So long, Seattle SuperSonics

Posted on Thu Jul 03, 2008 at 10:02:30 AM EST in NBA
More on: SuperSonics, NBA, Oklahoma City, David Stern, fans (all tags)

You shall be missed

A lot of people have a lot of problems with the way David Stern is running the NBA. Basically, they think he's letting the league go straight down the drain while becoming a laughingstock in the process. Between the referee gambling scandal, the end of an era in Seattle and the drafting of Joakim Noah, some fans are simply fed up with the situation and they're not going to take it anymore. Here's one of the thousands of fan resignation letters currently flooding the NBA's home office in New York.

Dear Commissioner Stern,

I have been an NBA fan since birth, rooting the majority for my home state team, the Chicago Bulls through thick and thin times.

But the news coming from Seattle is disheartening. I am through with these games, in which owners of professional sports franchises hang cities like Seattle by the balls until they scream 'uncle' on a new arena. That's not how it was growing up watching Jordan and Pippen play. Jordan himself said the old Chicago Stadium was a better venue than the United Center, to which he compared it to a shopping mall.

And so in situations like this, where Clay Bennett and Co., single handedly ripped the SuperSonics from Seattle, a 41-year old franchise; that I submit my fan resignation letter to the once proud National Basketball Association.

I no longer want to be involved with anything from or with this league.

I truly believe the NBA is making a grave, and arrogant, mistake shunning the Seattle market. The over/under for the Oklahoma City team is 3 years for me. Then they'll turn into a Memphis organization, or a Charlotte Bobcats organization (sorry Mike).

You, Commissioner Stern turned a blind eye to the economics of Seattle, not even trying to cut a deal with the lawmakers. You just showed up to the capital, whining about a new stadium. You are a hazard to this league. I feel for the good of the game, you should leave the NBA with someone that knows how to run it.

This league hasn't been the same since June 1998, when MJ made the shot over Bryon Russell in Utah.

I'm done.

Sincerely,

Ryan K.

Of course, there are plenty of pissed-off blowhards sending in video responses on the matter too. God bless modern technology.

Links:
[YardBarker.com]: NBA fan resignation letter

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Who is the littlest big man in the world of sports?

Posted on Wed Jul 02, 2008 at 09:47:53 AM EST in Other Sports
More on: Napoleon complex, Daniel Snyder, Jon Gruden, Danica Patrick, TJ Ford, David Stern, Nate Robinson (all tags)

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who had a significant impact on modern European history. He was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as First Consul of the French Republic, Emperor of the French, King of Italy, Mediator of the Swiss Confederation and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. At least that is what Wikipedia says we should know about him. Of course, like most meatheads, all we really knew about the dude was that he takes prissy pictures and angry, short people always get labeled with a complex bearing his name. And according to Undrafted Free Agent, these lil' Naps have the biggest cases of Small Man syndrome in the world of sports.

10.Daniel Snyder
9.Jon Gruden
8.Juan Pablo Montoya
7.Tom Cruise
6.Danica Patrick
5.Eddie Gaedel
4.T.J. Ford
3.David Stern
2.Ed Wade
1.Nate Robinson

If Tom Cruise can make the list then there's no way we're leaving Verne Troyer off after he refused to put up with any of Paul Pierce's B.S.

Links:
[Undrafted Free Agent]: 10 Biggest Little Napoleon Complexes in Sports

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Brent Barry is really, really excited about getting his second ring

Posted on Mon Oct 29, 2007 at 12:58:08 AM EST in NBA
More on: Spurs, rings, David Stern, Brent Barry, kiss, funny (all tags)

We know that it is hard to look forward to the NBA season when the pigskin is still flying, but the drama of professional hoops gets underway on Tuesday whether you watch it or not. However, before the refs can toss up the opening jump ball, there's one small piece of business that has to be taken care of first. David Stern has some hardware to hand out.

But Stern might want to be careful whenever it comes time to give Brent `Bones' Barry his ring. After all, when the Spurs got their 2005 rings from the commish, it was Barry that planted a big ol' smooch on Stern.

Last time I got in a little bit of trouble for kissing him. I said something like him tasting flakey. It was like kissing my grandma. I don't know if he took too kindly to that, but we had some fun," Barry told SpursZONE.com. "You only get that moment if you're lucky - I mean you only get that moment once. Since I have it twice - I don't know. Maybe I'll look for some tongue.

If a French kiss is what happens after two rings, we'd hate to be Stern should San Antonio go for a repeat. Hmmm, maybe his refs can help him prevent that situation from occurring. Ah, never mind; that would imply the NBA is crooked and we all know better than that.

Links:
[WOAI.com]: Will Brent Barry Kiss the NBA Commissioner?

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Joey Crawford's back and he's ready to piss more people off

Posted on Tue Sep 18, 2007 at 10:28:36 AM EST in NBA
More on: Joey Crawford, David Stern, NBA, suspension, reinstated, fight (all tags)

Five months ago, the biggest problem facing the NBA was a no-nonsense, technical foul-yielding referee that mysteriously threw Tim Duncan out in the final minutes of a game against the Dallas Mavericks and then, according to Duncan, challenged him to a fight. Well, after being suspended indefinitely since April, Joey Crawford has been reinstated into the league.

Based on my meeting with Joey Crawford, his commitment to an ongoing counseling program, and a favorable professional evaluation that was performed at my direction, I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him and that he will be able to conduct himself in accordance with those standards," said NBA commissioner David Stern.

It's amazing how little things like referees picking fights with superstars can all be forgiven when there's some jerk-off zebra messing with the mob and fixing games.

Links:
[WLWT.com]: NBA Reinstates Official Joey Crawford

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In the midst of a crisis, David Letterman makes us laugh at the NBA

Posted on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 10:39:26 AM EST in NBA
More on: David Stern, David Letterman, Tim Donaghy, crime, funny (all tags)

The NBA is taking some serious heat over the allegations that one of their refs was involved in fixing games and it didn't take David Letterman long to start kicking David Stern and Tim Donaghy while they're down. On Tuesday night, Dave bashed the fellas with this little nugget of comedic gold.

Top 10 Signs A Referee Is Fixing Games

10. He leads the league in blocked shots.

9. When talking about the Spurs, he says "we."

8. After 6 seconds, calls a 24-second violation.

7. He's drawing up plays.

6. Before tip-off, scoreboard reads 58 to nothing.

5. Teams have scored a record number of 2-pointers, 3-pointers and 8-pointers.

4. Tossed one of the other officials out of the game.

3. Has Eddie Brill's telephone number on speed dial.

2. Miami Heat hasn't lost a game since Shaq promised to help the referee's fat son.

1. The Knicks are winning.

Links:
[Charlotte.com]: Letterman's take on referee scandal

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David Stern squashes postseason re-seeding talk

Posted on Tue May 08, 2007 at 11:23:16 AM EST in NBA
More on: Suns, Spurs, playoffs, NBA, David Stern (all tags)

Who could possibly have a problem
with this series?

We've only seen one game of the series between Phoenix and San Antonio, but it already has the feel of a classic, knockdown, drag out kind of a battle. So, why are there so many people complaining then? Well, many feel that the NBA's seeding system is all screwy and, therefore, this game is happening way too early. Considering that these are the two best teams remaining in the Western Conference, it could be argued that they should be hooking up in the West finals and not the semis. But at this point, complaining about the need for a re-seeding system after the first round is like complaining about the need for a playoff in college football; it's just a waste of breath. NBA Commissioner David Stern came out and said so.

Given the fact that we have contracts with ESPN, ABC and TNT, it's almost impossible to do and meet those obligations. It's something we won't consider.

And they shouldn't either. These match-ups between great teams are going to happen more frequently because there are more great teams in the league now; especially out west. Hell, Houston vs. Utah was relegated to the first round for crying out loud. When there are five elite teams in a pool of eight playoff teams then you are simply going to have high seeds running into each other early.

And what's so bad about that? Last year we saw one of the best series in the entire postseason in the second round when San Antonio and Dallas went seven games in a nail biter. And why should Golden State be penalized with a tougher schedule by being forced to play Phoenix in the second round because they pulled off an unbelievable upset? That's the beauty of the playoffs, you simply play who gets put in front of you and if you win you go on. If the league starts trying to delay the big games until the conference finals then there is a good chance we won't even get to see `em. Just ask Dallas how easy it is to get knocked off by a lower seed.

Links:
[USA Today]: Stern: TV prevents re-seeding in playoffs

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Around the Rim: The Big Ticket punches out early

Posted on Thu Apr 12, 2007 at 09:13:17 AM EST in NBA
More on: Kevin Garnett, Timberwolves, Paul Pierce, Celtics, David Stern, NBA Draft, Tim Duncan, Clippers, Lakers, Jazz, Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, NBA, Around the Rim (all tags)

1. Could KG be moving on?
Kevin Garnett's season is probably over after injuring his right quadriceps. The former MVP could be done with his Timberwolves club for good if Minnesota can parlay this move into few extra loses and a possible shot at a high draft pick. With only five games left on the schedule for Minnesota, the move probably won't make a big difference in final standings but when Kevin Durant, and possibly Greg Oden, is available, it's worth a shot. And even if the T-Wolves don't pull out a No. 1 or No. 2 pick, they could always package Garnett with a top five draft pick and get a whole bunch of talent in return. The one thing that is clear is that KG's body simply can't carry the weight of an entire franchise anymore.

2. Celtics' hide the Truth
But KG wasn't the only superstar to have a late season injury bring about an early vacation. However, unlike Garnett, Paul Pierce will definitely not return to the Celtics lineup this year. After a sore left elbow had bounced Pierce back and forth between the active roster and the DNP designation in the box score, Boston management has decided to put an end to the on-again, off-again relationship and throw Pierce onto the shelf. Sure, Pierce could probably use the extra rest but don't think Danny Ainge isn't thinking about the extra ping-pong balls that could be coming his way. After all, Ainge was the one caught buddying up with Durant's mom a while back.

3. Best draft ever?
David Stern came out and said that this upcoming class of college newcomers could make up the greatest draft class in history. Actually he said that "this may be the No. 1 or 2 draft of all time." That's a pretty lofty statement by the commish; which got us thinking if he could be right. Only time will tell if this year's kids pan out, but it's going to be awfully hard to top the classes of 1984 or 1996. Here are some of the ballers from those talent rich crops and their overall selections.

1984 - Hakeem Olajuwon (1), Michael Jordan (3), Sam Perkins (4), Charles Barkley (5), Alvin Robertson (7), Otis Thorpe (9), Kevin Willis (11), Michael Cage (14), John Stockton (16)

1996 - Allen Iverson (1), Marcus Camby (2), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (3), Stephon Marbury (4), Ray Allen (5), Antoine Walker (6), Kobe Bryant (13), Steve Nash (15), Jermaine O'Neal (17), and it should also be noted that Ben Wallace was available but went undrafted

Wednesday's Player of the Day: Tim Duncan vs. Sacramento 35 min, 26 pts (FG: 11-14, FT: 4-9), 13 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 4 blk

Thursday's Game to Watch: Los Angeles Clippers (37-40) @ Los Angeles Lakers (40-38) The Lakers and the Clippers both have a lot to prove in their gym. Of course, there's the whole battle of Los Angeles thing and the bragging rights that come along with the victory, but more importantly there's a possible playoff spot on the line. Currently the Lakers have it, but not by much as they have spent the last few weeks slip-sliding down the rankings and now sit just 2 ½ games ahead of the Clippers who are sitting just outside (½ game) of the playoff picture. Unfortunately the Clippers have been struggling just as much as their LA counterparts. But somebody has to win this game and when they do they will be standing on much firmer post season ground.

Buzzer Beater: This is the time of the season when the good teams get rolling and the crappy teams start folding. While we wouldn't exactly call the Utah Jazz a crappy team, they are certainly folding like a house of cards down the stretch. The Jazz have now lost five games in a row and six of their last ten and they have basically handed the Rockets home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. But you can't blame the point guard/power forward combo for the team's latest loss. Carlos Boozer (19 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists) and Deron Williams (18 points, 6 rebounds, 14 assists) both flirted with triple-doubles last night but couldn't overcome a 54 point outburst by Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson as the Nuggets showed the Jazz the proper way to get into playoff form. Denver has now won seven straight games to make up for dropping three in a row.

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Selig slithers, sarcastic Stern supports

Posted on Fri Mar 30, 2007 at 11:37:58 AM EST in MLB
More on: Bud Selig, NBA, MLB, television, David Stern (all tags)

Bud Selig just doesn't get it. Or he gets it but thinks we're so stupid that we'll just accept whatever he says. At a panel discussion sponsored by the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Selig defended the DirecTV deal.

I agonized over" the decision to go with DirecTV, Selig said. "Obviously our objective is to get our product in front of as many people as possible. ... But the number of people who can't get DirecTV is very, very small.

Yes, only about 5,000 current subscribers will not have access to DirecTV, but of the 230,000 cable customers, how many will want to toss out their entire setup which might include cable specific DVR equipment and install a dish on their roofs just to follow their favorite team?

Now we firmly believe in capitalism and free enterprise but let's call a spade a spade. This is a move driven solely by dollars and cents. The fact that Bud Selig is trying to sell it like he "agonized" over whether to take the money and run is a slap in the face to all smart consumers. We would respect Bud more if he just said, "DirecTV offered us a deal we couldn't refuse. We hope the great fans will switch to DirecTV but for those who cannot do so, we still have MLBTV on the internet."

At the same panel, NBA commish David Stern said that having Congress look into the deal between MLB and DirecTV was ridiculous.

As a taxpayer, I think the most important thing the Senate should be doing is holding hearings on Bud's DirecTV package. I don't care about health care or ... the war in Iraq.

We have to agree with David Stern (aka The Biggest Badass Commish in History) here. It's not as much of a time waster as renaming french fries to "freedom fries" but they really should have more things to do. How is it that Stern can step into a PR fiasco for Bud Selig and sound smart?

Links:
[AZ Central]: Selig defends DirecTV deal, gets support from NBA's Stern

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Around the Rim: Shaq was right, they should be called the Queens

Posted on Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 11:52:01 PM EST in NBA
More on: Hawks, Dwyane Wade, Heat, Celtics, Danny Ainge, Paul Pierce, Timberwolves, Suns, David Stern, NBA, Around the Rim (all tags)

Can't I just get suspended again?

1. Hotlanta finally deserves their moniker
Usually teams can't wait to play against the Atlanta Hawks because it typically yields a victory and some huge numbers for the opposing team's best players, or worst for that matter. It's not too often that the Hawks get to be the bullies, but then again, they only get to play the Kings twice a year. Luckily last night was one of those games and Atlanta pulled out a 23 point victory, 99-76, over Sacramento that was never in doubt after the Hawks held Sac-town to only eight points in the third quarter. Potential future superstar Josh Childress scored a season-high 25 points for Atlanta in their fifth consecutive victory and Josh Smith came up just a point shy of a triple double with nine points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. But what's unacceptable for the Kings is allowing some guy named Zaza to go off for 23 points on 11 of 12 shooting.

2. No date set yet
The story surrounding Dwyane Wade of late has basically been more of a lack of a story. It's has been about a month since Wade made a tearful departure from the court in a wheelchair of all things and after passing on surgery so that he could make an attempt at returning to the team later this season, Wade told a group of reporters, "I've been working out every day and doing what they're telling me to do." Thanks Flash, that's what you're suppose to do when undergoing rehabilitation. But no rush, Miami is rolling without Wade and have pulled to within one game of the Southeast Division crown by going 10-3 with no Wade. Looks like the Heat are doing just fine without Dwyane in their Fave 5.

3. Shhhhh! No talking
Danny Ainge always has been a guy who likes to bend the rules, so it should be no surprise that he was fined $30,000 by the league by the NBA after the Celtics GM was seen with Texas superstar freshman Kevin Durant's mother during the first round of the Big 12 Tournament. But in all reality, what does it even matter? How can Ainge talking to Durant's momma have any influence over his decision to enter the draft? After all, it's not like Durant gets to choose where he goes. Boston holds all the power so there is really no reason why good ol' Danny boy can't shoot the breeze his mom, dad or Kevin himself. But just like in his playing days, Ainge is so damn annoying that nobody is even going to complain on his behalf.

Monday's Player of the Day: Paul Pierce @ New Orleans 29 min, 28 pts (FG: 11-18, 3FG: 4-7, FT: 2-3), 1 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl

Tuesday's Game to Watch: Minnesota (28-37) @ Phoenix (50-16) Every win is becoming critical for the Timberwolves as the season begins to rapidly come to a close. Currently the T-Wolves are just 2 ½ games behind Golden State for the final playoff spot in the West, which is an amazing feat by itself considering that they have lost 10 of their last 13 games. But this still might be the most advantageous opportunity for Minnesota to knock off the Suns because Phoenix has lost consecutive games for only the third time all season. And if you overlook the three game slide they suffered through when playing without the league's current MVP, it's only the second pair of back to back loses since the team opened the year with a four game losing streak.

Buzzer Beater: While the talk is still only in its infancy, the NBA is beginning discussions to take the All-Star game overseas. It sounds like a good idea but things like travel time and jetlag could become sticky points between players and owners. But hey, they are all big boys and why should we let rowdy NBA fans destroy our cities when we can unleash them on those poor, naïve chaps across the pond. And if the players don't like traveling overseas for an All-Star weekend just wait until David Stern decides to expand the league beyond the Canadian and American borders. After all, it is just a matter of time until Stern & Co. welcomes Tegucigalpa and Milan into the association.

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David Stern says screw the animals

Posted on Mon Dec 11, 2006 at 09:13:30 PM EST in NBA
More on: NBA, David Stern, marketing (all tags)

Welcome back old friend

On Tuesday, David Stern will announce that starting Jan 1, the league will switch back to the old leather balls. All the player complaints about the feel of the ball finally added up and Stern swallowed his ego and decided to make the switch. However, the switch probably wouldn't have been made had Stern not had an opportunity to save face. Players started complaining about cuts on their hands because of the high friction synthetic material. When players are sustaining injuries, it's easy for Stern to pull the trigger with the players health in mind.

While changing the ball in the first place (rumored to be because of the Rockets owner's wife's animal activism) was a terrible move, Stern showed the good sense to fix his mistake and show why he's currently the best commissioner in sports.

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