rocco

Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.

I was most impressed with the way the players matured. Juwan Howard not Chris is the leader of the Fab 5. But they have all succeeded as young men and adults. I was interested in how issues of race and class were treated. Jalen went right at them in his discussion of the differences between Duke and UofM players. Webber was the only one considered by Duke. He was the number one player in America at the time and also came from a private school (Detroit Country Day). Jalen felt that Duke would not take a chance on a kid from Detroit from a single parent family. He was right. But Michigan did and I applaud them for doing it. But we have since changed. Our black athletes have pedigree and come largely from private schools. It's a safe strategy, but does anyone see the irony in a major public university recruiting that way? We'll never see another era like that of the Fab5 because we're not recruiting the best available talent -- we're screening them not on academic potential and basketball skills alone but on other criteria that it's not pc to talk about but that athletes such as Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard and Jimmy King are very familiar with, i.e., social class.

trigg7

Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.

The flop 5 were what M is all about. If you think any of the players on that team were not paid your a fool,or before and after. nothing like being known for arrogance and the biggest pay out in NCAA history. Ibet that time out netted him big cash! Well you know what they say, Pride before the fall! How fiting they play Duke, if they can make it to the sec round. Funny how Ed kicked the bucket before testifing,I sure it would have been the death of B ball at U of Money.

mookienation

Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:06 a.m.

The documentary was very well done but it left me feeling really depressed afterward. The scene where the camera followed Chris Webber immediately following the UNC game was really powerful stuff. Well done but definitely not the feel good movie of the year!

vi4mi4

Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.

..Fab 5 Forever! Go Blue! v

Jello Biafra

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 10:36 p.m.

Fantastic documentary... I loved all of the video footage, particularly the trip to Europe, the middle school-aged Webber and Rose and especially the haunting images of Webber walking down the corridor after the infamous "Time Out". Dave Brandon was presented like the arrogant jerk that he is. Michigan should do the right thing and put the banners back up. The rest of the team (and there were more than just the five) shouldn't be punished for one kid's screw up. Great job Jalen and ESPN.

mun

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.

I noticed the clip where, as Webber called the timeout at the end of the 1993 final, Michael Talley was clapping his hands.

tater

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.

I see them as the Fab 4 + 1. Chris Webber gave us two years of great times followed by fifteen years of misery. If Webber hadn't taken Ed Martin's money, nobody else would have, either. Tom Izzo would have been a decent coach in the Jud Heathcoate v2 mode, but would have had to share instate recruits with Michigan. Izzo has proven this year that he is only as good as his players, and his players wouldn't have been nearly as good if Webber hadn't given him such an effective negative recruiting button. Webber grew up middle class, but pretended he was poor. He grew up educated, but pretended he was a thug. He made it "cool" to take Ed Martin's money, but pretended he was clean. He ruined Michigan's basketball program for fifteen years, but still sees himself as a "victim" who was "taken advantage of" by the system. The "clean four" should be welcomed and honored at Michigan as much as any team in Michigan history except the 1989 champions and the 1965 Cazzie Russell-Bill Buntin team. Chris Webber, OTOH, should be under a "no trespass" order until he publicly apologizes and admits to his wrongdoing. Like that's ever gonna happen.....

rensational

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.

I thought it was okay, but it was like any time when something is really, really hyped up and you're promised all this raw, revealing info...I mean, I was not a Michigan fan growing up, and I was about 11 yrs old when these guys hit Michigan. So, I was vaguely aware but did not really have a lot of dirt on the time period, particularly the games, their significance outside of basketball and so on. I did know about the timeout, and I had researched a little on the Ed Martin scandal. The doc wasn't a letdown or anything, but I think I expected more than such a focus being on actual basketball and the scandal being thrown into the last 30 mins. It's not bad that it was. The racial letters are not shocking to me, per se, but I've dealt with racism all my life. BUT it was embarrassing to me that our own alumni acted like that, but I had to keep telling myself it was the early 90s...not that racism doesn't exist nowadays, but it's not as overt. Still, it is something that I think really makes Michigan alum look horrible, and I don't want people who watch that wondering how I can have so much pride in Michigan as a racial minority. I had honestly been blaming Webber for Michigan not winning the title in 93, so I am glad I saw the footage where someone was obviously telling him to call timeout and where others did think we had a timeout. I still am unclear, though, about why some people seem to lay fault on Michigan for the Fab Five not being openly honored at Michigan right now, seemingly more so than on Webber.

larry kramer

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.

Pay for Top 14 NCAA Executives Totaled Nearly $6-Million Last Year By Libby Sander As athletic departments struggled to weather the recession last year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association spent nearly $6-million to compensate 14 of its highest-ranking executives, according to federal tax documents recently made public. The highest-paid of those officials was Myles Brand, the former NCAA president who died of cancer last September while still in office. Mr. Brand received $1,145,880 in total compensation for the fiscal year ending August 2009. The sum included $770,739 in salary and more than $200,000 in bonuses and incentive compensation, as well as other pay and benefits. Mr. Brand took home $1,710,095 in total compensation in 2007-8, including $815,000 in retirement pay that was deferred from previous years. Other highly paid executives last year were Thomas W. Jernstedt, the former executive vice president who announced his departure last month after 38 years at the association ($604,679); Bernard W. Franklin, executive vice president for membership and student-athlete affairs ($509,429); and James L. Isch, the former chief financial officer and NCAA interim president who was recently named its chief operating officer ($467,734). here's the link: <a href="http://chronicle.com/article/article-content/124358/" rel='nofollow'>http://chronicle.com/article/article-content/124358/</a>

larry kramer

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.

To me, the most shameful part of the entire episode was Mary Sue and her NCAA &quot;suits&quot; throwing these kids under the bus. What a pathetic way to treat your family. You wont see OSU doing that. She did the same thing to Jamal Crawford while the U of M pocketed millions! The NCAA if profoundly corrupt!

81wolverine

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.

It was a pretty good documentary. A few revelations for me: 1. I wasn't aware of all the nasty, racially tinged letters they got. That's awful. I can't believe that much of that came from Michigan grads, as there are a lot of hate-groups in the area as well. 2. The money Webber got came after he declared for the NBA. So, it's possible that a lot of the violations happened after the first two seasons of the Fab Five, supporting some of their complaints about having their banners and games taken away. Obviously, I understand why Michigan did what they had to do. 3. The level of money that the Fab 5 helped generate for MIchigan and the business community. Although they were given a training venue and exposure for the NBA and access to a 4 year education, I can sympathize with their feeling of being somewhat exploited. 4. The phantom timeout signal from the bench that may have confused Webber. I can now understand a little more why he may have been confused. Other observations... I blame the players less after watching this and have to give more blame to the Michigan athletic administration and coaches for not recognizing and dealing with this problem a lot sooner. That was a period of weaker athletic directors for U-M and it showed. Also, I do believe Webber should tell his side of the story IF he has something to say. Why he stays silent baffles me. But, he better tell the truth this time if he does talk. Finally, the scandal ended a 12-13 year run of great basketball talent at U-M (mid 1980's through later 90's. It was fun and exciting while it lasted, but it started a long run of irrelevance that is finally ending just now.

Anthony Graham

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 5:40 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 &quot;The Perfect Storm&quot;. 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 &quot;crummy DPS&quot;. 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 &quot;culture shock&quot;. 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!!!!!!

RxDx

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.

The documentary helped me to understand the team's perspective. How sad, however, that their legacy has screwed up the Michigan basketball program for some 20 years. I always wondered why Jalen wasn't always paying attention as he brought the ball up the floor. It's clear he had other issues on his mind at times. You know he really has the type of sharp mind that Michigan looks for in a student. Also, I pity the current Michigan team if they have to face Duke in the third round. Jalen and the guys inadvertently set Michigan up. Don't think that a couple of sections of that documentary won't be played continuously in Duke's dressing room. Of course, they have to get past Tennessee. I bet Brian Williams will get a lot of minutes. Gotta love it. Go Blue.

Frank99

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.

None of the above. Really poorly worded choices.

A2

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.

I have probably the only $5 dollar bill that I had them sign at the basketball bust. Wonder if it would bring any $$'s on eBay.

lumberg48108

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.

it was decent but i got bored as no real new ground was broken ... I was in college at the same time as the Fab Five (at EMU) and watched closely so lived through it and the aftermath ... but again, I did not learn anything new other then Mitch continues to be a hyprocrite; he is in denial because he missed to much and cant bring himself to admit he missed it ... Jalen is quickly becoming a TV talking head personality so he is learning how to say things and when to say things - so he comes off the best but also seems programmed! 90 minutes in I got bored so I turned to HBO and watched the documentary on the UNLV team and their issues comparing the two, the HBO edition was so much better and did so in one hour and covered more ground and I learned new things

heartbreakM

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.

I think the documentary missed a couple of key things, though. One: The UNC team had 5 frosh on their team the year before Michigan's Fab Five (that was a very highly touted team, which was sealed when Montross turned down going to Michigan). Actually, Montross probably sealed michigan's fab five, too, as it opened a spot for all those guys. Fisher faced a lot of heat for losing a legacy guy like Montross. Two: We beat UNC in Hawaii earlier in that second season of the Fab Five. Beat them at the buzzer. Three: Michigan lost the B10 championship at the end of the regular season by letting Purdue steal one from them, if I'm not mistaken, by missing free throws. Couldn't fit it all in, but I think all those things helped build the Fab Five and had major effect on that season. One thing I found ironic: Team was taken on an all expenses trip to Europe and they claimed at the same time that they were exploited. They were taken to play, yes, but they went to a place that majority of undergrads couldn't get to, all expenses paid. I was busy working between my first and second year, 80 hours per week. Interesting...

local

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.

Nicely done documentary. I think the moment for me was when Mitch Albom came out and made comments about how these guys truly were living like college students, that if Webber really got money, he didn't show it. I wonder if the bulk of the money he received didn't come till right before he made himself eligible for the draft. The banners being taken down sucks, the guys played ball because they loved the game and wanted to win, not because they might/were receiving money from donors. The way they played had nothing to do with money and the arrogance of many alumni during the time was troubling. Did you see some of those letters they received? People didn't even hide their names when they sent them. That should be a bigger story if you ask me.

azwolverine

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.

It was an excellent documentary, imo. Watching it reminded of how fun that team truly was. They were showmen, ROCK STARS and, regardless of everything else, will always be remembered for that. Great players, for sure. It is sad, however, that they will also be remembered for what Chris Webber apparently did AFTER he declared that he was going pro. The other guys on that team that didn't do anything wrong (Howard, King, Jackson, Pelinka, Riley, etc), had their banners taken down just like Webber did. Those are Michigan Men who, imo, deserve better than what they got for pouring every thing they had into Michigan basketball and then having their careers basically erased as if they never were here. I hope that some day the university recognizes and embraces those guys as, imo, they deserve.

Blu-dogg97

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.

keeping in mind this was a documentary ! alot fans and people think Michigan fans are celebrating the FAB FIVE,idols etc etc.. Its a documentary depicting an era of Michigan BB.. I loved the film,it was upfront in your face, Jalen did a great job,and I thought Jimmy King was very direct and candid..I was in my late twenty's when the Fab Five became popular,I remember each game,it was a frenzy of emotions,the student section at C-Arena was mayhem. No body ever saw this before, five freshmen ! are you kidding me !! Keep in mind like Jalen said in the film,this was before the internet,utube and all of that ! I remember sitting on my parents front porch waiting for the paper boy to show up, so i could read more about them many of times..Interesting that besides C-Webb taking money after he left Michigan,that it really blew up with players taking money after the Fab Five separated,i.e. Traylor,Bulluck etc.. if you don't think players in the NCAA today aren't getting money(pocket) from people surrounding the Universities right now,your only fooling yourself.. Love them or Hate them ,they made history,they took their lumps,sanctions,fines etc.. they were the FAB FIVE...

DrSteve

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.

I thought that the program was a&quot; downer&quot;. During the years of the fab five it seemed like a lot of fun that these young men did what they did. That is how I would like to remember them. Jimmy, Ray, Juan were, and still are great people. Jalen came from a tough background and &quot;pulled himself up from his bootstraps&quot; to become the wonderful and entertaining adult that he is. Chris should have known better. He came from a great family and let them down. That is the tragedy of the story. I would just like to remember the first two years, not the rest. Dr. Steve PS I was in Heathrow Airport 2 years ago waiting to check into our delayed flight. A young man (younger than me, Med School class of 1963) was behind me in the line. He was decked out in a yellow t shirt with the names Chris;Juan,Jalen, Jimmy, and Ray plastered on it. I turned to him and said &quot;You and I are probably the only people in this airport who have any idea as to what this shirt represents&quot; I took a picture on him. Live is good, spring practice starts today (I think).

Ross

Mon, Mar 14, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.

I thought the documentary was very well done. As I was a little too young during the time of the fab five to actually pay attention, I loved getting a recap of those years and re-living the excitement to some degree. Not sure I understand the one star rating description. Whether or not you didn't like the fab five and remember the scandal as their legacy, was the documentary not well done? No one's fault but Webber's that he didn't participate. He clearly is ashamed of his pitiful behavior in handling the whole matter. I could not believe that press-conference that he had, stating that Martin took advantage and preyed upon him! What a jerk move. The whole situation actually does seem pretty innocent though, and interesting to hear Mitch Albom explain how the major payment likely came after he declared for the draft! The commentary from rose, king and jackson was very entertaining though. However, Webber does seem partially exonerated in calling the phantom time-out. Those dummies on the bench repeatedly yelled at him to do so! Nonetheless, that remains only one single lost opportunity in the game. As if ever other missed shot couldn't have won it.