Earlier tonight, in a playoff game between the Chicago Bulls and host Milwaukee Bucks, things got out of control. Though the Bucks had surprisingly given the favored Bulls a "run for their money" in the series by only trailing 3 games to 2 with game 6 on their home floor to even it up, it was not to be. Not even close.
During the first half the Bulls roared out to lead by over 30 points. And then it became 40. The rout was on and the Bucks didn't like it one bit, especially in front of their own fans.
That's totally understandable, and frustration is bound to mount. But these guys are professionals and, as such, there are some things they should know are way out of bounds, no pun intended.
Such was the case with Milwaukee Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo, #34. A 20 year old NBA rookie from Greece with no college experience, GA committed a big-time no-no.
Bulls' guard Mike Dunleavy (the opposing #34), an old-pro out of Duke, had been lighting up the Bucks with his shooting. It happens. But long after Dunleavy had taken and made another long range shot, GA got a running head start and bulldozed Dunleavy out of bounds with a hit akin to an NFL linebacker sacking a quarterback on a blitz.
A foul was called of course and, after review, it was deemed to be of the Flagrant 2 variety, which resulted not only in free throws and possession for the Bulls, but GA being ejected from the game.
To no great surprise, the talking head apologists immediately went into politically correct spin mode.
Giannis is only 20, one said.
A rookie that still needs to mature, echoed another.
It was frustration boiling over and he has to learn how to blend physical toughness with mental wisdom on the court, added yet another.
To all of which, yours truly says -- Hogwash.
If Jason Kidd does the right thing, this is what he'll say.......
I'm the head coach and this kid is gone. Cut. Immediately. NOW. I'll have the financial people and lawyers looking into ways to totally void his contract for conduct grossly unbecoming of a professional basketball player. Let somebody else take him if they wish, but he'll never be on this team again while I'm the coach.
I don't want to hear the whining about how he's only 20 and a rookie. Twenty year olds are old enough to vote, drive and own fancy cars. They're old enough to fight and die in wars. They're old enough to get married, buy a house and father children.
Which means they're DAMN sure old enough to know the thuggish behavior I just witnessed on the basketball court is totally unacceptable. There is no reason or possible excuse for such an action. I don't care how good he is or might become. I won't tolerate it. He's outta here.
So what are the chances of Jason Kidd growing a few hairs on his moral backside and actually stepping up to say that?
Right.
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