Jalen Rose Doubles Down on Chris Webber Bond as They Reunite 1 Year After Squashing Decades-Long Beef

In 2011, Chris Webber refused to attend ESPN’s ‘30 for 30‘ or any Fab Five reunion, following the infamous payment controversy. However, over a decade later, the Fab Five rekindled fans’ hope when they reunited earlier this year. The ice melted between them when Jalen Rose sent a heartfelt message during Webber’s Hall of Fame induction in 2021. Michigan fans’ joy was reignited as Webber and Rose reunited in Detroit, where they opened up about their rekindled relationship.

Rose and Webber spent an entire day together at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy golf fundraiser. Interviewer Brad Galli seized the opportunity to ask about their current relationship. Rose responded, “This is action. How we get up and break bread, and how we communicate, ain’t nobody else’s business. We’re here today. We’re family for life.”

Moreover, Webber expressed heartfelt sentiments during the interview. “It’s my brother. I’m just supporting what he’s doing, what he’s done, and what he’s going to continue to do,” Webber said. The video captured warm moments between the two throughout the event, with Rose concluding, “I’m honored that he came.” 

Back in May 2021, when the 5x All-Star was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Rose shared a heartfelt message: “I love you, my brother. Congratulations. You made it to the Hall of Fame. Well deserved.” This moment illustrated that despite past controversies, their bond remained strong, reminiscent of their early days playing together at Michigan.

Nevertheless, Webber’s response further underscored their deep connection. “Jalen Anthony Rose, it’s crazy, man. And thank God for your beautiful, wonderful mother, cause you know what she did for me,” he said. Sadly, Rose’s mother, Jeanne, passed away in February from lung cancer at the age of 79. But how did their relationship sour prior to all this?

Jalen Rose’s payment controversy and Fab Five’s reunion

Both Jalen Rose and Chris Webber joined the University of Michigan in 1991 and later represented the Wolverines in basketball. During their freshmen and sophomore years, they helped the Wolverines reach the National Championship games, becoming the first-ever team to play in this game with an all-freshman starting lineup. Alongside Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and current Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, they became known as the Fab Five. However, controversy struck in 2003 when Webber pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal contempt.

He admitted to giving $38,200 to Michigan booster Ed Martin in 1994 as partial repayment for previous loans. This scandal cast a long shadow over their achievements and strained relationships within the team.

Things got more bizarre as the scandal caused the team to forfeit their 1992 and 1993 accomplishments. Additionally, the NCAA banned Webber from associating with Michigan basketball for ten years. This ban further deepened the divide between Webber and his former teammates, especially Rose.

However, on January 15, 2024, they reunited at Crisler Center, where Juwan Howard’s Michigan was playing against Ohio. For the first time since their 1990s playing days, all five were together again. The other four members of the Fab Five watched the game together. After the game, Jalen Rose shared a photo with Webber, captioning it “my brother.”

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.