By now everyone that has visited this blog should realize I have a great passion for sports, but sometimes I feel like I would be better off spending my spare time bird watching. Having to deal with some of the disturbing behavior exhibited by today's athletes is bad enough, however, the real head scratcher is how these things are being dealt with by the folks in charge.
The latest police blotter involving the Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton is very bothersome. Apparently, NBA commissioner David Stern, just isn't as sensitive as me. Stern, in what amounts to a slap on the wrist as far as I am concerned, suspended Arenas and Crittendon for the remainder of the year.
Let me ask you, would your boss have been so kind as to say 'see ya next year' had you brought your artillery collection to the workplace? I think not. This is not the first time that commissioner Stern has had to deal with gun related issues. Not too long ago, Stephen Jackson played shoot 'em up outside an Indianapolis night club and this past year Delonte West was stopped on his motorcycle packing some serious heat. Bad enough, right?
What is worse here, is that Arenas and Crittenton brought there transgressions to the workplace. Stern had an opportunity, with justification, to make an extreme example of these two guys and failed to do so. Stern should thank his lucky stars that no shots were fired and nobody was harmed in this incident. That would have been something that the NBA could have ever recovered from.
Wake up Mr. Stern!
Monday, February 1, 2010
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UB
ReplyDeleteYes, the way in which sports teams punish and police their own transgressions do not mirror that of the real world. However, if you put it in the context of dollars and sense, it may be a bit more palatable.
Arenas brought a gun to work. His “mistake” will cost him MILLIONS of dollars this year. Moreover, the Bullets (gotta go retro here, the old nickname is too perfect) will be in a position to void his contract. So in the end, bringing a gun to work could cost him upwards of $100,000,000. If that happens, this will probably be the BIGGEST and HARSHEST penalty ever levied for carrying a concealed weapon.
And even if the Bullets do not void his contract, losing what amount to $10,000,000 for carrying a gun is still probably a record setting punishment.
Better yet, in the heat of a sports moment, (or even at work) have you ever kicked something in disgust; if so, did it cost you $25,000? Just ask LeBron how it feels.
For what it’s worth.
Doc, in this instance you may be right regarding Arenas, but what about the guys not making that kind of jack. The up and comers or the guys always fighting for a roster spot. These guys may not have as much to lose. There is more at stake here, mainly public perception. Head to head tattos, the appearence of "thugery" and now guns. I think they need to show their customers that this will not be tolerated. As far as LeBron, I do not think anyone that paid 1500 bucks to sit behind the bench wants to be hit with flying objects. In this case it was harmless, but I think the fine is appropriate
ReplyDeleteBest part about LBJ's fine, is that when you break down his salary on a per point basis, he only needed to score 4 points and the fine was paid for.
ReplyDeleteNow THERE is an example of someone conducting thousand-dollar transactions - every time he simply shoots the ball!
U boyz is crazy...obvious stern hates nig-nogs and trying to keep the black-man down. If nash did this, stern would have looked other way/bought him polish for his piece!!
ReplyDeleteKeep hope alive...
Much to your dismay Anthony, the previous post was not mine-lol
ReplyDeleteHowever, this entire issue brings a concern regarding the Second Ammendment, if you ask me...
Does Arenas and or Crittenton have a CCW?
If they did, and were lawful carriers of a concealed weapon, then they are morons, because there are clear stated laws in which you learn thru training in order to obtain a CCW.
Obviously there is posted no firearms signs all over the work place especially at a sporting event venue which points to me that those morons did not have a CCW, nor did they show any concern for the law.
Stern did the right thing- now let the legal system work out the rest, as i wouldn't be surprised if both of them et jail time for their illegal actions!
Anonymous, that is ridiculous. He cut those two players slack if anything. Black athletes have flourished in the NBA, keep them down? I hope that was a very poor attempt at humor on your part.
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