The Bronx is Burning, But It Lacks the High Heat


Billy and ReggieWhen I got there, the Bronx had already burned. In the mid-80s, I was a reporter for The Riverdale Press covering Bronx politics. The borough was still reeling from the abandonment of the previous decade, and a covey of politicians had its hands out for Federal rebuilding dollars. The Bronx was open for business, but a lot of the money went into the pockets of prominent Democrats. A young Federal prosecutor named Rudolph Giuliani was making his name bringing cases against virtually the entire political leadership of the borough, working in tandem with a wily old District Attorney named Mario Merola - a Democrat who was prosecuting his fellow clubhouse members.

It was great time to learn the reporter’s craft, and as the scandals hit our front page, George Steinbrenner brought Billy Martin back for the third of four tours as manager of the Yankees. He broke his arm that September in a fight with pitcher Ed Whitson. I spent a lot time around the Bronx County Courthouse and the Stadium neighborhood, covered regional planning issues and listening to community leaders who vowed to bring the borough back. In those days, rubble-strewn lots and burned-out building shells were common; one misguided program put decals of fake curtained windows - complete with shades and flower puts - up over the grim, empty window frames.

It was also the time when Steinbrenner first started talking about moving the team to New Jersey or elsewhere. Strangely, the Bronx plays the smallest of supporting roles in The Bronx Is Burning: 1977, Baseball, Politics, and the Battle for the Soul of a City by Jonathan Mahler - about what the character of Mickey Rivers gets in the highly-promoted ESPN mini-series, which kicked off this week with a disastrous bit of television programming: a 70-minute delay while the network waited for Vlad Guererro to win the increasingly lame homerun hitting contest at the All Star festivities. The Bronx may be burning, but the borough itself is forgotten.

And if the first installment is indicative, the whole venture may well lack the real heat of what should be a compelling take. One thing’s for sure: without John Turturro’s stunning potrayal of the mercurial Martin, the series might have the vibe of a sloppy History Channel re-enactment.
It’s a shame that the Bronx itself makes only the most cursory of appearances, because the Yankees really are tried to their place in the South Bronx. The book and series link the “Bronx Zoo” aspects of the Bombers’ title run to the Son of Sam murders - but any New Yorker knows that most of the attacks took place in Mets territory, in Queens. And most didn’t happen during the ‘77 baseball season. By the time of the Yankees post-season run, David Berkowitz was already in jail.

Besides, I think the Bronx itself is a better story. The destruction of entire neighborhoods, the insurance fires and arson cases, the flight of the white middle class, and the stubborn resistance of a certain breed of tough community activist - all of this took place within a mile or two of Yankee Stadium. The contrast between the high-flying, star-laden Yankees and the limousines that lined the players’ parking lot with the urban scourge just a block or two away - now that’s literary contrast, a tension to drive the plot. [For those interested in the real story, I highly recommend the Jill Jonnes book We're still here: The rise, fall, and resurrection of the South Bronx, first published in 1986.]

Ironically, Turturro played Howard Cosell in the TV movie Monday Night Mayhem - it was Cosell who uttered the “Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning” line during the ‘77 World Series as ABC’s cameras picked up the smoke of Bronx tenements going up in flames just blocks from the Fall Classic. Turturro’s portrayal iis so pitch-perfect - despite the comic Legolas-like prostethic ears they pinned on him - that he brings the rare suspension of disbelief to the screen. There’s an intensity there, a sadness, an alcoholic fury that reads true.

Not so with the rest of the case, or much else in the first episode. Oliver Platt as Steinbrenner. Well. The plaid coats are great, but Larry David was better. [Here's another Seinfeld connection: one of the producers is veteran writer Joe Davola - that's right, "crazy" Joe Davola's namesake.] Daniel Sunjata (the prominent 9-11 conspiracy theorist) plays Reggie Jackson, but the potrayal lacks the sparkle of the real Reggie. Then again, the actor is hurt by a very bad fake Afro and some Yankee pinstripes that lack the at-a-glance authenticity that a baseball fan is sure to look for. All the uniforms just look fake - they’ve overdone the high stirrups and tight pants, and the lettering seems off.

Other cheesy touches: steroid-laden Jason Giambi as an authentic New York cabbie, Sport magazine writer Robert Ward (he’s the guy who got the “straw who stirs the drink” quote from Jackson) plays himself 30 years on sagging chins and all, and the too-obvious CGI work to recreate a full Yankee Stadium circa ‘77.

Couple of small things I enjoyed very much: Michael Rispoli’s turn as Jimmy Breslin (seems perfect) and the groovin’ Shaft-like music beds over the headlines and vintage footage cut scenes. Took me back. Oh, and here’s another one of the wacky connections in this series. Joe Grifasi, the veteran character actor who plays Yogi Berra in Bronx is Burning, played Phil Rizzuto in the made-for-TV flick 61* about the Roger Maris season in 1961. Christopher McDonald, who plays Joe DiMaggio in Bronx is Burning, portrayed Mel Allen in 61*. Go figure.

And there’s another big irony at play. The series opens in the second year of a rebuilt Yankee Stadium - a new framework but built around the same field made famous by Ruth, Gehring, and Dimaggio. Next year, that field will see its last game ever. A New York City mayor has done what the Boston Red Sox couldn’t do - literally tear down Yankee Stadium and destroy that historic field. It’s a crime on a par with the midnight destruction of Pennsylvania Station in the 60s (and this is from a Mets fan).

Oh, and that Mayor? He’s from Boston.

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July 13th, 2007
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Viewing 78 Comments

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    Daniel Sunjata in real life is a very brave and patriotic American!
    http://www.truthcult.com/daniel_sunjata
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    I read the book last month (before I'd heard about the upcoming mini-series), and I don't see how they can hope to follow its meandering storyline.

    Way too much politics in the book, and it never is tied in to the Yankees, or the Son of Sam, or the blackout rioting in Bushwick. All of these are just thrown out there, seemingly at random.

    And, from the endnotes, one gets the sense the author was inclined to include whatever someone-who-knew-Reggie happened to tell him, rather than going out and researching things that, organically, made sense to include.

    I enjoyed the book moderately, but that's pretty faint praise considering I am a huge Yankee fan, turned 15 that fall and followed that season with extreme interest.

    As for the show, I planned to boycott it due to the absurd delay you refer to, but decided to watch when I found the Daily Show in repeats. Turturro is great, indeed, as Martin. Platt is pretty good as Big Stein, I thought. The Reggie is a little bland. The Munson isn't gruff enough, but bears a good resemblence.

    Biggest problem: the story won't sustain people's interest over 8 weeks. Eight hours, maybe, if squeezed into 15 days or less. But the way their airing it, it will never have a chance to catch on with more than a smallish base of die-hards, I think.
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    I'm surprised about Platt. I expected him to be a hoot as Steinbrenner.
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    I can't wait for the part where the punk rocker/male prostitute played by Adrian Brody gets the shit beat out of him to the tune of Teenage Wasteland.
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    I really didn't hold out much hope for "The Bronx Is Burning", mainly due to how badly ESPN muffed something as seemingly fool-proof as "A Season On The Brink".
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    I liked the movie for being nostalgic but I think the character portrayels were way off. They made Munson out to be a whiner, they made Yogi a dolt for Billy Martin and they didn't even touch on the real characters of Nettles, Pinela and Guidry.
    • ^
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    Piniella especially is a loss - they constantly run the tape of him freaking out at after being called out at home, literally rolling around the ground. And yet his brand of insanity is relegated to extraland.
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    Daniel Sunjata is a joke. Here in his hometown of Evanston, Il. instead of being a stand up hometown hero he is known as a lowlife shmuck. He ran out on his two children mothered by different women - 6 months apart. The man has no credibility. He has been sued repeatedly by his baby's Mamas and his children live on welfare. He only pays when he wants. He has a bad reputation of being a player and cheating on his girlfriend. He uses women for sex by conning them thinking he's single and a political guy. If you're looking for a hero look elsewhere.
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    I heard from my cousin a real FDNY who worked as a firefighter on Rescue Me about him having a reputation as sleeze with women and cheating. Actors lie for a living some don't seem to know when their off camera.
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    I met Daniel at an ALS benefit I would have to agree after some of the dish I found on him that he isn't a keeper. If any girl knows what the truth is on him I would like the scoop please. Thaks ladies.
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    Daniel has a girlfriend. Her name is Rosalba. He cheats on her Yes
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    I met Daniel at the stage door of Take Me Out in 03. He asked me for my number. I now call him by his real name Asshole!!!! He told me he wanted to "know everything about me". He didn't tell me he had kids or he wasn't paying child support or he was cheating with me on his girlfriend or he's doin men. Everything Daniel Sunjata says is 100% lie. It's all game to sleep with women. He don't even know who he is. I don't wish him well. And I don't give a shit about him. Any girl who don't see through his bullshit he thinks he's good and making women think hes into them. run ladies or you'll be saying the same thing. God isn't done with you Daniel.
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    *I heard from my cousin a real FDNY who worked as a firefighter on Rescue Me about him having a reputation as sleeze with women and cheating. Actors lie for a living some don’t seem to know when their off camera.*

    Since the comment excerpted above is posted under the same name (Tom K) as my comment that appears as no. 2 above (dated 7/13), I feel I oughta point out that it's by a different person.

    I don't have cousin in the FDNY, an opinion about Daniel Sunjata's social life, or an inclination to speculate about such things. He is way too thin to be playing Reggie, though.
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    Gerhing?
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    Hi all!

    I've purchased from this guys some gear - http://authenticsteroids.com
    Do you like it?
    What do you think?

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    AuthenticSteroids is a SCAM!
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    Daniel Sunjata is a dick. I was personally involved with him for over a year.
    I don't care if this is unrelated to topic or if it's lost since the time of the original postings.
    For all his humanitarian nonsense I can tell you without a doubt he is a hypocrite, a cheater on his girlfriend, manipulative
    and deceitful. He's arrogant and if you read any of his blathering aimless speeches on 9/11 his
    narcissism know no bounds. Fuck you Daniel. You are nothing remotely close to anything you
    pretend to be. I'm sorry I ever believed in you! asshole!
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    Arrogant, blathering, aimless, narcissism? Or humble, lucid, provoking, patriotism? I think the latter, but you decide : )

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGFTSDLxbqY

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-164598...
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    Point made...he is brilliant and as you say "lucid" in his analysis of the issues before us. Not a hint of conceit or arrogance at all. Just a celebrity with the guts to stand for something, which is rare these days. I think the negative claims are a smear campaign and nothing more. This man simply shines.
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    I'd have to agree. Personal attacks aside, he is on point with his sh*t. And I thought he was quite good in Prada. Seems like a nice, down2earth type brotha.
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    Yes yes he's all that and Can't wait for new season! This cat is bright and talented with a lot of potential. I'd like to see Sunjata in more challenging roles, but he did great job in Bronx. It was great.
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    These post is funny! I like him on Rescue. I also like Prada a lot too. In his interviews he seems cool enough.
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    Daniel is the shiznit. Good actor. Smart. Good person. Luvz him!
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    I will attest to the fact that although actors are under the public's scrutiny. Daniel is truly warped. I dated him or whatever you want to call a 4 month relationship and found a lot of shall we say hot air. He may be educated on 9/11 but personally the man is a train wreck. Yes he cheat on his girlfriend because he did so with me. I'm not proud about it. I guess I'm not alone in this. He's a liar so I could care less about his morals suddenly showing up politically.
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    I do. To bad if he did that, but thanks to his for telling the truth. No one else is doing it at all. I don't like Prada or Rescue Me though. He wasn't so great. I rather hear him talk politics than act anyhow
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    You crazy! He is awesome bro. I saw him onstage twice in two different plays and was so impressed. He'll be the next Denzel. I bet on it bro.
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    Oh yeah but I agree he is a smart cookie. I like his interviews. specially on 9-11
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    wow! i keep on hearing that he not a nice guy . i had a little crush on him because he kinda looks like an ex-boyfriend of mine. but i don't think i have a crush on him anymore. thanks!
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    He IS a GR8 guy....He looks like MY EX TOO..Only my ex had NO personality, and not a creative bone in his body....Daniel is politically aware and socially conscience..My ex WASNT....Daniel has a great deal to offer.More than looks, more than fame, more than money,more than lifestyle

    ..Just DANIEL is wonderful enough.: ) No ne is perfection mind u...

    Maybe you ought to re -consider. Ronnie...
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    i don't know he seems smart and handsome but i think maybe he did n't treat those women right.
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    Mistreats them HOW?

    Maybe he did. Maybe he didnt...

    Who knows for sure? Only Daniel and his lady know what really goes on behind the scenes ( If he has one I don't know)

    I am in a similar situation, I have this guy whom I consider to be my very best friend, I adore him, and I think he digs me too, However he knows he isn't good for me..He doesn't trust himself.

    He knows that I would never tolerate any disrespect from anyone.

    I think this guy I know, feels something for me, but is AFRAID.

    He doesn't trust himself to be with me because he feels sooner or later he may diss me, and I would leave him..Kind of like a double edge sword...He digs me, respects me, but he is afraid to pursue me, because sooner or later he feels he will mess up, and I would leave him, thus braking his tender heart...The solution is this..If u are involved with a guy who is prone to "acting out" on occasion, (I'm talking strictly about moodiness, not ABUSE, Ass whoopings or cheating)..

    If he gets into his "funk' just leave him be for a bit and let him cool off.....he will appreciate that u didn't rag on him and when he feels his lil funky mood has passed, then you can interact again....I dont know anything about Daniel's personal life...All I know is that he is a great talent,a wonderful friend,very creative, and a humble, sweet, sensitive man.

    Sidenote: It isn't only actors ,rappers and "show biz peeps" who are known to diss the ladies..This happens to "regular folk" too. If a man truly loves, trusts, and respects his lady, it doesn't matter who else he can get, he will adore HER, cherish her ,respect her, and move the world for her, regardless if he is an actor rapper etc...

    If a guy cant trust himself to maintain a healthy love relationship, maybe they should just remain wonderful close loving friends instead of trying to make a romantic relationship out of it.Or they can proceed with caution and take it slow to see where it goes...But as soon as that dark cloud hits...run and take cover, leave him alone until the storm passes...
    u know after a good "thunderstorm" the sun does shine once again...The rainbow even comes out : )

    Good with the bad..Dark with the light...How can u appreciate all the sweet without a lil taste of bitter?

    Thoughts? comments?
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    well hopefully guys like that can get it together and be better to women that they are interested in.
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    Yes Olivia ,I would have to agree, If they recognize that perhaps they have an issue, they need to address it, (Ask themselves WHY they do it in the first place) and FIX it...

    Simple and to the point.
    No one is judging here. No one is perfect. I respect anyone who acknowledges wrong doing and proceeds to fix the situation. Sometimes people are just born different..creative, with a higher level of conciousness and they feel more emotion...See things others are blind to.....feel things that others CANT, This isnt a monster ,,,this is an individual that has a great gift, a very creative soul, an artist,,,, but is sometimes prone to moodiness and takes their"frustration out on others"..

    .When this happens best thing for a lady to do is walk away for a bit ( NOT ABANDDONMENT) Make sure you tell him,how much u love him ,respect him, appreciate him , what a wonderfal man he is, and how happy he makes you, then let him get this "mojo" back together...Let him cool off ,,,maybe go punch trhe bag at the gym...Then when he has collected himself and simmered down all is good again... :) Never try to CHANGE your man..Love him and cherish him for what he is... The secret is to learn about him and "forsee" his needs so you can have a healthy loving relationship. Hope this helps : )
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    The above comments are not intended for Daniel Sunjata... Or directed towards him in any way...I know nothing of the mans personal life..This is just a general comment to any male or female..Olivia.
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    Then again Olivia, Guys will treat their ladies like crap, DELIBRATELY

    So the "dumb arse" woman will TAKE A HINT, gather her pride and LEAVE them. alone....

    Right?
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    Hilarious. This shit is total lies. I know Daniel personally. He is too involved with work and trying to "save the world" to be caring about playing with little dumb girls. Trust me! He is a hero to America and young actors if you ask me. Even if it was true, its the girls fault. Not his. You need to demand respect ladies. Not be givin up the poontang to famous dudes cause it makes you feel like you are special. But that ain't Daniel I know. He is sweet. Smart. Aware. And cares about poor people and stuff. So get over these blog lies and move on.
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    Actually Simba is right..Leave the man alone...He isnt here posting about US..Why are people always in his business...U need not screw a celeb to feel special....U should make yourself feel special REGARDLESS of a man...Anyway if the man chooses to MARRY u, then that is a different story, then YES dearie you ARE special....


    I have to agree with Simba I dont know Daniel personally ,but I believe him to be a sincere, sensitive, very creative , loving, talented man. Time to move on peeps and give this man some peace and quiet.
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    No he is not, I used to know the dude personally. He's deceives women as a hobby. Plays to be some awesome person with charm and all but the total opposite. He resembles what God talks about in the bible about the devil appearing to be god making miracles but the man underneath is truly demonic. Karma is coming back.
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    Hi, all
    I'm shocked of all the comments about daniel, I thought I was the only one having to live the emotional pain. I have been living with this horrible feeling for a long time without being able to get closure because of this man. Looking at the post gives me a sense letting the truth out and relief in some way. Daniel and I dated for about a year till I found out the gruesome truth of his cruel,and unloving nature. It creeps me out that in the public eye the man plays to be someone of truth, dedication, advocacy, and "realness". I fell for the guy that the public loves and adore. I also fell into a depression for months after finding and speaking to Rosalba myself on the telephone. At the time I had just turn 21 and didn't think that a man like the charismatic Daniel could lay you down say I love you passionately and be lying! He would say come to chicago and meet my dad etc, come stay in my hotel while I film, have deep conversations about him being adopted, his two daughters etc. I thought we had a deep connection. It's def a part of my life that I wish I could erase but then again it made me a stronger and a wiser woman. I feel bad for rosabla though; his long time girl. when I spoke with her she exclaimed "you are talking about my man", and that she walks the red carpet with him. I thought to myself wow thats all Daniel has to offer her. ( when speaking with her she valued the red carpet events as though it was a grand investment) Rosalba and Daniel don't even live together, she has no ring on her finger and they've been together since before his debut on the play "Take me Out". Thats about seven years. I can't believe she stands for that in this day and age. (take control and value yourself) I also found out he has many girls one basically for everyday of the week! Oh god I'm glad I got out of it when I discovered his ugly being. Though I still have a battle scar.
    BTW this is the truth just in case if you just met the man and are trying to find out the truth about who he really is...
    Too lighten the situation he has tons of wrinkle cream on his bathroom sink, derma blend, strivecten anti-aging you name it, its like straight up sephora in the bathroom. Thats as much laugh I can get.
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    More lies. Its ok haters. Keep up the great work. If nothing else, its certainly entertaining. Stay in your hotel while you "film"?? Lay down with you and say "I love you" with passionately?! Meet your dad in Chicago? Lol. Pathetic and transparently false. Oh Lord you people (or more likely PERSON) need to get a life. Daniel should expect more of this type of thing unfortunately since he is coming out publically about 911. Its a sad truth that personal and baseless attacks come out the woodwork when celebs speak out on this hot topic. Happened to Charlie Sheen to. Oh well.
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    Hey Center, you ain't foolin no one. Its clear our Daniel is fighting the devil, not acting as the him. Dumber folks might believe your BS but the truth is obvious. He racking up the good karma. But you on the other hand.........well....... :@/
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    Gotta agree wit you here. He volunteer at our community center and don't even publicize it or nuthin like that. We didn't even know who he was till the office plan coordinator asked if he was in Sex & The City. If he was like that he would have been looking for props and not trying to help anonymusly I think. Sounds like a bitter girl to me which is sad cause we certainly are all special, even her if she don't know that. Also the stuff she mention like the girl name and stuff is all public online so there isn't even proof like pics or whatever. This is why online is so shady. Cause people say anything like its truth. Shoot, maybe its a jealous gay guy who wish Daniel was playing for his team! haa
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    I bet he do have wrinkle creams though HAHAHA I just hope he stay away from plastic surgery and implants and things cause he is fine enough without all that.
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    I dated Daniel years ago. All I can say is he was a gentleman and a good man to me and we split on very good terms. My friends all liked him very much. We got introduced by a mutual pal and she would not have hooked us up if there was any stain on his rep. Sounds like hateration to me. Good luck on your career D. Good things come to good people and your success is no surprise =)
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    Ok alright ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!! How is it that there a 10,000 peeps here who all just happened to date Daniel Sunjata? You are all insane crazy stalkers. I mean how many years has this vague blog been up? And now aaaaaalllllllllllll of a sudden here comes Daniel's entire blackbook of jilted and still-pining old flames. Please people. Its just crap. The world is ending and you are wasting time posting about a quasi famous guy and his crimes of the heart. If it were not sad it would be hilarious. You don't know the guy. Never did. Period!
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    I do. And he has a HUGE COCK lol
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    Hilarious. Well I don't doubt he's packing big meat, but more importantly he is fighting for those who can't fight for themselves like the 1st responders from 911. If he seduced a gullible girl or 2 along his path to fame then so what? Maybe they should learn to save the sex for the right guy and not let gorgeous actors deflower them LOL. Bottom line WHO CARES?! Not I said the cat. meowwww.
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    well, am reading these blogs more and more i think his not a nice man. he may do some good works.but it's how you treat people your dealing with.especially if you are going out with them.i no expert on relationships am only 18 years old. but i do know you don't treat women like that. thanks!
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    I dated the man a while back and treated he me with respect and was always honest and nice. So I think unless you know someone first hand, you can't believe what haters post online. thanx
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    Like here is a good example of what I am speaking!

    from a site called
    www.911blogger.com/node/7079

    "All appologies. I wish to retract my last post and appologize. I realize it was in bad taste. The information came 3rd party from my girlfriend. When I told her, she admitted it was a untruth from one of her jilted friends. You know how that is. Sorry Daniel. He has been doing good work for our movement and I support his efforts completely. All appologies Daniel and all. My mistake. Keep up the good work!"

    oops!! ha
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    Putting his good works on blast!! Yeah baby. Go boy GO! 8-D

    Rescue Me is back from its 18-month hiatus, and the early episodes of Season 5 prove the show is again firing on all its raucous and raunchy cylinders. But it's also turning a more focused eye back on 9/11 and its impact on the men of 62 Truck.

    In doing so, this season brings mainstream attention to widespread conspiracy theories that suggest the 9/11 attacks were an "inside job." Fireman Franco Rivera — played by Daniel Sunjata, who in real life subscribes to these same beliefs — becomes the mouthpiece for these ideas on the show, something Sunjata admits he wasn't expecting to see on his script pages.

    "I was pretty shocked because I happen to know for a fact that those opinions are not indicative or reflective of FX, Denis Leary, Peter Tolan, or anybody affiliated with creating the show," Sunjata tells TVGuide.com. "What I like about the way they're addressing the topic is that they're not pre-packaging it for the audience — the reactions span the whole spectrum from agreeing to vehemently disagreeing to a great big question mark. I think it's laudable and admirable that with such a hot and controversial topic, FX was willing to even include it in the show."

    Franco first reveals his theories in Tuesday's episode when being interviewed by a visiting French journalist who's writing a book on 9/11. In a two-minute monologue (which you can watch in full below), Franco suggests the attacks were part of a "massive neo-conservative government effort" that wants to achieve "American global domination." To do so, they must create war to control Middle Eastern oil, a prospect that would be sped up by "a new Pearl Harbor."

    Sunjata, who can — and did — speak at length about that idea and other research on which he bases his beliefs, admits evidence is often circumstantial, but he questions why further probes were never made. "I feel like all of the investigations started with specific conclusions and entertained evidence that only supported that conclusion while omitting other evidence and treating viable theories as conspiracy. I find that intellectually disingenuous and suspect," he says.

    Personal beliefs aside, these notions create great drama for the show, particularly since few others share Franco's sentiments. His truckmates are anything but shy in calling him out, he has words with a widowed FDNY wife, and he eventually comes to blows with fellow firefighters from another house. Still, Sunjata says it's important to ask the question, no matter what you believe.

    "Charlie Sheen, Rosie O'Donnell, Willie Nelson, Marion Cotillard, Gov. Jesse Ventura — people who would fall in the celebrity category who have even opened their mouths to ask questions about this issue — are greeted with vehement criticism," he says, noting that there may be some backlash. "I am prepared for a negative reaction, but I feel like this is an act of moral and social conscience for me. After I had done a certain amount of research and had a number of very serious, troubling, unanswered questions rolling around in my own mind, I didn't feel I could in good conscience not say something about it and still continue to presume to portray the memories of the heroes that we lost that day on the show."
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    well ,just because he treated you well cindy69 and you are blogging that he nice and honest. i does not mean he treated everybody like that.you can only talk about your dealings with him.maybe those other women are talking about their dealings with him.so who's to say that they are haters. thanks!
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    Oh geez!

    When Daniel meets a woman whom he cant RESPECT, TRUST, and hold his interest MENTALLY ,EMOTIONALLY instead of PHYSICALLY, We won't hear any more stories of his "playa" dayz

    Give it a rest!

    It is easy to get a guys attention by sleeping with him..The trick is to sustain his iattention by the way you CARRY YOURSELF...Take a hint ladies.
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    Um...I can say they are haters olive. and i did. deal with it or declare yourself just another hater. thanxx.
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    To the above post..I meant when Daniel meets a lady he *CAN* Respect and trust...
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    ha! ha! that's funny so i guess if other people don't share your same view on this guy .you declare them a hater.you need to declare yourself obessed. thanxx!
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    Listen peeps...Its like THIS...It is, what it is....Except the man the way he is..Good or Bad...The choice is yours...Either u like him ...or not..If not, MOVE ON.

    The End.
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    Not me sweetie. I'm not the one posting paragraphs about the past. If you want to call someone obsessed it would be the hater above. I bet she's mad cause she couldn't hold onto him. Sounds like a personal problem. All I say is he is a good man. She ust probably jealous of the new lady in his life. that is obvious. thanxx=D
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    in fact its the classic profile of a obsessed freak to be calling the new chick and posting slander and stuff. duh
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    word up Enigma. in that spirit, PEACE!
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    *ROAR* I dont even know why...I'm even making rebuttals here....This is too much...This is WHY men dont LIKE to have a long term with the ladies because they are catty ,jealous,DRAMA QUEENS and have no self respect.
    MOVE ON
    NMOVEONMOVEON.


    <<anti hater repellant>>>>> SHHHHHH...shhhhhhhh>>> spraying myself with>>> anti hater repellant>>>>
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    Some down time, here so I thought I would add a few of my own thoughts to this hot *situation*

    I am not speaking for Daniel here, but I have a feeling he might feel pretty closer to what I'm about to say.

    I don't condone people putting his life or business on blast.. ESPECIALLY his PRIVATE ,personal, life (family lovelife). Perhaps its not my place to even speculate what the man may be feeling...Here it goes.. I BELIEVE Daniel is looking for SUBSTANCE. A quality lady who will tell him, NOT IN SO MANY WORDS, but with her ACTIONS, that she is a respectable individual ,and SHOWS him that she loves him for HIM and not what being with a "celeb" represents. He wants someone to love the "regular ole" book reading, down to earth, big strong man, but SENSITIVE guy Daniel. A woman who believes in HIM and not the LIFESTYLE his career allows. A woman who could careless about the limelight and prefers discretion instead of spotlights..A woman who prefers that Daniel take the stage in his hometown Chicago and maybe mentors up and coming kids, with a dream..A regular traditional guy..No fuss no muss...A woman who loves HERSELF as much as she loves him, pacing the physical part of a relationship. Making him wait ,shows him that he is special , and not just another "joe" plowing your tuff....It also makes you look classy and respectful ,and lets him know that he is worth waiting for. Is shows him that u are with him for the MAN he is INSIDE and not the status.

    ALL MEN (including so called players ) want what everyone wants. Love, appreciation,,recognition,and respect. ...Maybe he is waiting for a quality lady. to make him EARN IT and prove HIMSELF to HER.

    Perhaps he is looking for someone who LOVES the fact that he is bi racial and celebrates that, and loves everything about his "uniqueness" ..His wonderful hertitage that includes two very rich cultures and how lucky he is to have BOTH of them,Someone who celebrates both cultures, and never makes him "choose" one or the other.He is BOTH and he draws the positive from both cultures.

    A woman who loves him despite his imperfections. A woman who excepts EVERYTHING about him flaws and all ,and NEVER tries to CHANGE him, or mold him into her ideals of a man.

    Just Daniel from Chi town is ENOUGH. Love him for WHO he is.inside...Not WHAT HE IS' Take it or leave it.


    Lastly, in closing ,(finally huh?) A quality WOMAN KNOWS that she DESERVES monogamy in a relationship, and doesnt settle for anything LESS. She know she deserves to have a man all to herself and not share him. If a man truly loves you,,he WONT WANT to share you with ANYONE. "Let him stray so he will stay" is a PATHETIC attempt to hold him. Backfires all the time. That will not earn his respect.

    *Oh Snap* I guess I just let the cat out of the bag now...I told all the secrets to all the ladies and now I wont have a chance with him myself ! LOL! <smile>

    Lets lets this go now ok peeps..Let this be the last post on this subject. Ive said my peace AMEN.
    God is GR8 !
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    You think I'm lying he lives on 116st and pleasant ave... Should I post is social security #? I'm def not bitter just preventing others the headache
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    Ehmmm Ladies..The whole point of NOT GIVING IT UP is to avoid situations like the mentioned above...It takes two to tango..If that indeed is his real addy, I hope Daniel files a harrassment suit on you.That is *SO NOT* cool to give out his address.Down right DANGEROUS since he is in the limelight.

    Go have a talk with grandmama, and she will tell you the "why buy the cow "story....If he committed a crime against you, against your will , go file a report at the station..Don't post it on a cyberboard Einstein.
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    all i have to say is wow!
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    Uhhhh.... Yes indeed Olivia...I will co-sign on that WOW.!

    It is one of 3 things.

    A. Sunjata is indeed a player, and gets off on seducing the ladies and splitting... a "hobbie " if you will.

    B.He is a young, single ,handsome, successful, man and he is enjoying the perks of being that way.He is dating casually and it is his right to so

    C.These post above are all lies and he is an upstanding man with class and grace and is a being scandalized with these posts.

    Which one is it?

    If it is A. If he recognizes that it is a HORRIFIC thing to do and wants to STOP he needs to get HELP. Its on HIM to help HIMSELF FIRST>

    If it is B. Then the ladies he dates, need to know that he is just out there "having fun ' dating around and you cannot take him seriously because he isnt in the place right now that he feels he is ready to settle down.. Alot of men do not settle down until they feel they are at a stable place in their lives.

    He may NEVER settle down because he doesnt HAVE TO..Why bring a sandwich to a buffet.....Maybe one day he will truly fall in love..Maybe not...The point is for the ladies to recognize that if "B" is his deal ,then they are just going to have to accept that they are just a temporary fling until the next prime piece of tail comes along.Or maybe that he is interested in you BUT u sleep with him too soon and he lost respect for u and moved on. Maybe he IS serious about u in the begining, but something happens and he changes his mind...(Happens all the time) Perhaps he is afraid of getting hurt.

    if it is C. Shame on you all for posting all of these outlandish tales about that man.

    How does one ever know for sure?

    You DONT unless u meet him, interact with him and observe him.

    Until then, you cannot read these boards and come to a "conclusion" about the man if you haven't real in life ,experienced him.

    If he is just dating around..SO WHAT..it is his right..He isnt married or engaged,,if he is an abusive ,no good player, who cannot help himself, or he is just a devil collecting unsuspecting women as a hobbie, then all u can do is pray for the man.

    If he does this ,and realizes he has a problem ,AND WANTS TO STOP, .then he needs to get help and change..If he LIKES that game and doesnt want to change..Leave him be....He will change IF HE WANTS TO and only WHEN HE IS READY TO.

    If you get involved with him,don't sleep with him up front ,and observe him for a good long while..If he BALKS at you saying NO TO SEX , then he moves on..Then ladies you got your ANSWER.

    Nighty night... this shytt is *too much for me* It exhausts me....It is unbelievable that so many people come here, and have so many varying stories about him...Either he is a great, stand up guy ,or he is the devil ...


    Nothing more you can do OR SAY.

    Peace to the out... I'm tired..
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    Lastly there is option D.

    D. He IS IN LOVE with someone, BUT he is TERRIFIED of pursuing the relationship, because he is afraid he may hurt the girl ,and she would leave him, thus breaking his tender heart....

    I THINK it is D. Just a hunch...If it is D, He needs to TRUST in HIMSELF and HER LOVE for him,...Their love for each other... and make it work,,,,If u want something bad enough, you will WORK HARD for it and not just DREAM IT. If that love is REALLY there ,you will WANT to be on good behavior to keep that relationship..Love is a gamble Love is a risk ..no guarantees..If you live in fear of losing your heart, what is the bloody point of living??? That isnt LIVING.... it is EXSISTING...What a sad world to exist in without the passionate love people feel for one another.
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    ya ya typos...so what
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    yall are crazy. Sunjata does NOT live on 116th street. and yes, PLEASE post his social security number. =^) as if you could. LOL
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    oh, and center has posted nothin but a ton of lies. i know him and have worked wit him which why I can say for true that he does not live there and i would smash the rest of the lies if i didn't have to tell the man's business in order to prove it. this chick might have caught some cock, probably loved it and can't let go. her fault. chicas need to be more diplomatic about who they ride on. sounds like she gladly gave it up {if she ever even saw the boy in real life that is} and then she was treated as she presented herself. like a whore. oh well. keep blogging lol or get therapy. or go play with you other imaginary friend named Brad Pitt lol
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    Ladies, I mean LADIES, be a LADY... *SIMPLE*

    If you want a man to respect you, then act accordingly...demand respect by showing you value yourself first.. This is for ANY man you choose to involve yourself with NOT just Daniel.

    Nothing more to say here. Men either see you as a plaything/onenighter or a woman they can take seriously,honor and respect.

    Think about how you would like others to view you. A way to catch a man's attention for ONE NIGHT/BOOTYCALL is to be a sexual magnet and freak UPFRONT.

    The way to sustain his interest is to present yourself as an upscale, respectful, equal partner that he can take seriously and NOT manipulate.THEN the sparks can fly and u can rock the house LATER, after he EARNS your respect and body !

    My god.. didn't your mothers teach you women ANYTHING? Where the hell are all the morals in this society..Oh yes I forgot.. on MTV, VH1 and all the other trashy, garbage media, fueled crap, like Jerry Springer, Maury "Who your baby daddy/13 DNA tests" Povich show.

    Zip up your dress, pick up a book ,turn on TCM instead of watching crap like "Rock of Love"and get a clue

    Learn how a REAL woman is SUPPOSED to conduct herself.

    U are not special if you sleep with Daniel..

    So u have "bragging rights" to your hoochie friends. All u will be is a notch on his bedpost, and an object of ridicule to him and his friends, when he is telling them about your escapades with him. IF and only IF he even remembers your NAME.


    It is ok ladies to tell that man NO! <Smile>

    Now put this shytt to bed already. It is getting boring talking about the same old thing for YEARS.

    If you don't want to become a victim stay away from the man, or say

    HELLLLLL to the NOOOOO!!!!!! see how easy no.no no....two little letters..N-O....NONONONO

    If he is indeed a no good abuser and hard core sadistic player,then we need NOT make excuses for him either..I cannot speculate on the truth here cuz I never met the man.

    This is all the more reason ladies to keep the goodies on reserve until u know ANY man inside and out....

    u do not catch and KEEP a good man with sex,,,Sure he will hit it..then he will MOVE ON. U catch and KEEP a good man with SELF RESPECT.

    GOT IT?

    God *enuff* of this mess.... it is old and boring.
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    When THAT MAN falls in love for real, He is GOING TO treat her with love, adoration, and RESPECT.

    He will WANT TO.

    He will be STRONG and TRUST HIMSELF.

    He is GOING TO do right by her ,because she will be the best thing to ever waltz into his life, and he will not let fear hold him back.

    He wont jeopardize LOSING HER. She will be the one to male him feel complete, and fit that piece of his puzzle that was missing.

    He will need her love, affection and appreciation. She will know he isn't perfect and not sweep his faults under the rug.

    She wont try to change him. but love him for who he is. and that will MAKE HIM worship her,and be on good behavior so he NEVER EVER loses her.

    SHE will make SURE he NEVER disrespects her.

    Demand your love and respect ladies, but do it by being soft, feminine, and EARNING your right to be loved and respected.

    Ill tell you all one thing, If Daniel was with me

    He WOULD respect me..He would have NO CHOICE I would get his respect because I would EARN IT We would respect EACH OTHER. CASE CLOSED
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    Please, no further mean spirited comments about Daniel.

    When you hurt HIM, You hurt ME.
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    BTW... You people need to give Daniel respect for his brilliant acting job on Rescue Me .
    .
    His performance was rock solid, and passion filled. I am SO glad Tolan and Leary decided to let him speak out on 9/11.

    Hope he receives an Emmy nomination for his work.

    *It is LONG overdue*. U go baby boy. Chi town loves you,misses, u and is *so proud* of you.
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    Oh yes...The man is multi-faceted...He can do many diverse roles and he can pick up accents and dialects..flawlessly..BRAVO

    Don't worry Danny, when u are on that stage with your Emmy and Oscar, peeps will have to respect you.

    Just you wait.
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    Keep climbing that mountain of ambition Daniel..Don't ever get discouraged...Your day is coming...Don't let anything or anyone stop you.

    Your ambition is one of your MANY, MANY ,MANY,MANY,desirable traits. <smile>

    BELIEVE in YOURSELF..Just as I DO....Always will....
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    I hereby proclaim that there will be NO MORE SUNJATA SLAMMING on these boards!!

    Is he perfect? NO.
    Is he human YES.

    His many, many ,wonderful qualities are the focus here. People aren't perfect. Focus on his POSITIVES and not the negatives! CASE CLOSED!

    I SAID CASE CLOSED !!
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    "From the center " wrote: 2 weeks ago


    "Rosalba and Daniel don't even live together, she has no ring on her finger and they've been together since before his debut on the play "Take me Out". Thats about seven years. I can't believe she stands for that in this day and age".

    WOW..So they dont LIVE together...but they are INDEED STILL TOGETHER RIGHT?

    Or Wrong? Looks like on IMDB.com they are INDEED still together.....

    They are a gorgeous couple..I wish them well..: ) Hope all their dreams come true....
 

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