Barack Obama Backed By Music Stars

Someone just sent me this clip. It combines a recent a campaign speech by Barack Obama with the musical talents of will.i.am, John Legend, Common, and countless others. Check it out!



"I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington.. I'm asking you to believe in yours."
Barack Obama

Shaq Stops Suns From Setting

Shaq’s relocation to Phoenix is the shrewdest move this NBA season. I say that because I’m not sure how many other general managers would have made that trade. Boston’s deal for KG and the Lakers pickup of Pau Gasol were both no-brainers, but this Phoenix/Miami blockbuster took not only forward-thinking by first-year GM Steve Kerr but also guts.

I have believed for quite some time that the window of opportunity to win a championship was closing for the Suns. And closing fast. In fact, I said that very thing on the radio in LA earlier this week. I just didn’t believe--even with the addition of Grant hill-- that this roster could win the West.

Mike D’Antoni’s “fun-and-gun” style made the Suns the darlings of the league, but as we have witnessed the last 3 years, that type of play alone won’t get you to the Finals. To quote veteran coaches and players, “you gotta get stops in the playoffs.” Phoenix gives up more scores than Kim Kardashian.

Even at 35, Shaq is still a force in this league when he is healthy and motivated. He may have lost 2-3 steps over the last couple of years, but no one occupies space better than The Diesel. That fact alone will shore up that weak Phoenix interior defense.

But perhaps even more importantly, Shaq seems to be pumped about the trade. There’s nothing like joining a championship contender to re-invigorate an elite player-- even one with multiple rings.

I heard that just before the trade became official, Shaq called Steve Nash and told him, “I won’t let you down.”

If that doesn’t put the rest of the West on notice, I don’t know what would.

Entertaining Presidential Race

Not sure how many of you know this, but my minor in college was political science. From as early as middle school, I have always been fascinated by politics.

I even entertained the thought of a career in politics. Thankfully, my better judgment got the best of me. I can passionately argue a point all day long, but asking for money is something I despise. And in this country, you can’t get elected without money.

This year’s presidential race is particularly intriguing to me. I can’t remember the last time there was this much excitement during the primary season.

Both parties have their own entertainment value. The Republicans didn’t really seem to have any exceptional candidate, while the Democrats seem to have too many.

And it’s that battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton that has me watching more CNN and FOX News than FSN or ESPN these days. It’s a classic battle of old-school vs. new-school. Do you want the older candidate with more Washington experience or do you want the younger candidate with the fresher approach to Washington?

Both sides have their merits, and quite frankly, I believe either would make a great president.

But having said that, I think Clinton is in trouble. Her showing on Super Tuesday was not nearly as impressive as her camp had hoped or needed. As one political pundit put it recently, “She’s not running against another candidate. She’s running against a movement.”

Obama has gone from underdog to perhaps a slight favorite in a matter of weeks. The swell of support for the Illinois Senator is coming from all corners of the country. Too many people believe the current establishment of Washington politics is not working and it needs a change.

And who better to make that change than someone who hasn’t been in Washington long enough to be influenced by the lobbyists and political action committees?

The best ways to measure a candidate’s support has always been money and voter turnout. If people truly believe in an individual, they will show that support with their wallets and their time.

Obama set a record for the month of January with his fund-raising while not taking any direct money from lobbyist or PAC’s. All of his campaign dollars are coming from individual donors--otherwise known as voters.

How bad is it for Clinton? She just tapped her own bank account for $5 million as a loan to her campaign, and some upper-level staffers have been asked not to accept upcoming paychecks. Can you say desperation?

But neither tactic may make much difference. Since the close of the polls on Super Tuesday, Obama has already raised an additional $7 million!

There’s no question Barack Obama is on the rise, the movement is picking up steam, and a major political change is in our future.

I just wonder if Hillary Clinton will get caught up in the wake.

Black College Exhibit Opens at College Football Hall of Fame

"Blood, Sweat, and Tears: A History of Black College Football"

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Feb. 6, 2008 - The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today the opening of a new exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., that showcases the struggle, hard work, and triumph of African-Americans who made pioneering contributions to the sport of football and our country.

Visitors to the exhibit will have the opportunity to walk through a historic locker room filled with memorabilia representing all 50 Historic black colleges and universities. The exhibit features the rich pageantry of the black marching bands, the hallowed black college All-America teams, and a tribute to the black college national champions.

"We are excited to share this new exhibit with the public," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "The historically black colleges have made many groundbreaking contributions to our sport, producing some of football's most storied rivalries and legendary stars. From an interactive video to several one-of-kind items, we know that visitors to the Hall of Fame will enjoy this exhibit on many levels."

The interactive video game, Black College Football: The Xperience, marks the centerpiece of the exhibit. Developed by Nerjyzed Game Studios (nerjyzed.com or bcfxgame.com), the video enables visitors to compete against each other in the unique world of black college football.

College Football Hall of Fame Museum Curator & Historian Kent Stephens conceived of the exhibit and timed its launch for the 2008 Black History Month, currently taking place throughout February.

"Black college football plays an integral role in the history of our sport," said Stephens. "With its own unique history and traditions, it's important for us to share the story of black college football with visitors to the Hall, engaging them in the power of our sport to positively transform student-athletes and the communities in which they live and work."

Grambling head coach Eddie Robinson's ubiquitous hat that he wore in almost every photo is part of the exhibit as well as an ancient ceremonial Samurai helmet from the first college game ever played outside of the United States in Japan, a game coached by the legendary Robinson, a 1997 inductee into the Hall of Fame.

Other Hall of Famers with memorabilia on display include: Tyrone McGriff from Florida A&M; Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State; and Coach Billy Joe from Cheyney State (Pa.), Central State (Ohio), and Florida A&M.

While featuring schools from The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), the exhibit also highlights the groundbreaking contributions of African-Americans at other universities throughout the country and the obstacles that they faced as football helped integrate our society.

"Blood, Sweat, and Tears: A History of Black College Football" will be on exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame from Feb. 1, 2008 through Aug. 31, 2008.

For more information on this new exhibit and any upcoming events at The College Football Hall of Fame, please call 574-235-5711 or visit http://www.collegefootball.org/.

About the College Football Hall of Fame:

One of many programs conducted by the National Football Foundation, the College Football Hall of Fame is among the nation's premier sports shrines, preserving the history and ongoing story of college football while promoting an understanding of the positive values of the sport. For more information, visit www.collegefootball.org

About The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame:

Founded in 1947 with leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 121 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, Play It Smart, and scholarships of over $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF presents the MacArthur Trophy, the Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and releases the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Standings.

Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org.

Athletes Deserve A Hollywood-type Break

Even as I type these words, I am debating whether I should even be writing this post. Death is never easy to write about-- even if indirectly.

But I started this blog so I could share my perspective on various subjects. I think way too often, people make judgments about people and topics they know little about. And while I profess to be an expert of absolutely nothing, hopefully some of what you read here will make you look at certain subjects in a different light-- even if it doesn’t make you change your mind.

The recent news that Hollywood star Heath Ledger had died of a drug overdose was yet another reminder of how fragile life can be. On the outside, he seemed to have it all-- a great career and a beautiful family-- but sadly, he won’t be able to fully enjoy either of them.

As surprising as Ledger’s death was, it wasn’t exactly shocking. We have seen countless stars die way too early due to drug abuse. From Janis Joplin and River Phoenix to Elvis Presley and Chris Farley, too many talented people have died simply because they didn’t know when to stop or their friends and family wouldn’t tell them to. Either way, it’s a tragedy.

But something struck me funny in the wake of Ledger’s death. Where is the outcry to clean up Hollywood? Where are the over-the-top TV talking heads saying that actors are setting a bad example for our young children? Has anyone seen Bill O’Reilly or Nancy Grace demanding that production studios do a better job of policing their industry?

No, you haven’t. And quite frankly, no one should be calling for such nonsense. The self-destructing mistakes of others should not set our standards of living or parenting.

But I wonder if it would be different if a prominent athlete had died as a result of a drug overdose. What if it had been a NFL or NBA player?

I can just hear Rush Limbaugh or Dr. Laura declaring it was just another example of professional sports being overrun by thugs.

Why are professional athletes held to such higher standards than other entertainers?

It can’t be the money. Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks make more for one movie than most elite athletes make in a season.

It can’t be the influence on kids. Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears have shaped your daughter’s behavior, eating patterns and wardrobe way more than Serena Williams or Mia Hamm.

It can’t be envy. The ratio of contestants to finalists for American Idol trumps the ratio of tryouts to roster spots for all the Big Four sports combined.

So what is it? Why do we think professional athletes should behave better than entertainers and everyday Joe’s? Why is any transgression by an individual athlete an indictment on that player’s entire sport? Why can't athletes get a pass when entertainers live on them?

In essence, there is no answer because it shouldn’t be that way in the first place. Athletes, like entertainers, are nothing but a cross-section of society. They have the same problems, issues and faults as the rest of us.

Remember when you found out that Limbaugh was addicted to prescription drugs? He was considered a victim, not an abuser. Oh, the hypocrisy.

What about Ozzy Osbourne, Pat O’Brien, Robert Downey, Jr., Matthew Perry.. should I go on?

Not only were those drug abusers sheltered from the type of criticism athletes regularly endure for similar transgressions, they were praised for going to rehab. That’s like someone patting you on the back for going to the emergency room after breaking your leg. Where else are you going to go for help?

So before you call into a radio talk show or send an e-mail to your favorite sports blog dogging an athlete who is using or abusing drugs, check TMZ.com and your local police blotter. You will likely see someone you know.

Super Bowl XLII Leftovers

*Super Bowl XLII was a prime example of why I love sports. No matter what you've seen before or what you believed going into a particular game, you know that there's still a chance for you to be surprised. There's still a chance for something to happen that you never would have expected. There's still a chance for reality to surpass any script Hollywood could produce. And that's why we watch.

*I didn't really care who won the game. Both the Giants and the Patriots would produce intriguing stories with a victory. Whether it was Eli becoming the second straight Manning quarterback to win a championship or New England posting a perfect 19-0 record, there were enough storylines to make this Super Bowl one of the most memorable in recent times. But the best story in sports is always the underdog pulling the upset on the game's biggest stage.

*Eli Manning's unbelievable escape and heave to David Tyree on the game-winning fourth quarter drive was the most amazing play I have ever seen in the Super Bowl-- not so much because of the throw but because of the catch. For Tyree to outfight future hall of famer Rodney Harrison and then pin the ball against his helmet with one hand to complete the reception is beyond amazing. It will go down as the defining moment of Super Bowl XLII.

*The worst moment of the game was by far Bill Belichick's display of utter disrespect for the game, his opponent and his team when he ran off the field with time still on the clock. He is the worst loser in the history of professional sports. I've seen better sportsmanship from a spoiled child.

*Tom Petty was a poor choice for the halftime show. Not that his music is not timeless, it's just not Super Bowl-worthy. Whether it's rock, country or hip-hop/r&b, the Super Bowl halftime show needs to be lively. It's supposed to keep the party going through to the third quarter, not put us to sleep.

*I thought the Super Bowl ads were collectively pretty funny and entertaining. Some of my personal favorites: 1) Pepsi's ad with Justin Timberlake 2) Budweiser's "Rocky" parody with Hank the clydsdale 3) Vitamin Water's ad depicting Shaq as a jockey 4) FedEx's spot with the giant pigeons 5) T-Mobile's "Fave Five" ad with Dwayne Wade and Charles Barkley.

*Finally, why is it that every year, no matter how much you tell yourself you're not going to do it again this year, you inevitably eat yourself into a junkfood coma? What is it about Super Bowl Sunday that you get so wrapped up in the game and festivities that you really think 4 pieces of pizza, 10 chicken wings, a half bag of chips, half a cup of salsa, 5 cookies and 8 beers really won't give you a stomach ache this year? Next year, I'm going all organic. Seriously!

Show Premiere Tonight!! (Saturday, Feb. 2nd)

In case you missed the debut, check your local listings for future airtimes. The program will run on FSN throughout February as part of the network's Black History Month programming.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that AMERICANS IN FOCUS premieres tonight on FSN (Fox Sports Net). I was really proud to be a part of this special presentation for Black History Month. And I'm excited to see the premiere tonight as I have yet to see the finished project myself.

The times vary depending on where you live and what cable/satellite provider you use. But in this world of tivo's and dvr's, it should be easy to find or you can go old school and just check your local listings.

Again, the name of the show is AMERICANS IN FOCUS and it premieres tonight on FSN!!

Free Harvard Education For Low-Income Families

Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition.

In making the announcement, Harvard's president Lawrence H. Summers said, 'When only 10 percent of the students in Elite higher education come from families in lower half of the income distribution, we are not doing enough. We are not doing enough in bringing elite higher education to the lower half of the income distribution.'

If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition!

That's right. Undergraduate students from low income families can go to Harvard for free...no tuition and no student loans!

To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year visit Harvard's financial aid website at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/ or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581.

These Feet Were Made For Giving

This is one of the best stories this year. Once again, someone proving that even just one person can make a huge difference.

If you don't know the story, please take the time to read about the efforts of Ron Hunter. And the next time your feet hurt from a long day at work, think about how many people don't have any shoes to wear at all.

From ESPN.com news services

IUPUI coach Ron Hunter looked natty in his black shirt and cream-colored vest and slacks, ready to coach the Jaguars against Oakland University in a Summit League game Thursday night.

The only things missing were his shoes.

It was the most visible facet of his campaign to collect athletic shoes for children in need in Africa, something he started a month ago after meeting Samaritan's Feet founder Emmanuel "Manny" Ohonme.

Hunter's original goal was collecting 30,000 pairs. After news of his endeavor started to spread and shoes started coming in, he mentioned he might increase the goal to 40,000, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By tip-off, he had 110,000 pairs.

A crowd of more than 1,000 attended the game at IUPUI Gymnasium -- and some of the students showed up barefoot, in support of Hunter. The school announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had donated 10,000 pairs, with the possibility of more to come. Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based charity, donated 40,000 pairs. Wal-Mart gave 25,000; Nine West, a women's shoe company, offered another 5,200. Converse donated 15,000 during Hunter's appearance on ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike in the Morning" on Thursday.

"When we started this I thought 40,000 was going to be tough," Hunter told the Indianapolis Star. "When they told me before the game we already had 100,000, honestly, I almost broke down in tears."

Most of the shoes are being shipped directly to Samaritan's Feet, based in Charlotte, N.C. The non-profit group was started four years ago by Ohonme, a Nigerian whose own goal is to get shoes to 10 million people in 10 years.

"Imagine if every coach would pick a game to coach barefoot and use their influence," Ohonme told The Star. "We'd exceed our goals pretty quickly.

"And we're getting e-mails every couple of minutes from people who want more information or to say they just bought a pair," Ohonme added. "Plus, there's all these high school coaches around the country who say they want to coach a game barefoot."

Hunter, with a fresh pedicure, coached the Jaguars to a 82-69 victory. He's not noted for sitting down during games while he's wearing shoes, and that applied to his shoeless state as well.

"My feet hurt so bad," he told The Star after the game. "But imagine a child or a human going their whole lives without shoes."

Hunter, 43, has said he has been deeply affected by Samaritan's Feet and the mission he's joined, and his players have been touched as well. Some of them are intending to join Hunter this summer, when he flies to Africa to help distribute the shoes. Hunter has said he would like to go specifically to Cameroon, the homeland of Jaguars freshman guard Christian Siakam.

And, according to The Star, a man with no ties to IUPUI has offered to charter a jet to fly the team and the shoes to Africa -- pending NCAA approval, of course.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Black History Refresher Course

I’m writing this post from Dulles International Airport on my way to Eugene for this week’s PAC-10 Hoops games. Oregon hosts UCLA on Thursday and USC on Saturday. Check your local listings for times and channels.

Some of you might be thinking that flying through Dulles might be a round about way to get to Oregon. Well, you don’t know the half of it considering I started this 8-day trip by traveling to Pullman for Washington State’s win over Oregon last Sunday. Frequent flyer Premier Class, here I come!

The reason I came to Washington, DC was to shoot segments for FSN’s presentation of Americans In Focus, a half hour special showcasing some of the most heralded and unheralded figures in African American history. The show debuts nationally on February 2.

I am so proud to be a part of this ground-breaking effort by FSN. Not only is it the first show of its kind to air on our network, but it also takes audiences away from the world of sports and introduces them to those who sacrificed their livelihoods and their lives in the battle for equal rights as well as those who helped shape African American culture.

I consider myself above the learning curve when it comes to the average person’s knowledge of black history, but the preparation for this 30-minute special was an eye-opening experience. Not only did I learn more about the history of my culture, but I gained an even greater appreciation for the efforts of my forefathers.

Black people not only built this country with their blood, sweat and tears, but black people helped shaped the ideals of The Constitution, made remarkable breakthroughs in science & medicine, and set the standard of excellence in the arts.

Besides being thoroughly entertained and educated by Americans In Focus, I hope people who watch the show are also inspired to learn even more about African American history-- especially black people.

It seems as though young African Americans today either don’t know or don’t care enough about their past to carry themselves in a more self-respecting manner. We see it everywhere from kids running to the back of the bus or the classroom to grown men and women dressing like they just got out of prison or are on their way to be an extra for a taping of The Wire.

Rosa Parks did not go to jail for Rodney and Tanya to sit in the back of a bus.

The "Little Rock Nine" did not risk their lives in the face of blatant racist terror so that Monique and Jamal would sit in the back of a classroom.

And 300,000 people did not march on our nation’s capital so that Shawn and Celeste could walk around looking like common street thugs.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated during his I Have A Dream speech: “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.”

We should have a greater sense of pride. Our ancestors deserve better.