Yada Yada Yada All I'm Saying Is... The brawling NBA needs to look to its old-timers Recently I was watching TV and was shocked at the violence I saw. People were throwing things and punching each other, and innocent bystanders getting injured. What's worse is that I was watching a professional basketball game. For as long as I can remember, basketball has been my favorite sport. Rarely do I turn down a chance to play a game or watch one on TV. Whether it's the state high school tournament, March Madness or the NBA playoffs, there is nothing better than hanging out and watching the game. Lately though, between the trash talking, outrageous behavior and the chaos that ensues, it seems less like a basketball court and more like the best of "Jerry Springer." Sadly, the NBA and its players are bringing down the entire country and have been for a while. Whether it is the brawl between the Pacers and Pistons, the failure of the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team to bring home the gold or Kobe Bryant's little "dating mishap," the entire league has a black eye and is quickly losing credibility and respect. In the NBA's defense, it is not the only sport with drama. Last summer, I seem to remember a chair-throwing incident during a baseball game that ended with a fan's broken nose and a player's arrest. More recently, there was a huge riot during a college football game. However, it is the close interaction between players and fans that sets basketball apart and makes it so enjoyable. Sport enthusiasts depend on the players for hours of excitement, and the athletes need help and encouragement from their athletic fans. Although they were just as competitive and talked a lot of trash, I simply do not remember seeing Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan or Larry Bird beating the crap out of spectators. They knew what it took to win and did it night after night. That's what makes the game fun � watching those guys make the sacrifices necessary to be the best players in the world and lead their teams to victory. The solution is easy. We need to start ignoring the Ron Artests of the NBA and start cheering on the good guys. Players like Grant Hill, Lebron James and Kentuckiana's own Alan Houston come to mind. They are the professionals who work hard, respect each other and play their hearts out every night. That's what it's going to take to make the game as exciting as it used to be. In the meantime, if you really want to see crazy people threatening and bullying each other, I'll send you the home video from my family's most recent Christmas dinner. |