Just from my perspective, I thought it was a pretty stupid thing to say. Of course, I don't see the reasoning behind fining him because he should be allowed to express himself and have his own personality. But, I don't agree with these people who praise him for "keeping it real" or whatever. I mean, the fact that he was selected shows a level of respect and acknowledgement of his athleticism from the NBA. Now he may not think its that important (and he wouldn't be alone in thinking that), but there's a lot of fans, players, and league officials that consider it a big deal. And the respectful thing to do, would be to either hold your tongue and give it your all or step down. I see it as the equivalent of all these awards/recognitions from high schools, charities, colleges, etc. that players often get when they become pros. They really aren't that important and I'm sure the players don't give a crap about them, but the classy and mature thing to do is to validate those people and at least return their respect. Of course, if he was trying to be funny (I have a feeling that he was), then none of this matters and we should be ragging on him for having such a crappy sense of humour.
I get what you're trying to make people understand Chutney, but the college/high school aspect is entirely different. There is no money involved there it is simply just respect, which is why you always see players acknowledge it. I would find it rather great to receive an award from college or high school because they care about your workmanship and dedication. That is an entirely different atmosphere in general, which is why most people that are so into NCAA or HS basketball tend to dislike the NBA or hate it all together. The NBA simply give awards to market these players to make more money any way that they can. MVP jerseys and numerous other stuff sells, same with the Dunk Contest, which has always helped gain extra cash in merch. It is no problem for them to fine him because it shows that they have zero tolerance, which they believe is what people want to see since they make so much money as it is. The fine won't bother the player. Also a rather disturbing thought here, but when you think about someone that can murder someone else and can get off on a cheaper bail then $10,000 in a few cases is rather disgusting. Such as when you accidently hit a construction worker on the road, most people don't get the 15 to 20 years jail sentance and just have to pay the fine.
Regardless of the money aspect, there's still a certain value that people place in both things. With the high school/college honours, there are teachers and people from the community that consider the award a big thing. With the dunk contest, there's still a considerable number of viewers that look forward to it and enjoy it. Like I said before, I have no problem with him believing that the contest is just worth the money, but the fact that he's participating in it makes things different. Now all those fans know that he's dogging it and it kind of ruins it for them, because it's like having one less competitor. And then there's the players who enjoy the competition and know that Tyrus is bashing something that they look forward to. It's certainly refreshing to hear someone speak their mind, but that doesn't mean we should just toss out basic respect and maturity. The proper thing to do, would've been to choose between participating for the money or dropping out and speaking your mind.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">NBA Looking To Remove Thomas From Dunk Contest 7th February, 2007 - 4:33 pm Orlando Sentinel - The NBA, according to a prominent agent, is looking to remove Tyrus Thomas from the slam dunk contest. "The league is looking to replace him," the agent said. [READ]</div> Source
If they replace him they would have to reimburse the money they took from him with the fine. Otherwise it wouldn't make any sense in which they replace him, but still don't allow him to have his own opinion.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Why would they have to reimburse him?</div> I actually meant they should, not would, sorry dude.
<div class="quote_poster">durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Why should he be fined for that? Looks like the NBA is into "free money" as well.</div> The NBA actually matches the fine total and then donates it to various charities. This fine was levied by the Bulls organization, so I'm not sure how it gets handled, but I imagine it goes to a charity. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"I didn't want by any means to make it seem that I'm going out there for the money," Thomas said. "I'm not keeping the money anyway. I was going to give that to my high school. I'm going to go out and have fun and relax from the season.</div>
<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">All a bit of a misunderstanding not to mention a big jump to conclusion.</div> Doesn't it seem like he is kind of back tracking, to make it seem like it wasn't as bad? Like when a mom slaps a kid on the wrist, then the kid says "I didn't mean too" with watery eyes. Big difference from: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Tyrus Thomas downplayed his excitement in being in the slam dunk contest on Monday night when he was asked about it. "Not really," Thomas said. "I'm just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day." "I'm just into the free money," he said when asked if he thought fraternizing with the great dunk champs of years past could be of benefit to him. "That's it. I'll just do whatever when I get out there."</div> to this: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"I didn't want by any means to make it seem that I'm going out there for the money," Thomas said. "I'm not keeping the money anyway. I was going to give that to my high school. I'm going to go out and have fun and relax from the season.</div> I can understand what you guys are saying, by telling the truth like it is and all, but still. If someone gave you a cheesy/not so great gift you wouldn't say, "This isn't that great, but I'm into free gifts. I'll just pawn it away for money anyway". Stupid comment, even if he was "keeping it real".
who cares about the fine. he shouldnt be aloud to dunk in the contest. he obviously doesnt appreciate the opportunity he's been given to be in it. i wouldnt even allow him in los vegas for the weekend for that comment.
This morning the local news said that the original report was taken out of context, so in other words Tyrus' comments were basically ripped from his entire statement and made to look as what was reported. However, he also commented again this morning and then appologized, which I found to be a load of crap.
His statements don't coincide as The One and Only (who's that?) pointed out. It was a b.s. appology, IMO just to cool the criticism down.
Actually no, as reported by Comcast Sportsnet Chicago directly from the Tribune and the Bulls organization - his original statement was taken out of context and he issued the appology based on the media's ignorance. I don't think he should have said he's sorry at all.
<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Actually no, as reported by Comcast Sportsnet Chicago directly from the Tribune and the Bulls organization - his original statement was taken out of context and he issued the appology based on the media's ignorance. I don't think he should have said he's sorry at all.</div> Well, he did say "I'm just into the free money"; I don't see how that can be taken out of context. The media didn't misquote him, he said it.
Just to make things clear, to my knowledge, the league didn't fine, but rather the Bulls and John Paxson for conduct detrimental to the team.
I'd be interested to see how they were taken out of context. The only way I could see it happening is he was being sarcastic or making some type of joke. Otherwise its pretty tought to explain that "I'm just into the free money" line.
<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'd be interested to see how they were taken out of context. The only way I could see it happening is he was being sarcastic or making some type of joke. Otherwise its pretty tought to explain that "I'm just into the free money" line.</div> with the media you just never know. They are the masters of spinning crap.
