This. Lebron had a very different public persona before he let the cat out of the bag. He even admitted it as so much as saying he'll embrace playing the villain when he went to Miami.
KG has been just as much of an ******* as Rondo. Not sure why you think the two are different. Probably worst for KG since he is older than Rondo by a good amount.
Come on... I can't believe the majority here feels this isn't an issue. Regardless of how competitive you are or how you really feel about your opponent, you show some sportsmanship. You do it out of respect for your opponents, which you should always have no matter how they played. You do it for the integrity of the game, you do it for your own integrity, and you do it to be a role model for the kids watching at home. I'm only 30 and I feel like such an old guy in a day of "modern ethics." Upholding principles just don't seem to last these days.
They should have stayed until it was over. I know Lebron got crucified for it , but KG and Rondo don't have a good excuse either.
Because now Barnett and Rondo did it, so LeBron shouldn't have been criticized? What kind of logic is that? It's like saying, now that Bynum is doing cheap shots to injure other players, Karl Malone shouldn't have been criticized.
They all have been shaking their opponent's hands all their lives. It's a dick move to not do it now because of, what? they're adults and they got their azz whipped. Great teaching method, chaps...kids will love to emulate your petty crap. BB is no longer about team ball....it's all "about me".
Or KG and Rondo are classless for doing it, and so, James is equally classless. I guess that could be the OP's point.
I think the point is that KG and Rondo should be criticized equally as Lebron was. And also, it's clear that Lebron learned and he'll never do this again, however these jerks are still doing it even after the huge media storm Lebron went through.
I'm not seperating them. I know KG is like that and I thought it was assumed. I shared my thought on how Kg should understand its a game and I didnt want to elaborate on rondo.
This has nothing to do with the thread, but does anyone think "KJ and Hondo" would be a great title for a low budget western film? Hondo is just an awesome name.
I was annoyed by the Lebron non shake because he tried to defend it and act like it was the right thing to do. He tried to make some horrible analogy about not shaking a man's hand if he beats you up but boxers do it after every fight.
How 'freedom of choice' of you. Here is sports unwritten law: Either you have a certain level of respect for your opponents and the game, or you get called out by fans and media. KG and Rondo have been lowered to goon status until further notice. Only on an NBA message board would this not be newsworthy. This is a classless move. Unfortunately I'm 25 and in the same boat as you. Sportsmanship isn't a "non story".
