Jim Mutha*uckin Brown

So, last week, as previously mentioned, I had a bottom of the barrel celeb sighting, seeing an E-list celebrity, Phoebe Price. She was TROLLING for press at the Ivy, desperate to be seen by anyone who'd look. After checking out her "resume" on IMBD, I couldn't believe what I'd seen. She literally, was an extra on a show like 13 years ago.

How ironic, that four days later, I'd have a REAL celebrity sighting, in complete contrast. Innocently dispatched to the Rite Aid at midnight on a Monday for cat litter, I roll in and hit the ATM. At the first register over, I see an older, strapping man, winding up his transaction. I say to myself, "Hmm, that kind of looks like Jim Brown, minus his now trademark kufi." Unsure, and semi-hesitant even if I WERE sure, I wait until I see him turn more towards me. The iron jaw, brick house physique, and always serious scowl convinced me it was indeed, Mr. Brown. That and the fact that his shirt had a big Cleveland Browns logo on it anyway.

I politely inquired as to his person, and extended my hand, saluting him as a big fan. I made SURE to extend a FIRM handshake. The last guy I'd want to give a wet fish handshake to is Jim mutha*uckin Brown. (71 years old and STILL ready to whip some ass). He graciously shook my hand, and I made a feeble attempt at a connection, via my late Grandfather from Cleveland.

For those that don't know, (and I've been STUNNED at how many don't), Jim Brown is a genuine American icon. Arguably the greatest football player EVER. Arguably the greatest American athlete EVER. Arguably the first black action hero in the movies. Social activist. Blood-Crip peacemaker. The list goes on (and yes, I'm QUITE aware that it's not all good). The juxtaposition between Mr. Brown and Phoebe Price could not present a starker contrast. A dingbat wannabee who's star shines as bright as a firefly, vs. the man Muhammed Ali sought approval from. And the final irony is that this nobody was doing everything decency laws would allow to get any precious frames of camera time she could on the "mighty" TMZ, while Jim Brown, the only man I've encountered in this town WORTHY of actual exposure, humbly and matter of factly going about his business without a hint of fanfare or pretension. In a town based on illusion, somehow I came across a genuine star. And unlike the celluloid variety, he's a TRUE icon, who's forever been completely exposed, warts and all.