(Un)equal justice
So all Dwayne Wade received was a flagrant one foul. Wade provided a WWE type hit on the Pacers Lance Stephenson. I’m not anti-Wade or anyone else for that matter my chief compliant---unequal justice often disseminated by the league office. If Metta World Peace had delivered a forearm similar to Wade it’s an automatic 2-game suspension. The NBA has one standard for stars and one for role players (or MWP). The star player will usually receive a flagrant one foul and often no monetary fine. Rarely is a star suspended for number of games. With a 12th or 13th man this is often the case, it's a suspension of some duration and a fine in excess of $25,000.
Take this into consideration
Professional franchises and collegiate teams with animal symbols or mascots are generally intended to pose a threat or cause the opposition to be fearful. That is the most common view but certainly not always true. I think we have all heard or read the complaints and jokes regarding the New Orleans Pelicans (Hornets) name change. If we check around the country there are a number of teams with animal symbols that are not very treating. Would anyone consider pelicans treating or scary? Do we fear Penguins, maybe only NHL teams opposing the Pittsburg Penguins might be fearful? Cardinals are unassuming birds (NFL Arizona and MLB St. Louis) they probably will not attack anyone except another bird. The nickname for Albany University teams is Great Danes; I’m no dog expert but I’ve never heard a Great Dane owner describe their dog in the same manner as a Pit Bull owner. Great Danes are big, Pit Bulls are fearsome. This is not an attempt on my part to force the Pelican name change on you, if you don’t like it that’s okay. Just consider the fact there are other animals and mascots that also could not be deemed fearsome.
I don’t work for the Chamber of Commerce
The disclaimer is being submitted at the beginning of this column. The CBE (College Basketball Experience) Classic is somewhat different from other tourneys, its basketball history too. Annually the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame elects a number of players, coaches and contributors to the college game. The Hall of Fame ceremony is followed by the tournament. This fall the competitors will consist of Wichita State, Brigham Young, DePaul and Texas. Matches have not been set yet but a semi-final doubleheader will be played Monday November 25, The Championship doubleheader will be played the next day. You might consider a journey to Kansas City to take in either the Hall of Fame ceremony or the games.
This is shocking
Five star and Class of 2014 prospect Theo Pinson made his commitment known. A sizeable number of high profile programs offered scholarships to Pinson. Among those who made offering were Duke, Indiana and Kentucky to name a few. This Greensboro (NC) native chose the Tarheels of North Carolina over the aforementioned schools and others. If we drove I-40 from Greensboro to Chapel Hill it’s a short 50.3 miles and 59 minutes from home. Should we suppose the opportunity to play in front of his parents might be a factor in his decision? Pinson is a 6-6 185 pound small forward who has the ability to guard three positions.
It’s difficult to take off that jersey
It’s my belief the great Kareem Abdul Jabbar played long past his prime. I thought Michael Jordan retired prematurely and was pleased when he returned to the Wizards. The old spark was missing he was “Air” Jordan he fly a little lower than he had during his years with the Bulls. Indicates are Grant Hill of the Clippers is discussing a return next season. Perhaps it’s due to him being on the injury list most of this season, if he returns it will be his 20th season in the NBA. I haven’t seen every Laker game however 39-year old Steve Nash “appears” to have at least one or two good seasons left in him. Nash was never the speediest guy in the game but his court savvy certainly makes up for this lack of speed.
We thought we’d seen the last of Rasheed Wallace; he retired from the Celtic after the ‘09-’10 season. He returned to the Knicks this season apparently for one more round. I am sure financial gain is foremost in their minds however they probably have “an itch they can’t scratch.” Prior to the conclusion of the season Wallace announced his retirement once again, wonder does he really intend to remain retired this time? Cuttino Mobley (age 37) who played for a number of NBA teams is considering a return. Mobley last played in 2008 retiring in December of that year. Few would admit it but the game they play the game most learned as a child they have a love affair with it. They love the camaraderie of teammates and fans cheering for them, two areas lacking in the life of retired players. Long-time Laker Derek Fisher “un-retired” himself again and plays for the Thunder.
