Two years ago I was invited to participate in the Mooresville County MLK Breakfast as the keynote. I was honored and humbled by the ask. As with each #MLK I take a moment to reflect on his life and legacy and how God's divine hand ensured that Dr. King arrived at the time he was to in history in order to create history. God's timing is always perfect. So on the eve of his actually birthday, I share an excerpt of the speech I gave that day.

An Excerpt from the MLK Speech I (Monica G. Wood) delivered January 15, 2011 in Mooresville, NC at a Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?" This is a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As your MLK Day theme states: “How Loud is Your Voice in Community Service?” My question to you is simply, “What are you doing for others?”

Have you ever heard the saying actions speak louder than words? Your actions serve as your voice. Your actions speak to what you believe in. Your actions speak what you’ve been taught. Your actions speak how you feel.

Dr. King’s actions confirmed everything he said.

He said: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

He said: "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

He said: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

He said: "Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."

He said: "Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude."He said: "People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other."

Although Dr. King was a man of many words, he was also a man of many actions. What he spoke about, he did. What he said, he practiced. In his actions, he stood up against injustice through marches, sit ins, boycotts. And, although he spoke about forgiving your enemy its in his actions that we see he did, even while being knocked down, taken to jail, bitten by dogs, stabbed, slapped, spit at and cursed by people who didn’t agree with what he was saying or doing. And, how was he able to do this...because he loved people. Yes, he even loved those who didn’t love him back.

He practiced the love he spoke about. But, WAY before he could speak about it, he first saw and believed it didn’t exist. He saw how mean people treated each other just because their skin was a different color. He found HIS voice in wanting everyone to love one another, than he spoke about it and than he acted on it. National Commentator, Author, TV/Radio Host Tavis Smiley says, “You can’t lead the people, if you can’t first serve the people. And, you can’t serve the people, if you don’t first love the people.” I want to add, you can’t love the people if you don’t first love yourself.

Before your voice can be found and heard, you must first find love. When you look in the mirror, do you love the person, the face you see starring back at you? Do you love how you were made and who you are and where you’re from and what you look like?

You can’t give love to another person until you first know how to love yourself. Many of us first learn what love is and how love feels and how to show love from our parents. Our parents tell us they love us as a child and prayerfully will continue to tell us when we grow up. Before I get off the phone with my parents we always say, “I love you.” And, that makes me smile.

Kids, when you hear your parents say, “I love you” how does that make you feel, good right? But, don’t you believe or feel it more when they give you a hug or kiss or a smile? Their actions along with their words have more of an impact on you.

Dr. King said, “Without love, there is no reason to know anyone, for love will in the end connect us to our neighbors, our children and our hearts." And, in the bible it is written that you must love your neighbor as you love yourself.

The love you have in your heart for yourself, for your parents, for your family is the place where your voice begins to take shape. Because of how love makes you feel, you are excited to move forward in extending that great feeling towards others. So, loving yourself is the first step in finding your voice in community service.

After you find love and begin to operate in love, you then can begin to find your voice.

I asked you in the beginning of my speech, “What are you doing for others?” Now, I am asking what do you want to do for others? What do you see wrong in the community that you want to change?

Dr. King said, "Find a voice in a whisper." What’s whispering to you? When you identify what’s whispering to you, you have found your voice.

Maybe bullying is whispering to you. Maybe the fact your friend’s only meals are the ones they eat in school is you whispering to you. Maybe seeing crime committed by other youth in your community is whispering to you.

Whatever it is...once you have found your voice through that whisper...the next thing you must do is speak on it.

Express your dislike for how someone is being mistreated, or share how you want to donate things to someone in need. Share how you feel about an issue happening within your community with your friends, family, teachers, pastor, community leaders. Let people hear how you feel.

After people hear how you feel, let them see how you feel...take action to make a change. Allow your actions to speak, so everyone also hears you...by what they see you doing.

You have to begin to walk your talk.

And, understand that no action is a small one. Every good thing done speaks volumes and creates an impact larger than you can imagine.

As Dr. King puts it likes this, "No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." He also said, "The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But...the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

What will happen if you don’t help your classmate? What will happen if you don’t help your friend? What will happen if you don’t help your school? What will happen if you don’t help your neighborhood? What will happen if you don’t help your community? What will happen if you don’t help your city? What will happen if you don’t help your state? What will happen if you don’t help your country? What will happen if you don’t help your world?

What would have happened if a man named Rev. Marcus Garvey Wood had not stepped in between Dr. King and a fellow seminarian who had pulled a gun on him?

Marcus Garvey Wood is my 90 year old grandfather. He was a fellow classmate of Dr. King’s at Crozier Seminary in Pennsylvania one of only 11 African Americans on the campus. Out of the 11, only two are still alive, my grandfather who still pastors in Baltimore and Rev. Whitaker in Virginia.

Dr. King was known by a few to be a prankster. However, a prank that was pulled on a white classmate named Hall, was not done by King. But, Hall assumed it was King, so he went looking for him in anger and when he found him, Hall pulled a pistle out on King.

Now remember this was 1948, at the peak of segregation and King was from down south, Georgia, a segregated state. So, even seminary was not a fair or safe place for all students. Anyway, my grandfather happened to hear the argument between King and Hall and stepped in between the two...talking Hall out of doing Dr. King harm. He, my grandfather, was the oldest student at the school and was already a pastor, so people tended to view him as being wise. Needless, to say, Hall not too soon after left seminary.

Now, my question again is what would have happened if my grandfather had not stepped in? What would’ve happened if he had run out of the room for safety? Maybe, just maybe I would not be standing here today talking about MLK. We will never know.

But, what we do know is that the actions of my grandfather that day spoke louder than his words. He stepped in to help someone else....forgetting the danger he was placing himself in. I want to read an excerpt from a book of reflections on Dr. King that my grandfather was invited to share some of his reflections to help illustrate my point.

We entered seminary together, at Crozier in Chester, Pennsylvania. There were only 11 of us black students at this white school. We had to make the adjustment, and that was very difficult for those from the Deep South. He had not been accustomed to sitting at the same table as whites, and this was an example of what he hoped America would come to. Everybody was under the spell of change, and when entered seminary he said, “We’re going to change this nation.” God led him to Montgomery. I told him not to go. I’m eight years older, and I told him he could get a better church in the North and he said, “That’s where I’m needed. I’m going South.” Then when I saw that little church (Dexter), I saw that God had a hand in it. God brought a Ph.D. to trouble waters and it’s been rippling ever since. (Rev. Marcus Garvey Wood)

As you can hear from that reflection on Dr. King by my grandfather and as we know from history told Dr. King found his voice at an early stage in his life. He found his voice, spoke on what he saw was wrong and then took action to change it. Day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year until he was sadly killed this is what he did.

Your voice alone will change some things. However, your voice accompanied by your actions can change the world.

Dr. King’s life is an awesome example of the impact that is made from speaking loudly through our actions. He said, "Not everybody could be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service."

He also said that, “Anytime is the right time to do right.”

Lets continue what he started and lets start today. 

Thank you.

Elmo actor Kevin Clash resigns amid sex allegation - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

This is such a sad story with so many loose pieces and questions. At the top of the list is the motivation of the first man to make the accusation. What happened to cause him to decide to accuse Clash of such behavior when he did? And, what caused him to recant the whole thing? Did he not realize that in making such an accusation that he would not just be affecting Clash and his family, but on a greater scale his words had/have the potential to impact the integrity & innocence to a child's toy as well as the long-standing children's brand - Sesame Street. In these situations, I always wonder what their end game is?

There is obviously more to this with now a new "accuser" coming forth. I just hope that its a sincere situation and not an attempt to get some quick cash.

Obviously, this is not over.

I continue to pray that the innocence of Elmo and the integrity of the Sesame Street brand can recover and move forward, so children can continue to enjoy a safe, fun and educational environment during their development years just as I did many moons ago.

My two-cents.

Elmo actor Kevin Clash resigns amid sex allegation - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

MWPR Provides Crisis POV on News 14 Charlotte

MWPR Provides Crisis POV on News 14 Charlotte

CHARLOTTE – Ten days after news broke of her extramarital affair with former CIA Director David Petraeus, Paula Broadwell has yet to speak on the issue.

The Broadwell family returned to their Charlotte home Sunday afternoon after laying low in Washington D.C.

Broadwell stepped out in front of a sea of reporters Monday. The first outing was with her husband Scott and two children. The second spotting she was on her own and led to a run in with one photographer who walked away with a bloodied forehead.

Broadwell sped off.

"The camera hit me in all the chaos,” said Nell Redmond, freelancing for the Associated Press. “The door opened, the camera got hit, then my head got hit.”

Redmond said she's ok and doesn't think Broadwell intentionally hit her.

Altercation or not, crisis management specialist Monica Wood says Broadwell needs to get out in front of this story.

She said while plenty of friends and neighbors have spoken on her behalf, it's time the public sees the confident figure portrayed in the interviews she conducted while promoting her book about Petraeus.

"She's been so forthcoming when it was time to promote her book, to talk about her accomplishments and all of that, it's time to hear from her from a place of humility, from a place of remorse,” said Wood. “Not necessarily to explain herself but just to speak from her side, her point of view.”

On Sunday night, the family said they planned on making some kind of statement "soon" but did not go into more specifics.

Calls to Broadwell's lawyer and public relations team, both in the D.C. area, have not been returned.

Why Should Paula Broadwell Speak?

The reason I believe it is important that Paula Broadwell finally speaks to the media is because her image is being shaped by her previous interactions with the media. While touring to promote her book, Paula never hid from cameras, she rather enjoyed the camera and spoke with confidents about her book, her professional relationship with Petraeus and the special access to important and private meetings and events she was granted.

Now that her "affair" has been exposed, she must once again come out and speak in order to shape a new image, one of remorse, humility, reflection, and forgiveness. It is great that she has supportive neighbors, family, and friends willing to talk for her, but it doesn't help her, as no one can speak for her better than she can. I get the shock phase that occurred last week when the story hit. And, it is human nature to want to retreat, lick wombs and not come out until the bad people (media) are all gone. However, that is not realistic. A week later the period of shock should have worn off or at least subsided, and now it is time for her fight to have this story not be the period on her life, but just the comma to what is still to come.

What should come next?

1. She should pause and take an assessment of why she acted as she did, what was her motivation?

2. She, with assistance from legal counsel, must begin to protect herself legally and determine a plan of attack concerning the investigation.

3. Personally, she should seek family counseling for her marriage and separate counseling for her kids.

Bottom-line, she must identify her new motivation and create a strategy to work it. She cannot come home and try to function as if all is normal, not until she formally speaks (a message shaped and sifted by counsel of course). Once she shares her side or says her piece, she can begin to live a new normal.

And, lastly, we must all be slow to judge and quick to give the same compassion we would desire if we were to ever make a mistake, any mistake. As I always say, "don't cast a stone, unless you are ready to duck."

My two-cents.

Wood Gives Professional POV on Petraeus, Broadwell, Kelly Ordeal on FOX Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Paula Broadwell's Dilworth home was still empty Wednesday as her alleged affair with now ex-CIA Director and retired four star General David Petraeus continues to unfold. Her neighbors have spoken on her behalf, saying "She is a very bright and accomplished woman." But Broadwell is hiding out in her brother's DC home. Interviews the author did months ago to promote the biography of Petraeus called "All In" are getting second looks. "For her right now, she needs to get in front of this. She needs to stop allowing her past interviews to be the voice of her present. She needs to now come out and speak on behalf of herself," says Monica Wood. Wood is the owner and lead strategist of MWPRInc, a Charlotte firm that specializes in crisis and brand reputation management. She managed Wesley Snipe's message before he went to prison for tax evasion. Wood says Broadwell needs to come home and face the music. "Not because we are demanding her to speak, but for herself. For her protection, for her brand integrity, she needs to speak," says Wood. Wood predicts Broadwell and Jill Kelley will get book deals, "Or a reality show. That's just the society we live in now. It's our reality." But making a buck off this scandal hinges on how it's handled now. Wood says, "Broadwell can't go victim." Broadwell's husband, a radiologist in Charlotte, was reportedly seen at a DC airport Wednesday, prompting speculation he may be returning home. Also, Broadwell has hired Washington attorney Robert Muse. He works for the same firm that repped Monica Lewinsky.

Lessons Learned

I haven't blogged in awhile. Mostly because I found myself sounding like a broken record 

concerning my response to the media coverage on athletes and others who keep  having   "hiccups" in their lives. 

But, I felt led to post today after I read a tweet from @JawnMurray. He tweeted, "U don't have to go thru what somebody else experienced to learn for yourself. Let others' mistakes teach U lessons! #IndustryTalk". In the past, I too have said something similar to this to crisis clients as well as to young people I speak to. You don't have to "have" all experiences in order to receive a lesson. I shared with a young girl one time, "I fell on the sword for you. Don't make the same mistake. Learn from mine and instead make new mistakes."  

If we all got this, including myself, I strongly believe there would not be as much sensational news on the personal/private lives of individuals. And, our youth and young adults would not fall victim to repeating our actions, as if its normal behavior.  I know I'm not saying anything new or profound. But, I believe if this point is made with as much frequency as the noise screamed by the negative, the mistakes, and the damaged it will overpower it.  

Our Student Athletes STILL Don't Get It!

The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative Commentary on UConn Athlete Jamal Coombs-McDaniel Arrest

Here was go AGAIN! Really?! Come on young people, especially those who obviously are participating and enjoying an active, productive and potentially prosperous future playing sports. I totally understand you wanting to have "normal" experiences with your friends. But, you need to be reminded that you are not normal, if your talents and skills have afforded you praise, popularity and public attention, you are not normal.

You cannot have it both ways. Which is more important to you?

And, as I always ask, where are the parents, coaches, and even the real "friends"? Who has these promising student athletes' backs?

In this day and age, with technology being what it is, if he hadn't been caught and arrested, someone could have easily been recording the "fun" experience either innocently or maliciously and you know where that could have led....posting on YouTube, local TV, a blog, etc.

I am pleading with student athletes to really take stock in where they are in life. Identify what is most important. Have a REAL "come to Jesus" on what they are currently doing that needs to stop or continue. And, determine what they might need to start doing differently. This process can begin with asking themselves the following starter questions:

1. Why do I play sports....enjoyment, natural ability, future fortune, parent push?
2. What role or impact will playing sports have in my future career and life goals and plans?
3. What do I need to do in order to ensure I continue to positively impact my right now and my tomorrow - if I want a career in sports?
4. Do I have people on my personal team that support and compliment or distract and compromise?
5. What's does MY playbook look like and what do I need to do to effectively execute it?

These are just starter questions. However, they will help get folks in the mind-set of really taking a moment to stop, stare, sift and strategize. Stop the ride and routine you've been on forever. Stare at your backstory on through to your present reality. Sift through what worked, what failed and why it succeeded or it didn't. Strategize what your future will look like based on your due diligence.

Until similar steps are taken I believe our student athletes will continue to make this unfortunate mistake.

The actual Huffington Post piece:

HARTFORD, Conn. – Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, a swingman on Connecticut's national championship basketball team, has been arrested on a marijuana possession charge.

Campus police say the sophomore from Dorchester, Mass. was arrested Thursday night along with two people at Merritt Hall, a campus dormitory.

"During the course of the investigation, officers found Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and two other individuals in possession of 5.6 grams of marijuana, a marijuana grinder and a package of cigars used to smoke marijuana," according to the police report.

Coombs-McDaniel was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on a $500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court on May 5.

He was one of 11 people arrested during the first night of Spring Weekend, an annual weekend of campus parties before final exams.

Coombs-McDaniel played in all 41 of UConn's games during its national championship season, and started twice. He averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds.

He is a favorite with the UConn student section, which breaks into a chorus of "Cooombs" when he scores.

"We are aware of the arrest of Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, but beyond that have no further comment at this time," said Kyle Muncy, a spokesman for the basketball program.

It was not immediately clear if Coombs-McDaniel had an attorney, and he did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Panthers cut WR Dwayne Jarrett after second drunken driving arrest - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

Okay, I am so sorry that Dwayne Jarrett was released today by the Panthers. The 23 year old looked to have a promising career....and, he still might. But, right now as I type he is unemployed. The question is, "should he be?" The answer is, "no, he should not be."

As I have stated in previous posts, although an athlete has talent and money, they still do not possess maturity, common sense or life experience. Their life since Pop Warner has been sports...period. And, their life after being drafted is sports. They have not had a chance to live, grow, make mistakes, process....all the basic things teenagers and young adults are able to do in the world. So, when they enter the ADULT world of sports, the expectation that is placed on them is unfair.

When their parents hand them over to their sports agents there should be an understanding that the sports agents don't just help brocker the best financial deal for them with the best team. The sports agent must now take on the responsibility of mentoring, monitoring and managing the off-the-field behavior of the athlete.

Sports agents need to mentor their clients; guide them through all things that come with taking on this adult responsibility called "Pro Athlete". Sports agents need to monitor their clients; make sure they are acting responsible and being a good steward over all they have. And, sports agents need to manage their clients. Now, the latter is done to a degree, but not completely. In managing your client you are bringing in the RIGHT people to help ensure the client's brand is not just secured, but enhanced and ever evolving. All of this helps the sports agent at the negotiating table walk away with more money.

But, what happens more than not is they see the athletes as a check...period. There is no concern or little concern of the athlete's well-being...no proactive action taken to ensure that, if nothing else, their check is safe and a constant, by putting in place the right elements to guarantee success.

So, today, I would like to ask the question, when will a portion of the blame for the missteps of these young athletes begin to be placed on the sports agents? When will they be held responsible for some of the drama that seems to be getting worse within professional athletes' off-the-field/court actions?

These KIDS need help. They do not need someone else in their pockets and being a "yes person". Rather, they need someone who will give them sound advice, direction, assistance and support.

Am I alone in this form of thinking or what?

Panthers cut WR Dwayne Jarrett after second drunken driving arrest - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

Reebok: No agreement was in place with Patriots LB Brandon Spikes

The Playbook Commentary:

Here we go again? Why do a sex tape EVER? When has sex tapes become the norm? Thank you Paris, Kim K, Ray J., etc. for helping create this new culture of sex tape equating to financial success and celebrity status. Because of this folks are not thinking clear. This is a society of instant success/fame/fortune.

What was Spikes' rationale for doing a sex tape pre-NFL or ever? If your plan was to be in the NFL why do anything that might hurt that? Take a page out of Vick, Roethlisberger, Burress' playbook of life and learn from them. Keep your focus on the field and not get distracted by off the field drama. Who encourages you or stands by allowing you to do such a thing?

Did your agent EVER sit you down and tell you what you should and should not do moving forward in your career? I am so tired of folks not being proactive in their approach with these players. Stop trying to clean up mess that could easily be avoided.

And, lets not make this Reebok's problem. They are not the story....it's Spikes problem along with the Patriots and NFL.

Come on man....you have a chance that many young men dream of having...and now it's stalled before it even gets started.

Now, you can recover from this hiccup. The question is, what's next?
___________________________________

Story in The Huddle by Sean Leahy:

Reebok spokesman Dan Sarro said Thursday that the company was never close to a contractual relationship with New England Patriots LB Brandon Spikes.

Spikes' agent, Terry Watson, told several outlets that news of a sex tape involving Spikes had prompted Reebok to pull out of a potential marketing relationship. Sarro said in an e-mail that the relationship never got that far:

"The media reports that Reebok has terminated an endorsement contract with Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes are completely false. Reebok never had a deal with Brandon. The story was reported without confirmation from Reebok, and as a result inaccurate information is now being reported as fact. We had discussions with Brandon earlier this summer, as we do with many NFL players, but no agreement has been reached and he is not currently under contract with Reebok."

Watson said this week that Spikes is embarrassed by the news of the sex tape, which he said occurred prior to the time the Patriots drafted him in the second round of April's draft.

-- Sean Leahy

When there is a hiccup in your life: Crisis 101

WHEN THERE IS A HICCUP IN YOUR LIFE: Personal Crisis 101

A hiccup (crisis) can come at any time, from anywhere and in any form. The goal when faced with a crisis is to minimize the overall damage. The best way to manage the situation, if it should ever arise, is to not hold your breath until it goes away, but rather:

REFLECT
Reflect, don’t react on what happened. Reflect on the role you played in it. Reflect on how others have reacted to both the situation and to you. Reflect on how you feel. Reflect on how/when/what your response should be.

Honesty, self-reflection push you forward. Lies, misplaced blame and denial push you back.

REMOVE
Remove negative thinking. Remove negative/dysfunctional people. Remove yourself from any and all things that could possibly cause you to repeat your mistake or a similar one in the future.

REPLACE
Replace your negative energy, space and inner circle with all things positive, productive and progressive. Don't dwell on the mistake. Take the lesson, walk over the mistake and move forward.

RENEW
Renew your mind by speaking life into your situation. Positive thoughts, lead to positive words which lead to positive actions. Don't define who you are by just the mistakes you made/make or what others will say about you. You are the total sum of all things reflecting you.

Bottom line: Understand what happened. Embrace what happened. Promote your learned lessons. And, remember that "...in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

We all have a purpose in life to fulfill. The good, bad and UGLY are part of fulfilling that purpose.

It is time to live more proactively in this reactive world. Walk out your destiny.

Almost 80 Percent of NFL Players Nearly Bankrupt, 60 Percent of NBA Ballers? Why?

The Playbook Commentary:
This piece speaks directly to why MWPR created The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative. The objective is to put a stop to this sad cycle of talented athletes living post-professional lives as bad off as they were before they inked their first professional deal.

Bishop Jakes stated in a sermon entitled, "Rags to Riches", that sometimes our gifts take us to places we are not properly equipped to handle. This is most realized in the world of professional sports. Young-gifted student athletes are dropped into the adult world of professional sports because of their talent way before they are mentally prepared to handle the responsibilities that come along with the opportunity. And, no one is taking the time to educate them through the process because everyone is out for what they can gain immediately from the opportunity. There is no long-term thinking, just right now gratification. When will this ugly cycle end?

As I have said before student-athletes are being pimped (by parents, friends, coaches, schools, agents, advertisers, media, professional organizations, etc.), not nurtured. And, we as a society need to become better stewards over the our future leaders, influencers, heads of households, decision-makers, etc. or we are in for a scary new reality. The cycle must be broken.

Almost 80 Percent of NFL Players Nearly Bankrupt, 60 Percent of NBA Ballers? Why?
Source: RO/rollingout.com

The fact that most professional athletes from the three major sports become completely broke and deep in debt after retirement continues to confound the public and sports pundits alike.

It's not like today's players aren’t aware of the many horror stories of players of yesteryear who, because of their lack of job skills, injuries and bad financial dealings, become nearly destitute. Yet, nearly 80 percent of players in the National Football League are hovering near or are in bankruptcy just two years after retiring from the game. And in the NBA, 60 percent of its players are broke within five years of retirement.

Sports Illustrated contributes the financial decline to several key factors: ignorance of business, which leads to faulty investments; conspicuous consumption during their playing days that continues after their playing days are over; divorces, which forces them to pay out exorbitant child support and alimony payments while no longer making the same money; and poor financial planning — or better yet, no financial planning — which prevents them from instituting some reasonable budgetary constraints on themselves and their inner circle, particularly their spouses.

Here are some of the most notable cases of financial blunders in recent years:

Latrell "I can't Feed My Family" Sprewell: NBA fans will never, ever forget how a washed-up, past his prime Latrell Sprewell turned his nose up at a $21 million contract because he said it was hardly enough money to "feed [his] family.” It would’ve come in handy today, because of all of the $96 million Sprewell made during his career, he has none of it left. He also lost his $1.5 million dollar Italian yacht, named "Milwaukee’s Best," in 2007. His $5.4 million house went into foreclosure in May 2008.

Scottie Pippen: Former Chicago Bulls star and Michael Jordan's famous on-court partner, Scottie Pippen lost $120 million in career earnings due to poor financial planning and bad business ideas. Arguably the greatest and most-well known sidekick in NBA history blew $27 million on bad investments and spent $4.3 million on a Gulfstream II corporate jet. He does have six NBA title rings though.

Evander Holyfield: This heavyweight could be sued for false advertising. That's because the four-time boxing champ, known as "The Real Deal,” apparently never knew how to actually make a deal. He reportedly made over $250 million in cash during his boxing career, yet he’s flat broke--and missing a chunk of his ear. Usually, buying a home is one of the smartest investments. But Holyfield bought a $20 million house with over 54,000 square feet and 109 rooms. The house has 11 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, a movie theater, a bowling alley and an Olympic-size swimming pool. And let's not even mention all those child support payments.

Mike Tyson: Despite his career catastrophes, “Iron Mike” remains an immensely popular personality. At his apex, Tyson had $400 million. He dropped half a million dollars on a 420-horsepower Bentley Continental SC with lamb’s wool rugs, a phone and a removable glass roof. It’s one of only 73 Bentley Continental SCs ever built. He spent over $4.5 million on cars alone. Throw in a $2 million bathtub and $140,000 for two Bengal tigers and you can see why Tyson’s fortune is down for the count. –terry shropshire

Stern suspends Arenas indefinitely

NBA Commissioner David Stern on Wednesday suspended Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas indefinitely, calling the three-time all-star "not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game." Arenas admitted to bringing four unloaded guns to Verizon Center, which violates D.C. gun laws and league rules that prohibit weapons in NBA facilities.

In a scathing statement, Stern condemned Arenas's behavior after it was revealed that he got into a dispute with teammate Javaris Crittenton involving guns.

"The possession of firearms by an NBA player in an NBA arena is a matter of the utmost concern to us. I initially thought it prudent to refrain from taking immediate action because of the pendency of a criminal investigation involving the office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and the Metropolitan Police Department, and the consideration of this matter by a grand jury sitting in the District of Columbia. For the same reason, I directed the Wizards to refrain from taking any action. Wizards personnel continue to be interviewed by law enforcement authorities, some are scheduled for appearance before the grand jury and the investigation is proceeding with the intensity that one would expect for such a serious incident."

"Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game. Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA."

The Wizards supported the decision in a statement in which the team criticized Arenas's behavior and that of his teammates before playing the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. As the team prepared for the game, the players circled Arenas, who formed his fingers into pretend guns and acted as if he were shooting his teammates. His teammates laughed.

"We fully endorse the decision of the NBA to indefinitely suspend Gilbert Arenas. Strictly legal issues aside, Gilbert's recent behavior and statements, including his actions and statements last night in Philadelphia, are unacceptable," the statement read. "Some of our other players appeared to find Gilbert's behavior in Philadelphia amusing. This is also unacceptable. Under Abe Pollin's leadership, our organization never tolerated such behavior, and we have no intention of ever doing so."

Source: The Washington Post By Michael Lee January 6, 2010; 4:45 PM ET

The Playbook Commentary: The State of Professional Athletes

It has been a minute since I posted The Playbook Commentary. I don't know if it's because the PR biz has had me busy, as much as it seems like the state of pro athletes and sports in general has been non-stop crazy....too much to talk about.

But, with the recent incident with Gilbert Arenas, I HAD to come back on the scene and say something.

I read somewhere the comment that Arenas has "shot himself in the foot". And, I have to agree. It is amazing that after being in the NBA for as long as he has now, Arenas has not heeded the warnings offered up by the unfortunate incidents experienced and lessons learned from his fellow colleagues in the NBA and professional sports all together.

Come on man, guns in the locker room? Yes, you are a target, so to speak. And, I can understand you feeling like you have to protect yourself from the crazies out there who will try you. But, that's why you pay the big bucks to get personal bodyguards and should depend on the NBA team security to watch your back. However, IF you still believe you need to protect yourself....you DON'T pull the weapon out on a fellow colleague in the locker room. Come on.

As my pastor in Baltimore has said over the years, "Commonsense is not common to everyone." CLEARLY!

Although, I place some ownership of blame on Arenas and other players for the actions they take, I really place blame on the organizations they represent. If they would take their attention off of milking these players for the immediate monetary gain, they would be able to see that a serious issue exists that needs to be addressed now, before this small hole becomes a bottomless pit. Think strategically. Think proactively. Think productively....today. And, tomorrow will take care of itself.

We continue to live in a reactionary state. No one plans for tomorrow, they just allow tomorrow to control their next move.....not good. As owner of a PR firm that specializes in crisis/reputation management, I have been very busy as of late. Not a good thing for the clients, but I can't complain as the recipient. The first thing I have shared with each client and in each situation is its time out for reactionary living and time for proactive living.

What are your long-term goals? How do you plan on achieving them? What will you do today to start? If you are focused on your long-term goals, you will find it hard to get into short-term trouble. I say that because you will take a second pause before you make a move that is more reactionary in nature than proactive and productive.

But, because life does happen and we are all human, when or if you should ever find yourself in a "crisis" two things can save you. First, your previous proactive actions will serve as your brand foundation; it will cushion the negative blow. Let me give you an example. I use to work for an international PR firm as AGS on the world's most recognized consumer brand. This brand was big on "giving back". They were in the communities in which they did business. And, because of the sincere relationships established, they built brand loyalty. So, if and when, because life does happen, a bad thing would occur, it never turned into a major blow for them. The community never turned their back on them. Why? Because the foundation had been formed.

That is being PROactive in a reactionary world. They have always focused on their long-term goals, "giving back"; making a positive impact; affording opportunities; building their business; generating revenue; etc. So, even when short-term trouble comes up, it doesn't break their brand...just slightly and temporarily tarnishes it.

Can we say the same for folks like Arenas, Tiger and others? First, their brand foundation is not solid. Then on top of it, their arrogance, ignorance and poor advisory causes their reaction to be inadequate, ineffective and even damaging.

I am all about "doing you". It is your life, lead it the way you so choose. However, to be clear, when you are a professional athlete, your five senses, discerning spirit, inner circle and bottomline COMMON sense all need to be sharper than the regular person.

It's time to teach the next generation of "aspiring" professional athletes that you cannot have it both ways....have all the glory, attention and fame of a celebrity but, still believ you can and should be able to act like Joe Blow common man whose business will be less likely to make the morning news. That is not reality.

There is a responsibility that comes with your opportunity.

The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative continues to bring productive, positive, purpose-driven, proactive solutions to the real-life needs that occur in the natural life-cycle of an athlete..."a positive personal life = professional success".

We officially introduced it in 2009 at retired NFL Player Keion Carpenter and Pro Bowler Antonio Freeman's C4C Football Camp in Maryland. 2010 we are taking it to the next level....it is time.

Stay tuned for The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative Blog, Curriculum and Schedule.

It's time for PROactive living in 2010!

Vick Gets Second Chance

Michael Vick gets a second chance with the Philadelphia Eagles. AWESOME!

Ths is an opportunity for Vick to quiet the nasty, ugly, negative and mean-spirited, oh, and yes HYPOCRITICAL folks who continue to place the entire game of dog-fighting on one man's shoulders. Folks say they haven't seen a change yet. Well, I would love to know how Vick can go about "showing" folks that he has changed, if he is not given the opportunities to do the things he needs to do in order for change to happen and be evident.

Playing football affords him the opportunity to work and provide for his family. Touring with the Humane Society helps to share his story about why it was wrong to participate in dog-fighting and to get others to literally learn from his mistake.

You have players and regular people who have killed PEOPLE, abused PEOPLE, cheated on PEOPLE and they have been allowed to get a "second chance". WHY NOT VICK?

Please people of the critical and hypocritical world...please share why Vick should not be given a second chance. And, give me real points and not emotional rhetoric. It's tired and not productive.
I don't want to make assumptions as to why folks HATE Vick so much. So, again, give me some real points. I love dogs too. So, let that point rest. Talk to me about who and why a person should or should not be given a "second chance" to make right of their wrongs and become a better citizen. How do we go about determining who gets tarred and feathered and who does not?

A quote from a long-time friend, colleague of Vick's and MWPR Client Retired NFL Safety Keion Carpenter says, "I think its a great situation for Mike being with a good organization and a great quarterback in McNabb. He can teach Mike so much on and of the field. There's no pressure on him to come in and play, Mike can rather work on getting back in the mix of just playing. Philly fans are getting not only a great player but an even better person. GO EAGLES!"

The Playbook Commentary on the tragic death of NFL QB Steve McNair

Words cannot express the complete shock, saddness and total sickening feeling I have concerning the tragic death of Steve McNair. I learned about it Saturday afternoon heading to a 4th cookout and I screamed, "No, no, no!"

No, not another death. I was and still trying to embrace the reality that Michael Jackson is dead.

No, why did such a great player and person have to die so tragically and so young?

No, not another black-eye to the NFL brand.

The life and legacy of McNair's on the field and off-the-field accomplishments should be illuminated, not the details surrounding his death. And, he has many. He truly put into practice that when much is given, much is required. He was given a chance to not just play football, but to give his mother her flowers while she was alive to enjoy. He was able to influence the lives of those from his hometown and every place his feet touched and all are better because of it.

He was able to accomplish much professional success in Houston, Tennessee and my hometown Baltimore. He was the picture of hard work, perserverance and determination. He fought through pain when many athletes choose to sit out for a bruise. He was a true titan.

As Eddie George said in a recent press conference, everyone makes mistakes. And, that is what I continue to say in my Playbook Commentaries. My personal saying is, "don't cast a stone that you are not ready to receive back."

We must be slow to judge and quick to understand.

My only remark concerning how he died will be that we all, players and non, must realize that all actions bring consequences...it is up to us to determine if the consequences will be good or bad.

Steve, thank you for what you brought to the game of football...it will never be forgotten and it can never be repeated.

God bless your family.

The Playbook Case Study: Derrick Rose allegations expose a flawed system -- chicagotribune.com

The Playbook Commentary:

No words. And, it's not that I am speechless because of the allegation, I am speechless that there haven't been more made public. It's a sad commentary on where society's priorities have come down to as well as what we are teaching the next generation of athletes and future leaders. It has not been proven one way or the other if Rose did or did not take the SATs. But, the fact that the question has been raised is enough to make one hang their head in disappointment. AND, twhat is the saddest thing is that he doesn't even realize that what was allegedly done "for his benefit" was actually anything but. He is being pimped for his athletic potential. Period.

But, again I ask..."What is your Plan B?" What happens, if God forbid, you have an injury that ends your career before it even gets started? Who is worrying about that in your circle? We need to stop looking at promising athletes as cash cows. It is not fair to them or to anyone. All good things come to an end. The question is what will their (promising athletes) end look like? Only the athlete has the real answer. I urge the athlete to ake back your power.

I truly pray that this all turns out to be something about nothing....but, as they say, where there is smoke there is normally a fire. So frustrating.

Derrick Rose allegations expose a flawed system -- chicagotribune.com

The Playbook Case Study:Miami Dolphins player arrested in Freightliner truck incident - CNN.com

The Playbook Commentary:

It has been a minute since I have had a commentary on any player's misconduct. Truthfully, its because I felt like I was sounding like a broken record. And, then there was "seemingly" a lull in the missteps.

Now, I will say that on FB and Twitter, I have given my two cents on the hypocritical comments folks have made concerning Vick since he has been released. Net/net on that is...how dare anyone say that he doesn't deserve forgiveness or deserve to play football again. "Don't cast a stone, if you are not ready to receive one back." He made a horrendous mistake...poor judgement and paid for it, royally. To say he is not forgiven is to say his life might as well be over. And, what does that say about rehibilitation? What does that say to ANYONE who has made a mistake in life? Give, what you want to get.

Now, to this story...Randy Starks is an idiot. Period. There are mistakes and then there are mistakes. I want to say that this was common sense. But, as my pastor often says, "common sense is not common to everyone." OBVIOUSLY!

You load up a truck with 10 folks more than it is built for; drive with someone ON your lap; and, apparently, you drive it without legal tags. What is that about? Where is his agent? Who has his back? I know, all the things I have been saying all along. But, it is true. At least your "friends" should have your best interests at heart; even if it's for selfish reasons, like enjoying the constant hook up and benefits of being a part of the "lifestyle". Well, if you go along with the crazy ride and your boy gets in stupid trouble....your "lifestlye" is instantly over.

Come on people. Work with me. We all make mistakes...Lord knows I have, but when do we stop making the out this world ones?

Ask yourself the million dollar question, "Was it worth it?"

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Miami Dolphins defensive end Randy Starks was arrested early Sunday after police said he struck an officer with a slow-moving Freightliner truck, according to a police report.

Starks, 25, faces a charge of aggravated battery, according to the report.The arrest took place about 12:20 a.m. in Miami's South Beach area. Officers said they saw the Freightliner truck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on South Beach's Ocean Drive with some 13 people inside, including a woman sitting on the lap of Starks, who was driving.

The truck's seating capacity is four occupants, the police report said. It was not clear from the police report whether the Freightliner -- normally part of a tractor-trailer -- was connected to a trailer.

In the report, the officer recalled pursuing the truck on foot for about a half-block and pounding on the rear driver's-side window, but it kept moving. The officer caught up to the truck again, and it stopped after the officer pounded on the window again, the report said.

"I slowly approached the side door and just as I reached it the vehicle accelerated and started moving forward and slightly to the left," the unidentified officer writes in the report. "The vehicle's path caused the driver's side of the vehicle to strike me in the chest pushing me back and pinning me against a vehicle stopped in traffic in the northbound lane."

Meanwhile, a second officer was pounding on the passenger's-side window, the report said. The truck stopped and Starks was arrested.

A police check showed that the truck's license plate was not assigned to that vehicle, the report said, and Starks faces a charge for that as well.

Starks was released from jail later Sunday, according to a records check. The Miami Herald newspaper reported earlier he was jailed on $10,000 bond.

Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene told CNN the club was "only recently made aware of the situation. Since we are in the process of gathering information we have no comment."

Starks is in his sixth NFL season and his second with the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins player arrested in Freightliner truck incident - CNN.com

The Playbook Case Study: NFL receiver Stallworth charged with DUI manslaughter - CNN.com

(CNN) -- Authorities charged Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth with DUI manslaughter related to a fatal car accident last month, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade County state attorney's office said Wednesday.

Ed Griffith said authorities allege Stallworth, 28, was driving under the influence last month in Miami, Florida, when he was involved in a traffic accident that killed a pedestrian.

NFL receiver Stallworth charged with DUI manslaughter - CNN.com

The Playbook Commentary on: Who needs 'em? Plax, Vick, T.O. & Harrison offer more questions than answers by Gary Myers, Daily News

The Playbook Commentary:

Everyone deserves another chance. We all make mistakes. Now, the question is, do we all learn from our mistakes? I am looking for a testimony from each of them. Take what you learned from your respective experience and make a positive impact to your respective circles of influence and community at large.

However, right now, the jury is still out on Plax, Vick, T.O. & Harrison. Until we see how they handle their "next" opportunity, we cannot say anything for or against any of them. All we can say now is they are all gifted athletes with playing life left in them. I pray each of them have finally had their "ah ha" moment and realized that this thing called life is serious and they either need to step it up or step aside to make room for someone who would truly value the blessing of playing pro sports, making a lot of money and having influence. But, I must admit, I am excited to see who gets it and does amazing things with their "next" opportunity.

To read full piece from Gary Myers, Daily News go to link
Who needs 'em? Plax, Vick, T.O. & Harrison offer more questions than answers

PB Commentary: Dallas Cowboys officially end Terrell Owns' tenure in Dallas - ESPN

Not a Cowboys fan at all. Die-hard Redskins fan. "Hail to the Redskins. Hail Victory!" Win or lose. But, today, Dallas made me proud when they let TO go. I am less of a TO fan than I am a Cowboy fan. Why, you ask? Because he never allowed his game to speak for him...and, game he definitely has. He is a future Hall of Famer based on his on-the-field performances. But, off-the-field? He is what aspiring athletes should not become, caught up in his own hype. He tries to be the Jordan of football, but what he fails to realize is that MJ was a team player and allowed all teammates to have their time to perform. TO cried everytime he didn't get the ball. And, showed his emotions way too much. This is another page out of The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative (character and sportsmanship). He lacked it. And, although he has game Jerry Jones did not want the headache. Now the question is who WILL take the good (skills) and the bad (ego) combo which is Terrell Owens? Only time will tell. I hope he is doing some self-reflection. Because he is the common demoninator in all his less than happy team depatures.


Dallas Cowboys officially end Terrell Owns' tenure in Dallas - ESPN