Archive for October, 2009

Meet Cassandra Merricks, wife of NBA star player and coach Avery Johnson. Both from the same hometown of  New Orleans, Cassandra and Avery met in college at Southern University in nearby Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Johnson married Cassandra in July 6th, 1991 in New Orleans. They have two children, Christianne and Avery Jr.

Despite having a nationally visible husband, Cassandra, a nursing school graduate, keeps a low-profile. Part of the reason is that they don’t want Christianne and Avery Jr. in the spotlight’s glare.  Cassandra says, “We don’t want our kids, everywhere we go, to hear people saying, ‘Those are Avery Johnson’s kids.’ ” She adds, “After kids hear that over and over, they think they are different. “They’re blessed. They have many benefits of having a great father, a successful father and a very smart man. We’ve got to be grateful and thankful.”

Cassandra and Avery have a strong passion for helping others. They financially and spiritually support many church programs in New Orleans, Houston and Dallas.

Avery Johnson played 16 years in the NBA. He played for the Seattle Super Sonics, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks.

Also, Avery was a coach for the Dallas Mavericks (2004–2008).

Currently, Avery Johnson is ESPN/ABC studio analyst.

In an exclusive interview appearing in this weekend’s New York Times Magazine, the Obamas talk about their marriage and the challenges they’ve faced. Jodi Kantor, who conducted the interview, shares some of the details.

According to a Clayton County police report, two female teachers were fighting over a male teacher after discovering a love letter on a Facebook page. The police report said the discovery of the letter led to the confrontation, which was filled with expletives.

According to the report, a couple of students told police the teachers used expletives and more foul language.

Warning: Video Contains Explicit Language!

Check out male stripper turned personal trainer King James’ new reality fitness show called “Hot Mess” .

Is This Motivation Or Abuse??

In light of the brutal murder of Derrion Albert, Dr.  Michael Eric Dyson decided to give some words of encouragement to the misguided young black men of today.

Essence.com reports:

“Dennis Rodman opened up on the NBA’s greatest players–some of whom were his former teammates, like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen”. “Rodman will be on “Judge Jeanine Piro” on Monday, November 2, and we have the exclusive video. See what he says about the clash of the titans, Kobe versus Lebron, and his chances of getting in the Basketball Hall of Fame”.

Meet Brandy Duncan, wife of NBA star Jason Maxiell. Brandy and Jason met back in high school. Two years ago, Brandy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Brandy battled her cancer head on and won with Jason by her side through all the hard times. Jason not only stayed with her, but he shaved his head bald to offer Brandy support when she was going through Chemotherapy.

Since Brandy’s cancer is now in remission, Jason decided to give her the most beautiful dream wedding ever. On August 2009, Jason married his longtime fiancé Brandi in Dallas, Texas.

Peep the wedding pictures below:

The couple hired famous wedding planner Donnie Brown(above) from ”Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” to host their wedding.

After all the tough times they have been through, Jason (above) was overcome with emotion when he saw Brandy come down the aisle.

Jason’s NBA baller friends Tayshaun Prince, Amir Johnson, Richard Hamilton, Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, Maurice Evans, Jarvis Hayes, and Theo Ratliff were all in attendance.

Also, the NBA baller wives were there for the celebration . The baller wives in attendance:  Fatima Wallace, Liara McDyess, Illia Hayes, Farrah Prince, and TJ Hamilton.

Congratulations to Brandy and Jason!