With the NCAA and addidas scandal, Ryen Russillo asked a question to Louisville fans. Was it worth it? So I ask to you, the same question. IF the Blazers competed each year for a title, and even won one or two, would it be worth the shame and backlash, and possible harsh penalties if they were caught cheating really bad? Hard to make a comparison between college and pro, but I tried because I think it's interesting.
Tough tough question. I'm not sure, torn 50/50 on it. Patriots fans probably dont give a crap that their team is labeled as "cheaters".
Trying to think of what kind of cheating would compare. Like circumventing the salary cap, maybe? So (for example), Paul Allen decides that in a last ditch effort to buy a championship, he conspires with Lebron and Paul George's agents to get them to sign here next summer for far-below-market value deals in exchange for irresistably lucrative marketing contracts through Vulcan-owned companies, and as a result, we dethrone the Warriors and win titles in 2019 and 2020, but then the illicit dealings are discovered, their contracts are voided, and we lose every 1st round pick for the next 5 years. Would it be worth it? I can't say that it would, because however good I would have felt at the time, it would end up feeling hollow if I learned it came about via illicit means.
Shouldn't this merge with the other thread? As a referee, I can't stand cheaters, floppers, fakers, and other dishonest actions.
I'll weigh in.... It felt similar to me during the Whitsitt days of 1999-2002 to me. I couldn't get on board with "loving" the team because we bought it rather than building it naturally like we had back for the '90-'92 teams. It felt dirty. I say "no" it aint worth it.
No--I think this is a very different topic and is worthy of separate consideration. In the other thread, it would just get buried.
Tough question... I'd probably rather just lose. My "cheating equivalent in the NBA" is this: Hire a Russian billionaire to buy a team, and then promptly trade you 5 years of unprotected 1st rounders for your washed up vets. Make sure the team tanks each year, which won't be hard at that point.
No, not to me. I like watching a team compete honestly, even if they never win a title. Now, if the NBA discovered that the team that knocked the Blazers out of the playoffs had cheated, I'd be on board with taking their title.
That's pretty much how I feel about it. I'd feel great until things came to light. And then all of our championships would have asterisks next to them.
Interesting take. Too Harry, I dont equate these as the same. As a matter of fact, I would rather enjoy a little bit of "Trader Bob" again. To hell with nice guys and culture, in todays NBA its all about the bling, flash and rap star life style. As I have stated elsewhere, the Jail Blazers were just ahead of their time. As far as cheating to win? Not a chance.
No way... To me Sportsmanship still weighs too heavily into the equation to make that kind of circumvention of the rules to be even remotely acceptable.
The classic Barry Bonds Dilemma. Yes I would love a chip even if it's found out CJ is deflating basketballs.
HELL YES! And any accusations about cheating would be easily explained away with the way Silver hates small market teams.
How do you even cheat in pro sports? Paying the refs off would not be worth it, but what else is there that would make a difference? I guess PA bribing the players on the side to sign with us with offshore 100 million dollar accounts.....
Not worth it. When the Blazers win the title I want it to be becuase they beat the best of the best, fair and square. Sportmanship is important to me. Integrity is important to me.
