Thin Line

"First they love me, then they hate me, then they love me again..."


Jay-Z - Meet the Parents


Last week the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106 to win their second championship in franchise history.


Destiny's Child


When the topic is LeBron James, people either hate or love him. This wasn't always the case...when he first entered the league in '03, he was praised as the boy who would be king, and now he has become a polarizing figure that has everyone choosing sides including members of the media.


Journalists are supposed to be biased...leaving their personal opinions at the press room door. James isn't the first athlete to have everyone turn against him, take Muhammad Ali for instance, he wasn't appreciated for who he was until he had been retired and away from the sport he helped to make great.


The facts are that LeBron R. James is the League and Finals MVP, and accolades aside, he has removed the albatross from around his neck. He has been on a path to acquire a championship, and now that he has tasted success at that level, he will only want more. 


It's a cycle that goes unquenched, and for basketball fans the time is now to buckle up and enjoy the next few years.


He should only be measured on what he does in between the lines of a basketball court. He's a professional athlete, so fans and the media alike should stick to the script and not worry about his personal life. We all make mistakes, he just makes his in front of the world, while most people do things anonymously.


Unfortunately perception is reality, but it's not always the truth.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Webster Riddick

Undisputed

"Let's get down to business, metal, self-defense, or fitness..."


Chuck D - Fight the Power

Floyd Mayweather entered the ring with a perfect record last night...and when everything was said and done, he left the arena in a flurry of controversy.


Fight Night


Wilt Chamberlain once said 'nobody loves goliath...and when it comes to a certain wealthy, brash, undefeated boxer...I'd say that statement holds true. Money Mayweather will easily enter the boxing hall of fame, however, for as many people that love him...there are twice as many that despise him.


To prove my point, there have been more stories and reports in the aftermath about a sucker punch and verbal battle with Larry Merchant, than recap on how Floyd Mayweather dominated Ortiz from the opening round.


My favorite pugilists of all-time are Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather. Two of the aforementioned names I've seen, and I think it's important to celebrate an athlete's brilliance before they retire.


Money speaks his mind, and he backs it up...what I admire most about him is his business acumen. His payment from the event yesterday comes from numerous sides, including pay-per-view, and the concession stands. 


The man is a boxing genius, and the longer he waits to fight Manny Pacquiao...the more money and fanfare he will command.


Stay tuned.




Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Life after Death

"There's far too many of you dying..."

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

45 years ago today, Malcolm X died, and while I would arrive many years later, I learned from his example.

Respect

Malcolm is often identified with hate, and for being a radical, however I believe that he was the opposite of those labels, as his fight was for the human rights of his people in the United States. I was very interested in his life at a young age, because every February I would always learn about the same people, places, and things for Black History Month. I could never understand why Malcolm X was never taught or mentioned, so I did my own research in the same school where his legacy was never explained.

Not only did he help to instill a sense of self pride, he also sparked an interest in Muhammad Ali. Prior to my reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X, I didn't realize that they were best friends, and Malcolm was the quiet leader in the then Cassius Clay's corner.

In my youth, these stories helped me understand that my heritage and history is very diverse...and the slave trade is only part of a bigger story.

The Greatest

"I'm so fast that last night I turned the light swtich off in my bedroom...and I was in bed before the room was dark."

Muhammad Ali

Supremacy

Intellect

Determination

Desire

Power

Respect

"Too black, too strong..."

Malcolm X

The Games of the XXIX Olympiad began and ended in an extreme fashion, and with the men's national basketball team vying for gold against Espana at 2:30 this morning, I couldn't ask for more than the familiar tune from Francis Scott Key.

I love sports, as I have figured out a way to make a career from it without playing in the actual games. I do participate, as a working member of the media, however I use my talents on the MacBook, instead of the field, and court...that is of course when I’m not playing basketball.

I’ve enjoyed the holy game since 1988, as it not only provides clarity...it also saved my life numerous times, but before I count the ways, I have to give all the glory, and honor, to the savior Jesus, and my mother, who raised me in faith, and love. I’m a West Philadelphia born, not raised journalist that witnessed enough peril to last a few lifetimes, and the dream of playing professional basketball was enough to keep me from becoming a number within the system or county morgue. It paints a bleak and morbid picture, however I always try to look at the bright side and with true optimism my environment is something that I have endured, as I have learned to navigate through it, instead of abiding along with it.

Jemele Hill wrote earlier this week on ESPN Page 2, how important the gold for the Redeem Team is to the black community. She is correct in her assessment; however I cannot speak for everyone, so this is from me to you. The first sport I ever played was futbol, but once I stepped in between the lines of the basketball court, it was marriage. The game is intoxicating, forever altering my mind, body, and consciousness to the point of dependency. Survival without it is mind boggling.

“Rather be judged by 12, than carried by 6...”

Ice Cube – Steady Mobbin’

The 12-member team representing the United States of America, not only won the gold and title of the Olympic best, but they also gave the world a vision in black. They lived up to their nickname as the Redeem Team, however what they redeemed is more in the lives of black people in America past, present, and future, not necessarily USA Basketball.

The Souls of Black Folk has a new chapter due to the efforts Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince and Michael Redd.

I don’t go out much, as the nightlife doesn’t appeal to me too tough, unless it’s an industry event or party for a relative or close friend. However with the gold medal game beginning at 2:30am EST, I figured I would head out, paint Philadelphia red, drive home, and be wide awake to watch the game I’ve been waiting 8 years for.

My first mistake was leaving my car home, as my homeboy Carlos picked me up in a stark white 2009 Lexus ES 330. I’m not even into cars like that, but the allure of knowing that I was going to drive back as the designated driver was enough to convolute my thinking.

1:37am – I receive an email via my blackberry from my girl Daisha in Japan.
“The GAME is coming on I know your up!”

1:45am – The DJ begins to wind the party down (Its Philly, everything closes early), and I respond to her email: “Yes I’m up. If you can believe it, I’m up in the club at this Temple [University] black alumni event. I will be home in time to see that gold medal that Kobe is going to get.”

1:53am – “how is the event?”

2:08am – “It’s good, you know this is Philly so its over. I’m about to race home to watch the game.”

2:18am – “be careful driving! It didn’t start yet!”

About 2:34am, Carlos, and my alumni friends that I haven’t seen in a while decided to go to the 24-hour Diner on 39th and Walnut. I didn’t drive so I had to follow them to not only miss the game, but to also eat at that hour in the morning.

2:43am – “u home?”

2:48am –“No, my ride...Carlos, wanted to get something to eat. How am I supposed to eat at 3am? I’m not a happy camper. I’m in a diner and I’m missing the game of my sports career. Pray for me mama. There is nothing I can do.”

3:11am – “Japan isn’t showing the game!”

3:13am – “Dag, we’re both missing it.”

3:49am – “91-80 US up with 2 sec in 3rd”

That last email was received as I unlocked the car. From there I knew that I had just enough time to drive home at a decent pace without the state troopers taking a second look. So I could get in front of my television to watch Kobe’s 4-point play, as he silenced the raucous international crowd, en route to a 118-107 gold medal earning win.

“Black is back all in, we’re gonna win...”

Chuck D – Bring the Noise

Watching the team take their place on the podium as the best of the best reminded me that this was for Muhammad Ali in 1960, John Carlos, Tommie Smith, and Lew Alcindor in 1968, and the millions of black people in the Americas...this one was for all the marbles, win, lose, or draw. Nevertheless, this team had a mission and while the mainstream media had their doubts up until the final second, I had all the confidence in the team, which restored order, pride, and hope for today, and tomorrow.

Forever Begins

Freshman year

Nike was the most known - unknown

Flight 23 prepares for takeoff

Jordan takes to the skies

Mars and Money changed the world

“I was staying in Chicago...I had my own apartment, I’d be doing like...just beats for like local acts, just to try to keep the lights on, or be able to go out and buy a...get a Pelle Pelle off lay-a-way, or get some Jordans or something...”

Kanye West – Last Call


This morning after my morning workout at the pool, I began having a conversation about sneakers with two friends. Since we all wear the same size, a question was posed about selling some of my prized possessions...I informed them that I actually had a customer today and that if he doesn’t follow through that I would gladly contact them. From there we shifted gears a little as they inquired about what I have and was willing to part with. The majority of my stock is Nike, Nike SB, Jordan, and Converse, with a few pairs of some other brands like Saucony, and adidas.

When I mentioned adidas, I told them that we would all be in the brand with the three stripes had Michael Jordan followed his heart, instead of his agent David Falk.

As a collegian Jordan wore Converse at the University of North Carolina, and upon his decision to turn pro after his junior year, the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 3rd pick of the 1984 NBA Draft. Being that he enjoyed a stellar career at UNC, and the fact that he won Olympic gold at the summer games in Los Angeles, Michael Jordan’s stock was high, and he wanted nothing more than to ride that wave of success to the NBA, and into a contract with his footwear of choice adidas.

With that mandate, Falk took initiative and began calling sneaker companies to pitch his client. At the time, Converse and adidas were the giants in the game, and Nike was the small time new kid on the block. As the relative basketball unknown Nike already had their sights set on MJ, and they made an offer of $250,000, a signature shoe line, as well as a percentage of the revenues (a first and at the time unheard of part of the deal). Michael wasn’t too fond of Nike, a shoe that he was very unfamiliar with, however his agent stayed diligent as he convinced both his client and Nike to change their stance. As history will tell you, MJ gave in to the small-time track sneaker company, and in turn they matched the offer of $500,000 by adidas.

The concept of “Air” Jordan was Falk’s idea, and the powers that be at Nike projected within the first 3 to 4 years, that the signature Jordan line would make approximately $3 million dollars. As legend has it, in 1985 alone, Nike would make $130 million...quite a turn around on a $500,000 investment.

Here are important factors as to why the sneaker did so well and continues to do so today.

• Following in the footsteps of Dr. J, Jordan had an excitement and flair that was unprecedented. He revolutionized the high flying act of such NBA greats like Elgin Baylor, David Thompson, and Dr. J. His ability to fly through NBA skies, and live up to the nickname “Air” gave him credibility that you couldn’t put a price on.
  


• The NBA had never seen a sneaker with dominant 3 colors, as the first Jordan was red, with black and white accents. That being the case, every time MJ laced up his new sneakers, he was fined $500 by the League office, which created a buzz, as EVERYONE wanted the sneaker BANNED by the NBA. Nike officials caught on very quickly, and paid all the fines for Michael, so all he had to do was wear his shoes, and play basketball.
  


• Combine the two facts above and you have a one of a kind basketball player, excelling in a never seen before technologically advanced sneaker year after year, after year.
  The Jordan XXIV is so ahead of its time, and I’ve only seen and tested an early sample, and it is going to shake up the world like Muhammad Ali did in 1964.
  


• Last but not least, in 1987 the impossible happened, as MJ teamed up with Spike Lee launching a historic ad campaign that changed marketing forever. The commercials showed the strength of the dollar in the black and Latino communities, and the shift in the advertising paradigm would by no means be the same again. Prior to this feat, NEVER was an African-American the face of a product in a positive light. The logic was that a black person couldn’t sell products to white consumers, so if you had a high profile athlete, then you would pair them with a white counterpart. Mean Joe Greene did that Coke-a-Cola commercial with the little white kid, “Have a Coke and a smile”. Muhammad Ali, sold roach spray, and Magic Johnson was teamed with Larry Bird. Nike’s advertising firm Weiden+Kennedy took a gamble, as they capitalized on authentic mass appeal of Mars and Money. This was made possible with equal parts timing, trust, and two guys from Brooklyn.

Imagine how differently your life would be had Michael Jordan signed with adidas?

Photos: Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated - University of North Carolina

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

                                       God bless America

When I was in elementary school my older brother played both football, and futbol, so naturally the first sport I picked up was soccer. From the 5th grade through 8th, I starred on both offense and defense for my school's team. We were the Eagles and I wore the number 7 as a striker, and fullback. 

During the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, there were two things that I have enjoyed from the moment I saw it. I love all sports and when The Greatest, Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic torch I watched in joy, admiration, and disbelief. The other fond memory from the Games of the XXVI Olympiad was the victory by the US Women's Soccer team in the first ever women's soccer event. 

That is when the world watched as Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Brandi Chastain, and Carla Overbeck captured the gold as well as the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. 

Fast forward to the present day and the US Women's Soccer team is as dominant as ever, even after a tough FIFA Women's World Cup loss. I don't want to get into it too much, however I still believe that Hope Solo should have started and played in the semi-final defeat against Brazil. Nevertheless with the 2008 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the North and South American rivals squared off this week in San Diego with the red, white, and blue emerging victorious in a 1-0 hard fought win. Tasha Kai scored the winning goal, however the team lost Abby Wambach, the leading goal scorer and star with a broken leg.  Subsequently Wambach will miss the opportunity to compete when the Games begin in 3 weeks. 

With a fractured tibia and fibula she had surgery yesterday to have a titanium rod placed into her leg. This is a tough loss for the country and national team, however if one team can rally behind their fallen star its this one. 

Team USA is still considered one of the top teams in the world as they will vie for Olympic gold in Beijing come 8/8/08.