March 3, 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the beat down heard ’round the world. Rodney King, a convicted criminal several times over, led police on a high-speed car chase and resisted arrest before being violently apprehended by Los Angeles police officers. The comedy of errors got him a $3.8 million settlement in a civil trial, which he then lost in a rap record label, Straight Alta-Pazz Records.

King, however, did make a contribution to society when he uttered the phrase “Can’t we all just get along?” which led to many moderately funny parodies.

By the way, he’s now engaged to Cynthia Kelley, one of the jurors in the trial that landed him the huge payout. And yes, he has a Facebook page.

Rodney King… on Celebrity Boxing

Rodney King and Celebrity Rehab

• Rodney King Went On Celebrity Rehab “For The Money,” Continued To Smoke Crack After The Show, Says Ex-Girlfriend (Radar Online)
• Celebrity Rehab: Rodney King Checks In (Huffington Post)
• Rodney King: 17 Years After The Riots (Laist)

In Living Color

Joke Break

New testimony has revealed why 3 Los Angeles police officers beat motorist Rodney King, while 20 more stood around and watched: Union rules!

Chris Rock

Jeff Joseph

Joke Break

What is the LAPD’s idea of a good poker hand?

4 clubs and a King.

Steve White

Franklyn Ajaye

Bill Hicks

Rodney King: Why Beating Him Wasn’t Enough (Cracked)