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The word "courage" is thrown around often in sports.
A hockey player who competes when injured is displaying courage.
A point guard who speaks out to demand excellence from his teammates is showing courage.
A wide receiver who blocks a defensive lineman is being courageous.
A batter who "takes one for the team" is showing courage.
Why, there are some who actually call golfers "courageous" for attempting difficult shots.
You want courageous? Jason Collins is courageous.
Collins, a 34-year-old, 12-year NBA veteran who was a backup center for the Wizards and Celtics last season, became the first male athlete in one of the four major North American sports to come out of the closet.
He told Sports Illustrated: "I'm glad I'm coming out in 2013 rather than 2003. The climate has shifted; public opinion has shifted. And yet we still have so much farther to go."
I have said for years that one of the last bastions of permissible discrimination takes place in the locker rooms of major sports teams. There is so much homophobic behavior, so much ignorance and intolerance on this issue, it would take tremendous courage to tell the world you no longer want to pretend to be something you're not.
Congratulations to Jason Collins.
He is a free agent and wants to keep playing. He's never been the most talented offensive player but he used to be considered a tough defender who was at his best against stars such as Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal. He was good enough last season to start nine games.
It will be interesting to see if an NBA owner has the courage to sign him.
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Showing posts with label Dwight Howard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dwight Howard. Show all posts
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, June 1, 2009
Chillin' with the missus, rippin' LeBron The Loser and diggin' Dwight
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The Bald Truth
Hopefully, a few readers noticed that I hadn't posted for a few days.
For those who are worried sick about me, no need. I didn't accidentally watch 5 seconds of Around the Horn, lose my mind and get hauled away to the funny farm.
No, it's just that my wife is taking a little vacation time and we've been chillin' together.
Really, though ... instead of taking time off from the one job she has, shouldn't she be working a second job so she can support my golf habit?
Jeesh, some people are so selfish.
Anyway, after I'm done with this post, I will be back in a day or three, so keep checking. As always, I appreciate everyone's loyalty.
The Quote
"It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that." - LeBron James, a day after refusing to shake hands with Dwight Howard and the rest of the Orlando Magic.
Well yes, Bron-Bron, it is being a poor sport.
And a jerk.
And a clown.
And a sore loser.
And a self-serving douchebag.
And I could go on ... but do I really need to?
I just wonder what LeBron would have said had Howard done the same to him.
The Balder Truth
Loved that the NHL played Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on consecutive nights in Detroit. It's a reminder of the good old days when every league didn't feel compelled to drag out every postseason series for weeks on end.
Not sure the Penguins were as happy about it, though I'm guessing the Red Wings would be up 2-0 even if the league had waited until September for Game 2.
The Question
Is it just me or has David Ortiz gone from age 33 to age 48 in the span of two months?
THE BALDEST TRUTH
Some media mopes actually are criticizing Dwight Howard for only being able to dunk on the offensive end.
These are probably the same idiots who said as much about Shaq 15 years and four NBA championships ago.
Look, if Howard is "only" able to dunk 10, 15, 20 times in a game, that's a good thing. Besides, he does help the Magic on offense even if he's not dunking. To name three ways: He's a great offensive rebounder; he helps Orlando's many fine outside shooters by drawing the defense to him; and he gets the opposing center in foul trouble.
It would be cool to see Howard win the NBA title because he has the right attitude: Play as hard as he can and as well as he can every minute he's on the court but otherwise realize that it is just a game. I can't remember any recent pro basketball player enjoying the game more. Such perspective is sorely lacking (see: James, LeBron).
Even though Howard and a few of other Magicals will create matchup problems for the Lakers, however, I can't pick Orlando to win this series.
The Lakers have too much experience, too much good coaching, too much talent, too much skill coming off the bench and, especially, too much Kobe Bryant.
Way, way, way too much Jack Nicholson, as well, but I won't hold that against them.
Lakers in 6.
The Bald Truth
Hopefully, a few readers noticed that I hadn't posted for a few days.
For those who are worried sick about me, no need. I didn't accidentally watch 5 seconds of Around the Horn, lose my mind and get hauled away to the funny farm.
No, it's just that my wife is taking a little vacation time and we've been chillin' together.
Really, though ... instead of taking time off from the one job she has, shouldn't she be working a second job so she can support my golf habit?
Jeesh, some people are so selfish.
Anyway, after I'm done with this post, I will be back in a day or three, so keep checking. As always, I appreciate everyone's loyalty.
The Quote
"It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that." - LeBron James, a day after refusing to shake hands with Dwight Howard and the rest of the Orlando Magic.
Well yes, Bron-Bron, it is being a poor sport.
And a jerk.
And a clown.
And a sore loser.
And a self-serving douchebag.
And I could go on ... but do I really need to?
I just wonder what LeBron would have said had Howard done the same to him.
The Balder Truth
Loved that the NHL played Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on consecutive nights in Detroit. It's a reminder of the good old days when every league didn't feel compelled to drag out every postseason series for weeks on end.
Not sure the Penguins were as happy about it, though I'm guessing the Red Wings would be up 2-0 even if the league had waited until September for Game 2.
The Question
Is it just me or has David Ortiz gone from age 33 to age 48 in the span of two months?
THE BALDEST TRUTH
Some media mopes actually are criticizing Dwight Howard for only being able to dunk on the offensive end.
These are probably the same idiots who said as much about Shaq 15 years and four NBA championships ago.
Look, if Howard is "only" able to dunk 10, 15, 20 times in a game, that's a good thing. Besides, he does help the Magic on offense even if he's not dunking. To name three ways: He's a great offensive rebounder; he helps Orlando's many fine outside shooters by drawing the defense to him; and he gets the opposing center in foul trouble.
It would be cool to see Howard win the NBA title because he has the right attitude: Play as hard as he can and as well as he can every minute he's on the court but otherwise realize that it is just a game. I can't remember any recent pro basketball player enjoying the game more. Such perspective is sorely lacking (see: James, LeBron).
Even though Howard and a few of other Magicals will create matchup problems for the Lakers, however, I can't pick Orlando to win this series.
The Lakers have too much experience, too much good coaching, too much talent, too much skill coming off the bench and, especially, too much Kobe Bryant.
Way, way, way too much Jack Nicholson, as well, but I won't hold that against them.
Lakers in 6.
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