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camerasandkicks: BEHIND THE BALL NBA PLAYER CHRIS DOUGLAS-...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:21:10 -0400

BEHIND THE BALL NBA PLAYER CHRIS DOUGLAS- ROBERTS
Most people label you for what you have, how much money you make and your status in life.. In the process of all the labeling is one’s true identity severed with its true self? People get so caught up with the glitz and glamour that they forget that there is a person behind it all. Not the occupation, not the million dollar home but a person with a heart, a mind and a soul. That lead me to do an exclusive Q&A with 26 y/o NBA player and future fashion icon, Chris Douglas- Roberts.

Diam V: How are you?

Chris Douglas- Roberts: “Fantastic. Everything is just fantastic.”

DV: Where are you from?

CDR: “Detroit. Number Streetz.”

DV: How do you define yourself?

CDR: “Wavy. Honorable. Original.”

DV: If you were to team up with any design house who’s one would you team with? I could see you with Givenchy.

CDR: “Funny you said Givenchy. I love Givenchy. I couldn’t believe they put studs on the sneakers they released last season though. That’s so not Givenchy. We all love Givenchy for their classy sophisticated designs. I think they got a little caught up in the moment with that idea. But I’d team up with Tom Ford or Balmain. Those two designers are so wavy to me for difference reasons. Tom Ford is the ultimate chic. The most matured look in the business to me. And Balmain is the embodiment of high fashion. That Balmain shit inspires you when you see it. The wave of all waves.”

DV: What makes you special and who/what brings you joy?

CDR: “I’m special because I’m willing to die in a gym. I’d rather die before I let another person outwork me…..at whatever I do. People are more talented or whatever, but if you lock us in a room I’m coming out first or I’m dead. I have a work ethic that I feel a few people have.
My children bring me joy. I have a sentimental weakness for my children. Love them.”

DV: Who/ what has inspired your sense of style? Why?

CDR: “My style comes from within. I inspire myself and I’m very self motivated. I don’t watch TV at all….only magazines I read are the ones talking preserving money and such. So theres no way I could get my style from another person. I get dressed and just decide “I’m going to wear these fitted Lanvin sweatpants with a Play Clothes button up today.” Or “I’m going to put on this custom suit and rock a Detroit Lions SnapBack.” Shit just comes together out of no where. I feel a lot of dudes don’t really have an identity of their own so they just copy off other n*ggas style.”

DV: What’s your favorite brand?

CDR: “My favorite brand as of today would be Maison Martin Margiela. They’re so consistent. You know what you’re getting from them. Quality high end shit. You see those patent leather red sneakers they just dropped? Sick.”

DV: At what age did you take a liking to fashion? Where do you see your style evolving to in the future?

CDR: “I come from a very fashion forward family. My Mom had fur coats and gold rings in the hood. Feel me? So I always was cool for my budget. Ahahahahahah. When you come from where I come from a new pair of Mikes can make you the man. So I kept my Mikes….Timbs. Kept a couple pair of Girbauds and Guess jeans. A nice leather jacket for the winter. Did what I could. Never bummy though. I’m a Detroit n*gga. We’ll spend our last $20 on a new hat. Haahaaahaaaa.
As far as the future. I have no idea. My style constantly changes. Once I see people are getting hip I try to change it up. I never knew I inspired so many young boys until people like y’all brought it to my attention. People have brought it to my attention that my style is influential so I’m going to keep on trying to be a inspiration to young boys in the hood. You can be a hood n*gga wearing high fashion. Take them big ass True Religion boot cut jeans off and put on some fitted chinos.”

DV: What’s one of your proudest moments?

CDR: “My proudest moments are the days my children were born. Zé and Vito. They’re my life.”

DV: What are some of your interests and what do you do in your free time?

CDR: “I really don’t have much free time. If I’m not sleeping I’m in the gym. When I do get a couple hours I get tattoos and read. I’m currently reading a book called “The Alchemist”.”

DV: What are some of your life goals?

CDR: “Well my life goals change every year. When I was a freshman at Memphis my goal was to make All Freshman Team. Second year I wanted to be the player of the year. Third year I wanted to be a Consensus All-American (which nobody thought would happen). Then make it to the NBA. I reached every goal. I try to make short term goals so I can put all my focus into them without thinking ahead. My next goal is to win Comeback Player of the Year in the NBA. So yeah….”

DV: What are your views on love and relationships?

CDR: “I think the only thing that’s real is love. Ain’t shit wavier than finding somebody you love and building a life with them. I see a lot of people hashtagging #TeamSingle #TeamNoKids. Ahahahahahaa. That’s cool now? Ahahahaahahaaaa.
I don’t think it should be glorified. The game has changed though. Chicks are writing tell all books and trying to use n*ggas for fame and dudes are trying to impress other dudes with sneakers. Relationships can’t be rushed though. Find your future husband or wife and live wonderful lives together. Or you can be the lead representative of #TeamSingle and cuddle with Twitter every night.”

DV: What’s your favorite fashion season?

CDR: “I like the winter. You can’t fake it in the winter. That’s who you see who can layer. Who can put colors and fabrics together. You really don’t know if a chick can dress until the winter. They can fool you while it’s hot.”

DV: Have you considered designing a line of clothes? Men’s wear? Evening? Street wear? Etc..

CDR: “Yes! A street wear line. I got some small shit in the works. I already have a name and logo. We are still moving forward with the formation of my Limited Liability Company. It has been officially formed in The State of Georgia. Next step…..we will apply for an EIN #. I think it can compete with the upper street wear brands out there. I don’t even want people to know its my brand, honestly. It’s in the pot cookin though. Make sure I send you some to wear.”

DV:Has your social media fame helped or hurt your reputation?

CDR: “When people see me in the streets they usually say I’m real. So I’m guessing my activity on this social media backs that. I try not to oversaturate the market. Keep it short and simple. I’m not as active as some want me to be….I’m sorry. I kinda want to keep it that way.”

DV: What’s your favorite article of clothing? Why?

CDR: “I like pants. Jeans, chinos, cargo, slacks, corduroy etc. They don’t know that the pants make the outfit. They have to lean on your kicks a certain type of way. They have to fit a certain type of way. When I see a dude with a size 44 waist 38 inseam pair of pants I’m terrified.”

DV: What do you want to be remembered for?

CDR: “I want to be remembered for impacting a couple people’s lives in a positive [way].”

Throughout the Q&A I realized that Chris and I have many similarities in fashion and mentality. As a blogger and student studying to become a contemporary architect and men’s street wear designer it is imperative to positively connect with like minds. I can’t wait until Chris’ clothing line comes out and hopefully one day we can collab on some major projects!
Going hard in your craft is a must because only you are able to make everything you desire possible. No matter how many goals you have or what your path to greatness entails you are capable and more than deserving. Remember to stay humble, make divine connections and keep God and your love ones first! ——->Follow him on Instagram @montecristo_ritchie and his new Twitter @Don_Montecristo

Handsome guy there

“To be a star means to live in a big house, you jump on...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:08:10 -0400

“To be a star means to live in a big house, you jump on beautiful girls with big tits, and don’t be afraid to show you’re livin well.” - ©Gene Simmons

I'm Not A Star

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:15:03 -0400

Episode 2 titled “I can’t afford to sleep”. View at leisure. Wave on top of wave.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JGPtMFVSHb8&feature=m-ch-fea

Cdr, just wanted to say your piece was inspirational for me. I strive for that mindset and its eye opening to know that everybody struggles before eventual success. I'll be rooting for you regardless what team you play for. Wish you the best.

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:34:56 -0400

No problem man. Sorry for the late reply.

No success story ever been told has been without obstacles, trials and tribulations. That mindset is easily developed. It starts with belief. Belief that shit can actually happen for you. It’s hard because we live in a world of mediocrity where people go to jobs everyday that they hate just to get by. Not knowing they’re dying everyday. We’re not made for mediocrity. That’s just the easiest way to go. No risk, easy way usually equals mediocrity. Afraid to pursue what they love because the possibility of failure. Failure is a part of it. Without failure we won’t learn or develop that thick skin we need to succeed. Make your mind up, attack your dream and watch the universe begin to move out your way. Watch how things change for you homie. I’m rooting for you. Love.

allthickwomen: It’s that serious huh lol.. Hahahahahaaaa....

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:44:59 -0400

allthickwomen:

It’s that serious huh lol..

Hahahahahaaaa. Yoooooo.

This is what I believe and I’m willing to die for it. Period.

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:18:42 -0400

This is what I believe and I’m willing to die for it. Period.

"The fight is only over if you make up in your mind that it’s over. Your mind and your heart knows..."

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:33:27 -0500

“The fight is only over if you make up in your mind that it’s over. Your mind and your heart knows what your soul yearns for. You never know how close you are to breaking through at the moment you give up. You can be right there. Your confidence and faith has to be stronger than your fear and uncertainty.”

- Chris Douglas-Roberts x (via slothsandsequins)
My husband.
(via mrsrob2)
;-)

I’m ‘Not A Star” episode 1. 14 minutes of...

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:54:34 -0500

I’m ‘Not A Star” episode 1. 14 minutes of wave. Watch at your own leisure…..or not. Love

CDR

"I'm Not a Star"

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:45:55 -0500

For the past few weeks I’ve been followed by Rafeal Barlowe and a camera. We’ve collaborated to do a documentary/viral web series called “I’m Not A Star”. It covers how I, Chris Douglas-Roberts balances basketball, family life and staying positive through this highly stressful NBA journey. The following link is a teaser of what you can expect from the upcoming episodes. Thank you all for your continued support.

CDR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJyCMw6OEqo …

If you enjoy wavy visuals…

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 01:55:43 -0500

If you enjoy wavy visuals…

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MONTECRISTO!! LOVE IS LOVE

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 14:37:00 -0500

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MONTECRISTO!!

LOVE IS LOVE

I’m a firm believer in energy. I believe the energy you...

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 14:35:00 -0500

I’m a firm believer in energy. I believe the energy you place in the atmosphere is the energy you’ll receive. This morning I felt some special energy. I’m not sure who it’s from or where it’s coming from, but it was so strong it woke me up this Christmas morning and made me jump on Tumblr. I hope this reaches the person(s) it’s intended for.

Those of you who know me, also know my story. However, I’ll give you a brief on the last couple of months and how I handled each situation. When I got back from Italy after the lockout year, I was a unrestricted free agent. Teams were afraid to sign me. Not because I lacked skill, but because I developed a reputation for having a bad attitude. Early in my career I was very immature. I handled a lot of situations the wrong way. I simply didn’t know how to be a professional, but it was never in a harmful way. I was just young. I owned it though. I took responsibility for my past. Because of that, I matured. I could’ve pointed the finger and used excuses as a crutch, but I didn’t. I knew I was an NBA player. I knew I belonged, but I also knew my road back was going to be rocky.

Last summer I woke up stressed out damn near every morning. Some days were better than others, but most were bad. I knew I had the game, but going into the last week before training camp, I was still without a team. Even through all the uncertainty, my faith still outweighed my fear. I continued to release positive energy into the atmosphere….then out of no where, the Lakers called. They wanted me to come in and earn a spot. Once I got that call, it was made up in my mind that I’d be a Laker. I knew I was going to go in there and showcase my talent. Which I did. The very first day I was 1 on 1 partners with Kobe. And we were going at it. Shit talking…elbows were thrown. To my surprise, after that first practice Kobe went to media and spoke highly of me. Everyday I played well and practiced well. Kobe continued to mentor me along the way. The Laker fans embraced me. I just knew I was in. Then I got a call from Leon (my agent) saying they were going to let me go. They told me I played great. The numbers on the business side just wouldn’t work. It was one of the worst phone calls I’ve ever gotten, but I was at peace because I knew I played my ass off. I brought it every day. My motto is “control what you can control” and I did that. That didn’t matter though. Once it got released that the Lakers let me go, the people thought it was due to my game. People had jokes. People wrote me off. It was embarrassing. However, I took positives away from my month with the Lakers too. I developed a relationship with Kobe Bryant. He showed me how to be a pro. He showed me real work ethic. Playing against him everyday made me so much of a better player. He understood me. He understood that its a difference in having a bad attitude and being competitive and wanting to win every drill/game. One night after a game and we were in the showers and he told me “you have no other choice. You were put here to be basketball player. You have to fight until you’re one of them boys. You’re too talented. I played behind mfers that I was better than up until my third year but I KNEW I would be who I am today then. I work too hard not to break through.” That stuck with me. So I appreciate the opportunity the Lakers gave me. I looked at that month with the Lakers as an internship under Bean. I gained knowledge that I couldn’t have gotten any other way. That’s what I took from that situation. It’s all about how you respond when times are rough.

At this point, I had two avenues to take. Go to the D-League, or go overseas. My heart and my dreams were in the NBA. Even though I never thought I’d ever play in the D-League, I felt that was the fastest way back to the NBA. This is where my faith had to outweigh my fear. I turned down seven figures overseas to follow my heart. When your passionate about your craft, the money doesn’t matter. I humbled myself and signed with the Dallas Mavericks D-League affiliate. Instead of complaining about not being in the NBA. I made up in my mind that I was going to be the best player in the D-League. Vowed not to take a day off. I was on a mission. The first game I scored 50 points. I wanted to dominate the competition. I wanted to erase all doubts. Every game I wanted to destroy the competition. Every game I came in with a killer mindset. I played 10 games in the D-League with that singular focus and just like that, I was back where I belonged. I signed with the Dallas Mavericks three days ago. I’m so proud to be a part of Mavs nation.

All that to say, I know it’s a cliché, but don’t ever give up. The fight is only over if you make up in your mind that it’s over. Your mind and your heart knows what your soul yearns for. You never know how close you are to breaking through at the moment you give up. You can be right there. Your confidence and faith has to be stronger than your fear and uncertainty. Every success story has failure along the way. Every great man or women has failed at least one time on their journey to greatness. It’s a part of the journey. Every time you fail, it’s a lesson that you’re suppose to take from it. It’s on you though. An excuse is your worst enemy. Excuses are used by incompetent people. Take control of your life. When shit is going terribly, you always have two choices: 1. pity yourself and blame others or 2. find the POSITIVE lesson from it and thug it out until you reach your ultimate goal.

LOVE

CDR

Zé

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 23:20:07 -0400

Zé

“Ya see if you ever wanted to ever be anything There will...

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:13:00 -0400

“Ya see if you ever wanted to ever be anything

There will always be somebody that’ll shoot down any dream

There will always be haters, that’s the way it is

Hater n*ggas marry bitc*es and have hater kids”’

Photo

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:35:29 -0400

“It ain’t just about the money. It’s not. You...

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:57:00 -0400

“It ain’t just about the money. It’s not. You know what it’s really about? It’s about driving these fly ass cars, and it’s definitely about never dressing like a nigga like you.” - “Money Makin” Mitch

Photo

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:56:25 -0400

Charlie Brown: “Life is just too much for me. I’ve...

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:46:00 -0400

Charlie Brown: “Life is just too much for me. I’ve been confused from the day I was born. I think the whole trouble is that we’re thrown into life too fast. We’re not really prepared.” Linus: “What did you want, a chance to warm up first?”

Photo

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:44:40 -0400

International Fresh 2 (Malcolm)

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:54:00 -0400

Respect,

Again, I would like to thank everybody for supporting me while I’ve been over here. Your tweets and letters continue to give me life. Nothing goes unseen. It’s much appreciated.

International Fresh 1 ( http://humble-flashy.tumblr.com/post/16661118519/international-fresh ) was just an update on how things were going with me while abroad. This is nothing more than a continuation of that.

The last time you guys heard from me, I was expressing on how much of a blessing this was to be over here this year. Nothing has changed. Actually, basketball and experience wise, things have gotten better. My team is still currently in second place and we’re playing very well. I’ve also got to visit Rome, Florence and Venice.

Due to the high level and physical play, my team has been battling injuries since the last time I checked in. However, we still have been able to play solid and hold on to second place in the league. There are 9 games left before playoffs. Playoffs are constructed just like the NBA playoffs (7 game series, home court advantage, 2 games home 2 games away etc). It’s important for us to finish strong if we want to have home court advantage in the playoffs.

Last weekend was “All-Star weekend” over here. I was a part of it. My team lost by like 10, but it was actually fun. It’s set up just like the NBA. They have a three point contest and a dunk contest. The dunk contest was actually very entertaining. Why? Because James “Flight” White was a part of it. If you haven’t seen James White dunk, please google it. Seeing this guy in person was a pleasure. The dunk that made me jump out of my seat was when he jumped from behind the free throw line, and “Eastbay Funk Dunked” (took the ball between his legs in the air) that h*e! It was crazy to see in person. He also jumped from behind the free throw line and did a two hand windmill. He may be the best dunker ever. No gas.

Personally, I’ve been playing well. Since International Fresh, I’ve been averaging about 20ppg shooting 60% from 2 and 38% from 3. My teammates always tell me how impressive that is for this league because games are only 40 minutes. Honestly, I don’t give a sh*t about my stats or all of the personal accolades I’ve been getting over here. I’m not one of those players who just say this either. My second year in the NBA, when I was with the Nets (2009) I was averaging around 18ppg and 6rpg and I didn’t care because we were losing. I caught a lot of flack in 2009 because I was so passionate about winning that it became misunderstood for being selfish. It was my second year in the NBA and I was young, immature and handled things the wrong way, but selfish is what I wasn’t. I was miserable because winning is all that matters. Winners get treated differently. Don’t get me wrong, I want to play well, but Winning is everything to me.

I’ve learned so much while over here. I’ll never forget this experience. The good and the bad. However, the lesson that I’ll cherish most is learning how to be a consistent basketball player. I remember, on January 8th 2011 we played the Nets, I scored 24 points. The night before that against the Heat, I scored 30 points. Rick Kamla, live on NBATV said “We all know CD-R is capable of scoring 25 on any given night, by why not every night? He’s extremely inconsistent. Don’t trust him on your fantasy teams.” Instead of taking offense to what he said, I took heed because he was RIGHT. He was absolutely right. That was my biggest issue, being consistent. Not anymore. The key to being consistent is being consistent in your everyday life. You have to have a routine and stick to it every single day. Even at home. Here’s my routine.

MORNING 5 DAYS A WEEK

1. Stretch, balance, core and stability

2. weight lifting

3. footwork, agility and conditioning

4. post work / shooting drills

AFTERNOON 5 DAYS A WEEK

1. Midrange jumpers, spot up 3’s (30 minutes before practice)

2. Practice

3. Fadeaway jumpers and low post-work (30 minutes after practice)

No matter what, how I’m feeling, I stick to my routine. That routine has made me consistent. Previous years in the NBA, I would over think after a couple missed shots. When you KNOW the work you put in and you KNOW the routine you’ve been following everyday, your mind won’t allow you to doubt yourself. I’m glad I learned this lesson now because it will definitely carry over to the rest of my NBA career.

Speaking of NBA, because my season is winding down over here, a lot of my supporters have been asking me who am I going to sign with when I return. Well I won’t know that until June, but the two teams that were high on my agent, Leon Rose’s list were the Knicks and Clippers. The Clippers just traded for Nicky Young and my dog JR just signed with the Knicks. So they’re out. I’m very excited about this summer, but I still have business to finish over here. Focused.

In closing, I feel like Malcolm X when he went to Mecca. I have a brand new outlook on life. Things that use to mean a lot to me, don’t really mean shit to me now. I’m more appreciative and humble now. Also more focused than ever. I look back on certain situations like “man I was an a*shole”. I still have a little a*shole in me, just not as much. Hahahahaaaaa.

Oh. While over here, I’ve gained a huge international fan base. It’s crazy. I’m like Paul McCartney when I go outside.

Below is a magazine and a newspaper. The magazine reads “CD-R arrives” and the paper reads “Everybody crazy for CD-R”

Never take anything for granted pimp

Fresh