It sounds like Tolbert should hear a little abuse from us Rockets fans tonight. Shaq's comments strike Tolbert as funny, Walton as anything but By DAVID BARRON Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle DALLAS -- "I cannot believe," Bill Walton groused the other day via e-mail, "that I'm not doing that (Lakers-Rockets) game on Friday night." And he's not. Mike Tirico and Tom Tolbert will call the game for ESPN. But when Rockets fans hear about Tolbert's take on the ongoing controversy over Shaquille O'Neal's were they racist/were they not comments about Yao Ming, they probably will pine for the Big Redhead. "I thought he (O'Neal) was funny," Tolbert said. "Of course, I may be the wrong guy to ask. I watched Blazing Saddles a couple of nights ago. "I don't think Shaq was being malicious. I think he was trying to be funny, and that is consistent with who Shaq is. He's a funny guy. I can see some people being offended, and if Yao is offended, maybe an apology is in order. Otherwise, people should let it be." Walton, meanwhile, was not amused. "If Shaq were your 10-year-old child, what would you do or say to him," Walton said via e-mail. "What if Yao had said something about Shaq's ethnicity? Imagine the outcry. There is no place in this world for Shaq's intolerance and insensitivity. If this is what he is saying publicly, imagine what he's saying privately. "As far as Shaq's `apology' is concerned, I don't get it when someone says `If I offended anyone, I'm sorry.' That tactic worked really well for Trent Lott. How many times can a man turn his head, pretending he just doesn't see?" As for the game itself, by the way, Tolbert doesn't hold out much hope for Yao. "I've already penciled in Shaq for 40 points," he said. "Yao is the new kid on the block and Shaq is the best center in the game. I just hope Yao doesn't get three fouls in the first seven minutes. I think Shaq will say, `OK, you may be in first place in the All-Star voting, but let's make it clear who the best center in the game is.' "
Well I was hoping Bill Walton would do the game but I guess I have to hear what Tolbert will say about Yao and the Rockets. I guess I can always turn back to listen to Bill and Calvin.
Tolbert is one boring a$$ mofo. he says stuff all the time thinking its funny, and i laugh, but i laugh at how stupid it was...
Celebrity Deathmatch -- Bill Walton versus Tom Tolbert!! I think we all know how that would go Tom Tolbert == loser on the court, loser off the court Bill Walton == winner on and off the court . . . Bonus points for being a deadhead!! Bill is genuinely funny too, while Tolbert is a little b**** . . .
We should all write to ESPN to complain. I can not believe that Tom Tolbert thought Shaq's comment was funny... Wonder what he felt about Fuzzy Zoellers comment about Tiger..
Typical media whores. They pull Walton because they don't want him constantly criticizing Shaq's racially charged comments in front of a national audience, because Shaq's a "star" and they don't want to draw negative attention to him. It's crap. Makes me hate the state of the NBA these days.
Write ESPN to let them know that we are NOT PLEASED with Tolbert's comments especially in light of ESPN.COM featuring TWO editorials today on Shaq's idiotic attempt at humor on its NBA front page under the heading "SHAME ON YOU, SHAQ". In these two articles, Bill Walton and Dan Patrick criticize Shaq for his comments so it is pretty ironic and hypocritical to have Tolbert comment that he thought the comments were funny. Don't let this type of BS pass as it totally sends the wrong message and adds to the damage and insult that Shaq's comments caused. http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/espntv.html
Tom Tolbert is a complete jackass. He wasnt very good as a player, and he is atrocious as an announcer. I cant believe Im saying this, but I'd rather Walton do a game anyday then Tolbert.
Probably a lot of people was pissed off last time at Walton's comments on Yao's performance against Pacers. Especially those Pacers fan. They must have sent thousands of emails and harassed ESPN for choosing Walton.
I agree. It's no secret that Bill Walton is in love with Yao Ming. Walton can't find his way off Yao's nuts sack. The whole world knows that...especially those who watched the pacers-rox game to hear walton say "yao ming is so far ahead of everyone in today's nba game". Yao is a great player....but come on Bill! wtf?
Thank god, i can't stand Walton. Although Tolbert is not that much better at least he might be somewhat objective in calling the game.
He's the "color" announcer. He's not supposed to be objective. He's there to inject life into ESPN's lifeless commentary. However, I prefer listening to the redhead over Tolbert because Walton at least understands what's going on in the game and has a passion for the game itself.
During the 90's, I hated Walton.. He has managed to turn around my opinion of him with his love affair with Yao.. but at this point, even that has gotten irritating..and this is coming from a HUGE Rockets homer who thinks one can never say enough good about my team.. That being said, it doesn't matter to me one way or the other since I get to listen to Bill and Calvin for my pbp/color.. I agree that ESPN took off Walton because they didn't want him constantly b****ing about Shaq's comments..and since the constant Rockets/Yao praise would irritate the hell out of the Faker's fans and we *know* how vocal they can be when they are pissed..
Hey, it looks like Walton WILL be doing the game tonight! We are spared from Tolbert only commentary!!
