Wow.
One of my boyz texted me early Saturday morning and told me the latest. His ending was that I HAD to blog about this.
What he was talking about the (alleged) crystal clear comments made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling regarding minorities. If you really got listen to the actual language, you can easily find it on the Internet. I won't repeat it here. To put it lightly, the comments were, as Charles Barkley would say, terrible, terrible, terrible.
While the NBA brass twiddle it's thumbs as how to deal with this, saying that the information has to be verified, I believe TMZ's account of the story along with the actual conversation that was provided by the website. TMZ has gotten my respect ever since they were the first to report that Michael Jackson died. Got to give them their props. As usual, they were the first to report this.
As for the my feelings about the comments themselves, the main point I want to get across is:
Are you really that surprised?
These comments come from a man who has had a cloud of racial controversy over his head like Pigpen from the Peanuts cartoons. Just eight years ago, the Justice Department sued Sterling for housing discrimination for refusing to rent to non-Koreans in the Koreatown neighborhood and to African-Americans in Beverly Hills. He eventually had to pay almost eight million dollars in fines and court costs. Three years later, NBA Hall-of-Famer Elgin Baylor sued Sterling for for employment discrimination on the basis of age and race. One of the comments attributed to Sterling was "Personally, I would like to have a white Southern coach coaching poor black players."
The 80-year old Sterling is the owner of a new type of plantation. The days of the cotton fields have been replaced by the sports fields and arenas. It would be a affront to compare those who worked those cotton fields to now. At least now, in the case of the NBA for example, the average rookie contract is three years, ten million dollars. If handled properly, the player wouldn't have to work another day in his life. But it does bring up another interesting question: How would you have responded? Would you have played yesterday? Would you have boycotted the game and paid the fine and possible suspension? Or just wore your t-shirt inside out?
I can't help but paraphrase Mark Twain who said something to the effect that, "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a racist than to open it and remove all doubt."
Monday, April 28, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Audition
Back in the day, it was called Bullets Fever. During the days of Hall-of-Famers Elvin Hayes (EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!) and one of my favorite all time players, Wes Unseld, we had it going on way back in the 70's when we won our only title. No, I didn't forget about Bobby Dandridge.
While I'm caught up in the rapture like Anita Baker with this early Wizards fervor, I would like to point out that the Wizards could be playing for much bigger stakes both now and for the near future. As First Officer Will Riker of the Enterprise told one of his fellow officers, "Walk with me".
Now, say we take care of business and finish off the Bulls. It then looks like we could possibly meet Atlanta in the next round. During the regular season, we beat the Hawks three out of four games, with the only loss a 101-99 overtime defeat. In our history, we have a 9-7 playoff record against Atlanta. We would even have home court advantage.
We can beat the Hawks. Stay with me now.
In the (gasp!) conference finals, we go up against the Heat. That's right against Bron-Bron (for our purposes, he's not King James), DWade (my boy, but not for this series) and Chris Bosh. We actually split four games against them this year. We play them tough. even win a couple in Miami. But at the end of the day, we lose in six or seven tough games.
I know what you were thinking, but let's not get carried away. Actually, this helps my case.
Win or lose, the Heat big three will break up. That leaves (wait for it) Labron as a big juicy free agent in the offseason. As he thinks where he can win more championships. Lakers? Nah, Kobe still there. Knicks? Still 2-3 yrs. away. Cleveland? Really? Really?
And then he thinks back about All-Star John Wall was going to the rack on everyone like a bigger Allen Iverson, while future (next year) All-Star Bradley Beal was raining down jump shots like Lamar Mundane, to the point where his teammates was yelling "layup". Younger readers of my blog have to "google" him for that reference. He also saw our real big men, Gortat and Nene work over the Heat's "big men" like power forwards.
If Ted Leonsis doesn't want to write that check, I may turn in my Michael Jordan jersey. It's too small for me anyway.
While I'm caught up in the rapture like Anita Baker with this early Wizards fervor, I would like to point out that the Wizards could be playing for much bigger stakes both now and for the near future. As First Officer Will Riker of the Enterprise told one of his fellow officers, "Walk with me".
Now, say we take care of business and finish off the Bulls. It then looks like we could possibly meet Atlanta in the next round. During the regular season, we beat the Hawks three out of four games, with the only loss a 101-99 overtime defeat. In our history, we have a 9-7 playoff record against Atlanta. We would even have home court advantage.
We can beat the Hawks. Stay with me now.
In the (gasp!) conference finals, we go up against the Heat. That's right against Bron-Bron (for our purposes, he's not King James), DWade (my boy, but not for this series) and Chris Bosh. We actually split four games against them this year. We play them tough. even win a couple in Miami. But at the end of the day, we lose in six or seven tough games.
I know what you were thinking, but let's not get carried away. Actually, this helps my case.
Win or lose, the Heat big three will break up. That leaves (wait for it) Labron as a big juicy free agent in the offseason. As he thinks where he can win more championships. Lakers? Nah, Kobe still there. Knicks? Still 2-3 yrs. away. Cleveland? Really? Really?
And then he thinks back about All-Star John Wall was going to the rack on everyone like a bigger Allen Iverson, while future (next year) All-Star Bradley Beal was raining down jump shots like Lamar Mundane, to the point where his teammates was yelling "layup". Younger readers of my blog have to "google" him for that reference. He also saw our real big men, Gortat and Nene work over the Heat's "big men" like power forwards.
If Ted Leonsis doesn't want to write that check, I may turn in my Michael Jordan jersey. It's too small for me anyway.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Really?
When the UConn men's basketball team won the basketball title, future NBA guard Shabazz Napier used the stage as a bully pulpit to talk about how he went to bed sometimes hungry. The NCAA responded by allowing teams to provide unlimited meals to it's athletes.
Is that your answer NCAA? Allow teams to provide buffet all-you-eat plans to it's students athletes?
In my early blog days (The Good Life - 8/26/11), I advocated that student athletes should get "straight cash homie" like Randy Moss. My main reason was that the athletes were making billions (with a B) for their schools. While a fully funded education may have been a fair deal back in the day, it's not quite the same in today's turbo charged collegiate sports world, especially with comments like Napier's. And he's not even a football player.
Using vernacular from the show "The Wire", there is too much dope on the table for players not to get a larger slice. As Kentucky coach John Calipari talked about on a recent discussion from the show "First Take", player's families are not transported to tourney games to watch their sons and daughters play and players are not even allowed to get student loans. I see why guys who think they have pro potential leave early.
Providing increased stipends (not salaries) would have a sideway effect. I believe more players would stay in college longer instead of the current one-and-done crops of players that make a pit stop in college. It's hard for me to get but so attached to certain players or teams when future pros like Tyler Ennis and Andrew Wiggins leave early. At the least, allow them to market themselves. Examples of this could include signing jerseys or taking photos with fans. Work out an agreement in which the school get's a cut of THEIR earnings.
In full disclosure, I must also say that I am for players leaving early, if they want to. I know I sound contradictory, but these "kids", in the eyes of society are grown men who should be allowed to make a living if an organization is willing to give them an opportunity.
Like a movie mob boss said, "...after all, we are not Communists."
Is that your answer NCAA? Allow teams to provide buffet all-you-eat plans to it's students athletes?
In my early blog days (The Good Life - 8/26/11), I advocated that student athletes should get "straight cash homie" like Randy Moss. My main reason was that the athletes were making billions (with a B) for their schools. While a fully funded education may have been a fair deal back in the day, it's not quite the same in today's turbo charged collegiate sports world, especially with comments like Napier's. And he's not even a football player.
Using vernacular from the show "The Wire", there is too much dope on the table for players not to get a larger slice. As Kentucky coach John Calipari talked about on a recent discussion from the show "First Take", player's families are not transported to tourney games to watch their sons and daughters play and players are not even allowed to get student loans. I see why guys who think they have pro potential leave early.
Providing increased stipends (not salaries) would have a sideway effect. I believe more players would stay in college longer instead of the current one-and-done crops of players that make a pit stop in college. It's hard for me to get but so attached to certain players or teams when future pros like Tyler Ennis and Andrew Wiggins leave early. At the least, allow them to market themselves. Examples of this could include signing jerseys or taking photos with fans. Work out an agreement in which the school get's a cut of THEIR earnings.
In full disclosure, I must also say that I am for players leaving early, if they want to. I know I sound contradictory, but these "kids", in the eyes of society are grown men who should be allowed to make a living if an organization is willing to give them an opportunity.
Like a movie mob boss said, "...after all, we are not Communists."
Monday, April 7, 2014
Defense
What a difference a year makes.
This time last year Kentucky didn't even qualify for the NCAA D1 tourney. Nine freshmen later (including five starters), the Wildcats are going for their second championship in the last three years. If you think that's a twist, how about the Wildcat's opponent in tonight's title game, the Connecticut Huskies. UConn was not eligible for the postseason at all due to being placed on academic probation. What makes this a nice story is that most of the kids that could have transferred to other schools didn't. They all stayed and will be playing for the school's own chance at their second title in their last four years. Actually, these two franchises have won a third of the last 18 titles.
What I like about both of the teams is that you have to play 40 minutes against the other team. As Public Enemy would say, both teams refuse to lose. They both really get after it. In their own way, both teams are still looking for their own measure of respect. After all, it is a #8 vs. a #7.
While Kentucky seems to have the entire package, led down low by big man Julius Randle who has been averaging a double-double (16 and 11) for the tournament, they also have quite a pair of guards in the Harrison twins. While you can't sleep on either, you really got to keep an eye on older brother (by a minute) Aaron, who has hit the winning shot for the Cats their last three games. As head coach John Calipari said, "The biggest thing is he's not afraid to miss," "He's OK with it. He's comfortable in his own skin. ... If you're going to make those kind of shots, you absolutely cannot be afraid to miss them."
On the other side UConn has done it with what usually does it in the tournament: great guard play. Senior Shabazz Napier, who seems to be this years version of Kemba Walker during the Huskies 2011 run, and heir apparent Ryan Boatwright average 30ppg combined. But while Napier does the scoring, junior Boatright gets it done defensively despite being only six feet tall. He has helped to shut down the likes of Keith Appling of Michigan State and SEC player of the year Scottie Wilbekin from Florida.
As for predictions, it's going to come down to (what else?) defense. More importantly at the guard position. You can dress up Connecticut any way you want with their new conference name, but what you saw Saturday night was Big East ball. Physical, defensive take to the rack kind of hoops. And that's what Kentucky will bring to the table themselves tonight. But when it is all said and done, head coach Kevin Ollie will join John Thompson (84) Nolan Richardson (94) and Tubby Smith (98) as the only African-American coaches to win national titles.
This time last year Kentucky didn't even qualify for the NCAA D1 tourney. Nine freshmen later (including five starters), the Wildcats are going for their second championship in the last three years. If you think that's a twist, how about the Wildcat's opponent in tonight's title game, the Connecticut Huskies. UConn was not eligible for the postseason at all due to being placed on academic probation. What makes this a nice story is that most of the kids that could have transferred to other schools didn't. They all stayed and will be playing for the school's own chance at their second title in their last four years. Actually, these two franchises have won a third of the last 18 titles.
What I like about both of the teams is that you have to play 40 minutes against the other team. As Public Enemy would say, both teams refuse to lose. They both really get after it. In their own way, both teams are still looking for their own measure of respect. After all, it is a #8 vs. a #7.
While Kentucky seems to have the entire package, led down low by big man Julius Randle who has been averaging a double-double (16 and 11) for the tournament, they also have quite a pair of guards in the Harrison twins. While you can't sleep on either, you really got to keep an eye on older brother (by a minute) Aaron, who has hit the winning shot for the Cats their last three games. As head coach John Calipari said, "The biggest thing is he's not afraid to miss," "He's OK with it. He's comfortable in his own skin. ... If you're going to make those kind of shots, you absolutely cannot be afraid to miss them."
On the other side UConn has done it with what usually does it in the tournament: great guard play. Senior Shabazz Napier, who seems to be this years version of Kemba Walker during the Huskies 2011 run, and heir apparent Ryan Boatwright average 30ppg combined. But while Napier does the scoring, junior Boatright gets it done defensively despite being only six feet tall. He has helped to shut down the likes of Keith Appling of Michigan State and SEC player of the year Scottie Wilbekin from Florida.
As for predictions, it's going to come down to (what else?) defense. More importantly at the guard position. You can dress up Connecticut any way you want with their new conference name, but what you saw Saturday night was Big East ball. Physical, defensive take to the rack kind of hoops. And that's what Kentucky will bring to the table themselves tonight. But when it is all said and done, head coach Kevin Ollie will join John Thompson (84) Nolan Richardson (94) and Tubby Smith (98) as the only African-American coaches to win national titles.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Every once in a while in the NFL, a player becomes available that has the potential to be a game changer. Last week the Eagles released wide receiver Desean Jackson, who just had a career year with 82 catches for 1,332 yds. and nine TD's. The Washington franchise is one of many teams that is currently bidding for his services.
On paper, he's a coaches dream. Runs fast (17 yds/per catch career average), can help out on special teams (4 career punts returned for TD's) and a guy you have to game plan for if you are a defensive coordinator. The kind of sexy pick that the Washington franchise is known for going all out for. In fact, his first visit on his tour is with the Washington franchise. In the past, when a guy like that comes to DC, he usually doesn't leave without his signature on a contract.
But this time, no. I do not think that we should sign him. With all that Edger Allen potential of how he would be the perfect fit to complete a high turbine offense, of how our special teams would get a incredible upgrade and how he would be another major tool in RG3's toolkit, I still say no. I am willing to take a major hit to my sports blogging reputation (?) if he goes elsewhere and continues to put up his major numbers.
Why am willing to let this guy go?
Let me get the obvious out of the way first. I am not concerned about his "gang ties" that the Eagles claim he has. I don't expect anyone to admit it, but I'm sure that some readers of this blog know of (or used to hang out with) guys like that. I know (and hung out with) guys like that, but most of them now are either in jail or dead. I'm not saying that I was Thug Life back in a day, but there were guys that you played ball with (and against) and lived in the same neighborhood that just made different choices then me. Believe me, I have no stones in my bag. In Jackson's case, that's just the Eagles tryin to scruff his shine.
What I am concerned about is our trading history with the Eagles. A couple of years ago, we gave up two picks (including a 2nd rounder) for Donovan McNabb. We got exactly a 77 quarterback rating, 15 interceptions and a lot of drama for our troubles. We even gave him a five year, 78 million dollar extension (3.5 mil guaranteed) as hush money for his continual beef with then head coach Mike Shanahan when he was demoted to third string.
Another good ideal (on paper) was signing 25 year old linebacker Jeremiah Trotter back in 2002. Trotter, who was just coming off of his second Pro Bowl season and a conference championship game appearance, was signed for 36 million. We got exactly 200 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks for our money. He was released less than two years later, only to make the Pro Bowl the next two years.
As I always say, pimpin ain't easy.
My only other main question is, " How much of a malcontent do you have to be to be let go by a team that has an offense that is tailor made for you?" I'm not saying that the guy is not a baller, (because he is) but wow.
As for the Washington franchise, I got just one thing to say: Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
On paper, he's a coaches dream. Runs fast (17 yds/per catch career average), can help out on special teams (4 career punts returned for TD's) and a guy you have to game plan for if you are a defensive coordinator. The kind of sexy pick that the Washington franchise is known for going all out for. In fact, his first visit on his tour is with the Washington franchise. In the past, when a guy like that comes to DC, he usually doesn't leave without his signature on a contract.
But this time, no. I do not think that we should sign him. With all that Edger Allen potential of how he would be the perfect fit to complete a high turbine offense, of how our special teams would get a incredible upgrade and how he would be another major tool in RG3's toolkit, I still say no. I am willing to take a major hit to my sports blogging reputation (?) if he goes elsewhere and continues to put up his major numbers.
Why am willing to let this guy go?
Let me get the obvious out of the way first. I am not concerned about his "gang ties" that the Eagles claim he has. I don't expect anyone to admit it, but I'm sure that some readers of this blog know of (or used to hang out with) guys like that. I know (and hung out with) guys like that, but most of them now are either in jail or dead. I'm not saying that I was Thug Life back in a day, but there were guys that you played ball with (and against) and lived in the same neighborhood that just made different choices then me. Believe me, I have no stones in my bag. In Jackson's case, that's just the Eagles tryin to scruff his shine.
What I am concerned about is our trading history with the Eagles. A couple of years ago, we gave up two picks (including a 2nd rounder) for Donovan McNabb. We got exactly a 77 quarterback rating, 15 interceptions and a lot of drama for our troubles. We even gave him a five year, 78 million dollar extension (3.5 mil guaranteed) as hush money for his continual beef with then head coach Mike Shanahan when he was demoted to third string.
Another good ideal (on paper) was signing 25 year old linebacker Jeremiah Trotter back in 2002. Trotter, who was just coming off of his second Pro Bowl season and a conference championship game appearance, was signed for 36 million. We got exactly 200 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks for our money. He was released less than two years later, only to make the Pro Bowl the next two years.
As I always say, pimpin ain't easy.
My only other main question is, " How much of a malcontent do you have to be to be let go by a team that has an offense that is tailor made for you?" I'm not saying that the guy is not a baller, (because he is) but wow.
As for the Washington franchise, I got just one thing to say: Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
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