Aaron Taylor

Looking at 2020 and beyond

March 12, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

All Madden Team celebrates closing prayer lead by volunteer Andre Jackson

It’s a new year, the start of a new decade, and where is San Quentin sports going?

During the month of February, there were tryouts for the San Quentin A’s, Kings and Warriors. These are some of the teams that represent the prison and, in doing so, help to build public interest in the CDCR from a recreational perspective.

The 1000 Mile Track Club is starting the marathon season as well, and in mentioning them, I’m thinking about the numerous documentaries and movies that have been filmed about sports programs at The Q.

All this indicates that in this new year, this new decade, we need to start taking involvement in sporting activities seriously as a part of the overall rehabilitation process. When a person goes before the Board of Parole Commissioners, voluntary participation in sports needs to be considered as part of a person’s inner journey to healing during their incarceration.

Not every person that suits up for sporting events at The Q will go before the Board of Parole in order to go home. Many of the young people with a determinate sentence get involved just to stay away from other activities on the yard.

However, for the person who waits two to five years to get into some of the upper echelon self-help groups, then take what they learn in those groups and put it into practice during a sporting event (which often involves participation with outside visitors) this is putting conflict resolution skills immediately into action. It’s definitely part of the rehabilitation process.

From creating season schedules, to team tryouts, to dealing with the various personalities that make up team sports, let’s not overlook the audio and visual recording, the sports broadcasting, the pre- and post-game interviews, the coordinating events to even the seating, everything that encompasses putting on an event inside the walls of San Quentin is done by the incarcerated members of SQ News Sports Department, SQ-TV and First Watch.

Why aren’t other institutions in CDCR doing this at their facilities?

What’s happening at The Q shouldn’t be an aberration; it should be the norm. Every institution should have a sports program that’s also partnered with a local college, semi-pro or even a professional team. These people should be invited inside of the facility to help aid in the rehabilitative process, to be involved in the inner healing of incarcerated individuals.

When released, we are coming back to neighborhoods and communities. We are coming back with a sense of purpose and a need to reconcile and help heal those communities. Sports is one healing path that reaches just about everyone, especially the youth.

In this new year, and at the start of this new decade, it’s time that we start looking at sports and rehabilitation in a whole new light.

—Aaron Taylor

Willie O’Ree: 1st Black NHL player

Willie Eldon O’Ree, (born Oct. 15, 1935) a former professional ice hockey player from Canada, is called the “Jackie Robinson of Ice Hockey” for having broken the color barrier in the National Hockey League, or NHL.

O’Ree, who played as a winger for the Boston Bruins, has said he met Robinson twice in his younger years. O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2018.

That same year, according to Wikipedia, the NHL instituted the annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in his honor, to “recognize the individual who has worked to make a positive impact on his or her community, culture or society to make people better through hockey.”

During his career, O’Ree faced many of the same challenges that Robinson faced as the first man of color in a predominately White sport. Before O’Ree, Art Dorrington was the first Black player to sign an NHL contract with the New York Rangers organization, though Dorrington never played beyond the minor league level.

“Racist remarks were much worse in the U.S. cities than in Toronto and Montreal,” O’Ree attested. “Fans would yell, ‘Go back to the South’ and ‘How come you’re not picking cotton?’ Things like that. It didn’t bother me. I just wanted to be a hockey player, and if they couldn’t accept that fact, that was their problem, not mine.”

O’Ree helped make it possible for more Black players to join the league. After O’Ree’s stint in the NHL, there were no other Black players in the NHL until 1974, when the Washington Capitals drafted Mike Marson. Like O’Ree, Marson is Canadian by birth.

By the mid-2010s, there were 23 Black players in the NHL, including P. K. Subban, one of the league’s current most popular players. The NHL requires its players to enroll in a preseason diversity training seminar and punishes racially based verbal abuse with suspensions and fines.

Since 1998, O’Ree has been the NHL’s Diversity Ambassador. He travels across North America to schools and hockey programs to promote inclusion, dedication and confidence.

The NBA Championship and Stanley Cup Finals play during the same two-week period. Many sports enthusiasts inside prison watch both, exposing the incarcerated population to the NHL and helping grow its appeal.

Willie O’Ree: 1st Black NHL player

March 12, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

Willie Eldon O’Ree at Hall of Fame induction

O’Ree, who played as a winger for the Boston Bruins, has said he met Robinson twice in his younger years. O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame https://www.hhof.com/ in November 2018.

That same year, according to Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_O%27Ree the NHL instituted the annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in his honor, to “recognize the individual who has worked to make a positive impact on his or her community, culture or society to make people better through hockey.”

Since 1998, O’Ree has been the NHL’s Diversity Ambassador. He travels across North America to schools and hockey programs to promote inclusion, dedication and confidence.

San Quentin Kings hold tryouts for the 2020 season

March 12, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

San Quentin Kings logo

The 40 and Over San Quentin Kings held their annual tryouts to pick their team for the 2020 season.

After running drills and scrimmages against pick up teams made up of younger players who were watching the tryouts, head coach Orlando “Duck” Harris called the men to center court and announced this season’s roster.

Bryant Underwood, at age 35, made the cut.

“I thought because I was younger than these guys, it would be easy to make this team but it wasn’t. These OG’s got game and I see I still have something to learn from them. I’m ready for the challenge.”

Reginald Thorpe, another new player to make the team, had been reading about the Kings while housed in maximum security facilities. “I used to read the SQ News when I was at New Folsom on the level four yard, dreaming of getting to The Q and making either the Warriors or the Kings.” It was a long odyssey to reach The Q, but now Thorpe is fulfilling his aspirations. “I’m on the Kings and getting into the self-help programs. I’m healing my mind, body and spirit.”

Thorpe has earned the nickname “Saw” for his hardnosed defense and physical presence.

When asked what the goals are for the SQ Kings in 2020, Coach Harris was blunt.

“We’re looking to improve on last season’s record of 20-11. We do that, we’ll be doing great.”

Harris said that since he was going to focus most of his time in training for Transformative Justice Initiative https://tjcoalition.org/ – a group that trains people in the criminal justice reform field – he’s going to be turning over most of the coaching duties to Kings assistant coach, Ismael Freelon.

After the teams were announced, Jaryd “Deep Ball” Newton – who played in the 2019 season but didn’t make this seasons roster – spoke about press coverage.

“I only made the paper one time last season. My name was mentioned because I was tied with somebody else with 15 points. I wasn’t even the lead scorer in that game, but there was no other stats on me. It’s just not fair. I don’t understand what I have to do to get my name in the paper.”

The following is the San Quentin Kings 2020 Roster:

Thaddeus “Beast” Fleeton – 6’0 Power Forward/Center

DeSean “Silent Assassin” Nicholson – 6’1 ½ Power Forward

Jamal “Do It All” Harrison – 6’0 Guard/Forward

Gregory “G-Styles” Jones – 6’0 Shooting Guard

Tare “Cancun” Beltranchuc – 5’8 Point Guard

Oris “The Human Theme Song” Williams – 6’4 Point Forward

Bryant “The Baker” Underwood – 5’8 Guard

Gary “The Knife” Brown – 5’11 Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Rafael “Coach” Ceuvas – 6’1 Point Guard Derrick “Out Loud” Gray – 6’0 Guard/ Small Forward

Joshua “JB3” Burton – 5’7 Point Guard

Charles “Pookie” Sylvester – 5’10 Shooting Guard

Thomas “Mr.” Vaca – 6’2 Power Forward/Center

Reginald “Saw” Thorpe – 6’0 Forward

(Prison Sports Ministries, https://prisonsportsministries.org/which is the sponsor for the SQ Kings, Warriors, All Madden Flag Football, the Earthquakes soccer team and Hardtimers Softball, is a Christian based organization seeking to fellowship and spread the word of Christ, using sports as the vehicle to reach a broader audience within The Q’s incarcerated community. Only player points are kept as a statistic.)

Dear Kobe,

March 10, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

Kobe, the Black Mamba and Gianna, the Mambacita

Dear Kobe,

You don’t know me. I’m a fan speaking for fans that asked me to send this letter to you from The Q. Here, there are Laker fans that love and miss you, alongside Warrior fans that respected you. We are going to miss what you meant to the game of basketball.

I’ve watched you since you came into the NBA in 1996. I wondered what type of player you’d become, coming straight from high school.

It didn’t take long for me to see what you were capable of doing with the ball in your hands.

I was speechless.

I saw in you Michael Jordan, who was an idol for both of us.

I saw that deadly, killer look in your eyes. I saw that same look in Jordan’s eyes when he stepped on the court. The look that makes your competitors lowers their gaze.

The look that says, “Gimme the rock and watch what I do with it.”

The look that says, “None of y’all can stop me, I’m destined for this.”

The look that says, “I dare you to try and stop me. Step up and see if you can do it.”

The look that says, “Nothing you do in this game will stop me from achieving what I am destined for: Greatness.”

The look that says, “The Champ is here!”

I heard ex-NBA player Bruce Bowen, a legend for his defensive skills, say on the radio the day you left us, “At first, I didn’t like Kobe. I thought he was arrogant, entitled. But, I came to respect him. He brought out the best defender in me and he still went a step higher.”

Pundits are trying to compare you and LeBron James. But LeBron didn’t see it that way.

LeBron said, “I’m happy to be in any conversation with Kobe Bryant, just humbled. He’s a five-time NBA champion. The man has two jerseys hanging up in the Staples Center. To pass him up on the scoring list? It’s surreal. To be compared to him? That’s huge. I play in the house that Kobe built. I’m blessed to be in that conversation.”

LeBron said that on Saturday Jan. 25, 2020. The night he passed you to become the third highest scorer in NBA history.

And we read the tweet you sent him that night, congratulating him. Telling him to keep striving for greatness.

The night before you left us all here, wondering, “God, why him and Gigi? Why Kobe and his daughter? Why the other people on that flight? Why them?”

I do play-by-play here at The Q for the annual Golden State Warriors versus SQ Warriors games. I’ve called a game with Bay Area sports guru Larry Biel and current Laker Javelle McGee.

I’ve called thousands of games over the past 26 years inside of CDCR.

I wish I had the opportunity to do play-by-play for just one of your games.

You allowed a middle-aged, out of shape, former athlete to dream bigger than myself.

That was what you brought out in me.

Kobe rising up well above the rim to slam it down

Rise in Power, Kobe Bean Bryant. We’re going to miss what you did on the court. But we’re also going to miss what you were going to do with life after basketball.

Now, you and Gianna — the Mambacita — can play ball together in the clouds. You can teach her your signature fall-away, while we watch for the next person to step up and fill your shoes.

Players like you come around only once in a generation.

You were the Black Mamba, the deadliest assassin on the court.

During your playing years, people called you arrogant.

After you stepped off the court, they called you another name: mentor.

I saw fans crying for you and Gianna; fans all over the world chanting your name:

“KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!”

You did it. You became The G.O.A.T. The Greatest Of All Time.

I just wish you didn’t have to leave us to do it.

Thank you for being you. We are all going to miss you.

Peace, my brother.

Aaron Showtime Taylor

The Voice of SQ Sports

#thankyouKobe #BlackMamba #8theGreat #deucefour #LakerGOAT #Mambacita #girldad

Jeffery ‘Paranormal’ Dumont

February 20, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

For the most prolific pitcher in The Q’s baseball history, it’s focus and technique. It’s how he maintains a 200 pitch count. However, it’s the eyes that tell you why I nicknamed him “Paranormal.”

In-Depth: Thaddeus Fleeton

February 20, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

G.S. Warrior Coach Kerr, C Festus Azele, Fleeton, GM Bob Meyers and Kings guard Tare Beltranchuc, 2014 Warriors v. Warriors.

Thaddeus Fleeton is nicknamed “The Beast” because of his offensive low-post game and his intense physicality defensively.

He is, arguably, one of the best undersized big men that I’ve seen in my 25 years inside CDCR.

He was born in Mobile, Ala., and came to San Francisco in 1965 at the age of two.

Thad had to work his way down from higher security levels to reach the Q, while others have come straight to San Quentin without spending time at the higher security designations, where violence is a way of life, Thad has spent time on some of the most violent and racially volatile facilities in the state, but as you’re about to discover, that didn’t change who he is at his core.

AT: You – like many of us – came into the system when learning self-discipline was a matter of life and death; how did you transfer those lessons over to basketball?

TF: Well, first it was know- ing my surroundings, who I’m playing against. Keeping in mind that at any moment, a foul could easily turn into an assault..

AT: Did you play ball on the higher levels as well?

TF: Yeah, at New & Old Folsom, Calaptaria Corcoran, Salinas Valley and Kern Valley. All Level IV’s.

AT: I heard that you are a boxer; talk about the sweet science and how you got in- volved.

TF: When I was seven, I had made a clay ashtray for my father at school. On the way home, A 15-year-old dude took my ashtray. I tried to fight him, but he was too big. I went home to my pops and my uncle — who had just returned from Vietnam — and asked them to teach me how to fight bigger guys. The next year, a 12-year-old boy slapped my sister and I beat the crap out of him. My dad then walked me over to the

Boys Club and introduced me to Sonny Carter and Johnny Keys –two ex-pro fighters. I fell in love with the road work and structure; however, I struggled with the discipline. They stayed in my ear and eventually I went to the Junior Golden Gloves in 1979.

AT: What happened after that? Seems like you were moving in the right direction at this point.

TF: I was, but at the same time I was gaining a rep as a street fighter. So the struggle became do I want to fight in the ring or the street? I saw the boxing circuit, the fight- ers with the clothes, money, cars and all that, and I wanted it. But, it was taking too long so I wanted a shortcut, which took me to street fighting.

AT: Wait, let’s go back to your sister; tell me about what your parents told you and how that took you to be- ing a street fighter.

TF: My parents told me to protect the females. Yet, I took it a step further: I protected them, the nerds and even the boys that couldn’t fight. That eventually led me to getting paid to beat people up, protecting my neighborhood. I didn’t ask for money though. I was getting paid with food, which built up trust in the neighborhood for me. When I did do wrong, the neighborhood would protect me from law enforcement. Also, I had went to the local stores and told them, “What if I can stop people from stealing outta your store? You don’t have to pay me nothing, just hide me from the police if I need it.” And they did it. Now that I reflect back, this is how I how I developed my criminal think- ing and behavior.

AT: I think everyone can appreciate how honest you are. Okay, you’ve been with the SQ Kings, barring inju- ries, since your arrival. How has playing against outside competition helped you de- velop holistically?

TF: It helps me realize that I have a worth beyond the crime that brought me here.

That I am somebody. That they see me now, as the man I’ve become, not who I was.

AT: Is it safe to say that you have formed some solid associations and friendships with the guys that come inside to compete?

TF: Most definitely.

AT: During this past 2019 season, you suspended yourself for a couple of games. I don’t want to talk about the situation that caused it but more to why you felt that you needed to sit yourself down rather than waiting for the coaching staff to do it?

TF: I place myself in a position as a leader, so that means my responsibilities are more than others. My peers see me a certain way, so I had to hold myself account- able. If I don’t, then I’m like everyone else that wants a title but not the responsibility that goes with the title. And, to be honest? It felt good to stand up and say to everyone “I was wrong, so I’m going to sit myself down and hold myself accountable.”

AT: You’re definitely on point about people with titles who don’t want the responsibilities of the title.

TF: That’s right.

AT: All right, I’m going to mention a name and you say the first word that comes to mind.

TF: All right.

Ryan ‘The Rifleman’ Steer: Good person, damn good ball player. Cynthia Cooper: Angel. Will ‘2-Piece’ Wheatly: Close friend. Draymond Green: Beast! LeBron James: Versatile. Joe Montana: Legendary. Old Man Basketball: festive. Lisa Leslie: Beautiful. Steph Curry: Awesome. Bill Epling: Special. Bob Myers: Great!

AT: Okay, it’s Black History Month, so let’s do something a little different. Who are your top three iconic figures in Black History?

TF: Muhammad Ali, he spoke up at a time when we all couldn’t. President Barack Obama, he walked the walk and talked the talk. He showed America and the world that Black people aren’t just athletes and entertainers, that we are also academic and esoteric when it comes to worldwide leadership. Harriet Tubman, ‘Mama Moses’, she was brave and smart. She put a plan together and went forward, in spite of the times.

AT: Tell the people – in- side and out – who Thad is:

TF: I’m a family man. I’m glad that I listened to people throughout the years of this journey in here; you can find diamonds in a pile of s—t. But it helped to carve and shape me into the positive person that I am today.

AT: Thank you for taking some time to talk with me, and Happy Black History Month. You get the last statement.

TF: Thank you to every- one for taking time with me–inside and out–andI wish for peace on earth, believe that.

An unusual family visit at San Quentin

February 20, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

On the first day of 2020, Marion Wickerd –wife of 1000 Mile Club member Tommy Wickerd—shared a special moment with her husband of 15 years: The Wickerds were spending a family visit together at The Q.

However, instead of watching the New Year’s Day Rose Parade on television, the two were going to watch to the 4th Annual San Quentin New Year’s “Buddy Bar” Half Marathon.

“I’ve never awakened on a New Year’s Day in prison,” Marion said. “It’s definitely 100% my choice to be here, and, I must say, I’m one happy gal to be here at good ole San Quentin at the start of a new decade.”

Marion said she was just as excited as she would’ve been watching the iconic Boston Marathon.

Tommy put on his SQ 1000 Mile Club hat, while his wife put on her 26.2 to Life hoodie, and they stood in the family visiting area and looked through three sets of fencing to watch the runners line up to start the run. Marion held on to her husband’s arm tightly, watching and waiting as an alarm delayed the start time. After the alarm, the half marathon began, and Tommy did a running commentary for his wife.

“I recognized Rahsaan ‘New York’ Thomas and Jonathan Chiu from the documentary ’26.2 to Life’ sizzle reel. There were other runners that my husband pointed out to me, explaining their running techniques and strategies. I felt like I knew them all,” she said.

The Wickerds, standing in the small outdoor yard set aside for family visits, cheered the runners on, encouraging them together.

“Tommy was trying to show me where the ‘Field of Dream’ scoreboard was, so I could orientate myself to where they hang their banner during their running events,” she said. “Honestly, I was so thrilled to be sharing something with Tommy that he loves. His heart be- longs to me, but I also know that there was a part of him that wanted to be running with his ‘Band of Brothers’ that day. I was so lucky to be a part of and actually participate in something that makes my husband a part of who he is. I just want to thank everyone that took part in the run that day.”

The Wickerd’s both said that the day was one that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Thank you to Tommy and Marion Wickerd for sharing part of their family visit with San Quentin News sports department. Marion Wickerd contributed to this story.

The Big One That Got Away

February 20, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

Winning “The Big One” and being successful in a sports career aren’t the same thing.

Sound confusing? It’s not.

There are players in all sports who have had successful careers, however, they haven’t won “The Big One.” Think of Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills. This team went to four straight Super Bowls – a record that no other team has duplicated in the NFL – yet, they lost four straight times.

Admit it: if you were watching the Bills in the ‘90s, you were cheering for them to win the fourth time they made it, C’mon, be honest.

There’s also Frantic Fran Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters (Minnesota Vi- kings) of the ‘70s. They went to four Super Bowls too, yet, never won.

In contrast, Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.

If you’re thinking “Who the hell is Trent Dilfer?” then

that’s the point. The 2001 Ravens defense was voted as the second best in the history of the NFL behind the ’85 Bears.

You think football prognosticators are saying “Yeah! Trent Dilfer won that Super Bowl!” Uh, not exactly. True, he was the QB but it was the Ravens’ defence that really won the 34-7 game against the New York Giants. It’s more like a sports trivia question.

“I got one for you: Who was the quarterback for Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV?”

“Wasn’t that the year (2001) that Ray Lewis got away with murder?”

“Yeah, he did. But, who was that quarterback?” Look it up.

(Cue Final Jeopardy theme music.)

Think of all the NBA players that were denied a championship, thanks to Air Jordan and the Bulls in the 1990s: Phoenix Suns, Seattle Supersonics, Utah Jazz and Portland Trailblazers all had

guaranteed Hall of Famers on their rosters, yet, all went down in flames to the Bulls. Not to mention the teams in the Eastern Conferences that were bulldozed (no pun in- tended) by Jordan.

There were successful ca- reers, yet, didn’t win “The Big One.”

Two-time NBA champion and #7 on the all-time NBA assist leader Isaiah ‘Zeke’ Thomas refused to shake Jordan’s hand after the Pistons lost to the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals in the ‘90- ‘91 season.

Yeah, that cost Thomas – one of best point guards of his era – a spot on the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics.

Indiana Pacer Reggie Miller – the Knick Killer – is #2 All-Time 3-Point Field Goals Attempted; #9 All-Time Minutes Played & Games Played; #10 on the All-Time free throw percentage. He was also chosen as one the 50 Greatest Players of the 20th century. Who’s going to say

Reggie Miller didn’t have a successful career?

In 1993, the Montreal Canadians faced off against the L.A. Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals. Kings defenseman Robert Taylor had an 18-year career in the NHL. He’d never had a finals appearance until his last season as a player in 1993 with the L.A. Kings.

The Kings got Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers in 1989, a blockbuster signing at the time. Here are his all-time statistics:

• Most goals in a season: ‘81-‘82: 92; ‘82-‘83: 71; ‘83-‘84: 87, with the Oilers.

• All-time regular season scoring leader with 894 goals, 1,963 assists and 2,857 points.

• 9-time Hart Memo- rial (MVP) Trophy winner, ‘80-’87, ‘89 Oilers.

• 2-time Conn Smythe (MVP) Trophy winner, ’88, Oilers.

• Lady Byng Memo- rial (Most Gentlemanly) Trophy winner, ‘91 L.A. Kings.

• 10-time Art Ross Trophy (Point Scoring Lead- er), ‘81-’87, Oilers; ‘90-‘91, ‘94 Kings.

Yes that Wayne Gretzky.

All hockey fans – Kings fans or not – wanted to see Taylor get a chance to lift up Lord Stanley’s Cup and make a circuit around the ice.

It wasn’t his destiny. The Kings’ loss and Taylor’s opportunity to hoist The Cup passed him by.

Taylor’s career is still stellar and successful.

(If you’re wondering how a Black man from L.A. knows so much about hockey, you can thank Intellevision, Atari, Nintendo and Genesis for their hockey games back in the ‘80s and ‘90s.)

Many players across North American sports haven’t won “The Big One.” Even so, that doesn’t mean that they weren’t successful.

Sports wisdom: “Winners make adjustments, and los- ers make excuses.”

There’s some truth in that statement. However, success isn’t always about winning.

Success is about playing the game the right way.

Success is uplifting your opponent when you win.

Success is recognizing that to become a champion, you had to defeat someone who was striving for the same goal.

Success is a handshake af- ter the contest.

Success has no need to den- igrate the defeated.

Success is congratulating those who had a better game than you that day.

Success is giving your all and leaving it on the ice/court/ field/diamond.

Success is knowing that you did everything you could, whether you won or lost.

Success is an attribute that we need more of in our pro- fessional, collegiate, high school and yes, even inside of the prison sports culture.

That’s how you win “The

Big One.”

Hit Squad: “Now? They respect our game”

February 20, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

Anthony Torres (#22) loves sports. In 2019, he formed an SQ Intramural League team called “Free Bands.” Starting 0-4, they didn’t get their first win until they defeated the winless Knicks, coached by Rahsaan ‘New York’ Thomas. After that, the team changed their name to “Hit Squad,” and advanced to the final round of three of the 2019 playoffs. Although the Intramural League ended without a champion, Torres sat down for this interview during their playoff run to talk about the team, respect, and his personal evolution as a person and a competitor.

Q: In the beginning, with exception of Brian Corder (#19) and Derrick Gray (not pictured), no one on your team played for the SQ Kings or SQ Warriors. Now, you have Jareyd ‘Deep Ball’ Newton of the SQ Kings and Kia’Endre ‘Big Baby’ Arrington of the

SQ Warriors. Did they change the chemistry of the team or was it coaching from Jerry Brown?(SQNewsSept.2019 for Jerry Brown interview) AT: It was some of both.

Q: But, you were on the team as a player. Then, you stepped back and became more of a general manager. Explain that.

AT: I wanted to play, but, I started feeling like people didn’t respect us. I stepped back because I heard about Coach JB. I went to him asked for his help. I’ll do whatever it takes – including coming out of jersey – because I wanna win. So, I gave up part of the responsibility and became JB’s student. But, it’s still my creation, and I’m proud of where we are.

Q: How long have you been involved in sports?

AT: My whole life.

Q: Is this the first prison where you had a chance to be involved in interracial sports?

AT: No, at Pleasant Val- ley on the Level III, we played interracial sports as well. My first team was the Warriors football team; we won in 2017.

Q: So what kind of self- help groups have you taken during this incarceration?

AT: CGA (Criminals and Gangsters Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), GoGi (Getting Out by Go- ing In) all while at Pleasant Valley. Here at The Q, I’m a part of SQUIRES.

Q: What’s different about being at The Q in relation to your first term in prison?

AT: The environment and the individuals are way different than I’m used to; it wasn’t too many Black dudes because of the ‘val- ley fever’ issue at Pleasant

Valley. There was more politics my first term. I was on a Level III… the point system changed, so I became a higher security risk and that’s where the politics became more serious. Now, my points dropped after seven months, so I’m here at The Q. No write ups, and I’m programming. I’m closer to home at The Q (Hayward), more visits!

Q: I can feel that. There’s a kid out there that’s going to read this interview… this kid, male or female, is thinking about joining a gang; talk directly to that person and speak truth to them.

AT: Don’t give up your dreams for a decision that forces you to grow up. Enjoy your time as kid. I was once that kid and I was told to make realistic decisions, not fleeting ones.

Q: I want to thank you for sitting down for this interview. Do you have a closing statement?

AT: I thank everybody who supports me and has accepted me here at The Q. Those who’ve embraced me, helped me be involved in multiple programs and groups as well as the sports programs. Shout out to my team Hit Squad and lets go Raiders! Super Bowl!

(Unfortunately, the Raiders didn’t make the playoffs. You can see the Raiders in Las Vegas in 2020.)

In-Depth: Charles ‘Pookie’ Sylvester striving to be part of SQ’s sports program

January 7, 2020 by Aaron Taylor

When we are thinking of iconic athletes that have been housed at The Q, there has been only one who has personified what it actually means to be a teammate.

Charles Sylvester – also known as Pookie – made his mark in sports at The Q in 2012 when the West Block Warlocks beat All Madden Flag Football team on MLK Jr. holiday game in January 2012. Pookie was open for a pass in the end zone, however, qb John Windham didn’t see him, leaving the pocket and running for a touch- down. It was Pookie who threw the block that got the qb over the line. In March of 2012, Pookie was passed over when he tried out for the 40 & Over SQ Kings. He then tried out for the SQ Warriors, and was passed over again.

Sylvester and Jacques Verdun at GRIP graduation in June 2019

Pookie has never quit trying nor has he ever waivered in his striving to be a part of the sports programs at The Q. He finally made both teams, and although he never started a game, he played his role as a supporter from the bench until it was his time to play.

Pookie is also known for his trademark Intramural Basketball League teams, called “Pookie & The Boys.”

He finally won a championship at The Q in the CBL with No Fair Ones in 2014.

Pookie personifies the hashtag #Sports@TheQ and it is my honor to introduce him to our readers.

AT: You’ve been playing sports all your life?

Pookie: Yeah, since ele- mentary school. Football and Basketball.

AT: You played High School ball?

Pookie: Yeah, for Fremont High in Los Angeles. Point guard for the varsity, But, no football.

AT: Did you play any col- lege ball?

Pookie: I went to West L.A. in Culver City and to

Los Angeles City College to play ball, but it was a big mess so I didn’t play.

Sylvester in the 2019 Annual 1000 Mile ClubMarathon

AT: You first appeared in The Show at CTF-Soledad during the flag football season in 2011, then here at The Q for two years. Now, you’re being interviewed for the San Quentin Sports; what have you actually done in sports to get so much recognition and publicity?

Pookie: That’s the big question! (We both start laughing at this) My hustle? My defense? Everybody keep my name in their mouth so much (he laughs even harder), so I guess I’m a somebody! Whether I do good or bad, everybody

saying or chanting “Pookie! Pookie!”

AT: (Laughing) What self- help groups have you taken?

Pookie: (Catching his breath from the laughter) Alternatives to Violence Program, Restorative Justice, Criminals and Gangsters Anonymous, Project LA and GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power).

AT: Did you get your GED since you’ve been inside?

Pookie: Yeah, in 2010. I graduated in full regalia.

AT: Okay, fun time. Name your top five favorite movies. Pookie: Beverly Hills Cop 1, Enemy of the State, Independence Day, Friday

the 13th and Phantasm.

AT: Name your top five all-time favorite R&B songs.

Pookie: “Fortunately” by Maxwell, “Lets Chill” by Guy, “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye, “The Whole Town is Laughing at Me” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and “Can You Stand The Rain” by New Edition.

AT: Name your top five all-time favorite basketball players.

Pookie: Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Scottie Pippen.

AT: You get to say one sentence to a group of 13 year olds. What do you say?

Pookie: “Respect your parents,” It’s as simple as that.

AT: Thanks for giving the people some of your time Pookie, its appreciated. It took some time to get around to this interview, so you have the closing word.

Sylvester guarding GS Warriors Asst. GM Kirk Lacob in 2016

Pookie: My hats off to The Q for all the love and publicity to me, Pookie, and I’d like to thank all the brown card holders that come in and facilitate these sports programs. Also to the game officials and to the people that take part on the court and field, thanks. And, to the fans because, without them, the game wouldn’t be exciting. Appreciate yall.