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

[Angelo]

At what point in the lockout can nba players entertain offers to play abroad (with return stipulation in contract once nba play resumes), anytime they want?

Blogger's note: Sure, they're basically unemployed as soon as it hits; but every day has to be cleared by FIBA

[Jonny citizen]

Thanks for calling an idiot an idiot and praising good sports for being good sports.

[g.t.]

why is the Mayor an idiot? ... I mean... more so than the others that we had in the past.. who also got ripped by everyone but their Mom. Give us a heads up before the political commentary so, at least some of us can ignore or avoid it like we ignore the negative spin of the day section of the paper (a.k.a. the columns). Your blogs are usually a positive light read. I like that.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

@Dave, wow, superb job summing up unions, where they've been, where they're at, and wherever the hell they might be going. Couldn't agree more. In my day, I've been a company guy, I've been a union member – on more than a couple of occasions in each case. Have seen too many unions ruin too many good companies, simply running them into the ground and right out of existence. Oops, there goes the lunch ticket! Some common-sense middle ground always tends to get any sort of negotiation settled, and it doesn't take months to reach that point (well, it doesn't need to, put it that way). I don't think I've ever seen a strike (or a lockout, or a walkout) result in any long-term benefits for either party. Cheers.

[The J]

I think Lebron was planning on attending CB1's bachelor party, but when he found out it was scheduled in the 4th quarter he didn't show up.

I heard Bellinelli might not get his option picked up by New Orleans. So you can expect some "should we resign" him questions and the return of the Bellinelli fan club. I would call that silly but I'm right next to LeeZ in the Pops fan club. I mean, this team needs at least one more power foward.

Oh and Doug, since Mr. Cook's steak request has gotten more interest than your shrimp request, here is a shrimp recipe we copied off the TV once and loved. Nice part is that it was easy, and went well with a Michelada (spiced mexican beer) that we got from the same episode:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mr-storys-bbq-shrimp-recipe/index.html

[doug]

@ g.t. our "mayor' is a idiot because he was elected to represent a city, Lastman was of the same political stripes of him and he made a effort, this has nothing to do with politics at all, it has to do with being a leader and representing the city you were elected in...if he goes I will be the first to say kudos to him as I personally could care less about anyone's political views but anyone elected mayor has to accept beforehand the responsibilities of that position and to brush it off and just say I am going to my cottage is well is there a better word then idiotic , well there is but I won't say it here......Canadians need to shoot the ball in this match, they have had chances and just aren't shooting, to tenative...but the young boys b-ball team had a impressive showing in their first game,105-93 with less then a minute left, they have some talent there...

[ikonn]

@doug, thanks for the link to the Fiba article on Bhullar. 7-4, 330 lbs! This is a big dude and it'll be interesting to see what happens to him in a couple of years.

But take a look at the picture, is it me or does Sim need a man bra?

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[g.t.]

it seems like in the nba now, the players have the upper hand when it comes to contracts/ A guy like curry sits on the knicks bench... and gets paid in full despite his performance not being up to par. it seems a bit crazy that the players association wants a bigger cut of the profits but isn't vying to step up and eat the losses too. I think the P.A. loses in the long run in this negotiation. Too many empty seats in NBA stadiums right now, hard to imagine them getting increases. Half the teams get little coverage outside their local market.

[Richard]

"You're usually pretty reasonable, Richard, but I think you need to re-assess your bias here."

@ J:

Sorry to bring yesterday's comments into today's, but I missed reading yesterday and a clarification may be required. If you're referring to Richard who's most recent comments had been about considering trading the pick prior to the draft, the comment you are responding to is not mine. Different Richard, who's comment I too disagree with. Just for the record.

Also, for the record, I appreciate your characterization of "pretty reasonable". As evidenced here, there are some who would take issue with that too.
(If your comment was not meant for me, in the words of Gilda Radner as Emily Litella, "Never mind.")

[Ddot]

Doug are you hyping us up for the alluring match-up of 7'4 Sim Bhuller versus the future of the TDOT Jonas Valaciunas? I wish you were there to get some quotes from the youngins! I also wish someone somewhere would pony up and stream/telecast the Canada games :(

Blogger's note: I'll be speaking to people there every day.

[Peter]

Hey everyone,

True Hoop's Henry Abbott has a pretty good break down of some of the main points surrounding the CBA. It's a pretty good read actually:

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/30819/11-thoughts-about-the-end-of-the-cba

Doug, what kind of a growing period is there for players adapting to an (almost) entirely new coaching staff. People often talk about how new rosters take some time to adjust to each other, is it similar for players and a new coaching staff? Maybe that's more of a mailbag question.

Thanks for the blog Doug, hope you're enjoying the summer.

[LeeZ]

@TheJ: You do know I was kidding about re-signing Pops, right? Actually, I think you do and were attempting to add satire upon my satire. But if your efforts and my efforts can kickstart a movement to flood Doug with "Let's re-sign Pops" posts, then my work here is done. Sorry Doug, I'm feeling evil today for some reason...
:)

[Daysbest]

Calling Mayor Ford an idiot. Why? Are you trying to kiss- ass with your employer, who is well known for an anti-Ford bias. Before you do that again suggest you look in the mirror to see what a sports writer past his best-before date looks like.

Blogger's note: Yawn. Double yawn. Treble yawn.

[doug]

these are good sentiments on the union-management-owner discussion I worked at a psych hospital and was part of OPSEU and was asked many times to run for shop steward I declined...but please can we separate these talks from any union sentiments you have...these are 400 men, at most actually as the true strength lies in 250 or so against 30 owners and one huge t.v contract..don't for a second thing this pie hasn't any filling as it does...and seats sales are not the issue, just as with the Jays and MLB, seat sales are irrelevant so empty seats are a illusion...there is plenty of money to be divvied out, so don't feel sorry for the owners, the players need to fight for precedent and not giving back a dime so kudos to them although ultimately we all know this...there will be a type of "flex cap". around 70 mill, guaranteed contracts will exist because owners want them as there already off the table, revenue sharing will be structured to weaker franchises, rookie contracts will be re-structured and maybe a proviso where FA's are listed by class and teams can only sign 1 A listed FA a year to stop super teams from being built...handshakes all around then b-ball will be played again...but please this isn't no typical union-management argument...and how low of France to score a goal with Sinclair on the sidelines, classless and things players ,coaches remember..ok Doug happy b.b.qing and Happy Canada Day..

[sam]

Hey Folks - Let's stop the name calling and finger pointing, and political yakfest and get to what's really important:

Where Does Mr Cook Live? - and what time will he be seriving the Strip Loins - Enjoy the Long weekend!!!!!!!!!!

Blogger's note: And we need directions, too.

[Mike D.]

@The J wins "line of the day" for his concise yet accurate explanation of why Lebron didn't attend CB1's bachelor party.

[John]

@Dave, Can’t agree more. Unions have long since lost their usefulness. The days of having to bring your own coal to keep your shop warm are long over.
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What kills me the most is when you hear people that make $40 an hour to insert a bolt complaining from their Muskoka cottage, that they spend 6-7 weeks a year on vacation at, that they the company would not have needed a billion dollar bailout if management knew what they were doing. When things go well everyone wants their share, when things go bad it managements fault and no-one wants to share the pain.

[J]

@Richard:

Oh, boy. I'm not quite sure which Richard is which then, haha. Maybe it's time for one of the Richards to go with The Richard, with a full summary of posts to-date. (I do appreciate how The J has chosen himself to be THE J. =P)

[Mr. Cook]

A big thank-you for the suggestions everyone! I am going to try each of them over the coming weeks but having taken a poll of tonight's guests we're trying Lorie's first. I'll report back tomorrow. And to Doug, I see you've had some political vitriol directed toward you this morning but do please try and remember that it's the irregulars, steaks and maybe even once in a while the NBA that make it all worthwhile. Have a great holiday folks.

[Andre]

What you think of the raptors trying to sign Jeff Green? hes a RFA, but hes young enough to grow with this team and play multiple spots on the floor

Blogger's note: Tell you what. When we figure out the new economics of the game, we'll talk legitimate interest in free agents

[g.t.]

@doug .... like i said .. save it for the the negative spin of the day section of the paper. The columns and Opinions page. There are 2 pages dedicated to it on the site. Sports Blog vs Politics Blog? I don't go to the sports page to read about people's opinions of the Mayor. That is all.

Blogger's note: Mayor, old sitcoms, old detective shows, music, Mighty Rockies. We're all over the place here and will continue to be

[THE Rich]

"Oh, boy. I'm not quite sure which Richard is which then, haha. Maybe it's time for one of the Richards to go with The Richard, with a full summary of posts to-date. (I do appreciate how The J has chosen himself to be THE J. =P)"

@ J
As you request. From this day forward I shall sign off as THE Rich. But I will pass on providing that summary of posts so as not to jeopardize my "pretty reasonable" status. After all, "Perception IS reality".

[Mike kovacs]

If anyone is looking for inexpenseive corn-fed, aged steaks check out 'The Beef Way' butcher on Highway 22 in Kincardine this summer ( if you happen to be there). They are better than certified angus and are < 50% of the cost!

[Shaun]

I don't get it - nobody is forcing you to read this blog? If you don't like what is being said by Doug, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[Robert Bertuzzi]

@Dave
With union members like you who needs capitalists? Unions continue to attempt to counteract the exploitation that harkens back to the start of the wage relationship and the Industrial Revolution. The constant and ongoing battle between workers and capitalists or their managerial minions who want to squeeze more and more from workers for less and less. And for all of those who are so in love with the system stop stealing company time by coming to this blog and reading and commenting. It's not very good for efficiency or productivity in the workplace.

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That real wages, adjusted for inflation, are stuck at 1970 levels while the workplace becomes more and more precarious and insecure with contract work sans any benefits become the norm indicates just how badly unions have lost the fight to the capitalist class. In a vast desert of longer work days for stagnant pay under more insecure conditions the odd enclave or oasis of unionized work might appear offensive if one cannot begin to map out in one's brain the social totality within which we live. These oases of labour are the exceptions that prove the rule. Better to focus on them, as it is easier to be jealous or envious of one's neighbour than a CEO's mansion or corporate headquarters which lie far outside the normal range of imagination and understanding. So, even though corporate profits and CEO salaries have largely recovered from an economic crisis that they were responsible for (since it was deregulation in the banking industry that allowed for the creation of asset backed and mortgage backed securities, collateralized debt obligation, etc), better to blame your neighbour than try to understand the intricacies and complexities of an interlocked global economic system. And for the right-wing trolls who leave no part of the Star's website unsoiled, spare me the claptrap about Bill Clinton and ACORN nefariously working together to ensure that America's underclass might the pinnacle of the American dream: homeownership.

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Lastly, @Dave, in stating that the pinnacle of union efficacy was the attainment of higher wages demonstrates just how little knowledge that you possess about the history of the labour movement. Rather than a mountain top that signaled the start of the descent into the valley. It was at this point that the fight over control of how the workplace would operate i.e. what would be produced, how would it be produced, what would be automated, what would be deskilled, etc. Please remember that the industrial organization of the workplace was a far cry from the worker democracy that existed in the craft days and this loss of democracy was resisted strongly and continues to be resisted. The tradeoff for this loss of control, after much militant action, was higher wages, pensions, etc and hence arose in even greater degrees the alienation of the workplace which is why you are all on here reading Mr. Smith's blog. So, for all you union haters, get back to the jobs you must love so much!