This is not G
I want to blame it on hip-hop and save Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton the trouble. I want to say the lyrics of a Gucci Mane, Lil’ Wayne, and/or Jay-Z song is the reasoning for their mindset, which innately propelled these two distinguished men into this situation. I would like to have that sweet “Just For Me” perm that Al Sharpton is sporting and place the blame on The Man. Maybe if they were at a club and got into an altercation because of the intake of alcoholic beverages all day the police can possibly be questioning Kesha who made the song “Music Tik Tok”. Maybe if Plaxico Burress didn’t shoot himself already this can just be swept under the rug?
Maybe if I wasn’t a past victim of gun violence cowardice I wouldn’t feel compelled to comment?
There are many theories as to what actually happened, but the one fact of the matters is that having a gun in your locker at an NBA facility is stupid! Now whether Gilbert did indeed try a scare tactic to avoid any ongoings from Javaris is neither fact or fiction to the public as of now. Does being an NBA player in one of the toughest crime-filled cities in the United States means you need extra security? Maybe. The fact is that both of these young men are role models and should act in such manner. But no one is innocent. Not even secret agents.
In closing, if true this has been a mistake that they’ve been blessed enough to walk away incident free. They must have been watching too many Yo Simmity Sam and Bugs Bunny re-runs.
Minny Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 7:39 pm
Well, at least they arent scared to acknowledge they did a dumb thing. Unlike one player I know who totally screwed his team in Australia and was unable give any straight explationation since then.
SIGH
Matt Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
You know, I hope an example is made in this situation. In what profession would you not be held accountable and not fired if you brought guns to work and were brandishing them in the workplace? Any of us non super-stars would be fired and taken to prison. If these two idiots get off scott free, then you really are sending a negative portrayal of reality to people and kids. Carry guys, act like an immature gangster and just get slapped on the hand.
My hope is they get jail time, existing contracts get voided and suspended for the year. Just because you make millions and are a super-star NBA player does not give you permission to do whatever you like. There must be accountability no matter what your social status or bank account is.
Ytoojae Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
I know that this is an issue that you can speak out about, Julius.
However, who are you to critic other players after the way you’ve performed in the Australian basketball league, Mr Hodge? You are a joke unto yourself.
Surprised somebody as unprofessional as yourself can get a gig anywhere in the world. Not like you’ve turned the fortunes of the team you play around.
For those of you who don’t understand what I’m complaining about here, I direct you to: http://tinyurl.com/yzg7xl3
To fill you in on who Brett Maher is — remember how popular Andrew Gaze was to Australian basketball? Well, in Adelaide (a capital city that has the feel of the ultimate small city, the underdog, everyone doing it for each other, holding their success stories close to their heart), Brett Maher is their Andrew Gaze. One of the most popular, nicest, overachieving players in Australian NBL history. Brett had a wonderful career where he was a many time Olympian and national representative. Brett Maher also lost a child a few years ago due to cancer at a very (only a few years old) young age. Brett Maher is held in the highest esteem and even if we Melbournians have a long standing sporting rivalry with Adelaide we have the intellect to appreciate how truly special their superstars like Brett Maher are.
What Julius did was not in the least bit professional. Coming from a team sitting on the bottom of the ladder (6-12) and are only 3-6 since Hodge joined the team you can truly understand how ridiculous Hodge’s actions are.
Sorry to hijack your post, Julius — though, as the bible says before you stick a fork in somebody elses eye you must stick a plank in your own.
Rui Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 9:32 pm
Thanks for posting, I had a lot of fun watching you at State.
Hip-Hop has a lot of do with all of this. It’s the choice for anyone around basketball growing up, for the most part.
Gilbert Arenas is ridiculous. Not only has he never led his team anywhere, he is just as dumb off the court. Did you not hear about his million dollar pool? A POOL…. economic recession huh? Mr. I used to live in a car with my dad.
I am touched, really. Then he wonders why he CONSTANTLY throughout his life he gets passed up…. passed up in High school, passed up in College, passed up in the draft, and passed up for the Olympic Team. He is not worth the headache…..at all.
He also used to play online poker at halftime. I just dont think Kobe is worried about twitters/facebooks/myspaces/online poker. Maybe that’s why he is the greatest player in the world right now.
Gilbert plays for the show, when he should be playing to win. Who am I to talk though? He probably used that same gun to stick up management for that outrageous 100+ million dollar contract. What a waste. How are the Wizards doing again with more talent than at least 10 - 12 teams ? They are in the East right?
Dump this bozo, make NBA contract non-guaranteed like the NFL, and maybe then players won’t get so comfortable.
Gilbert MErenas is a loser.
Sad Minny Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 9:32 pm
Minny, Hodge Got screwed by the Adelaide 36ers. They didn’t pay him. Just like so many foreign ballers overseas. Now playing with the Melbourne Tigers, about 30 minutes by plane east of Adelaide, he was hardly trying to get out of a contract to get a better deal, like he’d get in Europe. Players don’t get paid that much in Australia period.
But that’s moot. Fact is we don’t know what happened in the locker room and those who really do are not saying, except following the typical lines of deny, deny, deny. Somehow this story had to come out and we have to ask why. Were the media that desperate for a story, or did something really happen between JC and GA that they are now trying to downplay? Either way, your shot on Hodge is way off base.
Simon Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 9:50 pm
Minny are you seriously trying to equate a player leaving a club because the team with held payments with a guy pulling a gun on his team-mate?! Thats laugh out loud funny!
Let’s see, Ron Artest got banned for an entire season for a fist fight. Yep, Gilbert Ar-anus should never play NBA basketball again. David Stern should put a life ban on him, because if he doesn’t what do you think the Players Association are going to bring to their next Collective bargaining agreement negotiation.
pj Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
Minny,
If you’re clearly gonna miss the point of Mr. Hodge’s entry and try and prove a point with your ridiculous comment, at least try and appear educated. Last time I checked “explationation” doesn’t fit any description of educated. Now go take the gun out of your closet.
Sincerely,
P.J.
anonymous Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 11:43 pm
the title of this is “THIS IS NOT G” on Julius website at 24hodge.com
2CentsJonez Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 12:01 am
Okay, I guess I’ll be the one to say it. Truth is, I havent read any other posts so I could be a day late and a dollar short,,,BUT I dont know if anyone else realizes this or not, but Celebrity robberies are at an all time high. Gangbangers and Thugs salivate at the thought of catching one of these rich athletes and take them for all they are worth (or at least have on them). Most of you think its stupid to keep firearm in the locker. Well, if you plan of pulling it on a teammate, then yes…hella dumb, but outside of that, you need to watch your back. Who wants to have his teammates all sad saying “it shouldnt have happened to this guy”. Lets be real for a minute. I live in Los Angeles,Ca. I know people who make robbery their living. If you have $$$ and are a known celebrity…you are a guranteed target. All the tatoos and cornrolls wont help you when they come for you. It’s give it up or say a prayer that wont be answered.
I dont blame Gil for having protection. What he did with that protection falls under idiotic. Everyone jumping on the bandwagon as always needs a reality check, or perhaps need to experience what its like to have a gun touching your forehead while being yelled at for cash and jewelry. Ask Lamar Odom how he felt after it happened to him.
WAKE UP!!
JWight Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 12:11 am
Stern will most likely come down with a full year suspension without pay and the Wizards can and will void the contract. So, this will become one of the most expensive ‘practical jokes’ in history. I hope that Gil’s million dollar pool is paid for ’cause he just lost about 80 million.
What do ya think he gets next year as a free agent?
Good news for Gilbert, looks like you can give that bad knee some extra rest and hang out with your kids for a couple months. (If you avoid jail time)
jtothemeils Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 1:09 am
Have you seen interviews with Arenas where he is laughing and joking about the media getting the story wrong. Then they ask him what happened and he defers to his lawyers. What a bitch. If you think it’s so funny tell everyone what you did. Stop lying and be a man Arenas. I want to start the official ’step up and be a man Arenas blog.’ He should go to jail for 5 years like DC law says.
PS - F Australia - Those people are the cockroaches of the world. Always around and always annoying.
jtothemeils Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 1:11 am
The Wizards are bitches too if they don’t void his contract
Trackstar Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 2:58 am
We have all known Arenas was an idiot for quite some time. I personally think that the media is desperate for a story because when are they not. There is nothing wrong with responsible gun ownership PJ, so if Minny has a gun in his closet, that’s his business. Bringing a gun to your workplace is another issue unless you are a police officer. Arenas has shown poor judgment on the court and in the media so now that he has done so in life it is not that surprising. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if Washington leaked some things to try and get rid of Arenas’ contract. And, the media needs a new Tiger Woods to distract us from the fact that our economy is being flushed down the toilet.
Shantaram Marley Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 4:56 am
Fully agree with you J, bringing guns to work is just plain dumb. If some scrub of the bench pulled this stuff you best believe they would already be suspended and probably would never play another NBA game. I think a fair punishment in at the very least a suspension without pay for the rest of the season.
Maybe with the time off he can join the Philadelphia Eagles, I’ve heard they are looking for more upstanding citizens to join their roster.
Mack Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 5:46 am
Julius you are right Re Gilbert
but although you were screwed by the 36ers more than you screwed them, you pulled a bitch move a few weeks back, which makes me care about your opinions and blog a lot less than before… shame…
Jestik Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 9:14 am
Those attempting to discredit Julius Hodges article by bringing up what he did in Australia are simply stupid. That argument is EXTREMELY dumb. What he did on the court may have been disrespectful, but he didn’t put anyone at risk. Arenas did. Last time I checked, hurting someone’s feelings doesn’t equate to the damage a gun, actually 3 guns, can do.
You guys are ridiculous. Get over yourself. If he hurt your feelings, cry to your mom.
Jestik Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 9:17 am
BTW, Washington law states it is legal to have a gun as long as it’s registered and kept in your home. It is ILLEGAL TO CARRY IN PUBLIC. He should go to jail.
PeterGunz Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 10:55 am
boi o boi you Americunz with your gunz..
..always till somebody gets hurt..
like the little children
it´s hard to believe so many people don´t seem to bother thinking about what´s good for them and what not..ignorants
justin Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
I believe the minimum sentence is 5 years. He had 3 guns that were not registered in DC. I really think going to jail will wipe the smile off his face. He won’t - Because he’s not poor - Anyone else would be in deep trouble but I predict he won’t serve one day.
The ’step up and be a man Arenas blog’ is still in effect.
Patrick Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
It’s idiotic for anyone to try to completely discredit Julius here because of once incident that was COMPLETELY unrelated in Australia. It’s only a desperate attempt by some fools who cannot let that go, and isn’t even close to being on the same scale as this. How about some of you stick to the subject at hand here, or is that too much for your inferior brains to comprehend?
sad1944 Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 12:59 pm
the fact that star athletes can be targets is not disputed. These guys are paid millions. If you need protection, hire a bodyguard who is licensed to carry. If you get a gun, get it registered but leave the protecting to trained professionals. And if you go clubbing at 3AM get a driver to take you around.
Porky Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
Total overreaction story and comments. Mr. Arenas has every right to protect himself- read the Constitution, my friends. Any place can be dangerous- what if the other player came at him with a knife?? Think about that, pal. David Stern and his brownshirts want to stifle the players, take away their rights and that is just plain wrong. I know that people like Washington and Franklin would support this position- the real founding fathers, not Stern and his agenda.
Matt Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
Wow, second time in his career he was caught with unregistered pistol. How about learning from your mistakes Gilbert???? He should have atleast a one year suspension, without pay. As far as blaming this whole thing on rap, thats ridiculous. How about looking at how his parents raised him??
good post J. Would recommend checking grammar next time though,lol
tha truth Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
Sure he has the right just like the nba has the right to suspened him INDEFINITLY! He’s so stupid to bring guns in a locker room and now he will be gone for the season and possibly more…Suspended without pay! And thats breaking news.
Jackson Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
You guys are still whinging about what happened in Adelaide? Yeh thats the same as bringing guns to an arena. Get the f%$# over it The NBL is a dead league anyways.
South Lemon Blog Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 5:48 pm
Arenas Suspended Indefinitely…
In a step toward a possible rest of the season suspension, David Stern suspended Gilbert Arenas indefinitely today. Honestly the Wizards guard was asking for this as he has been unable to keep his mouth shut over the last week. His comments, taking the…
crapt Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
why would anyone need 6 guns let alone 1. wiz should be able to fire the zero and void his contract so he can go to australia and hit 20 footers
justin Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 7:20 pm
“Total overreaction story and comments. Mr. Arenas has every right to protect himself- read the Constitution, my friends.” So laws don’t matter? You want to return to Constitutional times? Really? I mean REALLY? You want to stop using penicillin? You want to shoot people with muskets?
I don’t think people need to read the constitution. I think you need to read the law. In fact you probably need to read anything. Please - I’m serious - Please pick your fat ass up and read. Anything would be fine. Just read.
If Billy Hunter and the players union tries to fight this they will be the biggest joke ever. Arenas should be in jail now. He’s still joking around about it. I think there is a chemical imbalance that’s making him act this way. Or he’s a bit mentally challenged.
Family Law Attorney Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
Lots of immature people with money in sports now
JAYMAN Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
As a Blazer fan this is an issue I feel passionate about. I am so tired of the punk mentality in sports. Its not a race issue, its a punk issue. P could care less about somebodies race anymore. Pulling a gun on a teammate is a punk move. I have no idea if the reason is because of hip-hop, culture or whatever. Frankly I don’t care anymore. Athletes complain because they are supposedly held to a higher standard than most, which may or may not be true. I can tell you this though if I pulled a gun on a person even in “Fun” out here in Oregon, or even showed one I would be in Jail. No doubt about it. Gilbert Arenas is very lucky that the the NBAPA will not let the contract be voided. It should be just for plain criminal stupidity.
Bongstradamus Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 9:31 pm
If the weirdest dude at your work brought 6 guns to work, wouldnt you be a little freaked out?
What if that same dude came up to you and put guns in front of you and challenged you?
Are you starting to understand why people went a little nutty?
Kevin Mitchell Said,
January 6, 2010 @ 9:38 pm
The bottom line is sometimes when people get that much money… they think they are untouchable or can wither their way out of bad situations they have put themselves in. Gilbert Arenas is another classic example of professional sports ego getting the best of him. What if we were in his home and didn’t like something, wanted to play a joke then pulled a gun on him. Would he say, “HA! HA! That is funny. You got me there man!! You win!!”… or would he be offended. Gilbert… you’ve been fortunate enough to have an opportunity many athletes would give their hearts and souls for. David Stern… good job but not enough. An example needs to be set and the Wizards need to void his contract and give him “AI” money. Nuff said.
Mick D Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 7:16 am
Jackson,
yeah the NBL is a pretty dead league at the moment and the fact is Julius is playing in it which shows you how good he really is.
No one wants to read comments of a washed up has been.
Hey julius nice numbers you have pulled up in the dummy leagues and nice jumpshot, it really seems to be coming along in leaps and bounds. pfffft….
Reece Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 7:19 am
@jtothemeils
Where is your intergrity? Regardless of the content of this blog, and all the dispute going on in the comments area about Julius’ actions in Adelaide (which I support by the way) you have no position to insult Australians! We may have our faults, but for starters we didn’t elect someone with the intelligence level of George Bush and then bitch about how terrible he is.
And THEN you elect an excellent candidate and appoint him president, and still you bitch about him.
We’re the cockroaches? Annoying and everywhere? Please. While I don’t hate the United States but once you start on Australia you have it coming for yourself. Oh and check your planes, looks like your homeland security screwed up again.
Jestik Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 8:17 am
@2CentsJonez,
“I dont blame Gil for having protection. What he did with that protection falls under idiotic. ”
He was trying to be funny and it backfired. If he said from the beginning that they were for protection while he was on the street, I’d understand. But he was trying to be funny. Watch the interviews, count how many times he touches his face and the context of when he text it. Touching your face is a sign of lying. Watch a child try to lie. They fidget and touch their face all the time. That’s what Arenas did.
He’s a clown. He was trying to clown on his teammate and it blew-up in his face.
jn Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Want protection? Hire a bodyguard. You are a celebrity, not a minor character in a John Wayne movie.
justin Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 12:13 pm
It’s funny - Everyone thinks Americans are loud but go anywhere in the world and you’ll find a bunch of prick Australians. Plus they hate indigenous people. Enough about that.
I like the comment about about what would happen if the crazy guy at your work showed up with 3 guns.
Greg Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 12:46 pm
For the Washington Bullets, it is time to clean house. They wanted to trade Arenas anyways. They would have had to get a bad contract in return. Now, they could possibly get rid of his contract, that was a mistake in the first place. If they trade Jamison and Butler for expiring deals, they could be a major player in the 2010 market. The Portland JailBlazers did it little by little.
Some people get fired for bringing a small knife to work. If the players need more security, negotiate bodyguards in the new CBA.
Imagine this scenario: Arenas gets fired and suspended. Next year, he will sign with the Lakers for the $5M annual exemption.
Porky Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
So, Mr Stern(berg) has dropped a dime on a star player AND a minority. So what if Arenas shot off his mouth? You cant target him for that or try to gun him down from the NBA! Sternberg has triggered an outrage and despite his bullet points, he is making a mockery of free speech and free use of guns which our constitution (YES IT IS STILL IN PLACE) provides us! This move will hurt the career of a man who is one of the great all-time shooters.
Crazy Eddy Said,
January 7, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
Guys,
Check you Julius Hodge’s Blog Site.
http://www.24hodge.com
Its AWESOME!!!!
JC Said,
January 8, 2010 @ 1:04 am
“It’s funny - Everyone thinks Americans are loud but go anywhere in the world and you’ll find a bunch of prick Australians. Plus they hate indigenous people. Enough about that.”
Justin - Your just frustrated coz when you travel around the world everyone hates the Amercian’s & loves the Aussies - Its ok that you suck dude! Don’t slit your writs while looking at yourself in front of the mirror listening to coldplay, with a tear rolling down your fat little American cheek! Boo Hoo….
As for Julius - go work on your non existant jumpshot - You will never ever make it back to the NBA - Your a chump thats why the 36ers got rid of you! You couldnt even make the D-League you retard!
Nick Said,
January 8, 2010 @ 6:06 am
I cannot believe people are taking this lightly. The idiots had guns in the locker room like a couple of thugs. Come on now, if either one of them were worried about security, they can afford bodyguards. This has nothing to do with security. They are idiots who, for some reason, think that having guns is a “cool” thing. It’s not cool to carry guns around like this is the wild west. They need to grow up, and I’m not sure how anyone can defend what they did. I hope they are both banned from the league, contracts terminated. They have to make an example out of these two punks.
2CentsJonez Said,
January 8, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
Okay guys, I’m back. This time I have only 1 question for those thinking a body guard is a simple fix to the Arenas issue. My question is…How do you think it would look for “every single player” in the league to have a body guard? I mean from the “Lebrons” all the way down to the “Sasha Vuacic’s”. Do you know how stupid the league would look if every player had a body guard?? Instead of media row…that space would be reserved for Body Guards for players that wont see 1 minute of playing time. Hey, even those guys make more than the average Joe would see in their lifetime right?
Everyone seems so quick to judge. We now know more of the story. We know they didnt pull guns on each other. We do know Gil had 4 guns in his locker. We also know that he didnt use good judgement with those guns. We know that Gil doesnt portray the thug mentality (Stephen Jackson, Paul Pierce, JR Smith).
Why in the world some of you actually believe this issue is worth Jail time is beyond me. A 5 game suspension at best is what this is worth. $150,000 x 5 games= enough to get the point.
Maybe I’m rambling…maybe I’m not making 1 ounce of sense. It’s possible I just see things differently. I just hope that if I ever get myself in a situation where I’m on trial, I hope none of you guys are jurors. Everyone is guilty and should be thrown under the jail. That’s not a plan I believe in, nor taking away someone’s career for making a mistake. Remember, the guns werent loaded,,,AND no one got hurt.
Just my 2 cents though.
Jay Said,
January 8, 2010 @ 5:12 pm
Arenas is lying about something. He took those guns to work because he didn’t want his kids to get hurt. That sounds fishy. He makes millions of dollars and cannot buy a safe for house? They even make special locked cases for guns. Then he decides to play a joke on someone using guns. That’s just dumb. Even that could be taken as a threat and he do time or get probation.
javaman Said,
January 8, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
no one got hurt! LOL! i dont know, but i dare to say that that’s gangsterism at it’s best. just like the article’s assumption, too much hip hop hero worship. how about showing your little friend to the general manager who refuses to give you an extesion, or to the ref to always pick on you, or maybe to a teamate who gets preferrential treatment from management that you are secretly jealous of, or HOW ABOUT TO A UNRELENTING RABID FAN on the first row that really gets under your skin? mistakes are OK! but there is a commensurate price to be paid if you choose to be part of this society.
2CentsJonez Said,
January 8, 2010 @ 10:33 pm
Are any of you familiar with the word “intent”? If you run into a bank with a unloaded gun attempting to rob the place. Regardless if the gun was loaded or not, you had “Intent” to use if needed. That will get you jail time just like the gun was loaded.
In Arenas case…a gun was never pointed at any individual. Guns were placed on a table or bench…lets not forget the offer. He offered for Javaris to take his pick of the gun. Where is the “intent” in this case? Aside from “intent” to play a bad joke….there is no room for Jail time or even a Season long suspension.
It’s ok for JR Smith and Paul Pierce to throw up Piru gang signs on nationally televised games in front of parents and kids though right? That’s only worth a small fine from the league. Somebody has things azz backwards and I dont think it’s me.
Like I said…take enough $$$ away from a person and they will get the point…meaning as I stated earlier $150,000 x5 games = “I wont do that again”!!
I only wonder if Lebron did the exact same thing, would some of you would still feel as passionate??
Hmmmm!
Nick Said,
January 9, 2010 @ 2:54 am
The issue is not intent. The issue is the fact that these men had GUNS in the locker room. It makes no sense to me why anyone would ever need a firearm in a professional sports locker room. I have no problem with these men owning guns, that’s fine. And the whole point about keeping them away from his kids is bogus. Like someone said earlier, he can’t buy a safe?? And I know how dangerous a walk it must be from player parking to the locker room (sarcasm), but something tells me they are not in that much danger. If he wants to carry a gun on him outside of the building (with the proper permit), that’s fine. But I would guess that this was more of a “look at me, I’m cool, I have a gun” situation than I actually need to protect myself. And I don’t think placing guns in another players’ locker is all that funny, I really don’t, and I doubt a great majority of Americans find it funny either.
javaman Said,
January 9, 2010 @ 11:24 am
there is a word for this in the world of politics and legal defense… “SPIN”! words like criminally insane, sexual addiction, are cop outs for individuals who are desperate and trying to separate themselves from the consequences of their bad behavior. the funny thing is, there’s always a contingency likeminded people who buys in into this kind of excuse. a bully who stepped out of bounds is being held accountable for his bad behavior. everyone in that state is held to the same standard, so why should he be an exemption? let the trial begin!…
Jay Said,
January 9, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
Intent is a legal term and it’s not so simple as what a person subjectively intended. You cannot use just joking or no one was hurt as a legal defense regarding dangerous objects. Try that in a court room and a judge will destroy you. That mentality alone shows that you don’t understand the severity of what could happen if you don’t be more responsible. I feel for Gil and don’t want to see a brother go down but he set himself up on this one.
2CentsJonez Said,
January 9, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
Time will tell the tale…
DS Said,
January 9, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
I think Gil needs to be suspended but since Sprewell choked his coach and Artest had a brawl on live tv and both were allowed to play in the NBA again a lifetime ban would dumb as hell. As for him needing securty not everybody likes to have their lives in the hands of others.
jtothemeils Said,
January 10, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
Seriously - Australians suck - Lucky you are out of that shi_ hole. They’re racist, stupid, and loud. Stop singing you retards.
Pepe Said,
January 11, 2010 @ 5:07 pm
I can’t resist to contribute on this one. This is something that’ll always fascinate me about the US and the mentality of US people. That’s just so special and unique. I’m from Europe and I just have to laugh about these things everytime they happen. I’ve learned this about the americans when I had the opportunity to live there.
No, I’m not saying Gil didn’t do anything at all and we should just waive our hand and forget about it. But it’s ridiculous how you handle such things in public. You say you want these guys to be role models for the kids and all this stuff I read everywhere. But the problem is you don’t only want that - you want these athletes to be close to non-human, you want them to act as supermen for the kids, to show them something out of this world. Gees, you’ve got violence all around us, you’ve got milions of homeless people on the streets, you’ve got violence on TV and in the video games the kids play, you’ve gut disfunctional families, you’ve got kids doing robberies and selling drugs, so what in the world are you still pretending?
When I’ve seen how you judged Tiger Woods for what he did recently I thought to myself no, this just can’t be true. This is, I believe, the difference between the americans and the europeans. We don’t care all that much about such things. Hey, that’s all part of our lifes, we’re all humans, regardless of how much money you make and what’s your social status. Are you a politician? So go and do your job, why should I care of your personal life. Are you a professional athlete? Go put on some show for us, that’s what we expect from you and that’s what you’re paid for. Nothing more, nothing less.
You american people are in constant search of superheroes, as if the entire coutry was one big Hollywood. I feel almost bad for your athletes, because they’re doomed as soon as they make any mistake in their lifes. So what about Gilbert? What did he cause by his actions? Did he hurt anybody? Wouldn’t it be better for the business, for him, for you, for the fans, for the kids to really sweep this under the rug and better not talk about it publicly? He’s the face of the franchise but you rather choose not to have him and possibly not see him play ever again. Or is it that you’re so much afraid he’ll take the gun on the court one day and shoot people in the stands? And what if any other player does that, what will you do then?
That’s just completely ridiculous, your thinking is more ridiculous in these situations than what Mr. Arenas did. As much as I love the NBA, this is way beyond me, that’s why the europeans have strongly mixed feelings about the americans, you people really don’t make sense to us at times. If something like this happened in some euroleague I believe the local authorities would make sure this stays in the locker room, what’s the point in spreading it to the public? Dooming the athlete causes more damage to EVERYONE than the athlete would ever do with his actions. Just give it a thought.
Big Vic Said,
January 11, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
Whats going on Jules?
Alum from Rays, I miss the days of Mr. Sedia (dean of discipline) yelling at us for being late, at the locker, not shaving…imagin if he brought a gun to work? What in the world would of happen?
Face it, it has nothing to do with basketball, sports, gambling… bringing a gun to work is just plain stupid. I hope they could cut his contract and ban him for life for being that stupid to prove a point that he has a guns.
Big Vic
javaman Said,
January 12, 2010 @ 12:15 am
uhuh! europeans are so above the fray. errr! how sa bout them OCCASSIONAL all out soccer riots where people actually die? it’s a good explanation why it happens over and over again because nobody really cares to change it. it’s a barbaric ritual that everyone actually enjoys, like an excercise of asserting their respective national pride of some kind. THAT REALLY MAKES SENSE… LOL!
2CentsJonez Said,
January 12, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
I’m American, but Pepe is right. Everyone wants Gil to lose his entire life for bringing a unloaded gun to the locker room (BFD), and dont hit me with the what if’s either. There are no what if’s…everyone is fine.
Bottom line is that your all jealous that he makes stupid $$$ to play sports, so when he or any other athlete make a mistake, you immediately want them to lose ALL their $$$ and go to jail. The funny thing is if Lebron would have done it….half of these BS posts wouldnt even be here.
Half of you are ready to throw Tiger Woods under the jail, but what he did isnt a crime. I’m sorry folks…you give being sports fans a bad name. And whoever leaked the Arenas story is nothing more than a snitch…and how do we feel about snitches?? They usually get stitches!
Pepe Said,
January 13, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
Thanks 2CentsJonez, wouldn’t expect the american side to actually support my thoughts
But to end this discussion on a more peaceful note, I’ve got to also admit the other side of the story. All this might be happening just because the americans actually do care about sports much more than the europeans do. So after all, your reactions might just be the other side of your passion for sports and the US sports might have never grown so big without the support of the local people… with everything that it brings…
And yes javaman, you’re right, the soccer riots are just plain stupid, I’ve got absolutely no understanding for that too. That ain’t got anything to do with sports anymore. That’s why I don’t even watch soccer, the game itself has no logic :).
Nick Said,
January 14, 2010 @ 2:26 am
I must say 2centsJonez….you make no sense. If we were so jealous of Gil for making so much money, wouldn’t we come down even harder on Lebron?? And this has NOTHING to do with Tiger Woods. I haven’t seen anyone on here call for him to be put in jail or anything like that. I don’t think Gil should go to jail either, but he should be made an example of. Would YOU be so up in arms about this if it were a bench player making league minimum?? I doubt it. What a joke.
2CentsJonez Said,
January 14, 2010 @ 3:19 am
@Nick Said
Speaking of things not making sense…who elected you foremen to speak on behalf of EVERYONE?? Lol….joke indeed!!
Big Bad Bob Said,
January 15, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
@ Ytoojae
Who cares?
jtothemeils Said,
January 17, 2010 @ 1:31 am
Europeans are too busy fixing their football matches to care if one of there players sexually assaults a girl. Keep it private. Right? I love the European carefree attitude. It’ just part of life that someone will bring 3 guns to a workplace and point them a teammate. Seriously - Why such a big deal. In Europe nobody would care. We just let people live their lives.
Tiger Woods has nothing to do with this story.
dudemanhey Said,
January 17, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
Julius,
Your thoughts on the matter are more reasonable and honest ones than most in the American sports media are presenting. Don’t worry about some of the fools commenting on your blog that are attacking you personally rather than commenting on your thoughtful blog post.
Dunk on some punks down under and bust a J in their eye. We all know how good Australian’s are at basketball! haha!
Patrick Said,
January 29, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
Porky,
Plain and simple, you are an idiot. You have no clue as to how things work in the real world or how private businesses are able to operate. Playing in the NBA isn’t a right. Arenas has the freedom to say whatever he wants and not go to jail for it, sure, but the NBA has a right to ban him if they want to, considering he brought GUNS TO WORK, he’s lucky they didn’t make that choice, because just about anybody else in the country would’ve been fired from their job for the same thing, many for much less.
You just seem to be a naive child who has some idealistic view on the world when reality is far from that. Why don’t you actually wait until you grow up a little bit and learn what the real world is like before you try to be some authority on it, because right now it just makes you look like a fool.
Reece,
While I agree with you on the Hodge issue, I do take issue with what you said about the American people. It shows a great deal of ignorance on your part. Personally, I was against Bush and for Obama. I voted against Bush twice, and yes, I complained about him when he was in office. In fact, almost everybody who voted against him complained about him, and those who voted for him for the most part didn’t. With Obama, it’s the same thing, it’s the people who didn’t vote for him who are complaining about him and those who did vote for him who aren’t. I don’t think you understand how close American elections really are, when it’s so close to half and half, of course you’re going to hear a lot of complaining, because half the people in a country of 300 million are going to be complaining.