"Groupie Love"

Snoop Dogg said it a long time ago, "You have to pay the cost, to be the boss!" Rick Ross and his crew done took it a little too far. This little incident went under the radar until now..."

Reports say that Rick Ross was seduced before he was robbed. According to CBS Channel 5 in Nashville, Ricky got over $60,000 worth of personal belongings including jewelry and a laptop jacked. The four sticky-fingered women then proceeded to do their best Set It Off impersonation, sans the guns and violence, by relieving Ricky of his items and making what they thought was a clean getaway. But cameras in the hotel have caught the suspects and now Crime Stoppers are looking for them.

While Rick Ross music is still fire, but with incidents like this one and the 50 pennies fiasco involving his baby's mom, he's slowly loosing his credibility as "Tha Boss!"

Click here for more.

"Crossing the Finish Line" Part II

"The longer you stay, the more you are going to pay"

The reality of this idea is that many students fail to realize this until after they’ve graduated or decide to discontinue enrollment. Part II of this blog focuses on gaining a basic understanding of the Financial Aid process can not only decrease the amount of debt from college graduates, but also help students select a school that’s affordable and both academically and socially pleasing.

It’s the little things that matter most. For example, if I could it all over again, I would have went to a community college to take summer courses or a four year school closer to home. Summer school for three years (when I didn’t need to go, but did so because I didn’t want to go home) was not the best decision financially, but ok in other areas of my college experience. Thus I spent summers at my university and because of that, I came away with college debt.

Affordability has become increasingly important to all households in the current economic climate. However there are still some households, especially low income or minority households where completing a Financial Aid application is a complicated process. Thus simple mistakes like taking out private loans before exhausting federal ones is a common occurrence. To take it a step further, some students for whatever reason do not even apply for federal aid or borrow less than they were eligible for.

For more financial aid counseling and tips, click here.

"Pearl of Wisdom"

Tenn. coach apologizes for KKK joke at fundraiser

Here we go again! Another person caught on camera talking crazy. Bruce Pearl, head coach of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville men's basketball program was taped at a gathering making a remark although joking that linked the rural home of one his players to the Ku Klux Klan. The Volunteers’ fifth-season coach was caught on camera Thursday by WBIR-TV during a charity fundraising event describing the challenge of shaping a team of players from different backgrounds.

“I’ve got a tough job,” the Boston native said. “I’ve got to put these guys from different worlds together, right? I’ve got guys from Chicago, Detroit. I’m talking about the ‘hood! And I’ve got guys from Grainger County, where they wear the hood!” The audience laughed loudly, but after WBIR-TV aired the remarks the coach issued an apology. I've had a chance to meet Coach Pearl (nice guy) and I'm sure he didn't mean any harm by this. He was merely stating the facts.

However, I think the larger issue within high school and NCAA coaches in all sports, but especially basketball, football, soccer, baseball, is where do you draw the line as it relates to how you verbally communicate to your players, who are also human. Many of you have played sports both in high school and on a collegiate level...I'm sure you've heard worst things!

"Cut the Check" - College Football Games of the Week

A crazy story comes out of Portland where an Oregon alumnus asked for a refund of his trip expenses to see the Ducks play Boise State in Idaho because he was upset with the team's performance. Thus the head football coach sent him an email back asking for his address and sure enough, he sent buddy a check for $439. The guy was so impressed, he sent the check back vowing that he would never call for the guy to be fired even if he never won another game at Oregon. Click here to read full story.

Now, is that a class act on the coach's part and or a selfish/sore looser act on the Oregon alum's part? In my opinion...both. It's definitely a class act on the coach's part because he didn't have to do that. The sore loser alum just has to suck up the loss just like any other die hard fan has to do when it comes to their favorite team. And who dares to ask a coach for their money back, unless you are a Panther's fan - WTH!


Last Week 5-0

Washington came through versus USC, who like Florida is very overrated. Watch out for Miami and Texas is the real deal.

Overall: 12-3

Games of the Week:

No. 22 North Carolina at Georgia Tech
UNC’s WR’s are growing up a little (shout out to Greg). Meanwhile the defense is a beast and Draughn is on pace for 1,000 yards, when was the last time that happen at UNC?
Stop the option and we roll…Heels 27-20

No. 6 California at Oregon
I know Oregon is still upset over that punch, but they better get over it soon. I was thinking this could be a huge upset but Cal puts up points…lots of points. Dude might want to ask for his money back again...Cal 42-28

No. 9 Miami (FL) at No. 11 Virginia Tech
Jacory Harris for Heisman (yeah I said it), if not this year, definitely next year. VaTech’s offense is not that good…UM 17-10

No. 1 Florida at Kentucky
Down goes Frazier…The Gators will not be able to escape UK like they did the Vols last week. Being on the road doesn’t help…. Cats 24-21

HBCU game of the week
North Carolina Central at Duke
Well, Duke is not a HBCU, but their campus will feel like one on Saturday night when NCCU travels a few miles up the road to play them. I know, I’m committing a sin with this pick but the numbers don’t lie… PUKE 31-10

"School Spirit"

In a display of who's got more spirit, the University of Kansas (shout out to Dr. Jude) basketball and football team decided to have a fight...in public. I'm serious, they really had a fight. A source said one group of players was entering the union as another group of players was exiting, arguing ensued, and punches were thrown. According to KU police reports, the Tuesday night fight involved as many as 100 people. A source close to the situation said Tyshawn Taylor suffered a dislocated left thumb and would be out of action three to four weeks. And all of this happen on Tuesday night.

But wait, there's more! Hours after a reported confrontation Tuesday evening, a group of University of Kansas football and basketball players were seen arguing and shouting racial slurs at each other at about 10 a.m. Wednesday outside Wescoe Hall.

Seen among them were basketball players Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris, Mario Little, Sherron Collins, Tyshawn Taylor, Brady Morningstar, Travis Releford, Tyrel Reed, Thomas Robinson, Elijah Johnson and many others. The only football players sources could identify in the group were Dezmon Briscoe and Chris Harris, who the police were questioning. One of the Morris twins told the police, "One of them just jumped out and threw his hands on me," referring to the football players who were involved in the fight.

I'm not sure what happen for them to be beefing...but here are some of my best guesses:

* Basketball buddy stole one of the football player's girl

* Football buddy stole one of the basketball player's girl

* One person talked about the other person momma

Any other guesses?

“Crossing the Finish Line – Part I”

In "Crossing the Finish Line," William Bowen and Michael McPherson, former presidents of Princeton University and Macalester College, along with researcher Matthew Chingos, chime in on what many experts consider American higher education's greatest weakness: college completion rates.

Four years ago, two of the most influential researchers in higher education dove into a huge pool of data hoping to answer a bedeviling question: Why do so many students who start college fail to graduate?

In part I of this blog series, we must first understand how and why students choose to enroll at certain universities.

One idea the authors discussed is the term “undermatching,” which suggest that a large number of well-qualified high school seniors with credentials are choosing less selective schools, two year schools, or none at all.

In essence, “undermatched” students’ trade in high loan repayments/debt for easier grades in addition to taking a longer time to navigate through college and eventually graduating at a rate 15 points lower than comparably prepared students who went to more selective schools.

Many reasons I’m sure come in to play to students choosing a school including staying close to home and a lack of financial resources. However it’s important to know that many of your state supportive selective schools (ex. UNC) are not as pricey as some private schools across the state (ex. Shaw University). Ultimately, the authors suggest that it all boils down to inertia (resistance to change), lack of information, lack of forward engagement, lack of encouragement.

The data suggest low-income and minority students, and especially those whose parents don't complete college, are especially susceptible.

Therefore it’s important for young people navigating their way through the college application/selection process to do a thorough review before making a decision that will ultimately impact the rest of your life.

"Cut the President Some Slack"

I agree with his assessment of Mr. West, but come on Mr. President, wait until you and Michelle about to go to bed to say that. You could have even waited until your cigarette break with the secret service man and told him.
I will give you a pass again, for the second time, but next time be careful because I'm not sure if I will be able to honor your request and "cut you some slack."

"Gross"

Khloe Kardashian to marry L.A. Lakers player

First the rich guy from New York, then Reggie, and now Lamar Odom...I'm convinced that the Kardashian sisters are possessed with voodoo. Reggie Bush hasn't been the same since he met Kim. Let's not talk about Rashad McCants, Khloe tapped into my fellow tarheel's cell phone. That mess was funny, but wrong nonetheless. And the other sister is was hopeless in Seattle, oops, I mean LA.

I don't know what to make of this. I can't say money, because they both have it. Let's be real, they are probably not in love. I'm just going to wait to hear in a few days that's this was all a hoax.

Ladies, please help make sense of the K-Dash sisters. Is it the power of the...?

"Run Tell Dat" College Football Games of the Week

No one likes to see a flag thrown in the Super Bowl that will decide the outcome of a game. We all scream "let em play" in the NCAA tournament or NBA Finals. The same goes for Tennis, you are not suppose to call a double fault in a game of that magnitude. Watch how the line judge go run to the referee like a little kid who got skipped in the water fountain line. Serena let the Compton out...

Last Week 3-2
Notre Dame defense ran out of gas on me at the end and Fay State finally getting in the win column didn’t help my win percentage.

Overall: 7-3
Games of the week:

East Carolina at No. 24 North Carolina
Coach Davis might have to hit up the club football team if we loose another offensive lineman…I’m withholding my comments on the QB/WR situation, defense wins championships, expect another close one…UNC 17-13

No. 14 Georgia Tech at No. 20 Miami (FL)
Jacory Harris will be the next big time QB to come out of Miami, just ask FSU. Miami will be able to contain Dwyer…Miami 34-27

No. 3 USC at Washington
My upset of the week, Coach Carroll’s protégé sets the tone for a possible rivalry waiting to happen…UW 23-17

Florida State at No. 7 Brigham Young
BYU in my opinion is not a BCS contender, FSU proves that after one heck of a game against Miami two weeks ago…FSU 31-28

HBCU game of the week
Tennessee State at Southern University
This has nothing to do with they football team but Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” is picking up steam on the radio!”Went to school to be a nurse, shes a AKA shawty fresh up out da hood but went to Tennessee state…”SU offense is too good for TSU…SU 28-7

"Daddy's Little Girl"

Men and I'm sure a few women dream about catching or even touching a ball at a professional sports event. I use to get excited just to catch T-shirts at Carolina football games as a student. Earlier this year, the same kid caught two foul balls in the same MLB game. I actually stop getting dress that morning and stood in front the TV and started clapping. And I did the same when this Dad made a nice catch at a Phillies game last night (shout out to KMAC) only to have his toddler immediatedely daughter throw it back over the ledge.

I'm not even going to lie...I probably would have started to cry as I was giving my child a hug. But I have to agree with the news report, he handled that just like a father should. And now he's famous.

Shout out to all the fathers!

“So Not Cool”

Can you blame the guy for wanting to be aggressive, confident, and wanting to help his team win? Ya dang right (GRIFF)! In the case of the Buffalo Bills’ Leodis (what a name) McKelvin, he deserved a good ribbing from his coaching staff and a few players for his bonehead mistake of not realizing when to fall down or take a knee.

What I don’t agree with is them bodacious Bills fans (Reed/GNO) vandalizing his lawn.

Leodis should be equally upset at the fact that he cost his team the game and over the fact that that someone painted an obscenity and the score on your suburban front lawn. But he wasn't! Click here for full story.

Use the below tag line and tell me what you would have done if you were Leodis!

“If that was me, I would have…”

"Ain't this bout a ...(Part I)"

MTV Shows

The first time it was funny, the second time everybody gave him a pass, the third time they are going to say... "this is why "certain" people should not have money or power." And i put it in a nice way.

I'm not sure if it was that bottle of Hynessey or what, but he displayed pured ignorance. This may be a perfect time for him, Amber Rose, and that bottle of Hynessey to climb up under a rock. Or maybe go back to Paris, grow a shag, and wear tight jeans so you can feel better about yourself.

When he returns, he might be able to win back some of the fans he lost. As for the people who thought it was funny..."neck yo self"(OSII)!

"Simply the Greatest"

He will never call himself the greatest. But I will. Michael Jordan is the best period in any sport to put on any kind of uniform. He's simply the greatest.

One, he transcended the game of basketball in every aspect. Athletically, there will never be another complete player. Sure, Lebron may reach the financial prowess of Jordan one day, but he still has a long way to go basketball wise. Athletically (dunking, defense, blocking shots, better passer) Lebron is there. However, he does not have a consistent or even fluent jump shot. More importantly, he has not WON the big game or CHAMPIONSHIP(S). Kobe has come close, but he hasn't won enough and more importantly, he has not created his own identity. Everything he does is in the same walk,talk, and mold of Jordan (shout out to Wes).

Two, his passion, hunger, and work ethic for the game was unmatched. The perfect example of this is when his former assistant coach Tex Winter told him "...there is no I in team." Michael replied "but there is an I in win," referring to a game that he scored 20 points in a row.

Finally, he changed, elevated, sustained, supported and practically financed an entire league. His trends will forever be a staple in the sports world. I've only owned one pair of Jordan's tennis shoes ever in my life. It will probably be my last and while I disagree with the cost of the shoes, you can't deny the fact that he set the world on fire back in the late 80's with those shoes and he continues to do so.

If anyone know my story, he's part of the reason (I know I'm corny) why I ended up in North Carolina. Basketball icon and legend. Fellow Carolina Alum.

Thanks for the memories...

You can youtube all the highlight videos (the dunks, the jump shots) all you want. All I need is one video. (Me Singing)"Sometimes I dream, that he is me..."

"The first sign of a good Education is good Manners‏"

I've said this before in that I try and stay away from anything political. I promise that you will never see me use my blog as a political stream or banner, but every now again, I like to post videos and pictures that has nothing to do with nothing because it's meant to be informative and hopefully we can all learn something from it. I couldn't agree with the title of this blog more.

For more about what happen during the President's speech, click here or blog title.

Here's what political folks are saying...

Republican Sen. John McCain - there was "no place for it in that setting or any other and he should apologize immediately."

"It was crude and disrespectful," said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, a top Senate Democrat. "I think the person who said it will pay a price."



Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tennessee - "Certainly, I respect the office of the president, and I think that's not the kind of thing that is appropriate in that kind of setting especially," he said. "I don't know who said it, but my sense is most people don't think it was a good idea it occurred. And I happen to be one of those."


Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina - "The president's combative tone did not justify a member of Congress shouting out, 'You lie,' " said Graham. "Our nation's president deserves to be treated with respect. It was an inappropriate remark, and I am glad an apology has been made."


South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler took it further.

"Once again a South Carolina Republican has embarrassed our state," Fowler's office said in a statement that referred to S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford's extramarital affair.

“Down and Out” - Games of the Week

Twenty Six (26) University of Ole Miss football players missed practiced on Wednesday with flu like symptoms, including starting quarterback Jevan Snead. Ole Miss is going under the assumption that all are H1N1 though in most cases testing will never occur.

Two North Carolina players will miss Saturday’s game at Connecticut with apparent cases of swine flu. The school says Friday that starting fullback Bobby Rome and defensive tackle Jordan Nix have tested positive for “probable” swine flu. Neither player practiced this week.

Sam Bradford is out for a month and # 1 TE in the country (his teammate) is out for the season…not looking good for the Sooners.

And buddy on the other end of that punch should have at least been suspended for a game or two.
Last Week 4-1

Va. Tech couldn't keep up with Alabama and therefore they cost me a perfect record.

Overall: 4-1

Games of the week:

No. 19 North Carolina at Connecticut
UConn's best player from last year now plays for the Colts, so far so good for the Heels although Yates has to and will play better...UNC 28-14

Clemson at No. 15 Georgia Tech
Clemson won't be able to stop Dwyer or the option attack...GaTech 27-17

No. 18 Notre Dame at Michigan
Charlie Weis internship may turn into a full time job if he keeps winning, Clausen is turning out to be way better than his brothers (what up Rick)...Irish 31-21

No. 3 USC at No. 8 Ohio State
After watching Navy quarterback almost beat OSU by himself, the freshman QB Barkley from USC will look like the upper classmen compared to Terrelle Pryor, who wants to run everytime he drops back to pass...USC 35-28

HBCU game of the week
Fayetteville State at Bowie State
Errors keeping haunting the Broncos who was picked to finish first in the CIAA, being on the road in Maryland won't help, FSU will drop to 0-3...BSU 20-12.

Selling Tickets is not "The Answer"

Although I'm glad Iverson is landing on his feet and going somewhere after last year, I don't agree with Memphis (shout out to Sgt Mason from the First 48, that's my show). They might as well make him the mascot. It's obvious they just trying to sell tickets.

I wonder how long it with take before it all blows up. Why mess up the chemistry of a young team with the likes of Rudy Gay and OJ Majo. I just can't imagine there is going to be enough shots to go around because Mayo is a gunner, just like A.I.

My prediction: as long as A.I. stay away from the casinos and his back don't give out again, they might be able to win 30 games in a strong western conference.

Maybe it's me, but I just can't imagine A.I. playing for any team other than Philly (shout out to the philly faithful from last weekend) or playing for any other coach than Larry Brown who's the only one outside of Coach Thompson that can coach him.

Charlotte would have been a better fit or at least it would have aided me in becoming an all out Bobcat's fan.

"Fayetteville's Finest"

The city of dreams or maybe the city most slept on. I guess it depends on who you ask. “Tha ville” is slowly waking up from a nightmare full of social misconceptions and stereotypes, thanks in part to the music and the artist/producers behind the sound.

The likes of Drake, Wale, Kid Cudi, and now Fayetteville’s own and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation signee J.Cole, are being deemed hip hop’s newest phenoms.

But while J. Cole (TS) has the buzz, AP (EES) makes em move (what up Craig D), CP (SF) is the sleeper, and Ernest (EES) is up next. As for the person who hold’s the crown…that would be SLIM (EES). And like a basketball team, I introduce to all my starting five from “tha ville.”

Slim (carolinacoolslim)
First up is the captain of the group. To call him lyrically and soulfully innovative is an understatement. I shared his music with a friend who said ‘you can paint a picture with every lyric to his songs.” I agree in a sense that his lyrics suggest that there is no struggle without progress. Maybe he’s just waiting for his turn. Recommended tracks include Listen to the Melody and Hard Being Black in America which can be found here.

J. Cole
I have to admit that I had no idea who this guy was until a friend hit me up a few months ago. The rookie who cracks the starting lineup, but not the star…yet. While he has the buzz after being featured on Jay-Z’s the blueprint III, his mixtape the Warm Up gives him the instant credit now. But mixtapes only tell half of the story. Notable tracks includes the Jay-Z “A Star is Born and Dreams.




APXclusive
Every squad has a set up person or a point guard. Like passing the ball, when making a beat, it’s almost like putting the artists in the best position to succeed. I’ve never been a studio. But on this night in the lakes (what up D.Berry), I felt like I was. I watched this guy make a beat with a computer and an earth wind and fire CD or whatever that old school CD was in the crib. This was years ago. I still got a copy of the Boom Boom Room crew first demo (thanks to S.Jones). When that crew is together, beautiful music is made. Joints to check for include Ville Life and Hard Being Black in America.

CP (coolpeoplesmusic)
There is always someone that comes out of nowhere, dares to be different therefore you have to keep them on the floor because they make plays. We use to freestyle all the time in addition to a whole lot of other things. For some of us (ME), it’s a hobby. CP done made it a life. From Miami to Cali, from Cali to all over the world. Never forget the Nam. I am cool peoples. One of my favorite tracks is the Every Girl joint. Click here for more CP music.

Applejaxx (FadacyMusic)
The epitome of iTooDream to be different. Because his music is just that. It’s also reminiscent of the player who starts but don’t do much of the scoring, yet delivers. From street ball to the mic, YES, who would have ever thought? If you’ve ever had a chance to hear EO speak, there was always a positive message in his words. Much like his music. I like the 805 joint, the beat is crazy. The latest single is below.

Much like life these days, everything is subject to an opinion. You are more than welcome to it, especially if it means helping someone else become better.

“I Just Don’t Get It”

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested Sunday and accused of choking and restraining his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his Southern California home.

Click here to read more.

ME: Why do men feel the need to hit women? I just don’t get it (SMH)!

MS: “Cuz they some punks!”

"Go DJ"

"A Night to Remember "

Don't bump the DJ booth!

"Respect the Host"

"Get It"

Respect the Movement

"Hilarious"

"Mamma said Knock you Out."

I woke up this morning to Sportscenter and this... You can look at this incident a lot of ways. For the sake of the grown man in me. Buddy from Oregon is dead wrong. His offense got manhandled and that's the bottom line. Roll with the punches and keep it moving. He should and will get suspended.



The question is for how long and does anyone else besides me feel as though the player for Boise on the other end of the punch should be suspended as well? This incident comes on the heels of College Football introducing a new sportsmanship initiative with hopes that it will set a tone for sportsmanlike behavior on the field and in the stands.



Well they didn't get off to a good start.



I personally feel as though the player from BSU should get suspended for at least two quarters to a full game. He should have never tap buddy on the shoulder pads and said whatever he said because I'm sure it wasn't "good game." Grow up and act like you've won a game before.



As for buddy from Oregon State, I hope that punch was worth it, you may be sitting for a while.

"Braveheart'

High praise for football player who disarmed girl with gun on bus

A Mississippi high school quarterback is being hailed as a hero for saving a school bus full of elementary and high school students from a gun-wielding girl.

Surveillance camera footage on the Yazoo County school bus on Tuesday captured 18-year-old Kaleb Eulls tackling the 14-year-old girl while the children evacuated the bus.

Bless this kids heart. He risked a lot to save lives, including his own. This kid is a star quarterback who has alraedy verbally committed to Mississippi State University.

Click here to read full story and watch the footage, which shows the 14 year old girl taking a gun out of her bag and loading it (SMH...lord have mercy).

"Bending the Rules" - College Football Games of the Week

On the eve (well minutes before) of the major college football season kicking off, a controversial billboard has vaulted one of the most storied football programs in the spotlight. A billboard went up near a popular area in the Notre Dame town (as soon as you travel a mile outside of campus, you are in South Bend, IN).

The billboard reads, “Best wishes to Charlie Weis in the 5th year of his college coaching internship. -- Linebacker Alumni." One word..."hilarious." Shout out to Swani and Nicole.

And that's what they get for firing my man...ten grand, Tyrone Willingham, who is a good football coach. I had a chance to meet him while I was at Notre Dame and he's every bit of a first class guy. In fact, so was everyone else at Notre Dame (shout out to my extended family Petey, Joce, and Peanut). The weather was a different story. Here are my college football games of the week and predictions.

Appalachian State vs. ECU

ECU is feeling themselves after beating Va Tech last year... Pirates 31-21

No. 13 Georgia at No. 9 Oklahoma State

Tough one, the bulldogs lost their top QB and RB...Okst 28-21

Citadel at No. 21 North Carolina (expect to see UNC every week)

Defense is a beast...Heels 35-10

No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 7 Virginia Tech

Va Tech in a close one, only because of their defense though...VaTech 21-18

North Carolina Central University vs. Hampton

NCCU is no longer in CIAA and HU holds its on in the MEAC...HU 17-14

Feel free to join in, leave your predictions in the comments.

"I Look to You"

Every blog post simply can't be about rap music or football or weird individuals who try to take over school buses. Or even DRAKE for that matter (shout out to the person who left me that comment).

Whitney Houston is back! The real test comes when its time to perform live. Nevertheless this is a song that my mom and her mom would be proud of (Hey Emma). Maybe even my dad, who knows. A feel good song that make you want to reach out to someone just to say hello.

And if doesn't do anything for you...,"neck yourself"(OSII)!