We have seen some great drama unfold thus far in the playoffs. "Big Baby" Glen Davis showing you can never underestimate the heart of a champion when he hit a 21 foot shot at the buzzer. Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony have not only been money in the bank on the court so far this postseason, they have been money in the bank for bettors, going a ridiculous 17-0 against the spread (depending on what number you got on the Cavs and Nuggets on Monday night. But bettors could have laid 9.5 with the Cavs and taken +2.5 with the Nuggets).
While things have been thrilling for the most part, there has been too much involvement from officials at key junctures of games. Also, whats the deal with two different types of flagrant calls to choose from? Now this is just starting to get ridiculous.
Twenty five years ago in one of the most popular NBA Finals ever, Kevin McHale hit Kurt Rambis with the clothesline heard round the world. Ok. it was at least seen throughout the Forum. In today's NBA, McHale would have been certainly been thrown out of that game and suspended for the following game. The refs let the highly competititive and talented players play and the series ended up being a classic largely due to the great NONSTOP action and high scoring games.
Just because there are different types of flagrant calls in place does not mean that referees need to start implementing them. Looking at the remaining teams left in the postseason, we have are the makings for another Finals that could rival the one back in '84. Will it be Lebron vs Kobe to show who is the single best player on the single best team in the league? How about Melo vs Lebron to see which 2003 rookie will win their first title? David Stern just do us all a favor, and tell your guys to chill out with the flagrants.
Manny Needs to Man Up
Barely two months after signing a two year, $45 million dollar deal with the Dodgers, Manny Ramirez was suspended 50 games for having a woman's fertility drug in his system that is often taken by people who come off a steroid cycle.
Now he finds himself in an absolutely helpless position. Ramirez can't suit up again until July 3. If Manny wants to bring something positive out of this situation, he will heed the advice of Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. McCourt wants Manny to speak out to his teammates about his current dilemma.
Ramirez could stand to help his case if he went in front of the media a day or two after he meets with his teammates. If Manny has a good session with the press, which shows he is genuinely sincere, this will help his public image. We are generally a pretty forgiving society with celebrities, just ask Martha Stewart.
I understand that it's not easy to let the whole world in on your recent transgression. But if you just wallow in the mire and do nothing, you are going to cloud your image even more. To say Ramirez wore out his welcome in Boston would be an understatement. If Manny wants to show his Dodger brethren that he can be a teammate to be counted on, he will fess up before he dresses up.
But that is just my Perspective. I would love to hear your comments so please post your thoughts below. Thanks everybody...