Jalen Rose, ESPN do thorough, thought-provoking job with 'The Fab 5'
Jalen Rose said his new film would be the most complete story ever seen on the Fab Five, calling his new film “the bible” of that era of Michigan basketball.
It comes close.
“The Fab 5,” a film produced by Rose, will be televised today on ESPN at 9 p.m., a 100-minute documentary that is in the same vein as the “30 for 30” series the network has produced the past two years.
From left, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose and Chris Webber changed Michigan basketball in the early 1990s.
File photo
And this film holds up with the best of them. It isn’t as powerful as “The Two Escobars” or as emotionally wrenching as “Once Brothers,” but it is entertaining and informative as it peers at the five players who arrived at Michigan as freshman in 1991, took the Wolverines to Final Four appearances in 1992 and 1993 and then saw those banners removed from Crisler Arena and their records erased from the Michigan record books in the wake of the Ed Martin cash scandal.
“The Fab 5” takes viewers through the journey of the recruitment of the team to the cultural significance had on college basketball. The growth of Rose, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King and Chris Webber is evident through the film and some interesting moments many people have forgotten about are brought to life.
Among those lost moments is a Final Four meeting with boxing legend Muhammad Ali - who shocked the Fab Five by actually knowing who they were.
Not landing Webber - who rarely talks publicly about Michigan or the Fab Five - for the film was one of the few drawbacks of watching “The Fab 5.” Had Rose and his team landed the former Michigan star, it would have been a much more raw, complete version of one side of the era.
The film goes deeper into the back story of all of the Fab Five members than people have seen before. The dissection of the infamous Webber timeout at the end of the 1993 championship game is the most well done portion of the film, complete with slow-motion breakdowns and seeing the emotional aftermath of what losing two NCAA title games did to Webber and to the rest of the Fab Five.
While not discussing the Ed Martin scandal as in depth as the two years the Fab Five was together on the Michigan campus was a drawback, Rose said the film was focused on the two years they were together.
And the former Michigan star, who gets a producing credit on the film, said it is brutally honest from beginning to end.
He’s right — especially when he discusses being caught in an alleged Detroit crack house and also when he says he took “pocket money” from Martin.
It was the high point of a thoroughly entertaining film that has people all over the Big Ten clamoring to see it.
“Most definitely,” Ohio State senior David Lighty said. “I got a recorder set for 9 on ESPN. I have to see it.”
He - and those out there who have been waiting to see the film - won’t be disappointed.
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein
Comments
Anthony Graham
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.
The making of Chris Webber's persona or character, as it relates to his role in the U of M scandal, could be titled "The Perfect Storm". Part one: A 12 year old Detroit kid from a working class family is being recruited by major universities before attending high school. Part two: His working class parent's see an opportunity for their child to attend a prestigious prep school, instead of a "crummy DPS". Part three: A 14 year old Detroit kid attends an elite prep school, where his parent's drops him off every day in a Ford Pinto, while his class mates drive themselves to school in late model foreign cars "culture shock". The 14 year old begs and pleads with his parents to let him come back to Detroit where things are more familiar, but his parent's know that the education he's receiving will be best for him in the long run. Part four: A well financed Detroit adult takes an interest (regardless of motive), and offers to help the 14 year old feel more accepted at his elite prep school, where the vast majority of kids come from privilege. Part five: Write your own script!!!!!!
heartbreakM
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
So Rico: Can I interpret your comment that some Div I athletes are more equal than others? That football players and basketball players are more deserving of money than swimmers and gymnasts because of "revenue"? According to the criticisms leveled at NCAA and university sports, don't pretend that only big time revenue producing athletes are the so-called victims here. If any sport is a victim, then all athletes are equal in that. If these players do not want to be part of the system, then quit the sport and be a "regular student". I enjoy all of Michigan and collegiate athletics. I buy my T-shirts and M paraphernalia. I probably contribute to the situation. But I believe that rules are rules and these people sign on to that. Fab Five were exciting, but I have a hard time separating their excitement and "trendsetting" from rule breaking (if you believe that Webber violated the NCAA rules, which I do). Last night's special brought back a lot of the excitement which I forgot about. But it is hard to move on with that big elephant in the room (Webber's lack of contrition). I actually found Rose's honesty refreshing, and I think he grew the most from his education at UM, based on hearing him now. All of them, though, sounded great and introspective.
Rico
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
I didn't say that. I'd be ok if they all got paid, particularly if student-athletes are prevented from holding jobs while they are in school. I was talking about your comment about athletes in other sports not complaining about being "exploited."
Rico
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
heartbreakM, How can those "non-revenue" athletes be exploited if they basically don't bring in money to the university? I can't believe UM had the nerve to run two advertisements selling season basketball tickets for next year during the broadcast. Still using those guys to make money.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 8:17 a.m.
I wish the documentary had gotten more into what really happened with Martin and Watson. There are so many conflicting accounts, and Rose, being one of the primary producers here, could have said a lot more. I'm sure he knew a lot more. But it was a good piece otherwise. I enjoyed the look back. I wonder if it would be worth the time on a more local level to run a story on Watson and his basketball factory at Southwestern, which ended with Rose's senior season. So many rumors at the time, but it produced a lot of good kids, and some considerable NBA talent as well. We already have a professional basketball league, by the way. Pay the kids, and it's the end of all collegiate scholarship sports. We have to hang on to the amateur illusion. I don't envy the NCAA's role, but it's a necessary one. The payment is the scholarship and access to an education that would otherwise be impossible.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 9:19 a.m.
"We have to hang on to the amateur illusion." Why? It is, as you say, an illusion. Good Night and Good Luck
Engineer
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.
Heres hoping Beilien and Boreseth watch and realize what the right five freshman can do for a team. Steve Fisher was ahead of his time. The Ed Martin scandal was just the NCAA trying to limit Michigan's success. We led in FB and BB. They wanted toshare the wealth. Cleeves took money from Ed but they did not make Sparty take down their banner. Go Blue.
heartbreakM
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 12:09 a.m.
Interesting that all of these people who think that the players should be paid don't seem to refer to those athletes in non-revenue producing sports, such as softball, track, diving, crew, etc. Michigan has had great deal of success in these sports over the years, and yet these players do not violate the rules, complain about being "exploited", etc. You all want to open Pandora's box there? Maybe we should raise tuition another 5000 per student so that student athletes could get a stipend for being there. Or maybe we should raise football ticket prices 500 per season so that all athletes could be paid. Or maybe the faculty should take a pay decrease so we could redistribute the money to these students.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 1:33 a.m.
Yes, the Michigan baseball team wasn't put on probation (yes, it takes in "revenue", but not nearly enough to break even). Oops. It was. Crew is not a varsity sport (check mgoblue.com if you don't believe) That said, the system is broken for ALL sports, not just football and men's basketball. That these young men and women cannot hold jobs is ridiculous. But the chances to subvert the system are far more frequent, and the rewards for doing so are so high (I mean, without Googling it, can you name who won the NCAA Div. 1 women's golf championship in 2009? And, after Googling it, can you tell me how much $ that meant for their school compared the to FBS champ?) Again, I am not excusing the FF (actually, there was never any evidence that Jimmy King and Ray Jackson did anything wrong, and Juwon Howard and Jalen Rose, though implicated, were never convicted nor punished for anything), nor Pryor, et. al. Just saying that HUGE institutions are making mega bucks off these young men while creating all sorts of incentives for them to violate the rules.
BigWolverine13
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
Perhaps Rose was innocent (and maybe not), but Chris Webber et al. did more damage to the University of Michigan -- not just Wolverine basketball-- than any other event in the Universities history. That is something I can never forget or forgive! As far as I am concerned Steve Fisher and the "fab five" can disappear from the face of the earth!
genetracy
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.
Jalen Rose compares two years of the fab five thugs to the Bible. So, let me ask a few questions. Would any of these five individuals been accepted to Michigan on their academics alone? No. Did any of them graduate? If so, what were their degrees? Sports Management? Before any of you start accusing me of being a shill for MSU or OSU, I could care less about college athletics.
Mo the Educator
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.
Mr. Murrow, We may not agree about coaching Michigan's football team, but your comment above is spot-on. I'm with you 100%.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
Thanks, Mo. Good Night and Good Luck
larry kramer
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 4:58 p.m.
good post Ghost!
michboy40
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Really Jackson? You are up at 6:40 in the morning just for that? Proof that haters will always be haters. I'm watching every minute of this amazing story, and I'm DVR ing it, so I can watch it agian! These guys were by and large great kids, and even though they made a few mistakes, they are no different that many ball players. It's absurd to think they are the only players that ever fell victim to boosters and agents. There is probably 100 or so players doing it right now, at this very moment. So get over the self rightious bull and embrace the greatest Freshman class in the history of College Basketball!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
"frauds" Not to excuse the FF's behavior, or that of Pryor, et. al., at OSU, but it is the NCAA and its member institutions who are the frauds. The kids playing FBS football and hoops earn BILLIONS (yes, BILLIONS) of dollars for the schools but are not allowed even a small stipend that might allows them to pay for a date or go to the movies. And, most unbelievably, NCAA rules prevent them from holding jobs while they are on scholarship. They are kept in virtual serfdom until they play their last game and then a VERY small number move up to the NFL/NBA and make scads of money. The vast majority will never make it there and many don't graduate. Now take into account that many of these athletes come from poverty-stricken backgrounds. And then take into account that many of them come into their universities without the academic preparation necessary for them to succeed academically. And then take into account that the NCAA, and the schools, and the coaches all know this--the fans are the only ones in denial. This system invites abuse. It invites agents to take advantage of these kids. It invites players to do what Pryor, et.al., did. And then the NCAA is shocked, SHOCKED, to discover that players are abusing the system. The old saw that athletes get a free education is crappola. At the end of the day, that "education" doesn't cost the university a dime--those players are just another butt in the seat of a class that was going to run anyway. And, again, many, maybe most of these athletes could not take advantage of their "educations" even were they so inclined. Time for the NCAA to allow its members schools to give their athletes stipends. The stipends don't need to be large, but the need to be enough to allow athletes to have some money in their pockets. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.
Wow. Such anger at an opinion. "Big" W: re-read my post. Nowhere did I excuse what they did. I accused the NCAA and its member institutions of taking advantage of young athletes to the tune of billions of dollars a year. Heartbreak: You are correct. Those athletes don't have to come here. But that does not absolve the NCAA and its members from taking advantage of these young athletes and setting them up for educational failure. And having put three children through college, I can tell you that their student loans give them money for tuition, room and board, and some left over for spending money. If they want to work for more--fine--that's up to them. But athletes receive no extra money in their scholarships and cannot work to make extra money. It invites these athletes to cheat--be they golfers or football players. But, there are some sports (e.g., golf, swimming, hockey, gymnastics) whose athletes tend to come from middle class and upper class families. Floating those kids some spending money is no big deal. But in football and basketball, among others) many of the athletes come from impoverished backgrounds and from school districts that have ill-prepared them for university academics. All the ranting and raving in the world about them having choices will not change that fact. Good Night and Good Luck Rather than being angry with these young athletes, we ought to wonder why they
heartbreakM
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
Mr. Murrow: I invite you then, to pay for any of the current students who are at the U right now, who may come out with more than 100K of loans. I mean, after all, the U could operate without them and it is their choice to attend UM and take out the loans..... You have a lot of wise things to say about the sports, but on this, I totally disagree with you. These students who are supposedly exploited do not have to go to University of Michigan or any other university. If they don't want to be exploited, let them pay for their own education, get a job, and be a "normal student", paying their own way like so many of the other students who can't afford pizza, rides home, or jerseys. NCAA is nuts in a lot of their things, but nobody is forcing these players into the system. NCAA is only forcing these players who choose to accept a scholarship to play by the rules. If they don't like it, don't come. Simple.
BigWolverine13
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.
Get off that horse! The rules are what they are and perhaps they should be changed, but these people embarrassed, humiliated, damaged and trashed the University of Michigan like no other event in history. There is no excuse for that!
Jackson
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.
frauds
DMoney
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
Don't dig too deep. Remember, Mateen Cleaves was in that roll-over accident as well. Martin was a clearing house. He had players attend many different schools.