Skip to main content

How the Chips Fall: The Tale of Two Young American Lives

Following what has been a media circus regarding the Eliot Spitzer scandal, the whirlwind that was the media, seemed to have eased up on its proverbial "full-court press" on Ashley Alexandra Dupre. For now, that is.

After all, Dupre's story, which is tailored for a future New York Times best seller, is one that follows a troubled, lost and aspiring singer that gave new meaning to "do whatever it takes", and her journey to super stardom. The catch - besides her two downloaded songs, her dream of becoming a singer hasn't become reality, but the one of being rich and famous have surpassed her imagination.

Dupre, the young 22 year old that has captured the interest of America with her pictures, stories and aspirations, has become a house hold name by way of drugs, prostitution and the moral failure and fall of another individual. Her journey of choices, anchored by raw motivation from the heart, led her down a path that reaped short rewards. It was a mere shortcut for cash to someday help support her dream and efforts to be a famous and wealthy singer. Instead, Dupre is preparing to cash in on millions not because of where her heart is, but because of a lifestyle in which most end up dead.

One the other hand, there is the subdued story of Jamiel Andre Shaw Jr. A young seventeen year old that excelled in his studies, and had a God-given gift of performing on a football field. Shaw, along with his father Jamiel Sr., lived in Crenshaw, California. Jamiel Jr.'s mother, Anita Shaw, is a United States solider serving her second tour of duty in the war on terrorism in Iraq.

Jamiel Jr. had huge aspirations and dreams to become a sports agent. Football was that vehicle that would someday help him realize that dream as well as making it out of his neighborhood in Crenshaw. Described as, "not only an outstanding athlete, but a great person" by his football coach, Jamiel Jr. stayed on the straight and narrow road of working hard in school and football, staying true to the pact between him and his dad.

Jamiel Sr. stated, "I would tell him, I'm going to get you to 18. And if you do what you are supposed to do, you'll get to college."

Jamiel Sr. continued, "He was almost there."

Jamiel Jr. was gunned down outside of his home by two gang members in an attack that was unprovoked.

According to the Associate Press, Jamiel was all-city first team selection last season after he rushed for 1,052 yards, averaging more than 14 yards per carry, and scored 10 touchdowns. He also ran track.

Jamiel Jr. was being mulled by Stanford and Rutgers universities.

It's a tragedy too surreal, too reminiscent of Boyz N' The Hood.

Another promising individual dead. Another dream no longer alive.

It's the tale of two young lives in America.

Most say it is just how the chips fall.

Is it? Or is it how we stack the deck?

It's a question worth asking. To save our ourselves. To save a life. And to save a dream.

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se