I caught this exchange on ESPN radio yesterday (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7800707). It started with Jalen Rose calling out Skip Bayless who was dogging Russell Westbrook for shooting too much (in his opinion). Jalen brought up Skip's high school b-ball stats. Skip apparently "embellished" a bit about his own skills in a tweet. What ensued was fans gold. Three highly opinionated analysis going at it about what should/should not be considered "over the line." Jalen coming from a pro athlete standpoint, Skip and Stephen A from a journalist's.
Jalen's first point was 'why dog Kwame Brown?' This is near and dear to my heart because I too detested the Lakers getting Kwame Brown. His best contribution to the franchise was being the center piece in the Pau Gasol trade. Jalen's point was there are only 450 jobs in the NBA and he's had one for 10 years making millions. He may not be one of the elite players in the NBA but he's better than non-NBA players. Ironically CC (Cris Carter) agreed. He said "I gotta stack of money I'm putting on Kwame Brown vs. any non-NBA player." Interesting take...
Stephen A and Skip's take was Kwame's numbers suck. His play is sub par and he shouldn't be in the NBA. If you compare him to other Center's in the NBA his salary doesn't match his output and based on peer to peer comparisons he's deserving of the criticism. Again, interesting points...
From there the conversation turned to HOW you criticize someone. Name calling--scrub, waste, Prince James, etc...Jalen's point was you can criticize someones stats, their work ethic and their performance but to call someone out there name or take it further is crossing the line. He contends everyone is human and to talk about them badly like that is crossing the line. Their family is effected by what and how you say things about them and as journalist/media types they need to be more responsible.
Skip/Stephen A contend because he's a public figure making big money he (by default) accepts that part of the career he's chosen. Neither saw it as crossing the line because they get paid to evaluate and report talent.
Now, this is where I jump off their band wagon. The type of money you make or the type of job you have does not give anyone the right to disrespect you. Disagree with you or oppose you--sure! Disrespect, no. It's not in any job description (that I'm aware of) that says because you've agreed to take this position at this pay, public flogging is a given. Now, don't get me wrong I'm not naive to think that certain positions do come with that type of scrutiny--ex President of the US, CEO of major companies, Police Chief, etc...BUT my point it doesn't make it right to disrespect someone. You can vehemently disagree all day long, campaign against them, protest policies, actions, etc...but the name calling and personal attacks are just wrong.
I'll admit that I've done it. Right here on this blog as a matter of fact. My nickname for Pau is "Butta"--sometimes he plays smooth, sometimes he plays soft. I'm not saying its right, but now I have a different perspective on how it affects others. I'm certain being in management I have/still have unflattering nicknames from current/previous employees. I know that I'm not here to make friends but to get a job done. In the end all I want/expect is respect not to be liked. Respected in that what I say gets done the way I want it done. if not there are consequences. The best an athlete could do is deny certain reporters interviews. You can't stop talking to the media entirely because of company rules and they'll get fined for it. But, you understand that going into that career field.
What's my point? Honestly, I don't think I have one today. I'm just giving my opinion on how I saw/heard things yesterday. Will I change what I say and how I act, yea somewhat. As a fan though, I'll still be critical of players. I'll cheer them when they ball and boo them when they suck. I'd end by saying 'maybe it's just me' but I know it's not.
have a great one!
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