Last I checked, Boozer's havign a great year. And AK-47 was never their best player, he's a stat filler playing under his potential.
I meant 2004. not 2005, my mistake. That roster was just pathetic. That Sloan was able to squeesze 42 wins out of that is a testament to his ability.
I agree. For Amechi to suggest that he was traded away from Utah because he was gay pretty much ignores the fact that he was a major disappointment when he played there. His view of the events in Utah also doesn't explain why he never played much after the trade despite the fact that pretty much every team in the league needs talented big men. Lastly, while I haven't read the book, is it really true that the primary basis of his belief that Sloan was homophobic comes from an observation made by Amechi's building manager and the heresay reports from his friends on the front office staff? Clearly Sloan feels little restraint when using profanity -- if he was genuinely homophobic, why would he hold back on making those comments directly to Amechi's face during one his countless rants?
Assuming Sloan was homophobic, he would refrain from making such comments directly to Amaechi for a couple reasons: - It would generate negative press for him and the Jazz - Such controversy, and the outing of a gay man on the roster, would disrupt the team
Very interesting excerpt. I'm going to have to pick up that book. I have a newfound admiration for Andrei Kirilenko.
This has actually been pretty interesting. Amaechi is a solid writer and can convey his thoughts pretty well on paper. I don't think many guys in the NBA could do that. I could care less about the gay part, but it's a pretty well written piece on the internal environment of the NBA as told from someone who has above average intelligence. He's bitter as hell, but I doubt you would be able to get such insight from 99% of the NBA players out there, let alone anyone who would take the time to actually write out a whole book.
Maybe, but the direct quotes directly attributed to Sloan would argue that he isn't capable of much restraint when he's pissed (his natural state, it seems...). Who knows if Sloan is homophobic, but assisinating someone's character ought to require more than just heresay. Benching likeable but poor players like Amaechi is evidence of good tactics, not prejudice...
That article was an interesting read. However, I find it interesting that he kept talking about how he was daring reporters to out him and hiding out in the open. My question: Does anybody really care about John Amaechi? He was an awful player. I think the truth of the matter is that were he a star, his sexuality would be big news - but nobody cares about John friggin' Amaechi. He'd have to be a serial killer for me to actually give a damn.
That's a weird statement. So you think people should write books and NOT get paid for them? Or is this just for people in the public eye? So Yao shouldn't be able to get paid for writing an autobiography?
Damn... I have always liked Sloan despite my hatred for the Jazz. But he comes off as a prick. One thing I HATE is NBA coaches yelling at grown men with families who are also millionaires. Thats just ridiculous. Its unprofessional if they get that violent and use those words.
Are you kidding me? You think it's unprofessional to get the F-bomb dropped on you for dragging ass when you get paid millions of dollars to play ball?
When you belittle someone in that manner? Its not the same as simply dropping an F bomb. If someone made me look and feel like a b**** and I am a 7ft 30 year old pro with my own damn brain then I am probably gonna take a swing. Sloan is making millions too.
No, it's just that I have mixed thoughts if Amaechi is actually interested in educating people about being gay in the NBA, or about being an activist on this issue. Part of me feels that if you're going to raise the issue, you should stick with it, and I'm willing to be we won't hear from Amaechi again. That's all. I'm fine with him making money.
Honestly I am just mad about the Tech game. And anything Bob Knight-ish is pissin me off about now. Ill reevaluate my stance after sleep.
Gotcha. That makes a lot more sense. I'd be willing to bet Amaechi sticks with it, but since he's a borderline celebrity to begin with, this is probably the most publicity he'll ever get regarding this issue. Still, anything that shows Jerry Sloan to be an a-hole is good thing. And reading the part about Ostertag reminded me of how many times I've heard people call him "Osterfag." Looks like they picked the wrong Jazz center as the gay guy.
No one cares, he's a nobody, and yet look at all the attention this story is receiving. This doesn't make any sense. So if you're famous and your gay, you can't be open about it unless you want to be an activist? It seems like you're saying that you can't write a book about being gay unless (1) you don't accept any money for it, or (2) you are an active and public gay activist. That would be a ridiculous position. He has a unique perspective on life inside the NBA that many people are interested in. If he wants to write about it, and people are willing to pay money to read it, more power to him. Do you criticize other ex-players for making money off their books detailing subjects for more mundane?
I'm interested to see how he relates Houston's abundance of gay clubs and bars to other cities he's played in.
