Hawks

By The Flash

July 30, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

I have every confidence in K; he will put a balanced team on the floor.

BTW, he might have been in the stands instead of coaching because this past week he was running a fantasy camp for rich execs in Durham. Wish I had the wheels and the dough; sounded great.

I still like my idea of creating a permanent summer camp staffed by Internationals and a full time coaching staff for drop in play for the large group selected and perhaps others to get exposed to the International game in more informal setting than is the current mode.

By Good News...

July 30, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

ESTEBAN BATISTA????

Wow! we really need a new topic. If this one has gotten to people wanting Batista back… it’s time to go.

By Samuel

July 30, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Yea. That was my bad. Of course Kobe will be on the team. So I guess D Williams or C Paul will get cut.

I can’t see Durant getting cut. He’s been one of the most impressive players at camp other than Kidd and Kobe.

Tyson Chandler is not good enough. He’ll get the ax.

Kobe, Lebron, Kidd, Wade, Stodamire, Howard, Billips, Prince, Miller, Durant, Anthony, Bosh.

By ray

July 29, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Blah, blah, blah…when do the Olympics start again? I’ve got a major case of the blahs….I see I’m not the only one…

By Steve T

July 29, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

ESTEBAN BATISTA needs to play more. He has the body. I keep hearing good thing about him. I always wondered why he does not play more for the Hawks.

By PJ

July 29, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

PANAMERICAN GAMES: URUGUAY 81-USA 72 ESTEBAN BATISTA: 25 PTS ROY HIBERT, Top 10 in next NBA DRAFT(NBADRAFT.NET):9 PTS. DAMNNNN!!! WE HAVE TO RE SIGN BATISTA NOWWWWW!!!!

By reese

July 29, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Samuel, you still left Kobe Bryant off the team. Beyond that, its just a matter of personal preference of the coaches.

My team for this summer would be PG: Jason Kidd, Chauncy Billups; SG: Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade; SF: Carmello Anthony, Lebron James; PF: Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh; Center:Dwight Howard, Tyson Chandler. My last two players would be Mike Miller and Tayshan Prince.

Both Dwade and Kobe can play point guard, therefore the need for C Paul is not there. Plus, Tayshan Prince might get replaced by Shawn Marion. Each player plays similar games.

To tell the truth, I would also rather have TMac and Shaq on the team, but it probably more important in the long run to have a mixture of the new hyped players (dwade, lebron, durant, carmello(who I feel is the best among the hyped)) mixed with true stars Kobe and Jason Kidd than it would be to have all elite players. Plus, if they don’t want to be there, its a mute point.

By Samuel

July 29, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

I’ve watched all the games. I got DVR.

Chandler, Battier and Heinrick will get cut. They may be role players but they are not better players than the ones who would have to be cut.

They shouldn’t have envited these great athletic players if they were gonna cut them.

Here’s the 12. I’m adding Dwade. Now tell me who you would cut in place of Chandler, Heinrick or Battier.

Howard, Amare, Durant, Kidd, Billips, Lebron, Prince, Miller, Dwade, Mello, Bosh, D Williams or C. Paul.

This team is week inside. I don’t care what kind of rules you play by. You still need good post players. Howard is good but he’s still got a lot to learn.

Another thing that hurt this team in the world games is free throw shooting and you usually don’t get better in a matter of weeks. It could come back to haunt them again.

Kobe and Kidd are definately the difference makers but i’m worried about our interior play.

You mentioned coach K being on the sidelines.Maybe that’s a good thing. Nate McMilliam anit no slouch. He probably communicates (Flash) with NBA players much better.

By reese

July 29, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Flash and Samuel, I suggest that you watch some of the Team U.S.A. play and you will see that what your asking for exist.

Role players: Battier, Tyson Chandler, Heinreick; Defensive Players: Tayshan Prince, Battier, chandler; Shooters: Mike Miller, Micheal Redd; Scorers: Lebron, Amare, Durant; True big men: Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard; Ball distributors: Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, Chauncey Billups; All the above in superstar Kobe Bryant.

That Team U.S.A scrimmage game restored my faith in USA basketball. They were playing international rules, international officials and international basketball. Yet, both Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant set the tone/intensity level. Coach K wasn’t even on the sidelines. He was in the crowd watching the game with the ex Phoenix suns owner. I forget his name.

When Kobe’s team needed to play better defense, he clamped down on the other teams offensive scorer. When Kobe’s team needed offense, he scored or setup others for easy points.

Jason Kidd pushed the pace and consistently made passes that only the offensive player could catch. When his team was down a point, he took and made his only shot of the game. A layup where everyone switched off to cover the passing lanes because they didn’t think he would shoot.

One of the best plays in the game was when Kobe stole a pass, went one on one against Jason Kidd, went up for the dunk and Lebron James raced down court to cleanly block Kobe Bryant’s dunk attempt.

Another important concept was reiterated with this game is the fact that the players need to learn international rules. Kobe was calling timeout and Jason Kidd playfully grabbed Kobe and reached for the steal because he thought the time out would be given. Players can’t call timeouts in international rules. Only the coaches can call time out and the refs determine when they will grant the timeout. Jason was called for the foul.

Another important lesson learned is that playing Amare at the Center position without another big man on the floor hurt his and Kobe’s team. They had amare (c) kobe (sf), carmello (pf), deron williams (pg) and heinreick (sg). They were punished by Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh.

When Dwight Howard learns hit free throws and develops an inside move besides dunks, he will be an elite player in this league. I wish Tim Duncan was here to teach him some moves.

When Lebron learns to shoot and consistently play defense the way he did when he chased down Kobe to block the shot, he will be another Kobe Bryant.

By St. Bernard

July 29, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

part II?

By newkid

July 29, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

MannyT, you’re right. Wrong venue for polemics on history and politics.

My subliminal point was that the root of most ‘destruction’ has, in fact, internal - rather than external - origins. Be it the Hawks and the abominable Atlanta Spirit Group; the League with the Donahy controversy or the indominable commissioner; Enron or the Nardelli-led Home Depot; Rome (and yes it was a de facto republic); the British Empire or Francophony; or the threats to our future we’ve allowed here on our own shores through sitting relatively silent as an imperial presidency has taken root and led us astray. Oops, there I go again. Sorry.

By Samuel

July 29, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Flash,

You’re right. Coach K is actually caught between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, They invited all these superstars. I think they could have still invited superstars and talented role players.

More post defense and rebounding: Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, U Haslem, Camby, Brand, KG or Ron Artest, Shaq.

Yea, I know some of these guys aren’t young and patriotic type but you’re right you do need some role players.

Hey, anybody going to the support Michael Vick rally at the Dome today. Sponsored by V-103?

By The Flash

July 29, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this

reese didn’t see it. And no reason to dispute your observations. That doesn’t mean that (1) he doesn’t contribute in the principal way I suggested, that is, as modeling what K means—facilitates communication; (2) tommorrow he doesn’t play better against these guys; (3) more importantly, he doesn’t play much better against Internationals.

I’m not really watching all that much ball, but it seems to me that the physical style of defense so popular in the NBA does not cut the cake in the International game where the ball moves quickly, in and out, and around, and spacing and the use of space leaves the Americans extremely vulnerable. JJ might well do better against the Internationals than against Americans.

I have never believed that a group of the “best” players make the “best” team. I doubt that the assembly of “stars” that K has a willing to explore new perspectives on the game and play with the kind of catch-and-get-rid-of-it that I think the Americans have to begin to incorporate into their game to compete well internationally and to make us basketball, as a team game, anything but parallel play and boring.

By Samuel

July 29, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Reese,

Kobe is on team USA. I chose players who are not. I even left off G Arenas and Duncan.

Kobe will make them better but I can see some friction evolving cause he will be the go to guy at the end of the game, period. It could cause some problems.

They really do need some more rebounding and inside scoring though. Yall remember how the big Greek schooled us last year and don’t forget Spain will have a healthy Gasol.

By clint

July 28, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

anybody heard any Jarvis Hayes rumors. Bk usually doesn’t make offseason moves until mid august so it shouldn’t be long before he does something. How bout pj brown, brendan haywood, anybody out there listening?

By reese

July 28, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Samuel, how could you leave Kobe Bryant off your version of the US team. Did you watch the blue and white scrimmage. Kobe brought his team back and hit big shot after big shot to get the win. Also, why does JJ need more rest than Kobe Bryant who played more minutes, who played in the playoffs and who played at a much higher intensity level. JJ needs to play against the best whenever he gets the chance.

Flash, in the US high school and college games, Zone defenses are legal. The NBA is the only league that does not allow a true zone defense where a player can camp out in the lane for more than 2.9 seconds (as if the refs really can count 2.9 seconds). Zone defenses mean that the offense must have good passers and good shooters. I like the international rule where a big man can go after a ball if it touches the rim. It makes the big man more active in the game. All leagues must evolve and adapt to the players playing the game. The problem with the NBA is that their adapting to the lack of skills of the high school and young college players entering the league to soon.

Flash, I have to ask you the same question; did you watch team usa scrimmage game. JJ Reddick was definitly out of his element. Yes, he may be a smart player and run schemes to perfection. However, he was too slow and too weak to compensate for the players on defense that were in his face because they still caught up to him. He tried going at a faster pace and was too weak to hit open shots. When you have shooters like Kobe, Carmello and Mike Miller or scorers like Lebron and dwayne wade, you don’t waste time devising schemes for Reddick.

By E Lump

July 28, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Great article Sekou good seeing someone from G-Rap do his thing…also as far as the NBA.. I find it hard to believe Stern or any of his cohorts did NOT know anything about this scandal..or better yet one of the many..yeah Im a conspiracy theorist…Interesting how the Sternbot is going so hard at keeping players from wearing jeans and chains and they have FEDERAL crimes going on with refs…I KNEW my Pistons got cheated LOL

By E Lump

July 28, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Great article Sekou good seeing someone from G-Rap do his thing…also as far as the NBA.. I find it hard to believe Stern or any of his cohorts did NOT know anything about this scandal..or better yet one of the many..yeah Im a conspiracy theorist…Interesting how the Sternbot is going so hard at keeping players from wearing jeans and chains and they have FEDERAL crimes going on with refs…I KNEW my Pistons got cheated LOL

By E Lump

July 28, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Great article Sekou good seeing someone from G-Rap do his thing…also as far as the NBA.. I find it hard to believe Stern or any of his cohorts did NOT know anything about this scandal..or better yet one of the many..yeah Im a conspiracy theorist…Interesting how the Sternbot is going so hard at keeping players from wearing jeans and chains and they have FEDERAL crimes going on with refs…I KNEW my Pistons got cheated LOL

By Samuel

July 28, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Yea,

Reddick might be able to help somewhere but Coach K will lose major credibility if he keeps Reddick. He’s just not good enough. He’s not even hitting wide open jumpers which is about all he’s good for. Yea that was a BIIIIGGGG If(guys accepting Coach K running plays for Reddick) when you got Kobe, Lebron, Durant, DWade. It will never happen Flash nor should it.

Who do you cut and keep Reddick? Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, come on now.

I just can’t see it. Coach K has got to win Gold or he will forever have that monkey on his back. He had his choice of the best players in the world and couldn’t get it done.

He just can’t afford to take Reddick. No way.

By The Flash

July 27, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Why Reddick: Just a theory You have 10 smart guys lie down on the ground on their backs. Tell them, “Raise your hands above your heads.” You’ll see hands pointed everywhere, extended up to the ceiling, extended towards the wall behind your head, hovering over the top of your head, etc. Add a little more complexity to the instruction, still keeping it simple, you’d be amazed what you’d see. I’m talking with intelligent men, now Samuel, professional athletes.

Mike Hebron, my golf guy, says that the most difficult thing in helping people make progress with golf is the gulf in communication, words being understood to mean the same thing from teacher (caoch) to player in terms of what physical activity is expected. Takes time.

Reddick understands K’s lingo, understands the nuances that different choices of words (no two action words mean exactly the same thing really) are meant to convey. How to shade a screen differently depending on what the particular defense wants to achieve.

K can teach language and the activity or, without using Reddick as a model, others can pick up a whole lot simply from watching the guy. Very, very valuable. If you think about it Samuel, probably every team you had had a guy like that, someone who “got” you early on and became as important to your coaching as you yourself.

Furthermore, I disagree with you about Reddick’s potential on floor value. K knows that he can run things for Reddick that will have him killing people. I mean killing them. We all saw it. In fact, me, when I saw Duke play Georgetown, I had never seen anything like Reddick before. Never.

So, if he can get other guys to respond, and run things for Reddick (which is a big IF), that there might well be MONEY. Money is good. Now, maybe K could do the same thing for Rip. MAYBE. But, he knows that if the other guys cooperate, Reddick will kill some folks. Definitely worth a try, in my opinion.

BTW, I think I said this before, I think that the reason why Hill was fired from Orlando, was precisely because he did not have his players run things for Reddick when Reddick was on the floor. That’s it. No other reason makes sense.

For the same reason, I’d send Woody packing. So far, he has a 2 and a 5 who he runs jack for. This one definitely is BK’s call. And, I think will hurt this team this season. I don’t like mid season coaching changes; the only reason imo that they refused to let Hill go, is that they, the Spirit, are expecting to make one, and would have already, but for BK.

By MannyT

July 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

newkid I’m not a history buff and I’m not looking for a history debate on a sports blog. However, I did not say it was impossible to do, just hard to do. An empire is different than a country. The Roman empire had a pretty long run.

Usually sports blogs are about athletic entertainment and related information. I realize it’s slow season for basketball, but there isn’t much hoops on the docket lately. Vick is a football/legal/social responsibility topic more than a basketball one.

At least the ref thing is basketball related. We are past due for the summer league wrap up. Folks have asked questions about the summer activities of the more veteran Hawks. These are the topics I look here to see.

I can find that other stuff lots of places. I cannot find Hawks info lots of places.

I cast my blog vote with Good News Bring on the Hawks updates!

By The Flash

July 27, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Samuel don’t go gettin no swollen head now or you’ll even stop talkin to the fish then where you gonna be with that nice lake and all, but the point about the influence of “the 3” on the game, now that I think about it, Wow! Absolutely.

The game was always about getting good shots from as close to the basket as possible. The pull up jump shot, a lost art and when performed by some the perfect machine, Oscar, Hudson, Nauls, Sam off-the-backboard Jones. These children here would never understand.

Who needs no stinkin new friends. Post here. That’s what I do. Later.

By newkid

July 27, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

“it is hard to kill a country from the inside…”

Read the history of Rome my friend.

By The Flash

July 27, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Samuel I can live with the dunk, especially if they call the feet shuffling by the bigs. I’d do away with the pull down rims though, which in all too many cases allow dunks to be dunks that would otherwise be embarassing clunks. Bring back some skills to the inside game!

I’ve given this little rant before, but the g-d damn game is OUR game. Why do we play it in International ball on a different court under different rules. International ball is a different game, especially for the littles, who lose both on defense and offense the computer-like instincts for what makes sense. It’s like a guy who plays poker straight suddenly playing games with buying cards and wild cards as such. All of a sudden kings up ain’t what they used to be.

I say tell the rest of the world that they want to play us they play on our court with our rules. At least do it like we do in the World Series.

I think that the real reason the US has taken this 4-year commitment approach is to allow US players to amass a collective understanding, feel for, for what is fundamentally a different game than the one that they play. It will take a while.

I am, was (I wrote every member of the planning board I could think of), for establishing a US squad to play in a European League, a winter one if there is such a thing, and set up a permanent summer camp in the US where potential members of the US can come into train, when they like. Sort of like how the players from the triangle go back to UNC and Durham and always find a weekend, or week, or whatever worth of runs. Running under International rules on an International layout would do volumes.

Could do the same, btw, that is set up a permanent summer camp of the sort I described with International players and even an International coach, aka like little Donnie Nelson.

Works for me.

By Samuel

July 27, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Flash,

I’m with you on outlawing the carrying and traveling and while we’re at it, the three point shot. I happen to like the dunk though.

I do think a good idea would be to outlaw the dunk in high school and college. I could live with that. That way players could develop better.

But in my coaching experience, I can’t think of anything that has hurt the game more than the three. Players from 5 years old heaving the ball at the rim like a sack of potatoes. Consequently, they never develop anything close to a good shot.

While we’re on basketball, anyone been watching team USA. I think they will be better than the last episode but they still are not guaranteed to win the Gold. Jason Kidd will make them better but they still don’t have enough shooting and rebounding.

Kevin Durant is the real deal. He looks like a darker version of George Gervin. They better keep he and Mike Miller. What the hell is JJ Reddick doing there. Come on coach K, admitt it. He’s a scrubb. Send both them Duke boys home. Thank God JJ didn’t go. He needs the rest.

I swear I could pick a team that would give these guys all they could handle. I know Coach K wants to go with youth and character guys and all but check out my team.

C- Shaq, Eddie Curry PF- Rasheed, Kevin Garnett F- T Mac, Paul Pierce SG- Rip Hamilton, JJ PG- Byron Davis, TJ Ford

Subs: Ray Allen, Josh Smith

By Dap

July 27, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

What about the HAWKS? How is speedy recovering? How is Marvin developing? Let’s discuss the Atlanta Hawks.

By Ken Strickland

July 26, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

DOC, ditto my friend.

By ray

July 26, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

I hate the offseason. I’ve lost most of my interest in baseball, and will no doubt have to be a closet-football fan since it’s unanimously a crime to support and be entertained by it.

Oh wait! I better not watch football or I’ll surely be tempted beyond human endurance, and eventually succumb to the horrific urge to train my mastiff, pit bull, and two Jack Russell Terriers to engage in mortal canine combat. Maybe they’d live a far better life if I put them in my truck, drove to dreamy Pleasantville (where I will wear a full body suit to hide the unpleasant dark hue of my skin color, and therefore not offend anyone) and released them from my evil clutches.

And from thence I shall pursue a life of solitude and penance, cursing and flogging myself for days past of impacting my 289 pound body into others both on the field of mayhem and the hardwood of the basketball courts. Oh dear…I sure hope I didn’t hit anyone when I played soccer those two years! I shall have to beg for absolution every fortnight for a decade!

Sarcasm, anyone? There’s more where that came from, and I’ve got slices big and small!

Heh, heh…

Somebody please start training camp early….

By The Flash

July 26, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

I’d love to watch that game 7 when the Lakers came back on Portland. These aren’t judgment calls or no-calls, they are a pervasion of the game.

Now, how can you turn back the clock and call the game according to the rules? What would become of all that pushing and shoving inside and around the lane? What about the coaches who teach it?

And, if, as John Wooden suggests, we also did away with dunking, some of the old Elgin Baylor, Earl the Pearl magic in finishing around the basket might return. And, you might even see inside play my more players than just Duncan that can truly entertain. And, shot blockers would have a new lease on life; true gentle battles in the air would be more prevalent, with far less danger to everyone.

Yes, some of the shock value might be gone, and good play would be harder to identify. And, I doubt that the stands would be filled with young kids, or trophies as they are today. And, I also doubt that the 24-hour seven sports coverage would be around that long.

But, I would have my game back, the one that the refs stole from me because the league told them to. Until then, I ain’t gonna worry about no scandal about a ref’s having bet on basketball. Just don’t see the point.

By MannyT

July 26, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Meaningful priorities?

Does that mean I should spend more money on tabloids to keep up with Linsey Lohan and Paris Hilton and reality TV?

At the end of the day, for most folks watching sports is fun. Yes we want it to be real, but sometimes we accept it as less than real (“Pro wrestling”, Roller derby from back in the day.) I hope the hoops thing is not a major scandal. Even if it is, I can envision another pro league forming from the ashes.

Yes we take our fun quite seriously. Some folks take movie stars too seriously.

The serious life survival stuff probably shows up on political blogs. Even in politics and history, there is plenty of room to laugh. Face it, while it is not impossible, it is hard to kill a country from the inside even when we have incompetent moments. A history lesson from Arliss

By doc

July 26, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

ken, it would be helpful to all if there was a true value structure in the us that applies to all mankind and animals. we as a nation tend to compartmentalize our issues and rationalize behavior saying one thing is greater than another when it all is karma. it is about making individual right choice, decision and action for every occasion, not just when it fits us.

By Ken Strickland

July 26, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

FLASH, I may have gotten a little carried away in my last post, but you obviously understand what I was saying. We Americans have got to establish more meaningful PRIORITIES, if we are to survive.

By The Flash

July 26, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Doc, you might be right about why the locals didn’t act, but I doubt very, very much that the Feds would bale the local authorities out. That, pardon the metaphor, is like the tail wagging the dog. It don’t work that way.

By doc

July 26, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

flash, if the county prosecutor was smart knowing he was caught between a hard spot and a rock he just might have looked for reasons to get the feds involved. it is an elected office and he was going to make either side very angry as he would eventually have to do something which he dragged his feet to do from the get go. you know local politics, power and money were his issues.

By The Flash

July 26, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Good News, I’m pretty sure that there is now a federal statute, that no doubt turns on some connection to interstate commerce (never difficult to prove; dog food rarely comes from in-state sources) but that is specifically directed at animal abuse.

BTW, in my limited experience, the Alexandria US Attorney’s office has been known to pursue cases for their “splash” value, even cases that underlings have counseled strongly against. Nothing that relates to the current US Attorney or the head of the criminal division in the office, so I do not want to slander anyone. And, I have no interest in even reading the indictment, and have nothing whatever to say about the merits of the case.

But, it has been known to happen. Now, if the merits of the case are as strong as some people say, maybe the US Attorney had no choice, given the recent passage of this animal rights’ law. However, I still feel that this should have been handled locally, and think that having scarce federal law enforcement resources spent on this, well, there ought to be a law. Regrettably, there is, only it is the wrong one, imo.

By Good News...

July 26, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Flash, Not disagreeing or agreeing just wanted to say it is a federal crime cause they crossed state lines with the dogs. If that didn’t happen then it would local case in Va. Did you know that it is against the law to carry roosters from S.C. to Alabama and cross Georgia. Sounds stupid but it’s the law. Also the gambling part of both these cases are the reason for them to be federal. They are after anything that has to do with big $$$ changing hands. Every “under-world” crime boss/drug dealer/etc… are usually busted for tax evasion, not for any “crimes” cause they cover their tracks. Truthfully I don’t see Vick going down for the actual dog fighting part of this unless there is video or audio. The ref will go down as they have his name been mentioned in wire taps and he has talked. Truthfully the federal government could care less about the animal part of this or the fixing basketball games. It’s all about making $$$ and not paying the government their cut. We all know that, no matter what race we are.

Where is the next summer follow up blog? I want some info!

By The Flash

July 26, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Doc, well said. It is passing idiotic for Vick to have been within a million miles of this.

Now, I don’t mean to offend dog owners, but I have to say, I cannot fathom how, given the dangers we face, we have FBI agents out the wazzoo, and federal prosecutors, spending time on this crime. I am not saying that it shouldn’t be a crime. But, a federal one? I think that, if this reflects our priorities, and it obviously does, we are F#*@$$!

Hello, these guys in Va are the ones principally responsible for prosecuting people who, you know, are ripping off the government to the tune of billions in selling stuff to them for the war, not to mention that little thing called counterterrorism so nobody flies a freakin plane into the Pentagon again!

While I’m on this rant, please, for heaven’s sake, let us stop the “War on Drugs”, make everything legal, spend money on prevention and rehab, and take away the business of the gangs.

This war on drugs has built the drug industry, and has filled out jails with people and our streets with blood. I’d continue criminalization with regard to minors, under 18, and throw the book at anyone selling hard drugs to them.

Oh, scuse me, I forgot for a second, this is a Sekou column and we’re supposed to be talking sports. Okay, how bout those Mets?

By doc

July 26, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

flash, the fans dont care what happens to the football player either, in fact they cheer louder at the big hits. the worse problem for anyone playing football is the brain injury that is overlooked and may explain some of the aberant behavior. it is a brutal sport and one that plays to the sadist and part of why i like basketball so much when it is played right. there is poetry, artistry and ballet in every movement. it isnt surprising that football payers gravitate to the dogs, still doesnt make it right.

your points are well taken on the subject, still cant condone of behavior that is brutalizing to anyone or anything can explain it well though. the words paradox and hypocrisy are there, it is just football players do have the choice to walk away from the game; the dog gets not even the option of coming back to fight another day if it displeases the ego of its owner.

funny, how many african americans or middle class whites for that matter would have loved the oportunity of the BIG WHITE MAN business man sucking up to him and forking over 110 mil. you have to wonder how folks can try to spin it any other way beyond stupid or ignorant.

By The Flash

July 26, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Scandals or Hypocracy Look, let me say at the outset, I ain’t condoning or excusing nothing. Okay. Nada, nothing, zero, zip. Now I can proceed.

So everyone in the NFL and those who love the league are bemoaning what a mess Vick has caused because of the blatant brutality and amorality displayed towards dogs that have been breed to kill. You heard me, that is what they have been breed to do. Look it up if you don’t believe me. But, I digress.

What, pray tell, do they train NFL players to do, since the time that they begin wearing long pants. Kill, not really, they say that, “kill the guy,” “boy, you killed him with that one”, have, what a hit, the guy won’t know tuesday from a garbage can for six months, maybe a lifetime, but, hey, you know, it was “clean.”

Come on, football sells violence, mayheem. What is shown more on ESPN, a great catch or a bone breaking (literally) hit? Dog fights get the puplicity, meanwhile a group of the finest athletes the world has ever known are crippled years before their time, and nobody gives a damn. Not the league, not the union, not the current players because, after all, they know that they are selling body parts for dough and they want all that they can get.

So, I see a paradox here. Life is cheap in this sport, and the sport sells precisely because that is its structure. Come on, they make a few rules to protect some players, but not at the expense of the violence that sells. Take some of the padding off these big boys, put them in leather helmets, and the violence in the game will tone down. But, would it sell?

Okay, I’m done with des guys.

Now, Davy boy and the tears over the integrity of the game. Say what? He think we stupid. Anybody miss that Michael pushed Russell with his left hand so the guy literally flew about eight feet before hitting the winner against Utah? Anybody? That was isolate? Course not. Shaq, I’m talking the old Shaq, or should I say the young one who could really play; he used to play reasonably according to the rules for the first three quarters, spinning and taking what was there, little banks or three to five footers. Not in the fourth he didn’t, and not in the big games. Then, he’d put his shoulder right in the defender’s sturnum, barrel the guy back and then jump onto the guy to stuff it. If someone blew the whistle, Jackson would call for an inquisition and get it. The next game back to the same old.

So, Davy sold the sports integrity, allowed (probably forced) a star system of calling games to produce the gravy. To make “our game”, as he likes to call it, the great game that it is. Please, I’ve been unable to watch a complete game on the tube for years, precisely because of how they were called. Walking, “come on, these are star players, what’s an extra step or shuffle mean?” Palming, how do you expect A.I. and Starbury to break people’s ankles?” “We gotta make a buck don’t we.”

Snd, Davy, having sold out this game, “our g-d damn game,” for billions and billions worth of silver expects us to be upset because one referee might have tried to get into the action on his own?

I’m done with dis guy too, your honna. My Cousin Vinnie

By cp

July 26, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Im looking foward to this upcoming season. I saw this video and I got amped. I couldnt think of a better word. SS what is the word on Marvin Williams. Has he added any muscle to that small frame of his? I think this will be his breakout year well I hope it is.. Well let me link the video. This guy did a good job… http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRMy7bE2MA

By doc

July 26, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

felonies are felonies whether one is white or black or yellow or red for that matter. how can one make it into a racial issue? laws are there to be broken, bended or minded, if you get caught and dont beat the rap you go to jail. it doesnt matter if you are white with the name of bernie ebbers of world com fame, martha stewart, kenneth ley of enron or o j simpson or maybe black michael vick or white with the name of tim donaghy if they are found guilty.

bottom line people or mammals have been harmed or in the dog fighting world killed for someones sick pleasure. now, why there are these laws to begin with? not to catch vick or donaghy or gamblers ot white collar guys who felt entitiled to print money for their own benefit while ripping off others. most harmed were defenseless or unknowing good folks or animals wanting something better just like you or me, very defenseless.

how people want to make some of these people victims of the system suggests something deeper in those individuals not the system. whether you like a law or not, it is a law and if you get caught dont make it into something other than that nor defend it for something it isnt. if you illegally bet and get caught in a sting, use prostitutes and fall prey to the same things, addicted to drugs and get busted or play in the the dog fight world or c** fighting world dont play the line others do it so it cant be that bad or shouldnt be a law. living the edge has its price too and might have been part of the attraction. ultimately we pay the piper if we want to dance.

this is a tired subject that as hawks fans we have known to exist. most only shake their heads and said i told you so or wonder how it could have gone on for so long. oh yeah, follow the money.

By Jimmy

July 26, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Everyone has been talking about placing an asterisk next to Bonds’ home run record should he break it. What about an asterisk next to the championships for two NBA seasons?

How do any of us know who’d been league champs, knowing that at least one official manipulated games.

By june_baby

July 26, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

this is a sad day for the nba. i feel this type of officiating has been going on for many many years, and not only from 1 referee. now we start to understand how a ref can call fouls when the defender was no where close to the offensive player. i believe it may have been even more prevalent in playoff games(where the bets being placed are maybe heavier than reg season), but we always got the party line that the refs are constantly evaluated after the games. i believe nothin’ of the sort occured unless it made the news. the nba buried it’s head in the sand for years because it didn’t want to risk it’s tv contracts and image. now we know image isn’t everything, especially if you’re hiding bones in the closet. it(nba)distanced itself from hip-hop(blacks), while opening the hen-house door to gambling(white thugs the real killers). wake up america, blacks are not the people you need to fear or hate. the real thugs, lowlifes or killers look just like you. and they’re laughing at you while they take everything that isn’t nailed down.

By ray

July 25, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Samuel, I’m glad you have it like that. I live in a community somewhat like that, but the lake is probably about 14-15 acres, and since it’s still in the third phase, it’s not stocked yet (dang it!). It’s always good when a brother can get a little of the country pleasures while living in the city, is it not? Catch a few for me…and enjoy yourself. Hey, you know how it is: making friends is something that almost happens by accident. The wife is ALWAYS trying to plan a man’s time and what not!

I agree. As much as we may like our players, somebody’s probably going to have to move for us to take the next few steps. Otherwise…

I’m tired of the politics already. And I’m tired of people wanting to reduce this to nothing more than race and culture. You wanna blame hip-hop culture for everything? I suppose hip hop is responsible for steroids, BALCO, point-shaving, and gambling, too? Yeah, try pinning that one on a particular race of people while you’re at it. Just quit, okay? Just f’in quit! I’m not saying that some things didn’t come along with hip hop, but there was plenty of dirt before it got here. And just think of where that dirt came from, hmmm?

By JD

July 25, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Go to youtube and search for Donaghy. There is a great clip of the worst officiated game I have ever seen of the Suns-Spurs playoff game where Donaghy officiated.

By hhcarr

July 25, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Mr. David Stern is praying that this is an isolated incident. If this involves more than one maverick ref…the consequences is beyond imagination.

By hhcarr

July 25, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Mr. David Stern is praying that this is an isolated incident. If this involves more than one maverick ref…the consequences is beyond imagination.

By hhcarr

July 25, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Mr. David Stern is praying that this is an isolated incident. If this involves more than one maverick ref…the consequences is beyond imagination.

By tb

July 25, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

How about the team that shoots free throws gets to keep the ball. So each time you foul you get FT’s and the ball.

Falls could have to be called by two officials or a court official and instantly backed up by booth official.

The FT’s eliminates the benefit of fouling and the back up foul call validates

By MannyT

July 25, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

For all the different directions the blog has taken, I go back to a basic one that impacts everyone interested in the NBA…what do you do to fix it?

It’s one thing to hold the refs up to higher standards, but how do you make it look more fair without turning the game into a 100% non contact sport?

Because basketball refereeing is more subjective than the other major sports, there will always be a higher level of interpretation in what a hoops ref does.

While it is a great time to make some changes (like stopping offensive players from gaining advantages by initiating contact,) cleaning up the game requires both the officials and the fan base to get on board with the changes quickly.

Until we get futuristic enough to have a panel of remote refs call the game using high tech sensors and video, it will continue to be a very subjective sport. At the end of the day, it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to “look fair for all teams.”

By breaking news

July 25, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

The NBA was indeed dealt a devastaing blow years ago, by embracing the hip hop culture. Not by the race of the players but the hip hop culture. The AI’s of the league took the league down to it’s current minor sport staus. This is just another nail in the coffin, that is the NBA.

By Good News...

July 25, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the political rant. It’s good to be concerned about politics, but last I check this was a basketball blog, not a political blog. If I want to rant about politics, I will go to one. I want to talk basketball so I come here.

I only read about the Stern press conference yesterday. finally saw it last night. “Deer in the headlights” does come to mind. He knew there was nothing he could say, he just had to stand up there and take it. Maybe he thought people would feel sorry for him if he acted stunned. Wouldn’t put it past him. He knows how to work the media.

Does anybody know anything about Speedy’s knee(s)? Has he been seen working out anywhere? When I heard he went to a specialist this summer…that is not good at all. I would like to get something out of him besides a nice suit on the bench since he came at that price.

By Dap

July 25, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Talk about the Hawks or the NBA, leave the politics to someone who has a clue.

By Samuel

July 25, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

Ray,

I’m doing alright. I still live in Metro ATL. I just found one of those secluded communities with an 18 acre lake. Maybe one day I can get to know someone here close enough to envite them over. My wife says I need to make some friends.

The NBA thing is what it always is, hypocracy. There is no way in hell Stern didn’t know the guy was a big time gambler.

I also see both Law and Horford starting. Both would be upgrades over what we got. I’m just still waiting on us to move Marvin or Childress along with Lue and Ivey.

If BK would do some work, we could have a pretty good team. If we get somebody in the middle to guard NBA centers, we could make a serious run at the 8th slot.

By Ken Strickland

July 25, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Let’s put some perspective on the current scandals. George Bush, and the republican party, rigged and stole 2 presidental elections. Then Bush blatantly lied to the world, on multiple occasions, in order to justify continuously involving this country in a bloody war for personal reasons. Then he protects one of his crooked partners in crime by granting him a pardon. Through all of this, some of you are actually suprised at an NBA officiating scandal, and upset over a dogfighting scandal. Some of you are calling for the banishment of MVick for being indicted by the FEDS on dogfighting charges. You are outraged at the inhumane murder of innocent dogs. Yet, you remain silent as George Bush and the republican party continue to direct the daily murder of thousands of innocent Americans in Iraq. Almost half of my brother’s remains are still over there.

WE HAD BETTER START GETTING OUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER AND START DIRECTING OUR OUTRAGE TOWARDS MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES. THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY, AND DEMOCRACY, ARE DEPENDENT UPON IT. REMEMBER, BUSH IS CLAIMING THE LIVES HE’S SACRIFICED IS TO INTRODUCE DEMOCRACY AND THE DEMOCRATIC IDEAL TO IRAQ. THIS IS THE SAME GEORGE BUSH THAT DESTROYED THE DEMOCRATIC IDEAL IN ORDER TO BECOME PRESIDENT, TWICE. YOU HAD BETTER WAKE UP PEOPLE.

By Steve T

July 24, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

It seems like people are so surprised. I am not! I have been talking about the system that we live in. Folks, the system is not unfair. God has been opening y’all eyes, but we do not want to see.

I know growing up, I know my uncle used to say that the money was on this team to win. I could not understand at the time. But over the years I understand where he is coming from.

Bush proved to you that the system was not fair in 2000 and 2004. In a fair system, he would never be in the white house. I know some will not admit it, but certain people control what goes on in this country. Has anyone ever thought how Vegas never go broke? How do they create these point spread? Why isn’t there a major upset in the big games? The refs controls the games.

Now the media had put the spotlight on Vick. Then this comes out. Folks, I think it is about to get worse.

By Orlando Rivera

July 24, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

You know what really sucks about this whole Donaghy thing? Is that I wonder how many Hawks games he intentionally screwed up with questionable decisions? Wait, that was Mike Woodson intentionally screwing up the Hawks with questionable decisions. My bad.

Anyway, I know for sure the NBA is not rigged. Once the Atlanta Hawks begin getting favorable calls from the refs, THEN WE KNOW THE NBA’S RIGGED!

By tyger

July 24, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Does PETA know Arthur Blank and Rich McKay just returned from an African Safari?

What were they doing? Kissing the lions I guess.

Oh, but I forgot, theyre white so its alright.

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 24, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Sekou, do you think this is an isolated incident? Or do you think they will uncover something much bigger here?

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 24, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

tyger, I was one of Vick’s biggest supporters from the moment he stepped into this league and second guessed as an All-Pro Quarterback from just about every sports writer in the nation.

You can not nearly equate the difference in the way these men are being treated due to their own actions!

The actions of both are nowhere near comparable in any person’s rational mind. I’m sorry. But this is just ridiculous. I have to go on that note!

By ray

July 24, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Samuel, good to see you are doing well. Hope all continues in such fashion for you and your family. You livin’ in Georgia or somewhere else? Of course, that info is kinda private, so I don’t blame you if you don’t wish to disclose. Good to see you around at any rate. I agree with you about Horford. I’m excited about him and Law. I see Law putting in some serious work and earning that starting nod. Particularly if he works hard on the weakness you pointed out.

Terrell, Flash, Ken, etc. Y’all had some really fine posts on the last blog topic. I haven’t had much to say, but y’all have really been putting up some good reading.

I don’t have a lot to say about the ref topic. There’s a lot of power playing going on and that will continue to go on. Just another form of politics, which I find continually disgusting.

By tb

July 24, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Good News, I agree on the paint hing. We need to get physical.

Talent isn’t enough in the NBA

By R. Stroz

July 24, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

The NBA is turning into the WWE.

By Good News...

July 24, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

I’m shocked that Stern already said that this was an isolated incident. that’s a little strange. Boy, that one can come back and bite him. I’m just hoping traveling and fouls are called more consistently or just finally called. It funny to hear them say they will look at the games. It is the most inconsistent thing in all of sports is the ref’s in the NBA. Good luck looking through that film.

Anyway, my thought on summer league so far is that we still got killed inside even in the guard driven summer league. Now I know this isn’t our full team but it wasn’t the other teams either. Can we get Rick Mahorn to come in and give these young guys a lesson on controlling the paint!

By mendy rudolph

July 24, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Every ref is eyeballed by a league official who charts the game from a refereeing perspective and evaluates the game on tape. Each ref is graded by the league on game calls. Donaghy was rated well above average (at least top 25%). The league had no idea Donaghy had a hidden agenda when working a game (or he would not have been given another game). Since it is most probable that Donaghy sought to influence the over/under or aid the underdog beat the spread, we can assume he accomplished these objectives by calling the games more closely in line with the rules than his colleagues. Remember, when attempting to work outside the box (fixing the game), one would avoid creating notorious situations like Malice at the Palace and the Suns/Spurs phantom menace. Most NBA commentators seem to reject the argument that the rules of the game, heavily engineered as they might be to promote NBA sanctioned outcomes and incomes, have any objective standards. I think some owners feel the same way when they try to construct rosters and management teams to compete in the NBA.

By the way, Donaghy is too valuable to law enforcement and the NBA’s effort to try to understand and statistically detect tainted referees. I would expect him to plea out, especially if he can produce some larger fish.

By tyger

July 24, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Was the Commish asleep at the wheel?

David Stern looked a whole lot like Lil’ Bush this morning. Stunned, in denial and impotent - was he asleep at the wheel?

Is it because his sole focus has been on the evil blacks and their tatoos, cornrows and rainmaking, so much so, that he let the wolf into the chicken coop?

Much like Lil’ Bush and his campaign of fear, its so much easier and acceptable to demonize poor brown people that the Timothy McVeigh’s of the world can drive right up to the front door and blow us all to smithereens.

Meanwhile, our so-called leaders grandstand, in front of Congress and the world, pounding fists calling the black man “barbaric” and hell-bound, yet theyre suspiciously silent on the angry lil’ leprechaun that commits the most heinous of acts in all pro sports.

Now, Vick is typecast as the face of pure evil, yet McDonaghy is in the witness protection program???

Who’s protecting Vick?

McDonaghy gets protection by those supposed to prosecute him and walks away to a secret location; while Vick has a “reserved place in hell”???

Is this justice or just-us?

By BILLY KNIGHT

July 24, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Thank God!!! Finally, something happens that I am not blamed for…Geesh!!

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 24, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

One Ref? That’s it? I’m not sold on that. Since this whole idea has come about, I think we can question many decisions and games. One does not work alone here.

Maybe its just me looking for more. But I don’t think the Commish sees everything here. There’s more to this!

By Fred Everett

July 24, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

“And this too shall pass”…assuming it does not involve other refs and players. As for the Hawks…our key guys acquited themselves very well in summer league…Sheldon…Acie…Al. Solo is a work in progress…may not have the quickness and agility to play #4. I sure like the way the team is shaping up. Now…if only Billy can figure out a way to steal Camby without giving up key pieces !

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By DKM

July 24, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

The Commissioner should resign since he is responsible for the integrity of the league! He gets paid a ton of money and there should be some sort of scrutiny of everyone associated with the league and their expenditures! Anything unusual should be questioned! Other industries check the checking accounts of their employees and associates to look for unusual activity. This should have been caught and dealt with! We know the league like baseball has looked the other way on steroids and marijuana and this is bad enough, but to have the gambling taint over the league is terrible. Many of us fans believe that the games are fixed anyway with special consideration given “stars” over newer players dictated by ratings and playoff matchups! I am sure the commissioner with his “big city bias” does not want anyone to look into this too much. The rules have never been the same for Boston and Atlanta and it is not fair.

By long time falcon

July 24, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

OOPS! Sorry hawks guys I didn’t mean to post that on your blog. I meant for that to be on the falcons blog. I sometimes read this blog because I like to keep up with the hawks. I got my wires crossed.

By Voice of Reason

July 24, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

There is a big reason why I don’t feel the same kind of rage for the referee. He didn’t torture and kill dogs for fun!!!!!! Sure, he did a bad thing but I personally feel there is a huge difference. Regardless, they both deserve prison time if found guilty.

By long time falcon

July 24, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

John clayton of espn just reported that mike vick will probably never play another down for the falcons. He said it is time for blank to cut bait and move on. If vick is somehow found innocent of the charges (highly doubtful) then he could maybe sign with another team in the 2008 season. We could have had tomlinson who is a great character guy and the best offensive weapon in the league. I swear this franchise really must be cursed. And good job jimmy williams go out and get busted for drugs while all of this vick saga continues. Like someone said earlier please don’t draft anymore Virginia tech players.

By Good News...

July 24, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Funny to see the “Why isn’t there the same hate here…” in this blog. The reason is , we don’t hate like that here in this blog. They both are accused of doing something illegal. The ref will get a chance to plea bargain because he is small in the world he is involved in. If the FBI can use him to get to the crime family, they will. Let’s see we put a guy who fixes nba games behind bars or we use him to get a crime family off the streets, which are you going to choose. Vick is stuck because he is the “big” name they are looking for. He may still get a plea bargain but I don’t see him doing that. he knows they don’t have enough to convict him. Listen, even if Vick is proven guilty, he gets maybe 1 yr because he can get a good laywer. Truthfully he will get off because there is only eye witness accounts. The case was busted when the national news jumped all over it and made it impossible to set up a sting. The FBI has him and someone ratted him out, so he really doesn’t have the option to be an informant. The ref was caught from wire taps, he will be going to jail. So he is trying to save himself but he will have to disappear into the protection program anyway. Now if that is a “hate” filled post, then I give up. Now I can’t wait for the follow up to the summer league blog!

By tb

July 24, 2007 2:52 AM | Link to this

Need only look at every newspaper to get the daily betting line.

Think that’s something, what about the commodities market, betting on yeilds/prices in a controlled market. Now that is a nice set-up.

Has the NBA embarked on the same business practices. Fact that sports becacme a business is the biggest problem. Business men exploiting the game for profit and fans linning up to show how good of fans they are by amount of $ spent.

By F R Stark

July 24, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

How do we know that Stern himself doesn’t fix games so that the largest markets will get the most playoff games?

When you watch you can usually tell who is going to win by the way the officials are working the game. FR Stark

By GuyFromUruguay

July 23, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry for being off-topic, but this involves the hawks… have you seen [this E-bay auction linked by TrueHoop] (http://i15.tinypic.com/6fynehw.jpg) ?

By mack 2

July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

SEKOU,

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t dog fighting gambling. The talking heads including you have made great news of the recent case. I hope you show the same fire for this one not just say “it’s just part of our culture”. remember this thug is now trying to save his a** by becoming a FED informer. Don’t try to put out the expectation of we except the mob fixing the professional sports???

*The more info that crawls out about Donaghy, the worse it gets for the NBA. But I doubt you’ll see talking heads debating this topic for a number of reasons. Gambling is such a huge part of our sporting culture these days that few people are shocked or outraged by this game fixing scandal.

Sad but true.*

By Clyde

July 23, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Wedgie Evans

July 23, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait until some NBA player comments on the Donaghy issue and gets hit with a five-figure fine for dissing the refs. David Stern is such a hypocrite.

By Zulu

July 23, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Bet the old NBA marketing department is working o.t. on this mess. Wonder will Gamblers Anonymous pickett the NBA offices? Or maybe two ladies will write nd opinion column on how terrible gambling on sports is.

By Denny Crane

July 23, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Denny Crane: Mr. Stern do you know the referee? Commissioner Stern: Never seen him in my life!! Denny Crane: Never seen him in your life, interesting, your honor may I approach the bench. Judge: Yes Council you may approach the bench. Denny Crane: Your Honor, Stern is arrogantly delirious, I do believe that the Commissioner still thinks he is in his office where he rules the roost.

By roan st

July 23, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Good call mountain jim on the bill simmons column it is absolutely riveting. It is a must read. He has some intetresting theories about how the league sets up officiating crews in hopes of swaying a game one way or the other. Of course in hopes of extending a series for the sake of tv ratings. If this is true then david stern should be run out of the NBA! No wonder mark cuban was thinking of selling the mavericks after the 2006 finals. Stern has seen the smoke coming from these officiating problems for a long time now and did nothing just like with the hawks situation. Stern has had a long run and I hope he is ultimately forced out after this ref scandal. Time for a new commish!

By roan st

July 23, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

I’m a hunter and think that the analogy to dog fighting is ridiculous. The population of deer is so high now in most states that they have to be hunted or will die from disease like the black tongue. Why do you think that georgia has opened up hunting in state parks? Because the population is so high that the food sources are not adequate enough for survival. A couple years ago the foilage in red top state park was completely gone head high. Hunting is key for the overall survival of our nations deer population or you will see more dead on highways and from waste disease. Personally I have never hunted or know anyone who hunts for some kind of blood thirst. I love the meat and always eat whatever I kill. Trust it a lot more than the farm raised stuff we get now full of steroids and antibiotics. Did you know that the FDA allows chicken farmers to put certain amounts of strict nine in poultry! Scary stuff going on in the meat industry these days.

As far as the ref scandal goes it doesn’t surprise me. Like sekou said sports and gambling have gone hand in hand since day one. Personally I think the NBA is ready for some new leadership and its time for stern to step aside. I have been outraged with this guy over the hawks embarrassing court battle that has made us the laughing stock of the league. He has sat back and done nothing or said nothing to help in this sad situation. I blame him for this happening in the first place. What made him think that 9 different owners would be able to work in harmony and run an NBA franchise in the first place? And then when it all unravels he hides from it like a coward. Time for some new blood if you ask me.

By tyger

July 23, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

SUCK MY PETA!!!

By Wink from Lithonia

July 23, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Sekou, was this joker working the night Amare got suspended from Phoenix’s playoff game. Still not forgiving that suspension by Commissioner. That brawl in Indy has an effect on the Phoenix playoff run. Let’s see what the intent of the rules or laws are for known cheating officials. Let’s just see if he gets the Bonds / Vick treatment in the court of public opionion & press coverage.

By mack 2

July 23, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

wow, it’s so funny to see the hate and venom against this ref to be so tame. I guess this white thug is not named Vick maybe that’s the reason. He’s connected to the mob, killers of real people not dogs. now another fed informer? I don’t see anyone wanting him to go to hell to burn, bent over for soap in the shower or all the other hate driven comments I read against Mr. Vick. Maybe this thug looks just like you. Even when the nba brawl was hot news i read many in this blog and beat writers talking of the thug element sports. now my question is why is this thug any different?

By JD

July 23, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

The NBA has looked the other way for the entire time the Hawks have been in Atlanta, and probably longer, as game officials carried out their personal vendettas against teams, players and coaches.

There are several current officials who clearly punish players and teams if their calls are questioned. Can anyone spell D-E-L-A-N-E-Y, along with others.

The Commissioner is now neck deep in what he has sown. How will they ever separate the ego and incompetence from the willful punishment of players, coaches and teams by some of the officials?

This will stink for the NBA for a long, long time.

By Mr. Gilley

July 23, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

I hate when people began to start making excuses and conspiracy theories. Let the facts play out and trust that the integrity of the league is not compromised completely with the new news of illegal gambling. And as far as Vick, of course the media won’t call this guy a thug or anything to that nature because thug is used as another way to demean African-Americans … But I digress, for certain the pressure will be on the refs for the upcoming season so I hope to see some good officiating and some great ball. Also, Wade did hit big shots so don’t take away from his performance and this BLOG was way too Long..I agree

By doc

July 23, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

my suns were robbed and the mavs too. maybe stern is behind this all.

samuel, wondering where you were. glad life is good, nothing better than sitting over a bed of bream as the rains come, best day i ever had on a farm pond pulling those blue gills out and getting them ready for the deep fry.

still feel we will be talking about how they wouldnt listen to us in a few years but the guys they got will be capable of playing solid ball just dont know if they will be at a different level. law seemed to lose his shot at utah, crit can shoot period and will be able to distribute given time. agree, law may not be ready even though woody seems ready to put him out there.

not going to over rationalize; deer hunting aint quite the same dude but nice try. most hunters i know dont go for the gut shot to track a wounded animal and enjoy the suffering. in fact after i had a bead on my last attempt to shoot one with a pure shot from 25 yards the shot deflected off a sapling branch to turn it into a gut shot i quit hunting after tracking the animal for hours until she circled. i dont need the meat in my freezer to survive anymore though it helped at one time during my residency. i never called it sport nor did i stay in a stand but did the hunting on the ground. bottom line and you wont disagree with this one, i know there are some that get into hunting for the blood but those are the same good ole boys you will see at a saturday night dog fight. you and i know that group having both lived in the country long enough to see it all.

though i wont be watching barry will do the thing soon. great hitter in the present era. he has taken the hit for the leagues impropriety that bud over looked similar to the way stern might have turned his eyes in a different direction. clemens and bonds might have been the best of the users. congrats early to your boy.

By Go AWAY

July 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

This is an NBA blog, not a Vick blog. Either way they both are both accused of something illegal(that means there are laws that say it is), there is no difference. Dog fighting is illegal, hunting is not. That’s the law everybody else follows. Now if you go hunting without a license then you are breaking the law. So deal with it and go back to your other blog. They will get both these guys on tax evasion eventually anyway. You always have to pay Uncle Sam for money earned whether you are black or white.

By XD

July 23, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

@Big Ed

The ref cheated at his job for personal gain, so leaving his job makes sense. Vick didn’t cheat at his job, so why should he leave his job? How about letting your personal feelings about Vick sit on the wayside when discussing allegations involving the law….what you said made no sense.

By More Hawks!

July 23, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

The length of the blog is not a problem. The content is though! If you wrote blogs this long on the Hawks, I don’t think anyone would complain!

By tom

July 23, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

www.blogmaverick.com/2007/07/20/calamity-as-catalyst/ comment from mark cuban

By The Flash

July 23, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

So, how many of you guys been happy with the refereeing in the past at least 15 years. I haven’t. It has practically driven me from watching. Find it painful to watch, when things I understand to be fouls or violations go uncalled, and the game becomes a farce.

In my view, the league lost its credibility by allowing laxity in calling the game years ago. No one knows what type of enforcement will show up at pro and college games. The most people can hope for is consistency.

Not me. I want the game to be called according to the rules. (I do think that some of the charging rules are ridiculous, but not the put your shoulder into the guy and shove him out the way ones). When the league invited laxity to sell its star players, it sold its integrity.

Now, can Stern seriously blame all this on one ref who got “caught” cashing in, after all the dough that the league’s blind eye to the rules has brought in?

By Sekou K. Smith

July 23, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

I had no idea this thing was this long until I just came back here to check in. I seriously need to take a break from these epics.

Steamboat, I’m coming by for some fishing with the crew. I hope you didn’t move too far away from the city, though. Otherwise we’ll bring out tent and stay the night on the property. Ha.

The more info that crawls out about Donaghy, the worse it gets for the NBA. But I doubt you’ll see talking heads debating this topic for a number of reasons. Gambling is such a huge part of our sporting culture these days that few people are shocked or outraged by this game fixing scandal.

Sad but true.

By mountain jim

July 23, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Bill Simmmons has some things to say about this as well, and that suns game 3 is in the thick of it: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070722

By Samuel

July 23, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Cuz,

It’s been a long time. It should be a crime for a man to work so hard. Damn i’ve been busy. But It’s paying off. I moved into my dream house. One with a lake and some seriously good Bream fishing. I can crawl out my door and catch a mess in 30 minutes. Biggest bream since i’ve been in Georgia.

Get with me so you can bring Gabe by and catch a few. I can see a family of dear out my back picture window.

A lot has been going on since I blogged last:

1) My boy Barry is still jackin them out and closing in on the Hankster.

2) Vick is in some serious trouble. People have been trying to run him out of town for a while now. This just might be the nail in the coffin.

Looks like the tree huggers and NRA are uniting on this one. I can’t say it surprises me at all. My boy Joe Horn made an interesting comment which I agree with. How can dog fighting be cruelity to animals but shooting “Bambi” not be. Sure hope they don’t outlaw Bream fishing.

3) The gambling thing is sick. If Stern and company can tell someone what kind of pants to wear surely they can prevent officials from Gambling period, sports or not.

I like to give the refs a break cause I’ve been there. I don’t think he should go to jail but he should be seriously fined. Thirteen years of salary is a good start.

I’ve Got NBATV and a DVR. Moving on up.

I saw the Hawks and some summer league games. Here are my impressions.

Eventhough I called for drafting Yi and Crittenton, I’m definately happy with Horford. Guy’s a flat out “BEAST”. When I saw him post dude from Utah(Milsaps) up and do that power move, I said yea!!!

Law is definately a Gamer and super fast. Something you can’t teach. I’m just not sure he can help us this year . He’s too Left handed and can’t shoot. I don’t care how fast you are, if you can’t shoot, your game will suffer. Ala Speedy. Hopefully he’ll get better.

Hopefull I can stay a little longer this time. What’s Up Doc

By mack, II

July 23, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

wow, it’s so funny to see the hate and venom against this ref to be so tame. I guess this white thug is not named Vick maybe that’s the reason. He’s connected to the mob, killers of real people not dogs. now another fed informer? I don’t see anyone wanting him to go to hell to burn, bent over for soap in the shower or all the other hate driven comments I read against Mr. Vick. Maybe this thug looks just like you. Even when the nba brawl was hot news i read many in this blog and beat writers talking of the thug element sports. now my question is why is this thug any different?

By Rajah

July 23, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Speaking of the Spurs/Suns incident at the playoffs this year…I find it odd that only the Suns players were suspended for leaving the bench when it was Duncan that did the exact same thing earlier in the game. If the rule was in black and white like the league stated, why was Tim Duncan not suspended?

By Willie Coyote

July 23, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Oh yea, and as for Stern. He’s just a big joke. He’ll probably try to find a way to blame this on Hip Hop, the Tooth Fairy or something other that his beloved officials.

By Willie Coyote

July 23, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Suns fans shouldn’t be the only ones feeling like they could have been screwed. If you’ve ever watched the Hawks for an extended period of time, you can see the bias that exists at times. If you watched that travesty of that the NBA Playoffs were in 2006 when Miami “won” a championship because the refs put D-Wade at the line 20+ times a game while not calling fouls for anyone else. As much as I like D-Wade, that was wrong and that team got a lot of help in winning that championship.

I thought that the officials were just plain bad or there was some kind of agenda to help superstars get their numbers. Now it seems that there is another factor to consider. I’ll reserve judgement about the official’s guilt until something is proven but this would explain a lot if it turns out to be true and widespread.

By Big Ed

July 23, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

So all of these charges are just allegations at this point. Why don’t we let due process take it’s course to determine if he is guilty or innocent. Let’s not be so quick to judge. Oh I’m sorry I thought this was a Michael Vick Blog. Can you see the parallel. This guy has resigned from his job. Take a seat as well Michael.

By mavid

July 23, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Also, I would say officiating in the NBA has reached a full-out crisis.

It is flat-out bad. It effects games on a regular basis. The worst part is the star rules where stars get calls that guys like Joe Johnson can’t get (heck, those rules won Miami a championship on some ridiculous Wade calls).

And then Stern goes to do everything he can to protect these dudes from ANY sort of criticism. It’s ridiculous.

By Don!

July 23, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Think of what the Suns’ fans are feeling right now. I always felt that the officiating in that series was bad — and now that this has broke, can we officially put an asterisk on the Spurs’ title this year?

I thought David Stern put the nails in the Suns’ coffin, but now it may have been only an extension of Donaghy’s calls (or lack there of) before the incident that led to all the problems before hand.

Later,

Don!

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

July 23, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

I agree with the gravity of the situation Sekou attributes in this story. Its one thing to have players involved in gambling charges, it has happened and will happen again, but to have an “independent arbiter” involved in matters potentially (and its naive to think it hadnt at some point)affecting the outcome of games in the most egregious sin that can be committed in sports. I will however wait until extent is revealed before I castigate the entire zebra species.

It does however cast a brighter light on the fallability (to put it lightly) of the referees/umpires in sports. One only has to look at the situation with Tim Duncan this past year, where the ref “challenged him to a fight” as he tossed him from the game. Suspensions are nice but and I can understand the need to keep things “in house” to preserve decorum, but umpires in basketball and baseball seem to take the most liberty flouting their whistles and hook power. They are afterall human, so that means imperfect. The recent trend to empower them to eject participants with even more alacrity will only increase tension on the refs and scorn upon their decisions. Part of the reason the NFL and Hockey work well is that the sports police themselves to a degree. Players dont have to deal with opposing teams AND officials. If you want to clean up the on field play you have to start with the people who represent the league. Only after they are held accountable can the game’s integrity be validated.

By mavid

July 23, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

wow, sekou, you wree AT the brawl. That’s craziness brotha (I thought the same thing… why didn’t the refs just send the guys to the locker-room, there was under a minute left and the game was over!?!?!)

There are some messed-up things about this whole situation. Donaghy was part of the officiating crew that horribly botched game 3 of the Suns and Spurs series (really helped the Spurs win that game). It’s looking more and more like the Suns got flat-outed screwed by the NBA and the refs in that series (let’s be honest… they win that series, they are NBA champs).

Also, another crazy thing is that this is the ref that Rasheed Wallace infamously went at in a parking lot after the game. It turns out that maybe ‘Sheed had good reason to do that. There is a method to the madness!

By doc

July 23, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

cant say you were following my lead-in however ….

thanks for your perspective sekou or is it blog z on this one?

the league has always seemed to miss the boat on handing out punishment’s, never ebeing even handed and has never used commom sense ala the fiasco of sitting two men this year in the playoffs for doing no more than making sure teammates werent hurt knowing the refs had done little to stop the provocation.

i have a feeling the nfl is glad that mr donaghy has ended up in the federal dog house with deep dog do on him.