LA Lakers Should Not Imitate USC Trojans Basketball's Losing Playbook
11/19/2009
A sportswriter is neither a homer nor a fan. Instead, a sportswriter is a fan of the game, a fan of the sport he or she is covering. Though we might have favorite teams that we root for, when it comes to reporting, we call them as we see them.
We heap praise or lay blame whenever or wherever we feel it is justified. Even our favorite team’s most hated adversary can receive our profound admiration. And our team’s most beloved player or coach can be the subject of our admonition.
I am a sportswriter. It’s as plain and simple as that. I have no problem calling out the players and coaches that I admire when I feel their actions warrant it. But the game itself remains beyond reproach.
In addition to sportswriting, I have been a screenwriter, a media writer and an educator. As I type this bio with one hand while holding an ice pack on my bruised chest with the other, I realize that our greatest adversaries are ourselves not our opponents. My years of practicing nei jia (the internal martial arts) have taught me to respect and appreciate my adversaries not hate them. Why? Because, especially in defeat, they help us to see our shortcomings and realize where we must improve.
But I am most grateful to whoever invented liquid ice packs. Many kudos!
“Thirst for victory leads to defeat; not tiring of defeat leads to victory.” – Master Warrior Yamaoka Tesshu.
My website: http://www.SoCalTaiChi.com
Hi Paul,
Yeah I want to have faith in Pete, and honestly I do even though I question many of the choices he's made this year. His coaching staff for one thing--that will be the subject of an upcoming article. The attrition of coaches over the years - there have been rumors why and I don't want to believe them, but this year, it's hard not to.
Overall though, IMO Mike Garrett and the USC Nation won't stand for too many years of mediocrity. I do think 2010 will be a much better team, but I also think alot of the questions about the coaching this season has raised won't be answered until the off season at the earliest.
5 days ago
Hey Paul. Can you check out my new article and tell me what you think?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/292078-is-kareem-abdul-jabbar-the-greatest-basketball-player-ever
Thanks.
6 days ago
Paul,
This is very opinionated but I wanted to throw some controversy into your community. I respect USC tremendously but my thoughts on Mays are changing. Thoughts?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/285607-the-lost-trojan-taylor-mays-struggles-with-maturity-and-misfortune
-Marc
17 days ago
It's time to prepare the throne, the King has arrived in New York! Lebron James is set to make his only appearance this season at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks. Take a look.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/285453-prepare-the-throne-the-king-is-here-lebron-james-pays-visit-to-knicks
17 days ago
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/279298-who-put-this-jazz-song-on-repeat
27 days ago
I have made my NBA season predictions check it out!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/278303-my-nba-2009-2010-season-predictionsawards
28 days ago
Paul, I didn't mean to step on your toes with my Bynum story. I should have looked to notice yours there. I hope there are no hard feelings. I will be sure to check in the future. Please accept my apologies.
32 days ago
While I usually don't promote articles, I saw fit to promote this one. I feel people are not paying attention to what this article is about. They probably should. No matter if you are a fan of Florida or LSU, this is something you need to remember going into tomorrow night.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/268765-gater-bait-oh-did-you-think-i-was-talking-about-lsu-no-its-tim-tebow
-Joe Burgett
45 days ago
Thanks Paul. Here, check this out when you get a chance:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/266400-tylers-college-basketball-take-your-pick-game-introduction-and-rules?just_published=1
49 days ago
Hey Paul,
Brad Frank, one of the Duke Basketball Community Leaders, and I have just completed an article we wrote together. We highlight 5 different questions about Duke's upcoming season and each answer the questions from a different point of view.
Check it out if you get the chance and make sure to supply some of your great comments and feedback. Thanks in advance!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/266157-duke-basketball-preview-two-views-on-five-pressing-questions-for-season/show_full
50 days ago
Check this out if you get a chance:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/264798-northwestern-state-needs-to-learn-the-definition-of-a-sports-column
52 days ago
this man belongs in Canton :
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/265091-crazy-canton-cuts-don-coryell
52 days ago
Hey Paul. I just finished this article and I was hoping you could take a look and give me any feedback you might have. I know you're not an Oklahoma fan, so I won't feel bad if you don't get to it.
Take it easy.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/265106-leaving-sooner-ridiculous-andfoolish-says-oklahoma-coach
52 days ago
I've spent the past several weeks adding to a piece dedicated to one of the father's of college football, Knute Rocke. In time for his dedication tomorrow at Notre Dame Stadium, I present to you the true and inspiring story of the most renown coach in the game:
Don't be shy, and as always, feedback is appreciated.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/265043-the-true-story-of-knute-rockne-college-footballs-most-renowned-coach
R.I.P 3/31/1931
53 days ago
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Keith Schlosser said...
DeleteSince all else has failed, I see no reason for the Knicks not to sign Allen Iverson.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/293159-allen-iverson-a-new-york-knick-whats-the-worst-that-could-happen
4 days ago