Why did little Sally fall off the swing?  Because Sally had no arms.
Knock knock.  Who's there?  Not Sally.

I like to open my writings with a joke. It lightens the mood and lets the reader feel more comfortable in the environment of my blog.


But on a serious note,

As much of a die-hard San Antonio Spurs fan as I am, I am somewhat oblivious. For instance, I had absolutely NO clue that they were playing the Heat last night until about an hour before the game when I saw it on the ticker on ESPN. Needless to say, I was fairly excited to hear the news. Spurs/Heat sounds like a great game, and the bragging rights between myself and all the bandwagon-jumping Heat fans at my college were on the line. All of a sudden, the 'Breaking News' flashes up on ESPN. 4 of the Spurs starters, 3 All-Stars, staying at home? What is this witchcraft? Is coach Popovich finally having an age-induced heart attack? No. Just a stroke. A stroke of genius. Leaving Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and Green at home was possibly one of the best decisions I've seen any head coach make thus far this season. Giving your senior citizens one extra day of rest through this rather ridiculous stretch of games is great. Not to mention that they probably need it more than you think. And against the Heat. A game that, ultimately, won't have much influence on anything. Both teams are going to make the playoffs, barring the bizzare. It's in Miami, so Pop won't worry about angering home fans, only the hardcore fans that travel anywhere. And if you're that serious about it, you'll understand why Pop made this move. And this is a game that San Antonio is supposed to lose. Defending champs, big 3 and a half, on the road. If they lose, the Heat get the credit. If they win, the majority of people will say, 'Oh, the Heat took a game off. No big deal. The Spurs aren't really that good.' Lose-lose situation. So: Good call Coach!

Then, the news: Commissioner David Stern looking to discipline the Spurs for leaving their starters at home during a nationally televised game.

What a joke.

First of all, don't get me wrong. I COMPLETELY understand where his argument is coming from.  Yeah, everybody wants to see two of the annually top teams go at it. That's why it was primetime television in the first place. But at the same time... The coach is there to make the decisions that are best for THE TEAM. That is his job. Contrary to arguments I've heard, the coach's job is NOT to entertain fans. That job belongs to the game of basketball. Not the coaches, not the players, and especially not the refs (Joey Crawford, take notes). There is absolutely no reason for Popovich to answer to anyone but the owner. Pop was given control of the team. Not Stern. Stern has absolutely no right to tell ANY coach who he may or may not play in which game at which time of day in whatever city with more or less than 35,000 fans present.

The entire idea of getting fined for giving four guys a day off of work baffles me. Stern is wrong on this one.

Feel free to argue with me, provided it's logical and legitimate.

Finally, a haiku:

Do unto others
as you would have them do to
you; said the rapist.

Doogie out,
-FTC,GN!