Chargers have. To win in Indy in January is a feat all its own–at least in recent memory–but to do this without Phillip Rivers, LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates at full strength is nothing short of miraculous.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speeches of a Dream

We miss you both. Thanks for all you’ve done for all of us.

NBA On TNT Notes January 18th: “The Suns Are Softer Than Tissue Paper”

TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader

Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili on how the Spurs defended LeBron James in the 2007 NBA Finals: “We didn’t let (LeBron James) get any easy lay-ups. He got two dunks in the four games (in the Finals) and that’s way under his average. We made him set for jumpers and it worked for us. He didn’t have a great series shooting from the outside. I don’t think his teammates did their part either. They didn’t make any shots to create some space for (him), so we were successful collapsing (in) the paint and not making anything easy for him.”

Breaking News: Golfweek Editor Fired For Noose Cover Shot (More to come)

Bad mistake

Power to the people!

We do make a collective difference. Sorry for the anger yesterday. Hope I didn’t offend anyone. I humbly apologize if I did.

Courtesy of Richard Prince (site is temporarily down)

David Seanor fired.

Golfweek apologized Friday for putting a noose on the cover of its magazine to illustrate the controversy over a Golf Channel anchor’s use of “lynch” in a comment about Tiger Woods. The editor responsible for the cover was replaced.

“We apologize for creating this graphic cover that received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and advertisers across the country,” Turnstile Publishing Co. president William P. Kupper Jr. said. “We were trying to convey the controversial issues with a strong and provocative graphic image. It is now obvious that the overall reaction to our cover deeply offended many people. For that, we are deeply apologetic.

Turnstile is the parent company of Golfweek.

The company said Dave Seanor, the vice president and editor of Golfweek, has been replaced immediately by Jeff Babineau.

Just sent this email from Earl Ofari Hutchinson:

A Statement from Earl Ofari Hutchinson, President Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable on the Firing of Dave Seanor VP and Editor of Golfweek.

On January 8, Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable President Earl Ofari Hutchinson called for prompt disciplinary action against Golf Channel broadcaster Kelly Tilghman for her crack on a nationally televised broadcast that young golfers should “lynch” Tiger Woods. The Golf Channel responded and suspended Tilghman for two weeks.But Golfweek Magazine apparently did not get the message that racially offensive and threatening words will not be tolerated and chose to feature a hanging noose on its cover. Golfweek editor and VP Dave Seanor was promptly fired for this racial insult. We applaud Golfweek for its swift response. The firing again puts editors and broadcasters on notice that racially offensive language and depictions will not be tolerated.

The LAURP Sent a Letter Sent to Golfweek President William P. Kupper, Jr. Applauding his action.

Bonecrusher And The Battle Of The Bulge

Battle of the Bulge release: February 12th

Some of us are stuck at the holiday dinner table even though we are well into 2008. People it’s time to get up and make sure we see another year, by getting healthy. I’m not in the shape I was 10 years ago when I was active in all kinds of sports. As my children grew so did my waistline, but hey man hey enough is enough.

Hip Hop artist Bone Crusher blew up the clubs and the streets with the 2003 release of AttenCHUN! which featured the energizing mesmerizing mega hit Neva Scared. He now has his own label and is ready once again to take over. His new track Transform is sure to be a club banger so make sure you put it in heavy rotation when it’s released.

Bone Crusher recently competed on Celebrity Fit Club and lost over 50 pounds–setting a record for the show. He’s promoting “Battle of the Bulge” a DVD for folks with a couple of extra pounds looking to slim down and stay healthy. He dropped by TSF to offer some words of encouragement to those in need. He had me rollin’ during this interview. He’s just one of those cats that just gets it. Enjoy.

Friday Fire: What Is Your Greatest Sports Memory?

The notoriety and memorable persona of Reggie Jax fueled my sports passion and intrigue.

Friday Fire 2: What Can We Do To Better Prepare Our Children For the Future?

(Photo: Cyrus Muller)

Fathers are the first men daughters love…Make an impact they will remember.

Throwback Thursday: John Jefferson

The bespectacled one snaggin’ a Dan Fouts bomb

In my early introduction to pro football, I was fascinated with the passing game. Any team that incorporated “The Bomb” as their weapon of choice had me locked in for three hours on Sunday afternoons.

So it should come as no surprise that in the late 70’s and early 1980’s that when the game of the week on NBC involved those San Diego “SUPERCHARGERS” I was glued to my chair. The Bolts were coached by Don “Air” Coryell, whose open air offense was one of the most prolific in NFL history.

This Is Why You Should Have Spoken Up Tiger Woods

Cover story

I sure as hell regret writing my first ever article about Tiger Woods.

So last night I get a text from a writer instructing me to go to Golfweek.com and scroll halfway down the page. I smile in anticipation thinking I’m gonna have a funny moment. So I look around the page and get hit by a tank. If this would have been a movie, you would have heard dramatic music where the piano keys are slammed followed by the loud beat of the drum–many drums. My heart began to race and my blood began to boil for I couldn’t believe my eyes. I couldn’t believe a “respected” publication would have the temerity to go there. To explain themselves, the editors of the site ran the cover story on the site after most likely receiving many heated emails. No one does this. Why would folks buy the mag if they could read the cover story online? To chip away my anger, I immediately labeled this a commercial move. So I call the writer and the next thing I know we are discussing slave ships. We are discussing Fuzzy Zoeller….

Violence Complaint Filed Against Randy Moss In Florida *Update*

The timing of this story is fishy. In saying that, obviously there is no excuse for a man to put his hands on a woman.

WCSH6 (Florida)

As the New England Patriots get ready for this weekend’s AFC Championship game against the San Diego Chargers, Randy Moss is defending himself against allegations from a woman in Florida.

According to radio station WDBO, a woman accuses Moss of causing serious injury and then refusing to allow her to seek medical attention. She was granted a temporary injunction for protection against dating violence.

In Foxborough today, Moss denied the allegation. He says the woman is trying to get money from him.

WDBO says a hearing will be held January 28th, when the court will determine whether to file a permanent judgment of injunction for protection against dating violence.

No criminal charges have been filed in the case

Moss responded extensively at Gillette Stadium today. His comments:

Why Bob Johnson Is An Asshole And A Hypocrite: By Davey D

Let’s Get It!

Yeah we are coming with a barrage of conscious stuff this week.

It’s that time.

Chuck D’s first of the 2 part interview, Soul and Sports will be posted tomorrow.

Working out the kinks on Thestartingfive.net and we’ll definitely be live by Friday. We’ll post instructions when everything is right and exact.

Read these pieces and try to welcome a semblance of unity that hopefully will help us all.

Received another letter disagreeing with Bob Johnson. This one sent from a friend written by Davey D.

I want to make something very clear. I’m posting these pieces not to endorse Barack Obama, but to help our readers gain awareness of what went down Sunday and judge themselves accordingly. Bob Johnson can endorse whoever he wants–it’s his right–but to disparage Senator Obama in such an underhanded as well as unprofessional manner, is unacceptable and will not go over here. This is also for those who seem to think we are Black apologists and will not criticize our own just to validate whatever. This needs to be said.

(Thanks brothaman)

Be Peace.

An Open Letter To BET Founder Bob Johnson

Sent this in an email and I wanted to get a TSF live discussion going.

Dear Bob, The comments you in made in attacking Sen. Obama this past Sunday at a South Carolina church–before your introduction of Sen. Hillary Clinton–demonstrates it doesn’t matter how much money you have it can’t buy class or, dignity. Bob while you were shucking, grinning and jiving in front of the Clintons, are you that stupid you didn’t care you came across as a boot licking, Uncle Tom?

Lance Stephenson Is Born Ready

The following email was sent my way hyping a new web series from Coney Island phenom Lance Stephenson. I’ve come in contact with Lance at a couple of events and what struck me most was how chill and media ready he is. He’s a good kid that’s ridiculously talented. I’ll post links to the current webisode every Tuesday.

Steroid/HGH Scandal Rocks Entertainment World Update*

Named in report, along with Timbaland, Wyclef Jean, Tyler Perry and 50 Cent

This story was originally published 1/13 in the Times Union and reported by Brendan Lyons. This is an update from the same report we initially posted last night.

This is distressing. If you haven’t already heard, the entertainment industry is being rocked by a steroids/HGH scandal out of Albany New York.