The Fab 5: Attack of the Baldheads

As a young impressionable preteen in the early 1990s, my life's mosaic included hard hitting DJ Premier beats, choreographing dance routines to Slam by Onyx, memorizing M-E-T-H-O-D Man, watching Homey D. Clown, wearing baggy jeans w/ combat boots, falling in love with Omar Epps as Q in Juice and declaring the Fab Five my favorite college basketball players.  

And for this reason, I can't think of a greater sports moment worth reliving more than The Fab Five Era, despite the unfortunate ending.  The story of how hip hop bred, inner-city youth Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King, Jalen Rose, and Chris Webber forever changed college basketball's culture will be chronicled during The Fab Five on ESPN, Sunday at 9PM/ET.

Jalen Rose spearheaded the project and recruited Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King to join him.  Chris Webber, involved in a federal investigation for money laundering which eventually led to NCAA sanctions and the removal of Final Four banners, declined to participate in the production of the documentary with his friends and former teammates. 

However, Chris Webber's lack of involvement does not mean the documentary will overlook the role he played in the sudden rise and eventual fall of one of college basketball's most memorable recruiting classes.  Nor, should Webber's charges overshadow the significant impact the Fab Five made on an entire generation.

There's a reason their story is being told twenty years later.  Be sure to watch ESPN on Sunday at 9 PM/ET.

If you're like me, eagerly awaiting the premiere of The Fab Five documentary, wet your appetite with a little taste below.

PRESS PLAY: ESPN FIRST TAKE W/ JALEN ROSE, JIMMY KING, AND RAY JACKSON



PRESS PLAY:  THE FAB FIVE DOCUMENTARY TRAILER

Ooh Ladies First, Ladies First.

Some think that we can't flow (can't flow)
Stereotypes, they got to go (got to go)
I'm a mess around and flip the scene into reverse
(With what?) With a little touch of "Ladies First"

- Queen Latifah, Ladies First (1989)

Queen Latifah first spit this sentiment on her 1989 single Ladies First. More than two decades later, she maintains her word as her bond and continues to advance the women's movement and put ladies first.

Her latest project?

A partnership and production deal with AOL. Launching this spring, Queen Latifah and Arianna Huffington are overseeing a web series about entertainment, entrerpreneurism, and most importantly a sports-themed talk show for women. When questioned about her involvement, the mogul likened her role to that of Barbara Walters saying, "I’ll definitely float in and out.”

AOL's new "for women, by women" venture appears to follow in the footsteps of sports media giant ESPN, who launched espnW, a blog targeting female sports fans and athletes, in fall 2010. According to The New York Times, women account for a quarter of ESPN’s audience, but more specifically, women are 37 percent of NBA fans, 43 percent of NFL fans, 46 percent of MLB fans and 47 percent of MLS fans. With the numbers to support a women-specific sports initiative, such an endeavor appears logical, but begs the question is it necessary.

Almost 10 years have passed since Sports Illustrated and Conde Nast courageously tested these waters with Sports Illustrated for Women (2000-2002) and Conde Nast’s Women’s Sports and Fitness (1997-2000). However, they both folded quickly due to misreading the women's sports market, massive overhead, and a decline in ad sales.

So, with two failed attempts before them, why should AOL and ESPN feel confident with their decision to revisit this market?

The media landscape has evolved and reshaped consumer behavior and content consumption. Blogs and video content are more palatable, cost effective, and less risky ways to introduce new ideas and distribute content to consumers. Additionally, social media, gossip blogs and reality shows featuring athletes have contributed to the growing popularity and recognition of sports figures; creating a greater demand for sport-centric human interest stories and news in a 24/7 media cycle.

Having said that, the biggest factor in determining the success of these initiatives revolve around the receptiveness and open-mindedness of female sports fans. When espnW was announced, early reactions were all negative everything. Many female fans felt the idea of espnW was condescending, unnecessary, and left them wondering when separate, but equal was reinstated.

Admittedly, I shared this reaction. As a sports fan, I've always rejected the watered down, femmed up serving of sports. For me, it's no different than bedazzled pink and white Yankees caps. Save that for the posers. I don't need it. I don't want it. My comprehension of sports terms, plays, zone defenses, contracts, analyses, wins, and losses is just as thorough as the next man. No need to come at me any differently.

My decision to spend time reading an article or watching a video has less to do with whether or not it was created with women in mind, and more about the quality of content. If it's relevant, interesting, entertaining, informative, controversial, or thought-provoking, you have my attention and I'll return for more. It's as simple as that.

Since espnW launched last fall, I've visited the site a few times and have warmed up to the idea of the site. It's no different than ESPN New York, ESPN Chicago, or ESPN Rise. The intent is to supplement what's available on ESPN.com, not replace it. I can dig it.

I still prefer to get my daily dose of sports from ESPN, Yahoo!, blogs, and local sports sources, but an occasional helping of espnW or whatever Queen Latifah's new webseries will dish won't spoil my appetite.

Did You Hear? Charles Barkley Launched a Site, Mike Fratello Blogs, and Stephen A. Smith Returned to ESPN!

Did you hear? Sir Charles Barkley, one of the NBA's most colorful personalities "quietly" launched a personal website this week.  Now he has his very own platform to speak his mind on anything he wants.  Brilliant!

Charlesbarkley.com, powered by Turner Sports, has five videos posted with Charles commenting on various topics ranging from Auburn's Top 5 Athletes to Ted Williams: Man with the Golden Voice to Charles' Oscar pick for Best Actor.  And in true Barkley fashion, he rants & raves about folks putting rims on their car.

As if that's not reason enough to check out the site, it also appears that Barkley will be regularly chatting with fans. According to the site, his first chat will take place tomorrow at 9:30pm/et. Tune in!

I just have one question.  What took Charles so long?!?!  I don't know why, but whenever he talks I listen.  No, I don't always share his point of view, but that doesn't interfere with me being thoroughly entertained by this man.  I expect great thought provoking, ridiculously over-the-top and timely rants from Sir Charles.

 

Another TNT favorite of mine is analyst Mike Fratello.  If you haven't checked out The Czar's blog, do yourself a favor and get on it! The YES Network and TNT vet does an incredible job of breaking down the X's and O's of games; while also dishing out fantasy basketball tips and choosing his top plays of the previous night.  Basically, Fratello delivers the goods basketball fans care about.

For example, today he polls fans asking who would win a 3-point shootout contest between Ray Allen and Reggie Miller.  My pick?  Jesus Shuttlesworth, but you can cast your vote here.

MikeFratello.com offers such great insight and coverage one can't help but wonder if he'll be making his return to the sidelines as a coach anytime soon.  Hmmm...

To keep up with The Czar, follow him on twitter and facebook.

In other news, ESPN's merry-go-round relationship with Stephen A. Smith continues.  After parting ways with the network two years ago, yesterday it was announced that Stephen A. is returning as a radio host and columnist. 

Spanning the two coasts, Smith will provide commentary on ESPN 1050 NY from 7-9 p.m. ET and ESPN 710 in LA from 6-8 p.m. PT.  Smith, another polarizing personality, is expected to focus on the Knicks and Lakers, but I guarantee that he'll discuss whatever the hell he wants, because that's what he does.  No censoring this guy. 

ESPN's Norby Williamson, EVP of Production welcomed Smith back to network by saying, "Stephen A. consistently offers strong opinions on a wide variety of topics.  He has a proven track record as an authoratative voice, which will lead to insightful conversation leading into Knicks and Lakers game coverage."

When Smith announced his Fox Sports Radio morning show was ending, months ago, I wondered where he'd land next.  Over the years, the outspoken Independent has become a popular and respected voice in the world of politics, but I'm glad he'll be back on the radio talking Knicks basketball.

It's unclear when Smith's radio show launches, but you can keep up with him on twitter and his site, www.stephena.com.

ESPN Presents Content of Character in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.   In honor of this special day, ESPN is using its many platforms to celebrate Dr. King's life and legacy by producing special content aimed at examining the state of African Americans within the realm of sports. 

ESPN's weeklong initative, Content of Character, began on Tuesday and culminates Monday, January 17th, the day we honor Dr. King as a nation.  Content of Character is a multi-pronged and platform approach of profiling African Americans in sports, probing how Black athletes are perceived by society, as well as the progress that has been made by diversifying talent among the ranks of college and professional administration and executives, and in some cases, identifying continued areas of improvement.  All of this will be explored via vignettes aired during studio shows, Outside the Lines, SportsNation, ESPN.com, ESPN Radio and ESPN the Magazine.

However, I'm most interested in watching tomorrow's National Town Hall Meeting, which airs from 6-8p.m. ET on ESPN.  According to ESPN, here's what's in store. 

Hosted by Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and Outside the Lines’  Bob Ley, this two-hour special discussion will focus on the topic of the current image of the black athlete.  Movie producer and noted sports fan Spike Lee will serve as executive producer and as one of the panelists, live from the New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Dr. King’s spiritual home. The panel will consist of athletes, coaches and entertainers including ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon, Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari, current WNBA Tulsa Shock player and world champion track & field athlete Marion Jones and former University of Miami football coach Randy Shannon. John Legend's newly recorded cover of Harold Melvin's "Wake Up Everybody," with vocals by Melanie Fiona and Common, will be used as the theme music.

ESPN.com’s comprehensive coverage of the National Town Hall Meeting will be highlighted by reports in the Cover It Live chat room – blogging and answering fans questions, some as part of the televised event. Cover It Live participants include JA Adande, LZ Granderson, Jemele Hill, Amy Nelson, Rick Reilly and Gene Wojciechowski.

How deep will ESPN delve into this subject matter?  Will the town hall be a regurgitation of what's been covered about Michael Vick, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James for the past few years, or will they peel the layers back a little further and uncover something new for us to consider?  Will ESPN admit their role in shaping the images of many of these athletes or will they attempt to absolve themselves of any responsibility and remain unbiased? I guess we'll find out tomorrow at 6pm on ESPN.  Be sure to tune in.


Until then, check out the vignettes ESPN has produced featuring some of your favorite athletes and sports figures including Phil Jackson, Maya Moore, Mike Ditka, Cam Newton, Landon Donovan and many more,  sharing what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. means to them.

ESPN 30 for 30: The Two Escobars

ESPN is often criticized for excessive self-promotion and being its own biggest fan.  I don't disagree.   However, one thing that ESPN should be beaming with pride about is its phenomenal documentary series, 30 for 30. 

ESPN premiered the first documentary of the series, Kings Ransom, back in October.  Since then, the network has received much deserved critical acclaim for many of the docs that have aired.  I've missed a few here and there, but definitely make an effort to view them all.  Some of my favorites have included:  Without Bias, The U, and the excrutiatingly painful to watch, Winning Time:  Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks.

Even with quite a few stories still to be told, The Two Escobars, premiering tonight on ESPN at 9pm/ET is being hailed as the best one yet.  Everyone that has had a chance to watch The Two Escobars raves about it, including Cannes and Tribeca Film Festival critics.

Directors Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist retell the story of Columbian soccer player, Andres Escobar, his love for soccer and time spent representing the National Team during its 1994 World Cup run.  Simultaneously, the doc looks at one of the world's most notorious drug kingpins, Pablo Escobar, while ultimately drawing parallels between Andres and Pablo's gruesome murders.

Trust me, if you only watch one documentary from the 30 for 30 series, choose The Two Escobars. It airs tonight on ESPN at 9pm/ET!!  Let's face it, our society has a fascination/obsession with crime stories, whether real or fiction.  I guarantee, The Two Escobars will satisfy the hole left in your heart since the Sopranos finale.

Here's more info about the doc:

While rival drug cartels warred in the streets and the country’s murder rate climbed to highest in the world, the Colombian national soccer team set out to blaze a new image for their country. What followed was a mysteriously rapid rise to glory, as the team catapulted out of decades of obscurity to become one of the best teams in the world. Central to this success were two men named Escobar: Andrés, the captain and poster child of the National Team, and Pablo, the infamous drug baron who pioneered the phenomenon known in the underworld as “Narco-soccer.” But just when Colombia was expected to win the 1994 World Cup and transform its international image, the shocking murder of Andres Escobar dashed the hopes of a nation.

Through the glory and the tragedy, The Two Escobars daringly investigates the secret marriage of crime and sport, and uncovers the surprising connections between the murders of Andres and Pablo.

And, to my visual people, check out the trailer:

PUSH PLAY: 30 for 30:  The Two Escobars

Are You Ready for Some Football? Well..Soccer for you guys.

WOW!  I'm literally dropping everything I'm working on to share the newest ESPN 2010 FIFA World Cup spot with you guys.  It's FANTASTIC and literally gave me goosebumps.

I'm sure "you American" sports heads are probably preoccupied with the NBA Playoffs, early MLB season, NFL Draft, trades, signings, etc.  No harm in that.  I'm also guilty as charged, but listen to me when I tell you that you need to start paying attention to the upcoming World Cup.

Don't worry, I'm not going to go on and on about why it matters.  I'll let Bono do that.  Yes, that Bono. I promise the 60 second spot below is the answer to why you should dedicate June 11 - July 11 to watching the World Cup on ESPN.  Get involved and thank me later.

PUSH PLAY:  2010 FIFA World Cup: United 



And, in case you haven't seen the Robben Island spot, here it is!



P.S. I don't know why the video is in widescreen format. I'm new to this whole posting video thing. Please forgive me.