Wow, I did not expect to get a comment from you. It means a lot to me and I am glad to have played a role in keeping Mr. Brown's legacy alive. Thanks for subscribing to my channel, also. Best wishes, - TJ
I truly enjoyed this documentary, learning about what a great player and person your father was. As a former NCAA and (briefly) professional athlete myself, I know how difficult it was for me psychologically to have to give up the sport I loved. Having said that, I was forced out because of injuries, not a travesty of justice perpetrated by others. It's a terrible thing that happened to your father. I'm just glad he was still able to find success in the ABA and the community of Indianapolis, and he was able to experience a place that gave him the love and respect he deserved. It's clear that he left a huge impression on his teammates, the city, and the game itself. Glad he was finally recognized by the HOF too! My very best wishes to you and your whole family, Mr. Brown.
I am 63 years old so obviously was not aware of your father's HS or even college prowess while he was playing. I have been a big UD basketball fan since 1970 so I am aware of his abilities because of the stories of Flyer history. I am on a message board of Flyer fans and can tell you that those fans of that era have written that Tom Blackburn did little to help your father, but I don't know how true that was. Maybe back then the school helping Roger with legal assistance may have been a violation, I don't know but it is a horrible shame. I am glad your Dad has gotten his recognition and really respect him for when he told the NBA to go fly a kite when they were so "generous" to allow him back in the league. God bless you and your family.
It hard to believe that Roger Brown, Connie Hawkins and Billy Cunningham all from Brooklyn, New York played against each other in High School PSAL. It was incredible!
My heros, looked up to Roger Brown: Dr. J, Ice, and Oscar Robinson. But when his ex-wife had good things to say about him, that told me that he had a beautiful soul. His wife Jeannie is a wonderful person and thank God that she was in his life taking care of him long after all of the money and fame were gone. Life is amazing isn't it? Long after the cameras are gone, the only thing that matters is how you treat those that love you. I can tell that his daughter struggled with their relationship. I just prayed that she finds the answers that she is looking. In His Love!
Never got to see Roger play but I was super, SUPER lucky enough to watch a game where The Hawk played in the ABL. A league before the ABA. Brown, from what I've seen on tv, TH-cam & other places, was pretty damn good!
Very good documentary, which makes me want to reread "Foul", the superb biography of Connie Hawkins. I neve really got to watch Roger Brown, growing up in those years in he Philly area, but cousins who lived in Indianapolis would tell me that he was better than all of the Sixers and other NBA players I raved about as a kid. Obviously, what happened to Brown, Hawkins and others was a crime -- perhaps, even worse than what happened to Shoeless Joe Jackson and others in the Black Sox Scandal. It's uncanny how much his son looks like him, and well, his daughter is beautiful.
When Roger Brown was playing AAU Basketball in Dayton, Ohio and was stationed and playing basketball at Lockbourne Air Force, Columbus, Ohio. My AF Basketball Team had an opportunity to play in an AAU Tournament in which Roger and his AAU team were participating in too. It was special seeing Roger again as he was not only a great basketball player but also a very special human being. This Documentary brings up some wonderful memories. Rest In Peace Roger.
I was a basketball junkie, growing up in the 1960s/70s. I feel cheated that there was almost no access to the ABA, as there was precious little of it on TV. However, I devoured everything about it in Sports Illustrated and basketball magazines, so at least I knew the names. But this doc was eye-opening for me about the greatness of Roger Brown. Watching this, I felt transported back to my youth, transfixed, a new chapter in my basketball fandom. But the human side of it was more powerful. I am not ashamed to admit it brought me to tears. "Rajah" touched a lot of souls in his too-short life. RIP
WOW Man, this is such a touching, moving Story. Remember watching those ABA games as a kid. Am 67 and can tell you they were EVERY BIT as good as NBA. Thank You for sharing and hope that some younger people will be inspired with Mr. Brown's story and carry on his legacy🤙
This is one the greatest documentaries that I ever seen.. no question. Very touching and enlightening and makes u appreciate when u think u have problems,, be thankful for the life you have and able to live.. Roger Brown was the truth in the game basketball and,in life. I grew up in New York City, and seen him play as a youngster... Unjustly crucified, and it seem like he was made an example of something he had no part in. Thank for the people that produced this so we know the man he truly was...
The game used ball the Darnell is holding in the pic at 49:06, belonged to my step-dad. He passed away in 2005, and my mom recently sold the ball. Darnell worked fof my step-dad at a car dealership, and played golf with Roger, and several other members of the Pacers. As a fan in 60s and 70s, he never thought he'd play golf with his heros, or work for a motorsports legend....RIP Joel!
Interviewing "Wondrous" Willie Wise was the icing on this cake. Mr. Wise was a player without peer during Roger's full skills on display preinjury slice of his career. Their matchups were legendary, and I am the ultimate Willie Wise fan going back to his days at Drake. When Willie says you were the best, you can close the book cuz no further discussion is necessary.
Very touching. Very infuriating and heart-breaking, too. I was a big Connie Hawkins fan when I was a kid and I read Foul when it was published, and always wondered about Roger Brown's path after he fell prey to the Feds. I suppose his fortune in landing with the Pacers, his success there, and being the private, quiet person he was, obviated his story being prominent in the sports media. This was a really excellent documentary.
Roger Brown and Connie Hawkins were in my High School graduation class (but at different high schools) in Brooklyn, New York. I was very lucky to be one of the students and basketball fans at the Classic High School Basketball Game in the Old MSG Arena. At that time I truly believe that Roger and Connie were two of the best basketball players of our times. Also I had the pleasure to attend the posthumous induction of Roger Brown into the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame. Wow Roger Brown was a great basketball player.
Wow I can't believe how many Hall of Famers were on that Pacers squad. Hell of a documentary. I'd only heard Roger spoken of like a legend growing up. But I see now WHY he's a legend. It's a damn shame how dirty the NBA did him.
As the population of the country shifted out of the northern cities to the south and west, basketball talent is everywhere now. But there was a time when NYC produced so many unbelievable players it was amazing. Too many to name.
Roger Brown was one of Top 25 players ever ! I'm from Indpls , Pacers won 3 ABA Titles ; Watch him play at the Coluseum on 38th St. One on one moves we're legendary .! Roger & Dr. J we're very athletic, classy., humble gentlemen ! 🏀😃🏆
The more stories I hear like this... the more I feel ashamed sometimes to have worn that police uniform... You put your whole life into your profession and then you hear of the abuses of those in the past and present... It just kind of pisses you off... SMMFH
Same here. I knew of the respect Julius, Iceman, Rick Barry and the Hawk had for him. Wish there was more film of him. Cause from what I've seen, his peers were absolutely right.
This story is kinda sad how lies tried to destroy his basketball career that mean people didn't see him at a lot of his greatness. but to the people that really knew him. knew how great a talent and player that he was, even same thing happened to Connie Hawkins I think he was about 28 when the NBA allowed him in All Because Of Lies
I SAW THIS BKLYN SUPER LEGEND PLAY AT THE PLAYGROUND ACROSS THE STREET FROM P.S.40 PROSPECT AVE. S.BRONX. THE GOAT,JORDAN.BIRD.JOHNSON WAS SUPER GREAT,AND MORE GREAT.THEY COUDN'T TOUCH ROGER BROWN NOR CONNIE HAWKINS. LEBRON AND CURRY'S GAMES REMIND COMBINED REMIND ME OF HIS GAME EFFECT ON THE COURT.THAT WAS WHEN NYC BASKETBALL WAS PRIME.
@@areguapiri Many many people in this country have been “blackballed “ in sports , entertainment, politics etc. It has happened to just as many white people as black ( if not more) if that’s what you’re insinuating. If not, my apologies.
Frustrating that back then a Black person with any talent had to walk a thin line. One small miss step was the end of the world. A black person couldn’t even defend himself against a racist attack from a white person without fear that it could all be taken away. Shameful to ruin peoples lives. Glad the cat is out of the bag!
I didn't know it would get this much exposure either..Thanks for keeping his memories alive T.J.
Peace - Roger Jr.
Wow, I did not expect to get a comment from you. It means a lot to me and I am glad to have played a role in keeping Mr. Brown's legacy alive. Thanks for subscribing to my channel, also.
Best wishes,
- TJ
I truly enjoyed this documentary, learning about what a great player and person your father was. As a former NCAA and (briefly) professional athlete myself, I know how difficult it was for me psychologically to have to give up the sport I loved. Having said that, I was forced out because of injuries, not a travesty of justice perpetrated by others. It's a terrible thing that happened to your father. I'm just glad he was still able to find success in the ABA and the community of Indianapolis, and he was able to experience a place that gave him the love and respect he deserved. It's clear that he left a huge impression on his teammates, the city, and the game itself. Glad he was finally recognized by the HOF too!
My very best wishes to you and your whole family, Mr. Brown.
I am 63 years old so obviously was not aware of your father's HS or even college prowess while he was playing. I have been a big UD basketball fan since 1970 so I am aware of his abilities because of the stories of Flyer history. I am on a message board of Flyer fans and can tell you that those fans of that era have written that Tom Blackburn did little to help your father, but I don't know how true that was. Maybe back then the school helping Roger with legal assistance may have been a violation, I don't know but it is a horrible shame. I am glad your Dad has gotten his recognition and really respect him for when he told the NBA to go fly a kite when they were so "generous" to allow him back in the league. God bless you and your family.
It hard to believe that Roger Brown, Connie Hawkins and Billy Cunningham all from Brooklyn, New York played against each other in High School PSAL. It was incredible!
I believe Doug Moe also was a contemporary of the men named above as he was a Brooklynite as well.
@@Kareem_Baconskin in those years half the players in the league were from NY
My heros, looked up to Roger Brown: Dr. J, Ice, and Oscar Robinson. But when his ex-wife had good things to say about him, that told me that he had a beautiful soul. His wife Jeannie is a wonderful person and thank God that she was in his life taking care of him long after all of the money and fame were gone. Life is amazing isn't it? Long after the cameras are gone, the only thing that matters is how you treat those that love you. I can tell that his daughter struggled with their relationship. I just prayed that she finds the answers that she is looking. In His Love!
I loved the old run and gun A.B.A. days. Lived near Indy and grew up watching the Pacers in the A.B.A.
Never got to see Roger play but I was super, SUPER lucky enough to watch a game where The Hawk played in the ABL. A league before the ABA. Brown, from what I've seen on tv, TH-cam & other places, was pretty damn good!
Very good documentary, which makes me want to reread "Foul", the superb biography of Connie Hawkins. I neve really got to watch Roger Brown, growing up in those years in he Philly area, but cousins who lived in Indianapolis would tell me that he was better than all of the Sixers and other NBA players I raved about as a kid. Obviously, what happened to Brown, Hawkins and others was a crime -- perhaps, even worse than what happened to Shoeless Joe Jackson and others in the Black Sox Scandal.
It's uncanny how much his son looks like him, and well, his daughter is beautiful.
When Roger Brown was playing AAU Basketball in Dayton, Ohio and was stationed and playing basketball at Lockbourne Air Force, Columbus, Ohio. My AF Basketball Team had an opportunity to play in an AAU Tournament in which Roger and his AAU team were participating in too. It was special seeing Roger again as he was not only a great basketball player but also a very special human being. This Documentary brings up some wonderful memories. Rest In Peace Roger.
I was a basketball junkie, growing up in the 1960s/70s. I feel cheated that there was almost no access to the ABA, as there was precious little of it on TV. However, I devoured everything about it in Sports Illustrated and basketball magazines, so at least I knew the names. But this doc was eye-opening for me about the greatness of Roger Brown. Watching this, I felt transported back to my youth, transfixed, a new chapter in my basketball fandom. But the human side of it was more powerful. I am not ashamed to admit it brought me to tears. "Rajah" touched a lot of souls in his too-short life. RIP
Absolutely breath taking
Wonderful documentary. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Brown play with the Pacers. He was definitely one of the greats of all time!
Great player extraordinary human being!!
WOW Man, this is such a touching, moving Story. Remember watching those ABA games as a kid. Am 67 and can tell you they were EVERY BIT as good as NBA. Thank You for sharing and hope that some younger people will be inspired with Mr. Brown's story and carry on his legacy🤙
I'm happy he's finally get the recognition he deserves
What a wonderful man, what a tale of a life, with its ups and downs and redemption….. and love. Thank you!
This is one the greatest documentaries that I ever seen.. no question. Very touching and enlightening and makes u appreciate when u think u have problems,, be thankful for the life you have and able to live.. Roger Brown was the truth in the game basketball and,in life. I grew up in New York City, and seen him play as a youngster... Unjustly crucified, and it seem like he was made an example of something he had no part in. Thank for the people that produced this so we know the man he truly was...
My older brother was 11 1/2 years older than me, and his favorite player was ROGER BROWN.
My older brother was 11 1/2 years older than me, and his favorite player was ROGER BROWN
The game used ball the Darnell is holding in the pic at 49:06, belonged to my step-dad. He passed away in 2005, and my mom recently sold the ball. Darnell worked fof my step-dad at a car dealership, and played golf with Roger, and several other members of the Pacers. As a fan in 60s and 70s, he never thought he'd play golf with his heros, or work for a motorsports legend....RIP Joel!
Very interesting, thanks for sharing this detail
Interviewing "Wondrous" Willie Wise was the icing on this cake. Mr. Wise was a player without peer during Roger's full skills on display preinjury slice of his career. Their matchups were legendary, and I am the ultimate Willie Wise fan going back to his days at Drake. When Willie says you were the best, you can close the book cuz no further discussion is necessary.
Beautiful player..had one of the smoothest jump shots....
Thank you for to everyone that brought the truth of the legend of the court!!! Roger Brown the greatest of all time!!!! 🇯🇲🙏✊ respect 100%
Very touching. Very infuriating and heart-breaking, too. I was a big Connie Hawkins fan when I was a kid and I read Foul when it was published, and always wondered about Roger Brown's path after he fell prey to the Feds. I suppose his fortune in landing with the Pacers, his success there, and being the private, quiet person he was, obviated his story being prominent in the sports media.
This was a really excellent documentary.
Roger Brown and Connie Hawkins were in my High School graduation class (but at different high schools) in Brooklyn, New York. I was very lucky to be one of the students and basketball fans at the Classic High School Basketball Game in the Old MSG Arena. At that time I truly believe that Roger and Connie were two of the best basketball players of our times. Also I had the pleasure to attend the posthumous induction of Roger Brown into the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame. Wow Roger Brown was a great basketball player.
One of the best docs I have ever watched. His game was way before his time. RIP RAJAH.
terrific story ........ABA fans out there ...get the book " LOOSE BALLS " by terry pluto ....... excellent
Amazing. A man of principles. Admirable. Such men are rare.
Amazing, enjoyed this story and I can't recall hearing about him. This story brought me to tears. Blessings to the family and friends!🙏🏾
My brother was 11 1/2 years older than me, all he talked about was RAJAH..!!
Wow I can't believe how many Hall of Famers were on that Pacers squad. Hell of a documentary. I'd only heard Roger spoken of like a legend growing up. But I see now WHY he's a legend. It's a damn shame how dirty the NBA did him.
Great story, never heard of him till I saw this I'll share this to all I know
As the population of the country shifted out of the northern cities to the south and west, basketball talent is everywhere now. But there was a time when NYC produced so many unbelievable players it was amazing.
Too many to name.
Roger Brown was one of Top 25 players ever !
I'm from Indpls ,
Pacers won
3 ABA Titles ;
Watch him play at the Coluseum on 38th St.
One on one moves we're legendary .!
Roger & Dr. J we're very athletic,
classy., humble gentlemen !
🏀😃🏆
Same here. Grew up near 38th Oxford. I used to walk to the Coliseum for the games
The best the ABA had. Glad he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.
Basketball HOF. Not ABA, NBA. Simply basketball.
The greatest of all time mr Roger brown HE IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME ONELOVE 💪🏿🙌🏾🌍👏🏾💯✨️🏀
The more stories I hear like this... the more I feel ashamed sometimes to have worn that police uniform...
You put your whole life into your profession and then you hear of the abuses of those in the past and present...
It just kind of pisses you off... SMMFH
This broke me down. I wish I had gotten to see him play.
Same here. I knew of the respect Julius, Iceman, Rick Barry and the Hawk had for him. Wish there was more film of him. Cause from what I've seen, his peers were absolutely right.
Brought me to tears
Loved every minute will make sure my son and everyone know who roger brown is was and will add him to my 2k24 roster asap REST IN PEACE KING LOVE YOU
Thank you for posting this wonderful documentary. Roger Brown was a great basketball player and man. He shall never be forgotten!
I remember Mr Brown when he lived on Coil St we lived two house from him back in the day. Straight up Michigan Road.
The Rajah. When Mike Storen asked Oscar Robertson who he should pick for the Pacers, he told them to get Roger Brown and Freddie Lewis.
Great Documentary ✌🏾
Roger Brown was bigger than the game itself. Quiet dignity is who this man was. Excellent docu.
This story is shameful, despicable, and heartbreaking , all who were involved should be ashamed.
Roger brown never played in the NBA... But he did play in an exhibition all star game or two against guys like wilt chamberlain and John havlicek
This story is of evil of the most pure type. Changed the course of his entire bloodline. May Mr. Brown rest in peace.
Along with the evil white America continues to do to Bill Cosby.
He had q good career and people loved him
Heavy
Crazy thing is David Stern was going hard on Connie Hawkins and him, but he swept the NBA's referee scandal under the rug asap.
What did David Stern have to with them ?
@@WilliamBell-no5vl he was an outside counsel to the NBA trying to keep Connie Hawkins out the league. Look it up
Best ever he was the goat
Roger Brown was a badddd man I remember him from the early ABA dayz the Goat for sure continue to rest in peace Roger
Had the great opportunity to play for Coach
Yeah, I liked him👍
IT IS A DAMN SHAME THAT ROGER BROWN NEVER I MEAN NEVER PLAY IN THE NBA RIP KENNETH O
This story is kinda sad how lies tried to destroy his basketball career that mean people didn't see him at a lot of his greatness. but to the people that really knew him. knew how great a talent and player that he was, even same thing happened to Connie Hawkins I think he was about 28 when the NBA allowed him in All Because Of Lies
I SAW THIS BKLYN SUPER LEGEND PLAY AT THE PLAYGROUND ACROSS THE STREET
FROM P.S.40 PROSPECT AVE. S.BRONX. THE GOAT,JORDAN.BIRD.JOHNSON WAS SUPER
GREAT,AND MORE GREAT.THEY COUDN'T TOUCH ROGER BROWN NOR CONNIE HAWKINS.
LEBRON AND CURRY'S GAMES REMIND COMBINED REMIND ME OF HIS GAME EFFECT ON
THE COURT.THAT WAS WHEN NYC BASKETBALL WAS PRIME.
WOW!
Yo amid it just me or does Andre 3000 look just like this man?
Ok why did I need to read the description?
I attended wingate high
Mr. Molinas was one real shady Greek!I do however have a better recollection of Connie Hawkins in the NBA rather than Roger Brown
Bed-Stuys own
Yo is it just me or does Andre 3000 look just like this man?
ABA 😅Hot-Rodd Roger
The only reason why he was blackballed because he was black, the same for Conti Hawkins
Connie Hawkins. Not Conti. Another great player from Brooklyn
That's American history.
@@areguapiri Many many people in this country have been “blackballed “ in sports , entertainment, politics etc. It has happened to just as many white people as black ( if not more) if that’s what you’re insinuating.
If not, my apologies.
Philo Farnsworth
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo_Farnsworth
Frustrating that back then a Black person with any talent had to walk a thin line. One small miss step was the end of the world. A black person couldn’t even defend himself against a racist attack from a white person without fear that it could all be taken away. Shameful to ruin peoples lives. Glad the cat is out of the bag!
Warren Armstrong was the best ABA player
Ummmmm!!!
i'm sure brown was a fine player. but i could have guarded him. there's no doubt in my mind.