THE FAB FIVE STORY – IMMORTAL OR INFAMOUS?

Presented By: Jawanza Robinson

WHO WERE THE FAB FIVE? Chris Weber, Jalen Rose, Juan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson comprised what

was known as the Fab Five.

Ranked in the Top 100 in Class of’ ’91.

Attended the University of Michigan

from 1991-1993.

WHAT MADE THEM SPECIAL?

Early in their first season, 1991-92, all five freshmen were starting.

Back-to-back Final Four appearances.

ESPN 30 FOR 30 “THE FAB FIVE”

"The Fab Five" relives the recruitment process that got all five of them to Ann Arbor, the cultural impact they made, the two runs to NCAA title game, the Webber "timeout" in the 1993 championship and the scandal that eventually tarnished their accomplishments.

IMPACT ON MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

MILLIONS IN MERCHANDISE REVENUE

RACIST ENCOUNTERS

ETHICAL DILEMMA

ETHICAL DILEMMA

A federal investigation reported that Chris Webber accepted $280,000 from Ed Martin, a local booster.

The investigation revealed that Martin contributed $616,000 to Webber and to three athletes who played for Michigan after Webber did — Robert Traylor, Maurice Taylor and Louis Bullock.

STAKEHOLDERS

QUESTIONS

Did the media report the incident with Jalen Rose ethically?

Was it fair to punish the University of Michigan when only a few players engaged in unethical conduct?

Should the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eliminate or update its amateurism rules?

Do you consider the letters University of Michigan alumni sent as fan rage?

Did the University of Michigan go too far by removing Final Four banners from Chrysler Arena?

FINAL THOUGHTS The legacy of the “Fab Five” and their impact on the history of intercollegiate athletics is

both memorable and valuable. Although they were unable to win a national championship, their presence was felt well beyond the basketball court, no matter which arena they played in. Some of the ethical dilemmas they faced tarnished their legacy while others empowered everything they aspired to represent.

I believe the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) should collaborate with internal and external stakeholders such as agents, coaches, boosters, as well as the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), to amend amateurism rules for student-athletes. Doing so, would better prepare student-athletes for a career in the sports industry as well as reduce scandal in intercollegiate athletics.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/03/sports/ncaabasketball/03fabfive.html?_r=2

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ys3nxx0ogE

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324050304578411402372978658

SOURCES