AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USR-E-S-P-E-C-T!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m waiting for word on Rafael Araujo’s suspension today. The NBA set the precedent, costing Kobe Bryant a game the other day for cracking Manu Ginobili in the jaw. Araujo, the seldom used Utah center jaw-jacked Tim Duncan last night and it didn’t even make SportsCenter.
Now someone please tell me how that works. Come on Stu Jackson. Come on now. Give me that explanation that’s supposed to make sense to everyone at the NBA office but to no one else on the planet.
This is my problem with the NBA’s subjective approach to things that are supposed to be universal. Kobe’s lick was passed in a game broadcast on national TV. Araujo’s blow came in a game that few watched outside of San Antonio and Salt Lake City. But if you go by the explanation given for Kobe’s suspension, Araujo should be out for the next game. But I won’t hold my breath waiting for justice.
I know this might cost me my All-Star Game credential, but the league owes us all an explanation for this one. Seriously, this is why people question the integrity of the league’s game officials and punishment staff. They continually do things that make no sense to the general public and don’t want to be questioned about it.
(I was going to take a day off from my malicious attacks on the league’s atrocious officiating staff, but Robbie Robertson’s awful showing last night ruined any chance of that. And when I tell you Robertson was bad last night, I mean he was as bad as Sean Corbin on one of Corbin’s best nights.)
Rant over. Now let me move on to some other more Hawks-centric minutiae.
Discussed the selections for the Rookie-Sophomore game during All-Star Weekend. No Shelden Williams for the rookies and no Marvin Williams for the sophomores. It could be viewed as a dramatic slap in the face for the Hawks, who haven’t been represented on either team in the past three years (check ajc.com later or a newsy item on this topic). It is just more fuel for the Hawks’ second half fire. And believe me when I tell you that all of Joe Johnson’s teammates will be watching TNT tonight to see if he makes the All-Star team. They’re already upset that there’s even a question about Johnson’s worthiness.
The omission of both Shelden and Marvin, I think, has more to do with the Hawks’ poor reputation around the league than it has to do with anything tangible. The fact is, it’s easy to overlook and disrespect the Hawks because they’ve been such a non-factor for so long. A lot of people around the league simply don’t take the Hawks seriously as an organization.
I know that might seem harsh. But it’s true. How else to explain all the no-calls that accompany Joe Johnson drives to the basket? When you’ve been the punch line to NBA jokes for so long, it’s clear me that there is just NO RESPECT.
Comments
By NBA Hater
February 1, 2007 03:55 PM | Link to this
“Araujo, the seldom used Utah center jaw-jacked Tim Duncan last night and it didn’t even make SportsCenter. Now someone please tell me how that works.”
It’s because 95% of the people who play in that league are thugs. We should expect no less from a bunch of gold toothed, so called “hard gangstas”. What a joke.
By Jameyan
February 1, 2007 04:19 PM | Link to this
SS you are right about the Hawks. I remember at the beginning of the season when the Hawks started 4-1 and alot of analysts except for Charles Barkley made it a punchline. Injuries killed the Hawks in December but if the Hawks can pull some strings via trade and win some games in a row then the Hawks will get the respect they deserve. Not inviting Josh smith and Josh Childress last year was a joke and this year not having Sheldon or Marvin is a joke and the fear of Joe not making the All-Star team is also a joke. Michael Redd and Rip Hamilton are not better than Joe so if any one of those guys make it it is another joke. Lorenzen Wright, Estaban Batista, Speedy Claxton and Salim Staudamire are trade accets to aquire a Jamaal Magloire/Juan Dixon/Aldridge or Brenden Haywood,jarvis Hayes, or any team that has a not used big and a point guard.
P.S. I like the new kid he is far more better and entertaining than Bozeman and Frieje also NBA Hater that is the most rediculous thing I have ever read on my three years of being on this Hawks blog.
By ray
February 1, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Ando, to continue our little conversation: Oden was mentioned along with Shaq only due to greater-than-average size(mass) along with athletic ability. I know how many years of college ball Shaq played. It is yet to be determined how many Oden will play. While the lure of money is great, he could actually pull a Tim Duncan and stay awhile. I think you and I know just how likely that is, but likelihood and certainty are not the same thing. Anyway, getting back to the original point, there are very few ball players that have both the athleticism and the freakish size. Oden’s what, 280? Shaq has been well over 300 for some time. Notice I didn’t compare Oden to Curry. Nearly the same size, but not nearly the same kind of player. Again, you know the deal there. A comparison/contrast with guys like Stoudamire and Howard is also off base. While both are freakishly athletic, they’re more along the 245-265lb range. Big, but not freakin’ massive. That’s more what the comparison was about. And yes, you did make your point earlier. Of course, you could pick apart what I just said and say that it’s all wrong too, but that’s just how I was viewing it. No big deal.
And by the way, nice observation on Calderon, it follows up your observation on Earl Watson. It leads to something I have been thinking for most of the season: damn near EVERYONE’S backup point guards are better than our point guards. You could say Speedy’s as good as anybody else’s back up when he plays. But he doesn’t play much, so moot point. I’m disgusted.
Can’t say I’m surprised Joe got snubbed. Of course there’s no respect. And where do you suppose the blame for this lies? Better question: where is the solution for this and all the other problems?
Doc, good stuff man. Good stuff.
By GTmike
February 2, 2007 08:33 AM | Link to this
The whole deal with Araujo is rediculous. I saw the hit as well and it was easily on par with Kobe’s. This is just a case of the league trying to make an example/show their dedication to stop physical play by being harsh on a more visible player. But when Araujo makes just as bad a hit, it doesn’t matter because he is just an NBA peon and noone would miss him for a game so they won’t suspend him. Straight BS.
By Matt from Hotlanta Hawks
February 2, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
I don’t know about Marvin and Shelden- I know a lot of guys make that game, but I don’t think it’s outrageous or anything that they weren’t invited. You are right about the disrespect for this franchise, however. Look no further than the shoe they gave us!
Joe Johnson deserves to be an All-Star. He is the truth.
By JimKing
February 2, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this
The one thing that I am surprised nobody has pointed out yet is that the Hawks need to take this kick in the groin and realize that nobody made the All-Star weekend (in Vegas which must hurt these young men even more) because they truly dont deserve it. I am a huge fan but it comes to a point where you have to hit rock-bottom in notoriety in the league and this is it. Johnson not making this game has hurt everyone associated with this organization being that he is clearly the best Hawk to play here since ‘Nique. This young team has to accept this and now make a serious point to turn this thing around. They must win 75% of the games in this season, start making some noise in the league, and EARN that respect that we so desperately need. I live in NY and barely ever get to see games or for that matter highlights on SportsCenter because the Hawks arent even viewed as a legitimate team in the NBA. This is getting way out of line and there has to be a quick turnaround. The clock has to be ticking faster for the owners and Knight to make this work or the team will be in Las Vegas a lot more than three days when the entire organization gets re-located there. If they can all look in the mirror and see that the reason that Johnson and all the others didnt make this game is because of their own lack of performance on the court. Its time for them to pick up their collective “sacks” and be MEN. WIN. PLEASE.
By Dr.Doom
February 2, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this
Why on earth would anyone want to pay there hard earned money to watch a bunch of thugs play basketball?