Riley Needs to Put Out the Fire He Started

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If Pat Riley really did not recognize the flammability of a semi-provocative statement during a slow sports time, at least the Heat president has considerable experience extinguishing such fires.

So why hasn't he?

This is a man so word-conscious that, a decade after saying he "envisioned" a parade, he reminded a reporter that he had never actually "promised" one.

So why hasn't he clearly, definitively, angrily, and -- here's the key -- publicly said that Stan Van Gundy is the Heat coach for the foreseeable future? Why hasn't he listed reasons for that decision, however obvious: Van Gundy winning 101 games with two different rosters and styles, preparing his team exhaustively, rarely slipping against underdogs, and rising within a rib strain and thigh bruise of the NBA Finals? Why was Van Gundy vague about his status Monday? Why did Van Gundy's brother, Jeff, recently say strange things on WFAN, like "Stan deserves an answer" and should be given time to "hook on with another team" if the Heat doesn't want him?

At first, this controversy appeared short on credence. Even after Riley suggested June 17 he might take a more "active participation" while again speaking wistfully of coaching, the frenzied reaction seemed just a time-killing, logic-twisting, mind-numbing media obsession borne of summer boredom. "Active participation," after all, could have simply and innocuously meant serving as a sounding board for players and coaches. As such, you could understand Riley's refusal to grant subsequent sensational inquiries the dignity of thorough on-the-record responses. Further, you could understand why he wouldn't rule out any option, to avoid being accused of breaking his word if unforeseen circumstances someday warranted sideline change.

Mostly, you had to assume Riley had reassured his prot?g? in private.

Now we're weeks past "at first."

So is this, at last, resolved?

If Van Gundy is vague about his status? If Alonzo Mourning is saying on 760-AM Tuesday that he didn't know who would coach, but that the Heat couldn't go wrong with either?

Shouldn't they be clear, even if we're not?</div>

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An interesting theory was talked about on a local radio show in Los Angeles yesterday 1540 the Ticket with Dave Smith. He's actually one of the better radio guys in LA because he is very un-biased and calls it down the line.

According to several Heat insiders, Shaq O'neal is the one behind the scenes pushing Stan Van Gundy out. He didn't like SVG speaking out to the media about not agreeing with Shaq cruising in the regular season and turning it on in the playoffs. He said he expects Shaq to give 100% all the time. He didn't like some of the coaching decisions SVG made in the playoffs last year, which eventually allowed the Pistons to comeback and win the series.

They also mentioned Shaq should be careful what he wishes for, because Pat Riley runs a bootcamp. He likes having three and four hour practices and everyone has to be in tip-top shape. So if he becomes the new head coach, Shaq is going to have to workout harder than ever in his career because Riley won't play favorites.

I thought it was an interesting theory and insight, it wouldn't surprise me if Shaq had some influence. Shaq might have been willing to take less money if the Heat cut ties with SVG.