There are ample reasons to dislike Stephon Marbury. He has generally been a petulant whiner most of his career, and he is nearly always doing something absurd or crazy.But there are also many reasons to love him. (As you can see, I'm quite torn.) He gets giant numbers tattooed on his head -- which is just aesthetically pleasing -- and he sells his shoes for like $10. And then there's this fascinating nugget of cultural behavior: He went to a homeless shelter on the Bowery to watch the most recent Presidential Debate.
He kept his eyes on the tiny TV, laughing and scoffing along with the residents as McCain spoke-Marbury does a pretty good imitation of the senator-and smiling when it was Obama's turn. "Look at Obama," Marbury said, pointing at the screen. "You feel him. We feel him. You can feel his spirit when he speaks." At one point, when the debate turned to the economy, Marbury snorted. "Middle class? We don't have a middle class anymore." As the millionaire said those words, the homeless agreed. "I love Starbury," an excited resident said, referring to Marbury's affordable sneaker and clothing line. "I can get hot shoes for like $30. Jordan wants me to pay $100." Others gave him career advice. "Hey, you know, I see you doing good in the sixth-man role," one resident offered. "It's just a game," Marbury answered, pointing at the screen. "There's more to life."Wow. I mean, I've been on record as calling Marbury crazy, but I'm genuinely touched by the coolness of this act.
Legally insane or not, how many millionaires will go to a homeless shelter and hang out to watch the debates? Granted, it's probably the best place to get a reasonable touch on the problematic pulse of America, but still, it's not something you will see happening every day.
Additionally, it has to be noted that Marbury is firmly on the comeback trail right now. (I think he's comeback material, right?) Nine points on three for three shooting with six assists for the point guard last night and word on the street is that Jamal Crawford is heading to the bench. So clearly Mike D'Antoni doesn't listen to the homeless.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-21-2008 @ 11:07AM
Randy said...
In an extremely roundabout way, Marbury reminds me of Bobby Valentine in that they're both tough to keep up with. It just ain't all that easy to keep the NY media on its toes.
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10-21-2008 @ 1:38PM
Tha Prowler said...
yup..steff has his moments.
hopefully he will realize it has nothing to do w/ obama or mccain but the guys in the background pulling all the strings.
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10-21-2008 @ 2:15PM
ML said...
A positive story from Steph. I like this one.
I go to school in a wealthy city with a large population of homeless people. Having been in a couple shelters I can say that they're a little intimidating to walk into. Kudos to Steph for watching the debate with people who need our help the most.
I couldn't see Kobe doing this.
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10-22-2008 @ 3:28PM
Diamond said...
Hey ML, I don't see Michael Jordan doing it either.
10-21-2008 @ 2:25PM
Rich C. said...
I don't care how many moments he has, he should have them somewhere else. MARBURY MUST GO! End of story. I have been a Knick fan since "Jumpin" Johnny Green. I want to see them win in my lifetime and that will never happen with this ego-maniac. Don't beleive his BS. It's all PR.
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10-21-2008 @ 3:30PM
Ten-Seng Guh said...
word up to what ML said. Takes a lot of swallowing of pride to do what Stephon did.
i was gonna buy his shoe when it first came out at steve and barry's but it was sold out, never tried again since then.
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10-24-2008 @ 3:42PM
Mike Brady said...
He only stopped in to say Hello to his Family.
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10-27-2008 @ 7:56PM
NYC Resident said...
We must remember where marbury came from. Coney Island. It aint the best place in NYC. He didnt grow up rich... he had to struggle for his and the one thing I like about him is he aint forget that struggle. He made shoes and clothing that everyone can afford. He always goes back to brooklyn. Im not a big fan, but what he does outside of basketball should be comended.
And Rich C.... Even if Marbury left.... the knicks will always suck. You are better off being a Nets fan. LMAO
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