It’s the end of an era, or is it? Thankfully MJ is the voice of reason, and the biggest story in sports around the world. These stories are a big deal right now and it’s my intention to muddy the waters a bit with my own unqualified opinion.
Is it over for AI?
So it looks like the New York Knicks are no longer interested Allen Iverson. The front office of the Knicks felt that Iverson didn’t fit in with their long term goals. Larry Brown, coach of the Bobcats and Iverson’s former head coach has been campaigning on Iverson’s behalf but so far to no avail. Is this the end for AI?
Conventional wisdom says no, that there is a team out there that will need Iverson before the trade deadline. He’ll sit in limbo for a while, but eventually a team will get desperate. There was talk of AI joining the Clippers, which might still be a possibility given the teams slow start. As I look at the NBA landscape I can’t think of one team that is really lacking at the guard position. Which means that Iverson is really waiting for someone to get hurt.
The fact Iverson could play anywhere if he agreed to play off the bench. Iverson has a lot left in the tank and could still be a productive player. He’s living proof that your attitude is just as important as your skills. Look for the all-star guard to find a team somewhere around the trade deadline.
You sir are no Jackie Robinson.
Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest player to ever play the game, arguably. His contribution to the game is weighty, and his impact is incalculable, but to have his umber retired universally is still a bit much. LeBron James showed Jordan great respect by calling for his number to be retired by every team, but the kid can’t see the forest for the sake of the trees.
Jackie Robinson’s number is retired by all teams because he broke the color barrier. This is a massive social accomplishment that helped to transform a nation. Michael Jordan’s accomplishments haven’t reached that level, because his accomplishments don’t necessarily transcend the game of basketball.
If you were going to retire any basketball players number it should be George Mikan. Mikan changed the way the game was played and literally transformed the sport. For all the records that MJ has broken, they haven’t changed the rules to reflect his presence on the sport.
Jordan himself has said that he appreciates LeBron’s gesture, but doesn’t think he should be honored in such a fashion. In the end it was really cool of LeBron to honor Jordan, but it’s still a bit much.
Let’s do it again!
In case you missed it, the Futbol world is on fire after Henry committed a hand ball violation in route to beating Ireland and qualifying for the World Cup. Henry, who plays for the French admitted the violation but contended that the ref didn’t call it so it wasn’t on him. He’s right, as much as it sucks to say it, he’s right.
If Henry had pulled up short and stopped playing after committing the penalty then he would have been criticized for not finishing the play. Either way, Henry was screwed. Never have I seen a player n any sport stop play because they committed a violation that wasn’t called.
Ireland has asked for a replay and Henry to his credit has agreed to that action. If they actually have a replay it would be a disaster for sports because it will set a precedent for all of sports. You have to remember the old adage, if you do what your supposed to do then you won’t e in positions like that.
As much as I’d like to think that one call can make a difference, I have to remind myself that a game is a culmination of plays, calls, and tough decisions. To pick out one of those calls and make a major decision is a mistake and that’s why they shouldn’t replay this match between Ireland and France.
