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New Interview with John Feinstein (Audio: Rudy and "the Punch")

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by DavidS, Nov 21, 2002.

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  1. DavidS

    DavidS Member

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    #1 DavidS, Nov 21, 2002
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2002
  2. nineteen

    nineteen Member

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    David,

    I wish Rudy would fess up and declare that he was going to take a swing at Washington. Look at the replay, Rudy yells and Kermit reacts. The NBA makes him the villain and Rudy the hero. If you are going to break up a fight don't run to the blind side of the person swinging. Ask Washington his take of the punch off the record. He opened a sports cafe in the Seattle area to support his family. The NBA turned their back on one of the nicest guys the L had at the time.
     
    #2 nineteen, Nov 21, 2002
  3. DavidS

    DavidS Member

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    I'm half way finished with the book. The whole situation was just
    a tragedy / accident.

    Kermit was vilified. This is true. I've seen the tape. But, don't think that Rudy was
    going to just sock Kermit upside the head when he ran towards Kermit.

    In those days, fights happened all the time. So, throwing a punch wasn't that
    big a deal. Today, if you rush up to a player, you really don't have to worry
    about them just turning around and socking you.

    Back then, fights were so common that, all you needed was an "enforcer" (like
    Kermit), lenient rules against fighting (like the 70's), a skirmish (Mike Newlin
    and Kermit), then add Rudy rushing up to the scrum blindside...

    It was just bad combination of things...

    By the way, if Rudy had been standing still, and Kermit punched Rudy in the
    face. All Rudy would have gotten would have been a broken nose or back eye.
    No big deal.

    But, the combination of Rudy running PLUS, the force of the punch, just
    expounded the impact of the punch.
     
    #3 DavidS, Nov 21, 2002
  4. nineteen

    nineteen Member

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    David,

    Forgot to say thanks for this file. Very insightful. I wrote you before I heard this. I knew that this was one of the reasons for Rudy's drinking problem. I've been lambasted by posters when I mention that the Rox didn't need an alcolholic coach. I've talk to a couple of players throughout the years and Feinstein hits the nail. Very surprising that Rudy didn't extend the helping hand or make phone calls on Kermit's behalf. Guilt weighs a ton. You can have different perspectives from the same event. It just depends on your view. I urge the CC family to hear this audio of Feinstein.
     
    #4 nineteen, Nov 21, 2002
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