Bring That Week Back: Week of June 14, 2009

Bishop T.D. Jakes makes a last-minute decision that spared his life. Usher's soon-to-be ex makes her move; plus more.

Heroes In The Fight - “Just as African-American clergy fervently came together 50 years ago to fight for civil rights, we are banding together today to bring an end to HIV/AIDS and its potential to obliterate our community.” – Bishop T.D. Jakes, leader of the Dallas mega-church The Potter’s House.

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Escaping Death - Bishop T.D. Jakes said that if he hadn’t canceled a recent meeting at the last minute, he wouldn’t be alive today. Jakes told his church congregation on Sunday that an explosion erupted in the sunroom of his Dallas home last week – and he would have been getting dressed there had he not made a sudden decision not to attend.

Suspended Without Pay - Cleveland Browns receiver Donté Stallworth has gotten a strong punishment thrown at him by the NFL. He has been suspended without pay for the entire season after pleading guilty to killing a pedestrian while driving drunk. The suspension means Stallworth can't take part in any team activities until his reinstatement, which takes effect after the Super Bowl.

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Guilty Plea - Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth took full responsibility for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida and began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter. Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit from the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes. Reyes was struck and killed March 14 by Stallworth, who was driving his black 2005 Bentley after a night drinking at a swanky hotel bar.

Dismiss or Proceed? - Chris Brown will face a Los Angeles-area judge on Monday, June 22. That's when the singer will reportedly learn if a judge will dismiss or proceed with his case that includes felony assault and making criminal threats charges.

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Dismiss or Proceed? - Chris Brown will face a Los Angeles-area judge on Monday, June 22. That's when the singer will reportedly learn if a judge will dismiss or proceed with his case that includes felony assault and making criminal threats charges.

Case Delay Sought - Meanwhile, Brown's lawyer has asked the California Supreme Court to delay Monday’s hearing.  Mark Geragos is seeking the delay while he asks the California Supreme Court to rule on his request for information from Los Angeles Police. He wants details on a police probe of a photo leak that showed Rihanna looking bruised and bloodied. Rihanna has been called to appear at Monday's hearing. Brown would also be present.

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Case Delay Sought - Meanwhile, Brown's lawyer has asked the California Supreme Court to delay Monday’s hearing. Mark Geragos is seeking the delay while he asks the California Supreme Court to rule on his request for information from Los Angeles Police. He wants details on a police probe of a photo leak that showed Rihanna looking bruised and bloodied. Rihanna has been called to appear at Monday's hearing. Brown would also be present.

Tameka Was Surprised - Usher's soon-to-be ex-wife says she was surprised when the singer filed for divorce earlier this month and claims the two were intimate less than a week before he moved to end the marriage, according to court documents filed Monday. Tameka Raymond said she thought her marriage was "intact."

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July Hearing - Usher's soon-to-be ex wife, Tameka Raymond, has been quiet for the most part since Usher filed divorce papers Friday, June 12. With two sons with Usher, sources say Tameka may likely remain silent due to hopes of landing a "windfall (divorce) settlement." The two are due in court July 15 for their first hearing. "She's trying her best to take the high road and not attack him," her newly-hired attorney said.

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Separated For a Year - According to the Associated Press, Usher and Tameka, who tied the knot in August 2007, have been living separately since July 2008.  Although neither Tameka nor Usher have commented publicly on the matter, Tameka’s lawyer says they will respond to the divorce petition in a “timely manner” and they are “…hoping this case would be resolved privately, but since Usher filed it publicly we will have to respond."

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Separated For a Year - According to the Associated Press, Usher and Tameka, who tied the knot in August 2007, have been living separately since July 2008. Although neither Tameka nor Usher have commented publicly on the matter, Tameka’s lawyer says they will respond to the divorce petition in a “timely manner” and they are “…hoping this case would be resolved privately, but since Usher filed it publicly we will have to respond."

Cheaper to Keep Her? - A judge has ordered Nas to pay Kelis nearly $44,000 every month for support for the near future. His ruling came a day after Kelis gave birth to their son named Knight. She filed for divorce from Nas last April and they've been fighting over support payments for several months.

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Kelis Wants Cash - R&B singer Kelis claims that her estranged husband, Nas, from whom she filed for divorced about two months ago, is not offering her adequate compensation as she is due to give birth to their child this month, according to ThisIs50.com. Kelis, who says she's run out of money, wants Nas to pay spousal support, child support, all pregnancy-related expenses, and half of all medical expenses after the child is born.

Engaged - Former football star Michael Strahan wants to marry Nicole Murphy, the ex-wife of actor Eddie Murphy, and he reportedly popped the question while the two were vacationing in the Bahamas.  A wedding date has not been set, according to Strahan’s manager.

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Engaged - Former football star Michael Strahan wants to marry Nicole Murphy, the ex-wife of actor Eddie Murphy, and he reportedly popped the question while the two were vacationing in the Bahamas. A wedding date has not been set, according to Strahan’s manager.

Controversial Photo - Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose said he used "extremely poor judgment" in posing for a photo flashing a gang sign. The NBA's Rookie of the Year said the photo circulating on the Internet was taken at a party he went to while at the University of Memphis. Rose said he was "guilty of being young, naive and of using extremely poor judgment," but has never been affiliated with a gang.

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Controversial Photo - Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose said he used "extremely poor judgment" in posing for a photo flashing a gang sign. The NBA's Rookie of the Year said the photo circulating on the Internet was taken at a party he went to while at the University of Memphis. Rose said he was "guilty of being young, naive and of using extremely poor judgment," but has never been affiliated with a gang.

Caught on Tape - A trip to the hospital turned into a fight between a Oklahoma Police officer and an ambulance paramedic as a sick woman waited in the ambulance. Ofc. Daniel Martin pulled over the ambulance after it failed to get out of his way quickly enough.  The Black paramedic tried to explain there was a sick woman in the ambulance and suggested that they settle the dispute at the hospital. In a video released, Martin then appeared to choke the paramedic.

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Caught on Tape - A trip to the hospital turned into a fight between a Oklahoma Police officer and an ambulance paramedic as a sick woman waited in the ambulance. Ofc. Daniel Martin pulled over the ambulance after it failed to get out of his way quickly enough. The Black paramedic tried to explain there was a sick woman in the ambulance and suggested that they settle the dispute at the hospital. In a video released, Martin then appeared to choke the paramedic.

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‘Gorilla’ Comment - South Carolina GOP activist Rusty DePass was caught likening First Lady Michelle Obama to an escaped gorilla.  First, an aide to state Attorney General Henry McMaster had authored a Facebook post about the escape of a gorilla from Riverbanks Zoo Friday.  Minutes later, DePass posted: “I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors - probably harmless.”  DePass told WIS-TV that the posting was a joke.

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‘Gorilla’ Comment - South Carolina GOP activist Rusty DePass was caught likening First Lady Michelle Obama to an escaped gorilla. First, an aide to state Attorney General Henry McMaster had authored a Facebook post about the escape of a gorilla from Riverbanks Zoo Friday. Minutes later, DePass posted: “I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors - probably harmless.” DePass told WIS-TV that the posting was a joke.

Chastised - President Obama got a dressing down on Wednesday from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals after he killed a fly during an interview on CNBC.  A spokesman for PETA says the group was stunned to see the president swat and kill a fly. PETA said it would be sending him a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside.

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Chastised - President Obama got a dressing down on Wednesday from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals after he killed a fly during an interview on CNBC. A spokesman for PETA says the group was stunned to see the president swat and kill a fly. PETA said it would be sending him a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside.

Not Ready - A federal judge said Monday that James von Brunn, the White supremacist accused of killing a Black guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, is physically unable to appear in court right now.  Von Brunn is in critical but stable condition after being shot in the face.

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Not Ready - A federal judge said Monday that James von Brunn, the White supremacist accused of killing a Black guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, is physically unable to appear in court right now. Von Brunn is in critical but stable condition after being shot in the face.

Wishes Dad Died - Meanwhile, von Brunn's son, Erik, who called the shooting "unforgivable," said he wished his father had died in the attack instead.  Erik told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday that he and his father didn't like each other.

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Wishes Dad Died - Meanwhile, von Brunn's son, Erik, who called the shooting "unforgivable," said he wished his father had died in the attack instead. Erik told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday that he and his father didn't like each other.

Sued for $88,000 - The famed Peabody Hotel in Memphis is suing the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network for $88,000, charging that the group didn't pay bills from its national convention. A complaint filed by the hotel did not clarify whether the charges relate to an unpaid final tab or other charges.  Sharpton's spokeswoman, however, admitted "some convention participants made unauthorized expenditures," but she declined to be specific.

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Sued for $88,000 - The famed Peabody Hotel in Memphis is suing the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network for $88,000, charging that the group didn't pay bills from its national convention. A complaint filed by the hotel did not clarify whether the charges relate to an unpaid final tab or other charges. Sharpton's spokeswoman, however, admitted "some convention participants made unauthorized expenditures," but she declined to be specific.

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Book Deal - The president's half brother, George Obama, has a book deal. The Kenya resident's book, tentatively titled "Homeland," will tell of George's fall into crime and poverty as a teen and his eventual embrace of community organizing — a passion shared by the president — and of advocacy for the poor, an identification so strong that he chooses to live among them. The book is set to hit store shelves January 2010.

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Book Deal - The president's half brother, George Obama, has a book deal. The Kenya resident's book, tentatively titled "Homeland," will tell of George's fall into crime and poverty as a teen and his eventual embrace of community organizing — a passion shared by the president — and of advocacy for the poor, an identification so strong that he chooses to live among them. The book is set to hit store shelves January 2010.

Tony Hansberry - Tony Hansberry II is a 15-year-old high school freshman. At 14, he developed a surgical stitching technique that can ease post-surgery complications and lessen the chance of errors among physicians. Hansberry, who wants to be a doctor says, “I just want to help people and be respected, knowing that I can save lives.” He attends Darnell-Cookman, a special medical magnet school that allows him to take advanced classes in medicine.

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14-Year-Old ‘Surgeon’ - Tony Hansberry II, who is a 14-year-old ninth-grader, has developed a way of sewing up patients after hysterectomies that stands to reduce the risk of complications and simplify the tricky procedure for less-seasoned surgeons. Tony presented his findings at the University of Florida before an audience of doctors and board-certified surgeons. His goal is to become a University of Florida-trained neurosurgeon.

Facebook in Swahili - African scholars have launched a Swahili version of the popular social networking site, Facebook. The U.S.-based company granted permission for the project.  In addition to making one of the most popular sites in the world available to Swahili speakers, the scholars thought that launching this version would help to preserve the language.

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Facebook in Swahili - African scholars have launched a Swahili version of the popular social networking site, Facebook. The U.S.-based company granted permission for the project. In addition to making one of the most popular sites in the world available to Swahili speakers, the scholars thought that launching this version would help to preserve the language.

Purple Reign - The experience of the Lakers, along with their immense talent, was just too much for the Orlando Magic to handle Sunday night. The team won the NBA Championship defeating the Magic 99-86.  It's the Lakers' 15th NBA title and Kobe's fourth.

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Purple Reign - The experience of the Lakers, along with their immense talent, was just too much for the Orlando Magic to handle Sunday night. The team won the NBA Championship defeating the Magic 99-86. It's the Lakers' 15th NBA title and Kobe's fourth.

Shaq Eats His Words - The drought was also over for Kobe Bryant, who finally stepped out from under the extra large shadow of ex-teammate Shaquille O'Neal to win his first championship without the big man by his side. Shaq took to his Twitter page to congratulate Kobe.  As for the 2009 win, Bryant said, "It feels good from the standpoint of people saying I couldn't do it without him (Shaq)."

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Shaq Eats His Words - The drought was also over for Kobe Bryant, who finally stepped out from under the extra large shadow of ex-teammate Shaquille O'Neal to win his first championship without the big man by his side. Shaq took to his Twitter page to congratulate Kobe. As for the 2009 win, Bryant said, "It feels good from the standpoint of people saying I couldn't do it without him (Shaq)."

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White House Invite - Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade and his team may have been bounced from the playoffs, but he's the only baller who may have a chance to suit up with the president this post-season.  Obama invited the NBA superstar to the White House Friday for a day-long event to promote mentoring and male involvement this Father's Day weekend. He's scheduled to speak with youth in the D.C. area about how they can reach their goals, and later to attend a town-hall meeting with Obama and community leaders.

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White House Invite - Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade and his team may have been bounced from the playoffs, but he's the only baller who may have a chance to suit up with the president this post-season. Obama invited the NBA superstar to the White House Friday for a day-long event to promote mentoring and male involvement this Father's Day weekend. He's scheduled to speak with youth in the D.C. area about how they can reach their goals, and later to attend a town-hall meeting with Obama and community leaders.

Making the Rounds - Fully recovered after undergoing surgery two weeks ago to have a benign growth on his jaw removed, Cleveland's All-Star forward LeBron James is making the rounds this summer.  This week alone, he visited President Obama at the White House, attended a movie premiere in Maryland about his life and the opening of Carol's Daughter Hand & Foot Spa in Harlem. These were James' first public appearances since his five-hour operation at the Cleveland Clinic on June 1.

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Making the Rounds - Fully recovered after undergoing surgery two weeks ago to have a benign growth on his jaw removed, Cleveland's All-Star forward LeBron James is making the rounds this summer. This week alone, he visited President Obama at the White House, attended a movie premiere in Maryland about his life and the opening of Carol's Daughter Hand & Foot Spa in Harlem. These were James' first public appearances since his five-hour operation at the Cleveland Clinic on June 1.

BET Awards Performers - Beyoncé, along with her hubby Jay-Z, will join a performance lineup that includes Kanye West, Maxwell, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo and Soulja Boy at the 2009 BET Awards.  The show will be broadcast live on June 28 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

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BET Awards Performers - Beyoncé, along with her hubby Jay-Z, will join a performance lineup that includes Kanye West, Maxwell, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo and Soulja Boy at the 2009 BET Awards. The show will be broadcast live on June 28 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.