Sean Patrick Griffin is the author of Superbad the most detailed account ever of an African-American organised crime mob.
Since the death of Muhammad Ali on June 3rd 2016, Griffin was concerned to read incorrect accounts published linking Ali with a legendary hustler Major Coxson.
In his blog Griffin explains:
On June 4th, for example, the New York Times had a commentary which included this line: “Ali sometimes fell in with the wrong crowd, including his friend Major Coxson, a politician and gangster in Cherry Hill, N.J., who was killed in a 1973 mob hit.” [Also, e.g., see here.]
I would be very interested in knowing how many Times readers had a clue what was being discussed. Who was Coxson? How close a friend was Coxson to Ali? What mob? What mob hit? Was Ali, himself, ever a target, and/or was he otherwise involved in that edgy and violent scene?
Griffin’s explanation to these complex questions is a minutely detailed and fascinating read.
17th June, 2016 Milo News