ESPN.com - NBA - Kobe on Shaq: 'Childlike selfishness and jealousy'
Fiery words .....
The transcript of Kobe Bryant's interview with ESPN's Jim Gray:
GRAY: What was your reaction to Shaq saying the Lakers are his team, and everybody knows it?
BRYANT: It doesn't matter whose team it is. Nobody cares. I don't, Karl [Malone] doesn't, Gary [Payton] doesn't, and our teammates and the fans don't either. There's more to life than whose team this is. But this is his team, so it's time for him to act like it. That means no more coming into camp fat and out of shape, when your team is relying on your leadership on and off the court. It also means no more blaming others for our team's failure, or blaming staff members for not overdramatizing your injuries so that you avoid blame for your lack of conditioning. Also, "my team" doesn't mean only when we win; it means carrying the burden of defeat just as gracefully as you carry a championship trophy.
Where do you expect Kobe Bryant to be a year from today?
With the Lakers
With another team
In legal trouble
GRAY: Do you consider Shaq to be a leader?
BRYANT: Leaders don't beg for a contract extension and negotiate some 30 million [dollars] plus per year deal in the media when we have two future Hall of Famers playing here pretty much for free. A leader would not demand the ball every time down the floor when you have the three of us [Malone, Payton, Bryant] playing beside you, not to mention the teammates you have gone to war with for years -- and, by the way, then threaten not to play defense and rebound if you don't get the ball every time down the floor.
GRAY: Shaq says that you have not been a team player. Is he right?
BRYANT: That's ridiculous. I have been successfully sacrificing my game for years for Shaq. That's what Phil [Jackson] wanted me to do, so I did it. Last year Phil told me Shaq was not in physical condition to carry the trust of our offense, so he asked me to do it. But then he saw Shaq was getting upset that the team wasn't running through him, so Phil asked me to pull back and I did. This year is no different; my role is whatever Phil wants it to be. Period.
GRAY: Through out the preseason, your leg and conditioning has been lagging. Are you in the proper shape to start the season?
BRYANT: My knee is not strong enough to play yet. I know it. When it is I will play.
GRAY: Does that mean you will miss the opener [Tuesday] night and other games?
BRYANT: I probably won't play tomorrow night or until I'm ready. But I don't need Shaq's advice on how to play hurt. I've played with IVs before, during and after games. I've played with a broken hand, a sprained ankle, a torn shoulder, a fractured tooth, a severed lip, and a knee the size of a softball. I don't miss 15 games because of a toe injury that everybody knows wasn't that serious in the first place.
GRAY: Kobe, Shaq said if you didn't like what he had to say you can opt out and leave next season. Will you leave the Lakers?
BRYANT: I won't make that decision until the end of the season. I told Shaq last year that I was planning on opting out. He knew before anyone. I told him out of respect for what we have been through together. I thought he should be the first to know. The fact that he acts like this is such a big shock is a mystery to me. If leaving the Lakers at the end of the season is what I decide, a major reason for that will be Shaq's childlike selfishness and jealousy.
GRAY: Do you feel Shaq has been supportive in regards to your legal situation?
BRYANT: He is not my quote unquote "big brother." A big brother would have called to lend his support this summer. I heard absolutely nothing from him. I spoke to Devean [George], Rick [Fox], Mitch [Kupchak], Phil, and our owner Jerry Buss. And Shaq's own Uncle Jerome called and left three messages. Other teammates like Derek [Fisher], Mark [Madsen], and [Stanislav Medvedenko] left messages as well. Opponents called like [Chris] Webber, [Mike] Bibby, and many others. So did a lot of coaches. Michael Jordan, who didn't have my home phone, tracked it down to lend his support. So did Tiger Woods. But yet from my so-called big brother, I heard nothing.
GRAY: Why not resolve this behind closed doors? Why is this so public?
BRYANT: I asked Phil on Sunday [yesterday] to say something to calm this situation down before it boiled over. But he backed away, so now here we are. I have been a bigger person every time something happened with Shaq, and I don't expect this to be any different. But somebody in this organization had to speak up, because his unprofessionalism hurt us last year, and I don't want it to hurt us this year.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
101 - Dispute Resolution the Eddie Griffin Way
InsideHoops - NBA Rumors:
"'A woman who claimed she was beaten and shot at by Houston Rockets forward Eddie Griffin is denying allegations that the confrontation began when she forced her way into his home, an attorney acting as her spokesman said. 'She had been invited over,' Edward Chernoff said Sunday. 'When she came over -- I think maybe the timing was poor -- Mr. Griffin was with somebody else and he became angry with her.' "
"'A woman who claimed she was beaten and shot at by Houston Rockets forward Eddie Griffin is denying allegations that the confrontation began when she forced her way into his home, an attorney acting as her spokesman said. 'She had been invited over,' Edward Chernoff said Sunday. 'When she came over -- I think maybe the timing was poor -- Mr. Griffin was with somebody else and he became angry with her.' "
Willie Lands Him In Trouble
InsideHoops - NBA Rumors:
Former NBA player Willie Anderson, who played most of his nine-year career with the Spurs, lost almost all the $1.75 million he received on his 10-year deferred contract to the IRS and three women who filed child-support claims. The IRS and the three women reached an agreement in September on how to split the $175,000 the Spurs are supposed to pay Anderson each January for nine years. During court hearings in 2000, it was revealed Anderson fathered at least nine children by seven women
Former NBA player Willie Anderson, who played most of his nine-year career with the Spurs, lost almost all the $1.75 million he received on his 10-year deferred contract to the IRS and three women who filed child-support claims. The IRS and the three women reached an agreement in September on how to split the $175,000 the Spurs are supposed to pay Anderson each January for nine years. During court hearings in 2000, it was revealed Anderson fathered at least nine children by seven women
Kobe vs O'Neal : Grab your Glocs
L.A. Daily News - Sports: "O'Neal, pressed about whose team the Lakers really were, didn't hesitate to claim full ownership.
'Yeah (it's my team). Everybody knows that,' O'Neal said. 'You guys may give it to (Bryant) like you've given him everything else his whole lifetime, but this is The Diesel's ship.'"
'Yeah (it's my team). Everybody knows that,' O'Neal said. 'You guys may give it to (Bryant) like you've given him everything else his whole lifetime, but this is The Diesel's ship.'"
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
"Look Mum - No Hands" - D. Rodman
reviewjournal.com -- News: Police: Rodman wrecks cycle, is cited on suspicio...
"He was popping wheelies up and down the street," said Las Vegas police spokeswoman Carla Alston Alston. Rodman was bleeding from "big cuts in his shins," after crashing the bike outside the front of 'Treasures' strip club. The motorcycle was about 15 feet away.
A manager at Treasures who identified himself as "Uncle Mike" Goldberg said Rodman hit a pole and might have suffered a broken ankle. "He was definitely on the crazy juice tonight".
Rodman, he said, is known to convert several hundred dollars into singles and generously reward the strippers on stage.
"As a girl dances, he's throwing singles all over the place," Goldberg said.
"It has been two years going nuts, partying, and in the last four months I've lost 18 pounds, and I am getting mentally prepared to return to the NBA," Rodman told reporters in July.
Earlier this month, the Denver Nuggets said they were considering bringing Rodman in for a tryout.
"He was popping wheelies up and down the street," said Las Vegas police spokeswoman Carla Alston Alston. Rodman was bleeding from "big cuts in his shins," after crashing the bike outside the front of 'Treasures' strip club. The motorcycle was about 15 feet away.
A manager at Treasures who identified himself as "Uncle Mike" Goldberg said Rodman hit a pole and might have suffered a broken ankle. "He was definitely on the crazy juice tonight".
Rodman, he said, is known to convert several hundred dollars into singles and generously reward the strippers on stage.
"As a girl dances, he's throwing singles all over the place," Goldberg said.
"It has been two years going nuts, partying, and in the last four months I've lost 18 pounds, and I am getting mentally prepared to return to the NBA," Rodman told reporters in July.
Earlier this month, the Denver Nuggets said they were considering bringing Rodman in for a tryout.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Could you think of anything more boring
I remember the frustration of Bill Laimbeer, former Detroit Pistons basketball star, when he ran a corrugated box business after his playing days were over. Ummm....corrugated box business !!!! I am sure 'the Simpsons' did a piss take of this when Bart's class had an "exciting" field trip to the 'box' factory. Sheeesh - what kind of inspiration hit one of the more colourful players in the league to go into such a dull business.
"I had the greatest plans in the world," said Laimbeer, who hired university professors to teach his philosophy of team-based problem solving and employee rewards and recognition. But his workers balked. "They wanted nothing to do with it," Laimbeer said. "They kept telling me it was a trick to get them to work harder."
Laimbeer's box business failed. This year he became coach of the Detroit Shock women's basketball team, the players bought into his philosophy, and together they won a championship. Nice one Bill - stick to what you know.
"I had the greatest plans in the world," said Laimbeer, who hired university professors to teach his philosophy of team-based problem solving and employee rewards and recognition. But his workers balked. "They wanted nothing to do with it," Laimbeer said. "They kept telling me it was a trick to get them to work harder."
Laimbeer's box business failed. This year he became coach of the Detroit Shock women's basketball team, the players bought into his philosophy, and together they won a championship. Nice one Bill - stick to what you know.
HandBrake Harry Beware - Bol plans to become a licensed jockey
More weirdness out of the US.....
Manute Bol, the 7-foot-7 former NBA player from the Sudan, plans to follow his brief stints in hockey and boxing with a venture into horse racing.
Hoosier Park announced Friday that Bol plans to "become the world's tallest jockey" on Oct. 18.
It would not be the first time Bol has taken up a new sport in a promotion to support his Ring True Foundation, which raises money and awareness about problems in the civil war-torn Sudan.
On Nov. 12, 2002, Bol, who was known for blocking shots and shooting 3-pointers, agreed to terms to play with the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League. Four days later, he suited up for a home game, sitting behind the bench until his arthritic feet began to swell in his custom-made skates. He was out of uniform after one period of the game, which drew a season-high crowd of 5,859 to Conseco Fieldhouse. He did not return to the team.
Bol also once competed in Fox TV's Celebrity Boxing show and beat former NFL player William ``The Refrigerator'' Perry in a bout. Bol agreed to take part, so long as Fox agreed to air a toll-free number for the Ring True Foundation.
A member of the Dinka tribe, Bol was a second-round draft pick of the Washington Bullets in 1985.
He played 11 seasons in the NBA with four teams, blocking more shots per minute than anyone in league history. He retired from in 1995 after averaging 2.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in his career.
Manute Bol, the 7-foot-7 former NBA player from the Sudan, plans to follow his brief stints in hockey and boxing with a venture into horse racing.
Hoosier Park announced Friday that Bol plans to "become the world's tallest jockey" on Oct. 18.
It would not be the first time Bol has taken up a new sport in a promotion to support his Ring True Foundation, which raises money and awareness about problems in the civil war-torn Sudan.
On Nov. 12, 2002, Bol, who was known for blocking shots and shooting 3-pointers, agreed to terms to play with the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League. Four days later, he suited up for a home game, sitting behind the bench until his arthritic feet began to swell in his custom-made skates. He was out of uniform after one period of the game, which drew a season-high crowd of 5,859 to Conseco Fieldhouse. He did not return to the team.
Bol also once competed in Fox TV's Celebrity Boxing show and beat former NFL player William ``The Refrigerator'' Perry in a bout. Bol agreed to take part, so long as Fox agreed to air a toll-free number for the Ring True Foundation.
A member of the Dinka tribe, Bol was a second-round draft pick of the Washington Bullets in 1985.
He played 11 seasons in the NBA with four teams, blocking more shots per minute than anyone in league history. He retired from in 1995 after averaging 2.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in his career.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Spurs Sign Hammer
Following in the footsteps of the great man - Andrew Gaze - Shane 'The Hammer' Heal is set to try out and hopefully sign with the San Antonio Spurs. His game should suit the run 'n' gun West and I'm sure he'll get many open looks when the opposing defenders collapse down on The Big Fundamental - Tim Duncan.
Heal is also a quality big game player who doesn't back down from opponents; chesting up to Sir Charles Barkley in a pre-Olympic exhibition game in Salt Lake, Utah in 1996. He definitely won't add to the Spur's "too soft" tag. Wouldn't it be great to see another Aussie grab an NBA Championship ring from out of obscurity.
Heal is also a quality big game player who doesn't back down from opponents; chesting up to Sir Charles Barkley in a pre-Olympic exhibition game in Salt Lake, Utah in 1996. He definitely won't add to the Spur's "too soft" tag. Wouldn't it be great to see another Aussie grab an NBA Championship ring from out of obscurity.
Who's the Bigger 'Flick the Switch' Nigga ?
First GM throwdown before a ball has even gone thru a hoop..... Whoa Yeah !
You talkin about being underground GM Entwisle --- the only time you are underground these days is when you park in the basement car park at work or when you sit on the couch with the good wife and watch the guys on Bardyard Blitz dig holes in someone's lawn -- ouch!
PEACE OUT 2 BROOKLYN
GM MAC (on da attack)
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oh please... I was listening to and hanging out at hip hop concerts when you were still in primary school. Don't even try to start that shit...you're embarassing yourself
GM Entwisle
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Oh that's right! You'll miss it on Sunday cos you'll be wrestling crocs and llamas in Nepal. Unlucky Mick -- we'll be having fun and a few phat ones thinking of you... Keep your phone and we'll let you listen to the madness -- yet another hip hop gig you miss!
Gee -- that's Rza, DeLa Soul, Grandmaster Flash and now this -- you AINT hip hop! S_T_U_D_I_O
Disappointed once again by your 'tude -- not good enough!;0
GM MAC -- still loving James Worthy even in 1990 when he paid a hooker and had a wife
PS Gm Entwisle is back in time for Robbie Williams and Duran Duran ---hmmmm.........dodgy!
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as if that wasn't obvious GM McMolly Meldrum...what else are they gonna do? Let him DJ and just go home to there hotel rooms?
Cmon mate...you need to get out more
You...step outside
GM Entwisle
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Thanks Crocodile Hunter --Steve Irwin!
The ads only mentioned Guestlove djing but i was just told by a friend who happens to be the EDITOR of Beat that the other guys will get involved and up on stage along with the Mad Professor and possibly even Dexter -- that my friend was not advertised!
Don't Fake the Funk GM Studio aka Cornish aka Whistlebower!
E-Mac version 2.0 -- ginuwinegangstasince'79
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Gee - great scoop GM Mac....it was advertised in last weeks Beat, Inpress and probably a few other mags. Big Props to our very own Richard Wilkins!!
GM Entwisle
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Secret Party by ?uestlove & the Roots & J5
That's right fellas E"Scoop"Mac with a lil sumpin sumpin for ya hip hop lovers!
?uestlove & the boys will be having a lil party at the Prince Sunday nite after Livid. Cost is $18
?uestlove djing from 9pm -- YA HEARD IT FIRST!!!
E-MAC version 1.0 -- the original funkateer
__________________________________________________
You talkin about being underground GM Entwisle --- the only time you are underground these days is when you park in the basement car park at work or when you sit on the couch with the good wife and watch the guys on Bardyard Blitz dig holes in someone's lawn -- ouch!
PEACE OUT 2 BROOKLYN
GM MAC (on da attack)
_________________________________________________
oh please... I was listening to and hanging out at hip hop concerts when you were still in primary school. Don't even try to start that shit...you're embarassing yourself
GM Entwisle
__________________________________________________
Oh that's right! You'll miss it on Sunday cos you'll be wrestling crocs and llamas in Nepal. Unlucky Mick -- we'll be having fun and a few phat ones thinking of you... Keep your phone and we'll let you listen to the madness -- yet another hip hop gig you miss!
Gee -- that's Rza, DeLa Soul, Grandmaster Flash and now this -- you AINT hip hop! S_T_U_D_I_O
Disappointed once again by your 'tude -- not good enough!;0
GM MAC -- still loving James Worthy even in 1990 when he paid a hooker and had a wife
PS Gm Entwisle is back in time for Robbie Williams and Duran Duran ---hmmmm.........dodgy!
__________________________________________________
as if that wasn't obvious GM McMolly Meldrum...what else are they gonna do? Let him DJ and just go home to there hotel rooms?
Cmon mate...you need to get out more
You...step outside
GM Entwisle
__________________________________________________
Thanks Crocodile Hunter --Steve Irwin!
The ads only mentioned Guestlove djing but i was just told by a friend who happens to be the EDITOR of Beat that the other guys will get involved and up on stage along with the Mad Professor and possibly even Dexter -- that my friend was not advertised!
Don't Fake the Funk GM Studio aka Cornish aka Whistlebower!
E-Mac version 2.0 -- ginuwinegangstasince'79
__________________________________________________
Gee - great scoop GM Mac....it was advertised in last weeks Beat, Inpress and probably a few other mags. Big Props to our very own Richard Wilkins!!
GM Entwisle
__________________________________________________
Secret Party by ?uestlove & the Roots & J5
That's right fellas E"Scoop"Mac with a lil sumpin sumpin for ya hip hop lovers!
?uestlove & the boys will be having a lil party at the Prince Sunday nite after Livid. Cost is $18
?uestlove djing from 9pm -- YA HEARD IT FIRST!!!
E-MAC version 1.0 -- the original funkateer
__________________________________________________
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