A sport may come to a sudden stop so let's watch soccer

Maybe between now and October we should call this Doug Smith’s Raptors Blog With A Whole Bunch Of Other Stuff That Interests Some Of You Because There’s Not Enough Basketball At The Moment.

Unwieldy but …

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Is this the last NBA day for a while?

We all know that the collective bargaining agreement expires tonight, there’s a negotiation session scheduled for today in New York but there’s been no sense of optimism that this thing is going to get settled in time to avert a lockout that could be crippling to a sport that’s never been more popular than it is right now.

Yeah, sure is stupid, isn’t it?

The specifics of the talks make my eyes glaze over so I’m not going to get into them in too much detail; it’s billions divided by millions and give backs and takeaways and it’s all about money.

But it’s also all about office workers and ticket takers and concession stand workers and front office types who may face layoffs or salary cuts or job losses if this thing drags on for any length of time.

I know people always get hurt in labour situations like this and ancillary damage is unavoidable but just once I’d like to hear the owners and players say, ‘hey, we’re sorry, folks, we’ll find a way to make it up to you.’

Not sure that’s going to happen and if the falls rolls around and games are missed and people miss paydays, that’s going to be the worst thing about this.

Yes, the players will ultimately make obscene amounts of money and owners will get a system that practically assures them a profit despite themselves and to think they’ll suffer hardship is foolish.

The hardship is going to be felt by the regular folks affected by this; it’s not right, but it’s a fact and it blows.

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Now to the other important stuff.

Of course I’m going to be near a TV at noon today to watch Canada-France and you probably should be, too.

(It’s women’s football for the uninitiated)

I kinda feel this weird connection to this team and maybe that’s why I have become a big fan of this World Cup since the run-up really began a few weeks ago.

I remember covering a lot of them in Beijing and coming away very impressed with not only their athletic ability but the way the comported themselves with the media and the fans and the whole circus-like atmosphere of the Olympics.

They were tough, rugged and while they didn’t play nearly as entertaining a brand of football (I seem to recall it was far more kick-and-chase back then instead of something trying to approximate the Beautiful Game under this coaching staff) they were fun to watch and write about.

Irregulars will know that I’m a fan of Canadian women’s team sports (basketball, soccer, softball, primarily since I’ve written a lot about them all) because they just play, the often get short shrift from the public but they don’t whine and they represent themselves, their country and their game in a manner of which we should all be proud.

You know I’m not a fan, per se, but I want these young women to do well.

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So I’m chatting with a young friend of mine yesterday and we’re talking about run of the mill stuff and the topic of the impending Canada Day weekend comes up with all the good stuff there is to do.

I said to her, “hey, this is a big weekend for you, right? Time to celebrate; it’s like your birthday.”

Her answer:

“It’s like Christmas!”

And all I can think of is that I hope the idiot Mayor of the City Where I Work gets eaten by fist-sized black flies all weekend and that the entire time is filled with thunderstorms. And that he loses every game of Yahtzee he’s forced to play to pass the rain-soaked hours.

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So barring any work stuff that pops up, I’ve got a couple of days coming that could include some time on the deck and I have a wee bit of a craving for crustaceans and if anyone’s got a good barbecue recipe, I’d give it a shot.

Thanks.

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This has some pertinence given where we are in all things labour and also gives me a chance to give you one more chance to click, write, send and unburden yourselves with mail.

Thanks.

Q: Hi Doug. Very quick question re: the trade exception, which I believe exists until July 11.

Say, for example, a lockout begins on July 1, ten days before the exception expires. Does the exception just expire early or will the Raps get the ten days to use the exception when business reopens, if such a thing is permitted in the new CBA?

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Gareth M, Ireland

A: That’s one of the great unknowns and when you ask any connected with any team about anything to do with the impending lockout or labour talks, they clam up like never before, fearing the Wrath of David.

Best I can tell you is we just have to wait. Wish I could have more info for you, but it’s not easily obtained.

And it’s actually July 9 if they pull off a miracle and get things done before the deadline.

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Once more to the soccer:

Christine Sinclair is the anti-Hedo, isn’t she?

(You know, with the whole mask thing)

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Yes, I’ve heard the name Johnny Davis linked to Dwane’s staff in Toronto but, no, nothing is official.

And as we’ve been saying off and on for a couple of weeks given the absence during workouts and at announcements, there’s always been little chance either Alex or PJ would be back.

When things get done, or close to done, I’m pretty sure I’ll let you know.

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One more kick at the world juniors before they start sometime later this morning against Korea over in Latvia (and if I could figure out time zones I’d tell you exactly what time it is but I can’t, so I won’t).

One of the more intriguing kids on the Canadian team is Sim Bhullar, who many of you may have never heard of.

He’s a 7-4 kid we wrote about in our paper in this piece a week or so ago and he’ll attract a lot of attention, I’m sure.

Now, I have never seen him play in person so I cannot speak to his skills, his fluidity or his mobility but he is intriguing, if raw.

Greg Francis has this to say about him the other day.

“Sim is a has made huge strides in his game. He continues to improve throughout our training camp so I feel that he is among the best big men in the competition. Sim might be the best low post scorer in the tournament.”

One to keep an eye on for sure.

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Comments

[Bart]

So Chris Bosh's bachelor party didn't include Dwayne Wade or Lebron James. However it did include Jarret Jack and Raptors legend Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Should we start the Chris Paul to Miami for Chris Bosh rumors? :P

[J.r]

NENE NENE NENE NENE

[Mr. Cook]

Doug, hope you don't mind if I access the collective BBQ minds of the irregulars as well: Folks, I need a steak marinade that is delicious and I am specifically referring to a recipe that I can make from scratch--not a brand marinade. I'm cooking up 1 inch thick striploins in case there is a true gourmet out there that would adjust the marinade for the type of steak. I'm also seeking something "BBQ"ish in flavour. Classic spices.

Blogger's note: Don't mind at all; it's what we do here

[Kevin]

"The specifics of the talks make my eyes glaze over so I’m not going to get into them in too much detail..."

I feel like this applies to 50% of basketball news for you. I love you, Doug, but this is our local paper! For obsessives on the Raptors, including draft analysis and free agent speculation, this should be the first place we go, not the blogs. Maybe you need the holiday.

Blogger's note: And seeing how you didn't have the patience to let me take 20 minutes off before rip jobs, maybe you need something.
Actually, I see now it was SIX minutes. Wow.

[Evan]

"Sim is a has made huge strides in his game." -- Grammar Fail!

[Kevin]

Hmm. No room for genuine, non-expletive-laced criticism on the blog, I guess. Fair enough, it's your site. I'm just a loyal reader.

[Vince]

Wonderful support of our young women competing on the largest scale of their lives!
And even better anti-support of iMotCWIW...YAHTZEE!!

[Joe U]

I've used the marinade in this recipe; it calls for cooking directly on charcoal, but I used a skillet, and it worked quite well - great flavour.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/skirt-steak-recipe/index.html

[JW]

Doug according to Canada basketball the U19 game against Korea today is at 11:15pm Eastern Time.

http://www.basketball.ca/en/hm/inside.php?id=5109

On your point about Sim Bhullar, I've seen him play a couple times, the last I saw he was definitely still raw. However he does have some co-ordination. He's a pretty good shot blocker and finisher around the rim. I guess the one thing you can't teach is height, and when your taller then Yao, Shaq, Ilgauskis, etc. the guy has a legit shot of becoming a pro. Interestingly enough, so does his 7'2" brother.

[LeeZ]

Pops? Pops??? Did someone say Pops? Hey Doug, what are the odds we sign Pops to play centre so Bargnani can slide over to play PF?

[IGofer]

That's really too bad, but I don't really like soccer so I guess I am watching hockey next year . By the way J.r. those steaks sound really good, I might have to do up some tonight with some cold ones.

[Lorie]

Good Morning, Doug!
The Anti-Hedo indeed! And no matter how they fare against France, they've done us proud.
@Mr. Cook:
Don't know if your preference is spicy or sweet, but here's a divine one made with beer and brown sugar that you may enjoy: (my recipe does 2-16 oz. steaks - adjust for the size of your crowd!)
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup dark beer
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Bon Appetit!
And, Doug, that guy who's mayor of the city you work in, don't know if he's intentionally an idiot or just generally clueless. How clueless, you ask? Well, as is said, he couldn't get a clue during the clue mating season in a field full of horny clues if you smeared his body with clue musk and did the clue mating dance.
Cheers! Big Sunny Canada Day Weekend Ones!

[shroogu]

just because you write for the Red Star smith doesn't mean you gotta drink their op-ed kool-aid

why don't you run for mayor smart guy

Blogger's note: Mostly because I couldn't put up with constituents.

[Jacques]

Doug, what's the rules for a Canadian High School student to go to a High School in the States??

Blogger's note: Private schools? No restrictions, I don't think

[Kevin]

Not a rip job, Doug. As I said, I'm a loyal, long-time reader. But I read Griffin's stuff on the Jays, and feel like we as Raptors fans deserve the same.

[Jacques]

Doug, another quick question. Where do you think Humphries will land? Lakers to be with his brother in-law or the Clippers?

Blogger's note: No clue

[D-Mac Ottawa]

@Mr. Cook,
Courtesy of my truly better half, and Bobby Flay, I'd offer the can't-miss Korean flank steak marinade (this applies to 1 pound of flank or skirt steak, but should work fine for your 1-inch strip loins, or even a hanger steak):
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sake
4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 scallions, white part only, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Preheat grill. Combine sugar, soy sauce, sake, garlic, scallions, ginger and sesame oil in a medium-size flat dish (I just slosh it all into a freezer bag). Add the steak and coat well with the marinade. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning once. Remove meat from marinade and grill on each side for 2 to 3 minutes, for mediumrare. Remove from grill, cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
I've found a good 2 to 3-hour soak in the marinade (refrigerated) is even better. Cheers.

[doug]

@Kevin, don't say it isn't a rip job then proceed to go and do one anyways, have some cajones at least and say it is a rip job...what do you want??...Doug to go on interminably about a labour dispute which is in negotiation so anyone that says they know where the issues stand at the present are blowing wind out there butt...and I don't have to read any op-ed piece in any paper to tell me that Ford is just a simple, sad man and has no clue how to be a leader of a city, he came in with a mantra of stopping the "gravy train" and here is a event that brings in $100 million to our economy and he boycotts it, can anyone say hypocrite, and kudos to Brian Burke he is a upstanding guy...I must say I am thoroughly enjoying this years Woman's World Cup, the skill level, the play, the sportsmanship, has just been top notch....and here is a good read on Bhullar and how he is looking forward to playing JV..

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/47528/arti.html

[JHK]

Props to D-Mac Ottawa for my all time fave BBQ marinate - very similar to what is perfected by my mother (I am a Korean-Canadian).
Speaking of which, I don't know which side I should be on for the match-up today between Korea and Canada.
I'll just get on the winner's band-wagon.

[Nick M]

From non-plussed to 'it blows', I love this Blog!
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@Lorie
Couldn't get a clue during the clue mating season in a field full of horny clues if you smeared his body with clue musk and did the clue mating dance?
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I presume, then, those must be gay clues celebrating their sexuality!!!

[Dave]

Doug:

I agree that the support workers will be the ones hurt in any lockout and I thank you for bringing that fact to our attention. These low paid workers will suffer while the players and owners argue over millions of dollars.

After spending 34 years of my 37 years as a member of a Union, after being on a contract negotiating team, after working cooperatively with the company on issues of mutual interest and after attending an International convention with this Union, I feel I have a relatively good understanding of Unions. I believe when Unions initially started they had good intentions and helped people get reasonable pay and reasonable work hours. With all the other legislative avenues such a human rights and employer's "duty to accommodate", unions have become less relevant. In a lot of cases they protect the unproductive worker and limit the advancement of many dedicated, good people. They also hold companies back and unless their attitudes change, they will continue to cause compamies to fail and go bankrupt (auto industry).

I also believe any employer has the right to make money. They are the ones taking the risk and making the investment. They are the ones taking the risk vis a vie the economy. In simple terms, an employer pays an employee an hours pay for a hours work. That is the limit of the responsibility. Sick leave, dental plans, life insurance are all bonuses.

In a society where movie actors and sports heroes make the most money, it is sometimes difficult to keep this in perspective. I do not think that any player is worth 60 million over 5 years. I believe they need a system where top salaries are limited and maybe the role players should make more to add balance. I do not believe an extra million or two makes a top paid player play harder. Internal motivation and the desire to win is their motivation. The guaranteed increases of over 10 percent is ridiculous in today's economy.

That being said, I agree the owner should get at least 50 percent of all revenue. Many players make a lot of non-basketball related money (shoe company affiliations, etc.) I assume they get to keep 100 percent of this (minus the agent's cut).

Therefore, I understand why the owners want to bring more balance to this apparently lopsided agreement. With some of the pessimistic projections on the future of the world's economy, this has to be rectified now, especially if it is a 10 year agreement. The USA economy may collapse in that time if they don't soon start paying attention to their debt.

As always, my opinion only. My opinion and $1.35 will get you a Tim Horton's coffee.

[Rob Ford]

I'm miles ahead of you, disloyal subject. Thanks to years of strategic consumption there's more than enough of me to feed the fist-sized blackflies AND run the city. BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!

[Dan]

Even if the entire rest of today's blog had been about the defensive merits of Calderon and Bargnani, I still would have loved reading it, just for the dig at Rob Ford. Well done.

[doug]

here's Bruce Springsteen's eulogy to Clarence from Rolling Stone, a good read and well said by Bruce..

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bruce-springsteens-eulogy-for-clarence-clemons-20110629

[Dave]

The Raptor's Maurizio Gherardini and Jim Kelly had their contracts extended to next season.

IMO it doesn't show a lot of confidence in these men.