Grant Hill Responds Strongly to the Fab Five

Last Sunday, ESPN aired a tremendous documentary about Michigan‘s famed Fab Five team. One of the most compelling — and hilarious — parts of the doc was when Jalen Rose and his teammates told the world what their teenage selves used to think of Grant Hill and the Duke Blue Devils.

Rose admitted that he was jealous of Hill‘s upbringing and solid family life (a complete 180 degrees from Jalen’s own childhood), and Jimmy King summarized what his team thought of those Duke teams: “I thought Christian Laettner was soft; a bitch. And I thought Grant Hill was a bitch.”

Grant Hill caught the documentary, and promised to fire back.

And today, he did just that, in the NY Times (with further thoughts to be posted on his own website later):

It was a sad and somewhat pathetic turn of events, therefore, to see friends narrating this interesting documentary about their moment in time and calling me a bitch and worse, calling all black players at Duke “Uncle Toms” and, to some degree, disparaging my parents for their education, work ethic and commitment to each other and to me. I should have guessed there was something regrettable in the documentary when I received a Twitter apology from Jalen before its premiere. I am aware Jalen has gone to some length to explain his remarks about my family in numerous interviews, so I believe he has some admiration for them.

In his garbled but sweeping comment that Duke recruits only “black players that were ‘Uncle Toms,’ ” Jalen seems to change the usual meaning of those very vitriolic words into his own meaning, i.e., blacks from two-parent, middle-class families. He leaves us all guessing exactly what he believes today.

I caution my fabulous five friends to avoid stereotyping me and others they do not know in much the same way so many people stereotyped them back then for their appearance and swagger. I wish for you the restoration of the bond that made you friends, brothers and icons. I am proud of my family. I am proud of my Duke championships and all my Duke teammates. And, I am proud I never lost a game against the Fab Five.

Game.Set.Match. That ending was killer.

I think Hill might’ve missed the point that Rose and his teammates were trying to convey: mainly, that this is what they thought of Duke and its players back then, as very young men. Nevertheless, it’s a very strong response from Grant Hill.

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Tags: Chris Webber, Christian Laettner, Duke, Fab Five, Grant Hill, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, Michigan

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Jimmy G

The amount of NBA Finals each player has been to: Jalen 1, Grant 0. Check it out on basketball-reference.
http://jojo.com Max

I am proud I never lost a game against the Fab Five
OOOUUCCHHH
Kihwan

Hill’s got his panties all bunched up. Relax, man. This was something that was thought about you almost 20 yrs ago. I’m sure the Fab Five weren’t the only ones who thought this about you or Duke almost 20yrs ago. Times have changed, people have changed. No reason to have to defend yourself over something that was thought about you ALMOST 20 YRS AGO.
http://slamonline BossTerry

Webber used to be one of my favorite players in the L when he was with the Bullets and Kings, But I thought it was kinda disrespectful some of the comments I’ve read about his opinion on Karl Malone, name calling and what not. He even once dunked the ball and ran up the court right next to mailman with his face inches away from Malone’s. I know he has grown-up since then, but still..
T-Money

I’m so disappointed by Hill’s response. Did he even watch the doc? The comments are made through the eyes of an 18-year old inner city kid. Jalen never said that he believed that in 2011. And he never disputed the merits of being raised in a two parent household, he actually ENVIED that. Major fail by Grant Hill. (and btw, I’m not surprised that most are applauding Grant’s piece. Uncle Tom discussions are juuuuust a bit outside of most people’s comfort zones).
http://slamonline.com Allenp

I see folks didn’t get the context.
Jalen, at 17, as an “urban” youth without a father resented and disliked Grant Hill whose father was a former athlete and current doctor.
He, like many young people, had a pretty unnuanced view of Hill, and developed a harsh and unflattering opinion.
He did not say Grant Hill was actually an Uncle Tom now, or that he was right for thinking what he did then. He said that’s what he thought, at that age, and he made it clear he doesn’t think that now.
Jimmy King simply didn’t like Laetnner.
It’s sad that people who tend to avoid racial discussions like the plague can suddenly find the time, energy and understanding to weigh in on this issue, and pretend to speak from a place of intelligence.
Sad.
http://theurbangriot.com Jam on it

My nephew watched this and had the impression that Jalen was saying that Grant his is a b*tch and is an uncle Tom. He took from the comments that Jalen and his fab five friends thought that then and continue to think that now. Jalen admits where he got the idea that Grant and other duke players are the way they are, but he doesn’t say he doesn’t still believe that today. From Grants perspective I understand why he wrote this, it sucks to be called names for not doing anything besides the right things the right way. The statements by Jalen may have been formed 20 years ago, however he’s still makeing statements today and not saying he doesn’t feel the same way now as he did 20 years ago. So I don’t know how Grant took something out of context.
hoodsnake

Ryan wins but it was how they felt at the time. If I was eighteen and somebody whoop me for the chip I would also have had the resentment the Fab 5 had. The underlying message: Planned parenthood. And just for the record I was also raised in a single parent home.
http://www.slamonline.com Wayno

“I am proud of my Duke championships and all my Duke teammates. And, I am proud I never lost a game against the Fab Five”…..FTW
T-Money

I don’t get what is so classy about Grant’s response. He made it personal talking about tweets and signed off with a petty line that doesn’t have anything to do with the issue.
http://jamison526@aol.com Jimmy G

At least Jalen and the others were being honest about how they felt. That’s not to say they were justified or right in their views. At least you know they aren’t being fake. Besides, they are telling you what their 17, 18, and 19 year old minds thought of Duke. I suppose all the sanctimonious souls on this board had a fully developed and unassailable worldview at that age.
http://jamison526@aol.com Jimmy G

At least Jalen and the others were being honest about how they felt. That’s not to say they were justified or right in their views. At least you know they aren’t being fake. Besides, they are telling you what their 17, 18, and 19 year old minds thought of Duke. I suppose all the sanctimonious souls on this board had a fully developed and unassailable worldview at that age.
http://slamonline.com Allenp

I can’t believe so many folks think this was a “win” for Grant Hill.
What did he win? He constructed a strawman argument, and then dismantled it.
You know what’s really interesting?
Jalen’s comments came from his state-of-mind that was shaped by his enviroment. Basically, he was a man of his times.
How often do people use that same excuse to explain away far more heinous activity from so-called “American heroes”? How can people on one hand give one person a pass for being a man of his time, but refuse that pass for someone else.
Personally, while Jalen’s thoughts represented a popular stereotype, (One I also held), they weren’t accurate about Hill or many other Duke athletes. He was wrong, and I think he understand that now. And his thoughts deal with the larger issue of what it means to be “real” and be black.
The black experience is varied and different. There is no “real” black to a certain degree. That said, I find it amazing the level of interest this comment from one black man about another black man has generated among white folks.
Is it because Grant and his family were considered “good blacks”? Does that mean they’ve earned a circling of the wagons?
It’s curious.
http://slamonline.com Allenp

Jam On It
Then your nephew needs to work on his ability to understand context.
Don’t ask Grant Hill to tutor him.
vtrobot

Ha ha, Boing. 2nd what Grant Hill said. True pro.
Toronto

Grant Hill is probably writing this to all those people who hate Duke, not just the Fab Five, for their sweeping generalization that African-American Duke players are Uncle Toms. Jalen and Jimmy’s comments just created the flashpoint, and he’s used this opportunity to clarify his position. Coach K is big on character, and recruits players that fit that bill. The most recent is Kyrie Irving, who everyone says is a classy, driven young man with a solid character. Say what you will about the university, but Grant Hill took exception to the view that he, and other African-American players (many of whom are now coaches, businessmen, analysts, or current players) are Uncle Toms, when, upon further investigation, is moronically mistaken for strong character and success. So yes…Grant Hill, like many here have said, didn’t really ‘get’ Jalen’s point. He was busy making his own damn good one.
trav mendous

i respect grant hill but, as a black male, i wish he had took this opportunity to continue opening the door (as jalen did) on why there is racial context behind ppl’s dislike for the blue devils. hill is not an “uncle tom” but i think jalen spoke from a past perspective that still exist today whether ppl are brave enough to share it or not. The game has change and the demand on coaches have increases such that they do recruit more “inner city” kids if the talent is there but there are still issues present. Hill will get a pass b/c this is during the season but if he is true to his word then i hope he will use his education to articulate more on racial and socioeconomic issues present in sports.
Mike B

I think it’s because of the preconceived notions and misconceptions that the Fab Five had while they played Duke at the time. Obviously, they know now that Duke was the better team, but coming so highly rated, it was hard for them to not overlook them and feel that they were better than them. That’s what most really talented teams do, and Duke was so far the opposite of Michigan that they were bound to clash.

18-year old kids have swagger. They’re not the smartest, but it’s better to have confidence than none at all. It’s just a shame that Michigan and Duke continue to clash as old adults, which Grant Hill throws in a petty insult at the end of his letter, stating he has never lost to the Fab Five (though Jalen can say he has been to one more NBA finals that Grant has been to, but who cares?).

The point of ESPN’s documentary was to show the realism of how the kids felt, no matter how wrong it was. It’s good to see some honesty for a change, of how the kids viewed the world then, even it rubs some people the wrong way. It’s just the emphasis should’ve stated more on how they view the world now.
True H

no everybody here missed the point. In the documentary the term “Uncle Tom” was never explained or clarified. Grant Hill simply wanted to diffuse the perception that a successful black family operating morally was somehow disingenuous to the culture.
http://jamison526@aol.com Jimmy G

think it’s because of the preconceived notions and misconceptions that the Fab Five had while they played Duke at the time. Obviously, they know now that Duke was the better team, but coming so highly rated, it was hard for them to not overlook them and feel that they were better than them. That’s what most really talented teams do, and Duke was so far the opposite of Michigan that they were bound to clash.

18-year old kids have swagger. They’re not the smartest, but it’s better to have confidence than none at all. It’s just a shame that Michigan and Duke continue to clash as old adults, which Grant Hill throws in a petty insult at the end of his letter, stating he has never lost to the Fab Five (though Jalen can say he has been to one more NBA finals that Grant has been to, but who cares?).

The point of ESPN’s documentary was to show the realism of how the kids felt, no matter how wrong it was. It’s good to see some honesty for a change, of how the kids viewed the world then, even it rubs some people the wrong way. It’s just the emphasis should’ve stated more on how they view the world now.
http://slamonline.com Allenp

Why would the term “Uncle Tom” have to be clarified?
It was a commonly enough used term in the black community, who doesn’t understand what it means?
Read Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book for a freaking refresher if you’re unclear.
There was no need to “clarify” the term. That would be like clarifying “Poor white trash.”
It’s an intraracial insult, that is properly understood by most folks within the race.
That’s a bogus explanation by Hill if that was his opinion.
What he meant to say was Jalen never said he was wrong and apologized for thinking that on the documentary. Or better yet, he didn’t refrain from being honest.
Brahsef

Yeah Grant Hill needs to realize what Jalen was talkin about. You think with a Duke education reading/viewing comprehension would be better.

As an 18-20 year old, it’s easy to demonize your enemy in basketball. Grant Hill had everything in life and Jalen didn’t. It’s not hard to realize the jump to uncle tom. It’s a common disconnect between inner-city blacks and upper class suburb blacks still.
JTaylor21

I don’t know why GHill is now of a sudden catching feelings but didn’t say or do a damn thing when they played against each other?
Also JRose never personally labeled Hill an “uncle tom”, he was talking about Duke history of recruiting black players that come from affluent families. Look at it this way, Rose was a 17 yr old poor kid from Detroit that resented Duke only going after a certain type of black player.
I’m with JRose on this one, he was young and his views towards the world around him was affected by his surroundings and upbringing.
http://thahiphopcorner.com Kevin

Grant caught feelings
http://slamonline.com Bryan Crawford

Two points…
1. Grant Hill defended himself and his family a whole LOT less than he defended Duke University in his NYT piece.
2. How come he didn’t rush to the aid of Elton Brand who was sent a very nasty email by a Duke alum because he decided to leave for the NBA after 2 years?
Hypocrisy…
http://slamonline BossTerry

Is Obama a uncle Tom?
http://slamonline.com Allenp

BossTerry
Depends on who you ask…
ThaWindy

ROSE thought they were UNCLE TOMS because he didnt get recruited by DUKE. So he thought all there black players where uncle toms..
DukeMan

To everybody trying to say Hill didn’t get the point and is responding to Rose’s 18 year old opinions: not quite. Rose did an interview on espn, you should watch it. He backpedals a bit but doesn’t ever say he disagrees with his 18 year old opinion. In fact, he seems to exhibit different opinions during different segments of the interview. It is clear that there are certain things he cannot say and so is lightly implying…Hill’s response was very appropriate.
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/dacre Dacre

Is their a cream for that? Or a gargle…?
http://slamonline BossTerry

So, because someone has power, maybe money, a good childhood, and doesn’t abuse the American English language, they are considered a “uncle Tom”, and should be ashamed of themselves?
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/dacre Dacre

I want to know if Jalen Rose still feels like this today?
dunkbar

Grant Hill drinks Sprite!
http://slamonline BossTerry

@Dacre- I doubt it, or at least hope not.. Doesn’t Bill Cosby host a show called-”kids say the stupidest things”?
Will

Grant knew this was in retrospect. I love how his response was clear and to the point. He did say, “…moment in time.” I loved the ending.
Michigan Mike

It’s sad to see the Fab Five portrayed like this. I think the documentary was done very poorly. It started out too serious, and the director completely ignored Jalen and Chris Webber’s early childhood friendship and high school basketball rivalry, the director seemed to gloss over the good times, and he egged the players on about their preconceived notions on Duke’s players to stir up controversy. On top of it, they showed too much of the sanctions, instead of showing the highlights during their era. This documentary is the last thing the Fab Five needed.

They were fun to watch, and that’s all this documentary should’ve been about. It should’ve been shot the way the Raiders’ 30 for 30 doc was shot, or the way the UNLV doc on HBO was shot. I can see why Webber didn’t want to be part of this. He was not going to be portrayed favorably, and the director only seemed to want to generate ratings, as he seemed to present himself from an outside point of view. He should’ve focused on the Fab Five’s friendship, and good times more, but he didn’t, which makes this documentary so hard and gruesome to watch. I love the Fab Five, but the doc could’ve been shot better so that they would be seen in a more favorable light.
Michigan Mike

The director did a really poor job of making this documentary. Show more of the good times, and the backstory of Jalen and Chris Webber’s early childhood friendship, and high school rivalry. Show more on Michigan’s ascent from the 6 seed in their first year to the finals when the Fab Five were freshman. Show more on what captivated America about the Fab Five, and less on sanctions.

Also, the director kept trying to egg the players on about this topic, which was annoying. This documentary had an overly serious tone, when it should’ve been fun, like the Raiders 30 for 30 one, or the UNLV doc on HBO. Hopefully, there’ll be a better one in ten years, but somehow, I doubt it. It’s a shame, because I’m a fan of the Fab Five, but they weren’t portrayed in a very favorable light.
http://slamonline BossTerry

My last comment was @ 5:04, but it appears some of “my” comments are awaiting moderation.. Whatever they are, im sure they will be bone-headed, or possibly racist.. They are not me…
JTaylor21

Obama has never been an “Uncle Tom” because he never took the easy way out and worked extremely hard for everything he has today.
If people think that he’s an uncle tom then where can I sign up to become one?
Riggs

true story, the cosby show was based off of grant hills family (and their sweaters).
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/dacre Dacre

I always love the NFL documentaries they make leading up to the super bowl – previous teams and their insurmountable rise to the task. Thats the angle they should have done for Fab Five…. OKay Jalen and his boys (and everyone else) have their problems/envies with other young guys and their lot in life – but promote the DAVID -vs- GOLIATH aspect…. here are young boys from less… productive backgrounds doing the SAME thing as these ‘well off’ students. Not swing for the barn and see how much !@#$ you can smear.
grenners

I never lost a game to the fab five either.
Riggs

Also grant hill is a liar if he’s acting like that’s the first time he heard someone call him a b*tch or an uncle tom. When he played at opponents arenas, i know he definitely heard those words being used and i KNOW some of his opponents were using them. He totally missed the point of jalens comments and he didnt “win” anything.
Heals

Love it!
Michael

Gandhi was a fool, ***** fight to the death.
http://www.slamonline.com Wayno

Sounds like Jalen isn’t the only one speaking out of jealousy haters…Any moron who states that all people that are a fan of a certain sports team are “suspect” doesn’t have a very clear grasp of reality and has no idea what is and isn’t important in life…
http://slamonline.com The Black Rick Kamla

Jalen’s comment came from a more personal place. The life that Grant Hill and the predominating majority of black players recruited by Duke had, was the life that he was supposed to have. Jalen’s father was a millionaire, yet Jalen and his mother were forced to live off of nothing in one of the grimiest parts of one of the grimiest cities in the country. The truth of the matter was Duke at that time and even till this day selectively recruits players on a particular socio-economic rung, and he admitted in the documentary that he was bitter because of this.
http://klatschendom.wordpress.com/ speedy

I didn’t see the documentary.
Jalen said he thought that as a 20 year old.
Did he say clearly it was wrong what he thought and that blacks should not be jealous of each other and of what he or she accomplished.
If he did Grant’s last comment was classless if not Jalen just missed an opportunity to let other kids learn through him.
http://www.youtube.com/user/officerbarbrady what

I want to know what Elton Brand thinks of all this.
Ajamu

Grant’s dad was a star running back for the Dallas Cowboys, Jalen’s dad was a millionaire deadbeat! What would you expect from 18 year old Jalen? Jalen went to high school in Plano Texas, so it wasn’t all ghetto life, but still..Chris Webber went to Detroit County DAY School(private)and did not grow up in the inner city. Mayce Webber Jr. was taken to the hood by his dad to learn to compete, and came from a middle class,2 parent home, thus, was recruited hard by,DUKE. A lot of players know Kobe is a silver spoon star and his arrogance is why blue collar Philly shows him no love. However, Kobe is one of the very few sons of an NBA player who actually can seriously ball. Most silver spooners don’t have the heart, they’re soft and spoiled.Yes Kobe turned down DUKE for the NBA. I would say there some merit to the notion that Duke “profiles” it’s African American recruits. Duke profiles all of it’s incoming freshmen, with very few total African Americans on campus period. The video was a great reminder of a time of change on the American social landscape.

Grant Hill Responds Strongly to the Fab Five

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