Mr. Mullins, What Happened?

As of November 5, 2013, stories about concussion syndromes centers on football. A few months ago, a doctor named Mike Lewis talked about concussions in other sports like soccer in high schools and in basketball like WNBA (Jamie Carey) on a Atlanta radio station. Which brought me to the next question, what about in the NBA? Likewise, what about history of players who suffered them and how are they doing? You hear about it in the NFL or college football but nothing in NBA or college basketball. Which brought me to this thought about a former NBA player, and college coach, Jeff Mullins.

In 2009

I attended UNC-Charlotte from 1993-1996, and graduated with a history degree. But It spent most of the time in the library look at old Sports Illustrated, Time and Life magazines as well a microfilm of the Charlotte Observer. It helped with my history degree at certain times. but for one year, I was an education major till I switched. During that time, I watched  UNCC basketball, baseball, volleyball, and soccer but basketball is the main. I use to drive or go on buses to watch them play at Independence Arena (Bojangles Coliseum) before Dale Halton Arena was built.

Jeff Mullins was the basketball coach and he was revered by the faculty as well as the business community. He could do no wrong. But among UNC-Charlotte student body, they didn't seem to share that sentiment. I would meet them in cafeterias and other student hangouts. I didn't converse with them but I would listen to cues and vibes. They kept bringing up the idea of needing another coach like a Bobby Knight.

For the three years I was there, students and hard-core grumbled over Mullins inconsistency of beating Louisville who weren't the 80's but top contenders. Yet, losing to teams that they had no business losing to like College of Charleston, South Florida, or Tulane at home despite winning the regular season Metro Conference title. Though, his last year was understandable because they moved into a new conference Great Midwest (Conference USA) with better teams but losing to Davidson at home was the last straw. His overall, his career was just over .500 if you discount the three years they went to the NCAA tournament in '88, '92, and '95.

Coaching Jarvis Lang

His supporters have mentioned that he had to compete with the ACC conference to get players. UNC-Charlotte didn't have the players, equipment, and facilities to compete with other good programs. Mullins previous coach, Hal Wissel said that he recruited Byron Dinkins to come to UNC-Charlotte not Mullins. Likewise, his good players like Dinkins, Jarvis Lang, and Henry Williams would have good sophomore, junior years but not so good senior years. Because they would get beat up and nobody cared. But the UNCC athletics turned the corner with the construction of Dale Halton Area which was supposed to be finished in 1995 but finished in 1996 after Mullins retired.

Students got angry with Athletic department for using their tuition to build the Halton Arena when they weren't going to benefit (I have to pay for my Arena parking) but for Mullins they weren't quite sure. Students thought of him as a nice man who didn't need winning to feel worthy. Some liked it others hated it. But most were working students concentrating on school to care. Whatever it was, I don't think the athletic program would be where its at without Jeff Mullins. But to the students pro,con, or apathetic at that time, Mullins didn't seem to be the guy that would reach out to them.

I, not being like other students, looked him up through microfilms spanning 1962-1977 as well other SI, Time, and Life magazine issues from that time. What I found is that he was from New York not the south. He moved to Lexington when Mullins father's company IBM transferred him from Queens. He had no idea of the passion for Kentucky basketball and Adolph Rupp so he went to Duke. He was All-American with fellow teammate Art Heyman in 1963 but Art was thought to be a better player than Mullins due to his size, skills, and brains tdespite Mullins being academic All-American, 3 times.

From his Duke days

Vic Bubbas, coach of Duke talked about his great character on and off the court. His assistant, Bucky Walters talked about him being a team player despite playing behind Heyman and that he could go to any school he wanted to be a star but chose Duke for its academics and athletics.  Likewise, he helped his teammates off the court. It was true with other coaches in the NBA with Bill Sharman and Al Attles about him putting winning first before himself. This is despite him winning the Olympics in 1964 and a NBA title in 1975 which no Duke grad has done before or since. Likewise, he played 13 seasons in the NBA, averaged 16.2 points, 13, 000 total points and a 3 time all-Star ('69, '70,
and '71).

A dunk on NYU in '64.

But after his retirement, he was an assistant Athletic Director at Duke for only one year. He did ACC color commentary for TV basketball games and headed a car-dealer ship before being named coach and athletic director at UNC-Charlotte in 1985. My curiosity aroused when broadcaster, Dick Vitale around 1994, brought up the fact that Jeff Mullins number 44  for Duke wasn't retired. This was about the time when Bob Hurley's number was about to be retired and Christian Laettner's had just retired, the year before.  Now, for what Mullins had done for Duke, his NBA career, and outside life, I just couldn't figure this out. Every time, Duke played and Vitale was broadcasting, he would bring Mullins name up till his number got retired.

On Chicago's Jerry Sloan and Thurmond in '75.

Off  Nate Thurmond pick on New York's
Walt Bellamy in '67 or '68.

Well, I was watching the 1975 NBA playoffs between the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls. I believe it was game 4, he was driving to the basket for a layup off a give and go pass from Rick Barry. I just remember when he finished the layup, he took an elbow to the back of his head. Imagine, how many times he took those shots from a  Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Zelmo Beatty, Tom Boerwinkle, Dennis Awtrey, Elvin Hayes, Jerry Lucas, Sam Lacey, Dave Cowens, Wes Unseld, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wayne Embry, Willis Reed, Walt Bellamy, countless others, or an accidental one from his own teammate Nate Thurmond.  And those guys were forwards and centers what about guards like Jerry Sloan, Norm Van Lier, the Van Arsdales, Walt Hazzard, Jerry West, Walt Frazier, Lenny Wilkens, Jo Jo White, and countless others who could have thrown elbows on the move or make incidental contact? Role players, enforcers, or goons? Not to mention from his own teammates in practice and training camp.

Cover on SI with coach Richie Guerin

In his first two years with the St. Louis Hawks (now Atlanta),

Hawks coach, Richie Guerin thought he was too skinny to play in his slow patterned offense, couldn't take the punishment, and wasn't a good ball-handler. His nickname was Pork Chops. They traded him to the San Francisco Warriors (Golden State in 1971). There coach Bill Sharman put him in a uptempo offense which brought out his talents and abilities and neutralized his size limitations. He got his revenge by eliminating the same Hawks in the 1968 playoff  in 6 games without Rick Barry (he jumped to the ABA, Mullins 27 pts average in that series and hit a game winner in Game 4). But Sharman left for the ABA and his last coaches were George Lee and Al Attles.  They kept the fast tempo but with Nate Thurmond getting older and an older Rick Barry coming back in 1972, they started to go more half-court. This resulted in more picks, screens, and rolls as well as those elbows from those back picks. Attles used him as a messenger to set an example in practice and in games of playing hard and dutiful.

I don't know if they resulted in his concussions or if he has a concussion to speak of ? But when I saw him coach, he looked like he aged beyond his years but that could be hereditary but something didn't look right for a guy who was 50 years old in 1992. I know he had hip replacements as well as knees and lungs that slowed him down but my concern was his head. Likewise, he was an athletic director as well as coach for awhile till Judy Rose took over. However, the inner fire simmered. He would have his outbursts to refs and players. But the leadership wasn't there on the court at all times. I did see a change in Mr. Mullins as a coach that I didn't hear about as a player. I just don't believe he made that change consciously unlike what the student body said?

Hiding Behind Your Spouses

Herman Cain.  Something bothers me about guys like him not of his views. I admire his honesty like I do with Pat Buchanan. I just don't like those wives. Not to player hate them or be envious. But they seem to fit that profile of that nice, classy wife that a man can hide behind. For that matter, Michele Bachmann too and that hubby of hers. What bothers me about them is that when the heat is on, they seem to retreat to their spouses slash mom or dad. Richard Nixon comes to mind.

Gerald Ford, JFK, Madison, FDR, Lincoln, Clinton, and our President, Barack Obama. They have strong wives with personality. I always got the impression that these dudes had to earn their wives respect. No coddling from them. That includes you, Jerry Sloan.  Yet, these loudmouths take the Pat Buchanan approach and back down the during the preliminaries. Once you made your statements, you can't go back to your spouse and hide. Or can you?

It just doesn't seem American to have a quiet, standby spouse. I guess that is why you  make those statements and get away with it until the pressure you inflict on yourself gets you to back down. You can get away with it in other professions but no way in National politics.  You are facing the intensity of media scrutiny (hide-behind spouse?) and you mouth off? Ronald Regan  at least kept his mouth shut as well as George Bush and W too.

Those guys may have believed the same thing as Herman, Pat, and Michelle but they knew with the type of "wive" they are married to and couldn't do it. They always say for every strong man, there is a strong woman but in this case for every strong woman, you need a strong man and vice-versa.

Cheating in the Schools

Me, personally, I don't see nothing wrong with this scandal concerning the teachers who are involved. You got to pass them kids. Now, you can go spiritual and all that is true. I'm proof of that but what about help to the teachers and the administrators of their schools? There isn't none. Its one against 50 students per a classroom. That is assuming they have no learning disabilities or other behavioral issues. Still rough. But the reality of it, many of these kids slip through the cracks. Embarassing, yes. But I'm sure a radio station will hire these former teachers to rig the arbitron or armitron, bringing money to the station. Yippee!

I have never stolen a talk show format from another station or rigged money from a sales manager? Nah? Who cares about productivity when its all about winning. The Raiders motto, if you ain't cheatin, you ain't tryin." I really don't care for morality. You can blame children, parents, or the teachers. I don't blame any of them. Its not about serving your community and the community serving you. The attitude is survival and winning.

Actually, its about whether you are married with kids and a job. Taxes penalize a person for being single. I would say most kids grow up to be successful at that. Most marriages don't last past 10 years regardless of profession and income. Alcoholism and drug abuse crosses all lines with absolute destruction and force. You can be smart but a disease will always outsmart you.  Another thing, cheating goes on in private schools as well. The parents and alumni put money in the schools for their children. In return, a nice legacy for future generations.

In short, every person for themselves.  Kids are encouraged to educate for themselves or their family but are they encouraged to educate for the community when they are told how brutal "the world" is? As for the folks involved, I may not like it but I understand so should the community including our media because they are all in it for themselves. Sweeps, anyone?

Statue of Liberty Devils

That was my thought at this speed dating game. Didn't involve any of the participants.  Just the mood and vibe that I interpreted:  Women who are trouble but loyal.  Those are types you want to send when its time to stop Mr. Muburak. They got a plan to put you in your place. You know what, I love it. Pure American honesty at its finest in this dating scene. Certainly snapped me out a shell better than a rod or the hand.  American women or the Statue of Liberty Devils?

Yeah, they may go into your finances, character, and your psyche.  What is it that parents, coaches, teachers, and minister warned you about is that girl is "trouble" or too strong for you.  Can they drink under you? sure. Possibly be a home-wrecker? Oh, yeah!  Finally, lead men to the institution of many. You, better you bet.  But when it comes to  "war in terror", who do you want as lead Marc Wilson or Jim McMahon? I thought of that when a pious, American woman mentioned about events in Egypt when she looked at me. Another, who talked about the two young children killed in Gwinnett in a break-in (Check you in-laws before the outlaws)? Omg, Omg. I don't trust them when push comes to shove. Too, neurotic. I may end up getting shot.

In this dating scene, you don't have to worry about if I had children, she had children or about their race or culture. Even then, harshest ones. But then, they aren't married. LOL.  Finding the right one? Throw me those Liberty Devils. They are honest when things get uptight. But eventually, some do find the right and change and forget about their "devil days."  Remember, though, its Red, White, and Blue not Blue, White, and Red. Happy Valentines to you!

You are in America, Talk Spanish Review

During the Robin Williams rage with his comedy album Live at the Met, I remember my English teacher raving about him. He was on Donahue and every other morning show including Geraldo. Even this Indian group from Ohio was raving about him. They came down to Atlanta to go to Florida or Jamaica with us around 1986 or 1987. Before we left, we went to a mall to buy cassettes and books. I bought the Robin Williams tape but another tape caught my eye. It was the Paul Rodriguez album You are in America now, talk Spanish. Wasn't sure to buy it but I did. A couple from the Ohio group laughed and thought I made a bad decision. They loved Robin Williams and asked if they could listen to it.

That left a choice of the Rodriguez album which I didn't think so highly but remembering a comment by my English teacher: "don't judge a book by its cover." 24 years later, its still my favorite album. Delirious by Eddie Murphy is probably the funniest album in terms of laughs but in terms of relevant social contents, this album grabs me by the balls. My first impression was that it was going to be a PBS style or PG style where he would talk about his Latino background to white folks sort of like George Lopez, a sterilized presentation like Toastmasters, trying to using negativity as a concealed weapon to move forward. Is that the idea? Act suburban?

Rodriguez was very proud of his culture even the negative ones which seem to inspire him. He talked about Mexican-American stereotypes concerning spray painting, stealing, jumper cables, and gangs without shame and with pride. Yet, he was able to satellite his Latin point of view and cover various subjects without losing his passion for each subject. My favorite was the Gilligan's Island comparison to his short-lived show Pablo. He admitted that his show was dumb but that Gilligan's Island was dumb too. "You got a professor that could make a radio out of coconut but can't get their ass off the island. Gee, I don't know?" " Why didn't the Skipper and Gilligan didn't go after Mary Ann." This where he brings the sexual power of Latinos and what they would have done if they were in that island. I can see Ginger and Mary Ann but Mrs. Howell? That's Paul or Pablo.

He will talk about negative stereotypes from other groups but will coincide with his own. Black, Asians, Jews, Whites, Jehovah Witnesses, and other Latino groups. However, he will make statements about the Middle East with no apologies to the French. or the Spanish. Very classic. Muammar Quaddafi passing for Hispanic? Bring on Hispanic gang members from East L.A. to take on terrorism? Comparing sodomy to Earl Scheib's body shop deals? Using a weed-eater for a Punk-Rock hairdo and charging extra for a gash? Burnout on the fame of Michael Jackson. Ridiculous airline safety rules and racial profiling in airlines before 9-11. Finally, him and cousins wanting to slap Boy George then waking up with women who look like Bo Didley when he thought it was Bo Derek?

My favorite segment was the Juan Valdez commercial about making coffee just about made me laugh with hysterics. "Every morning, Juan Valdez gets up early in the morning only to find the freshest God damn beans." And he takes his burro, Ramon, with him." Great line but the content and irony is when he talks about Juan Valdez planting coffee but his neighbors aren't. "But Juan wants to do it the legitimate way." Other great lines but these are just a few that you could make a skit from this album. "You look like Hitler's wet dream" when he told this white couple on stage.

After listening, I tried to convince my Ohio associates to listen to it. They never gave it a chance. I was self-conscious about telling my Indian friends in Atlanta about till I mentioned about the Gilligan's Island diatribe. That got them interested. Soon, every time I came by, they wanted to hear that album and one guy had "Delirious" in his house but he put that aside because of these lines. "You need 40 people to fight with you. Yes! Yes we do and you know what, I get beat up real seldom." Likewise, the Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson song "For All the Girls that I Loved Before" and all the diseases that I'm responsible for" brought repetitive laughs. Likewise, his put down of Willie's love life by saying "you mean all the farm animals and equipment."

Or, how he helped then struggling actor, Don Johnson, get that rolled up sleeves look from Miami Vice " due to his teaching of how to eat tacos and enchiladas at his mom's place. Another one was how he use to masturbate to Elly May from the Beverly Hillbillies till Jethro popped in the screen and scared him by using the Deliverance line "I'm going to make you squeal, boy." Tweet, tweet." The final part about women being psychic when men try to hit on them at clubs. Yes, it crushed me when women said no to me and I played it as I asked the time.

He show started and ended real strong by discussing racial tension of finding groups that you felt were inferior to you. Paul mentioned about his complex of his genitalia being inferior to blacks but to the Japanese, "watch out, Mr. Teriyaki." Or having big penis causes unemployment compared to the smaller ones. On a serious note, he joked that Vietnamese should do the hard labor that Mexicans use to do and they will lay off your pets? Point made about being in the middle of Anglo stereotypes where they seem to be at the top. "What gives them the right to cut the fucking lane, with their baby on board stickers and other messages." The Winnebago one with the old couple complaining about 47 Mexicans in a car in front of them and the 47 Mexicans complaining about 2 people in Winnebago. "What a waste of space."

I believe his comedy was inspired due to cancellation of his show on ABC from 1984 called Pablo. Very brief . He took shots at the entertainment business of being hypocritical without wanting to be accused of bias. He didn't care about who owned the business (he made light jokes about Jews and Hollywood with edit) but when they say that minority shows like his don't come up to par with Anglo shows like Gilligan's Island? He really had something to emphasize. Some of the segments were a bit dated but still relevant concerning U.S. military "Who needs Allies, they never help us." Now, the Israeli's, they are bad. Put on those yamakas and we are ready to kick some ass." Immigration, those birth certificates from the Cabbage Patch Kids.

My friends and I felt the same way about Anglo superiority until this album which educated me on my views. That album forced me and others who listened to it to think of what's real funny. I think Asian folks can relate when he says "can you imagine your parents getting down on each other." Unfortunately, many folks never listened to the album though I tried. Maybe his title of You are in America now, talk Spanish hit a nerve including mine and other minorities who aren't American. Robin Williams, a gifted individual (David Brenner accused him of stealing his jokes)? That tape is still collecting dust somewhere.


Quotes and Phrases from Paul Rodriguez album You are in America now, Talk Spanish from 1986. No intent to make money or for distribution. Simply to bring out the glory of Mr. Rodriguez's work.

Revenge of the Nerds?

Heard a discussion concerning that movie and the Robert Carradine character who has sex with a passed out cheerleader. A lady considered it rape because the nerd wore a mask and mislead the girl thinking it was her jock boyfriend. She used a term of "defacto something "rape or it was something else. Then, I chimed in saying the point of the movie was to show that all fraternities are the same but that brain status wins over brawn status when it comes to rape and getting the girl.

I remember a scene with Jodie Foster in Accused at the bar when she got raped by these burly, blue-collar guys. Yet, she lead them on with her dress and her attitude of wanting them initially but she then said no. On the witness stand, she seemed very strong with conviction. She won because of the underdog manner of how she came across. The point is: no is no.

Now, switch the scene to an office or a library. Jodie probably is wearing a sweater, maybe some slacks, jeans, a skirt, or clothes in professional manner. Maybe, she has some sass to her step and an attitude. She maybe teasing them or leading them on with a smile. John Hinckley? no. He is a lone wolf. But how about a nerd who hangs around with his own nerd circle of friends. Big Bang Theory? Who do you feel sorry for, the nerds or the girl? Think about that.

That is why you have a fraternity. I remember when I resisted in taking Honors in subjects or go to advanced class in high school and college. The counselor or teacher would say you are no different than anybody else. I know why, now. A few years back, I came across this buxom blond and started talking. She talked about how smart Indians are and about me marrying one. Angrily, I asked her why don't you marry one? She said something about them being awkward, wouldn't recognize who is one, or where to find one. I told her go to Georgia Tech and ask one. She kept saying, yeah, but and all. "Ding, ding, ding" went in my head and the scene from "Accused" went came up except it was nerdy, Indian guys and that girl laying on the table at a computer lab. I don't know if that happened but I knew that's what she thought of their potential.

Now, she thought of me as the sweet lone wolf but nonetheless a wolf to be wary. However, nerdy Indians in a group scared her more because she would get the blame because they appear smaller and harmless. Likewise, they got the well-earned 3degrees (nothing is given makes it more appealing). I have talked to strippers and therapists. They all say, they are nice individually but in a group, look out below.

Yet, who blames Soon Yi? I don't like writing these kind of things but for my Indian sisters, related or not. Its damn important for me. Go to Chennai, India or Tamilnadu countryside, women walk in pairs with arms in a sling at street corners whether its light or dark. Regardless of the danger factor. But in "Westernized facilities", they are by themselves like clubs, hotels, colleges, shops, and places that require English. A false sense of security prevails because they are supposedly "civilized." Some have no choice to be alone but those who do......

Chris Evert's bitch (Redux--Is that the right spelling)

What all this outrage with Rick Sanchez and the suicide of a Rutgers U. student not to mention Dr. Laura on my part, I can't help wonder if I should put my religion as Christian Dependent Hindu on my facebook page. Yes, you can make high marks from your village, not covet someone's money or wife, and have an educated family. But since I'm in city, I have to know a spatter of Christianity. I know Christianity but not enough to leave Christians behind. But I can talk Christian, walk Christian, and laugh Christian. Because Anglo-Christianity is a funny religion.

Enough of Amitabh Bachchan, when it comes to religion, I consider myself one. Why? Easy. So, I can be competitive but I don't have to convert. Just lose to Chris Evert and be happy for the rest of your life. You can be rich, succesful or just pathetic. But underneath that, lies my phonies. I actually want to win and conquer but I can't. Ah, Ah. (Laugh people, c'mon). I'm must have some white in my genes but I'm not Sandy Koufax (how did he strikeout Mantle, Maris and Pepitone with ease?) or Arthur Ashe (how did he beat Jimmy Connors?). Maybe, you need to marry a Christian (an Anglican one) like Hank Greenberg or Yassir Arafat did to deal with pressure issues.

What did I do, blame your own, blame others, bully others, or help others? No, you look the other way when you are feeling left out.

Blair est puella. I remember that line written by my exploratory class in 8th grade. Homophobic, yeah. I wasn't for him or against but I looked away and joined in at times with those phobes with giggles and smirks. I made references to Eddie Murphy's "Delirious." Fitting in but trying to look reluctant. A girl named Amy Ross stuck up for him in math and here I was complaining about being an outsider to her and she befriended for me. But she scolded me too and said that he is going to commit suicide, if I didn't do something. I don't know what happened to him but I don't think it was all good. The taunts continued till he left as well as when he left. I looked away.

Oh, Lord Byron or was that Bharin before? My mind is so narrow.

Considering the consideration which became an ultimatum, I became Chris Evert's bitch and got out. You can tell that Vijay Merchant or Hazare! Likewise, to Wassim Raja and Bari! Because that match wasn't really that important compared to the one in Melbourne City or Wankede stadium. Yet, I didn't consider the consequences, very cafefully from that time to now and still don't. In this crease, action speaks louder than my words.


*** references from Amitabh Bachchan dialogue from Namak Hallal (1982). Not intention to be plagirized for distribution.