Kobe goes all Kobe on the Lakers; and Mom's the word

You know what has to be one of the toughest jobs in sports?

Being Kobe Bryant’s teammate.

Here you’ve got a guy with off-the-charts talent and a desire to win that borders on the pathological; a fellow who demands more excellence and effort from his teammates that perhaps they are capable of giving and someone who is quite willing to – as the saying goes these days – throw them under the bus.

And he’s at it again.

While you were sleeping – and while I was sleeping a bit if truth be told – a flu-ridden Bryant teed off on his teammates, without naming names, of course, in the wake of Denver’s win over the Lakers that sent their playoff series to a seventh and deciding game in Los Angeles.

The back story? Bryant’s sick with some bug (his hotel room “resembled a scene from The Exorcist” was how he put it) yet he goes out and gets 31 points in Denver’s 113-96 win. He plays pretty well all things considered by Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are relative pooches and the Nuggets ran by, over and through the Lakers all night.

So, Kobe’s asked, did his teammates play with the heart that he did?

“No. Of course they didn’t.”

Ouch.

So, Kobe, at least you’ll get Metta World Peace back for Game 7, that has to be a good thing, right?

“He’s the only guy that I can rely on night in and night out to compete and play hard and play with that sense of urgency and no fear.”

Double ouch.

So, is that a good thing?

Should that kind of “inside-team” stuff get out in public? Should a team’s best player rip his teammates – without naming names, of course – while sitting at the podium minutes after a tough loss? Was Bryant right?

Of course he was.

Not only did it make good copy (who wants to read or report such mundane quips as “we have play better” or “we have to step up” or “it’s going to take our best effort to win”) but it gets out there what everyone connected remotely with teams knows: Guys need to be challenged and sometimes the more public the challenge, the better.

Sure, Bryant was lashing out in the heat of the moment but good for him. He knows the window on his pursuit of a sixth NBA title is closing; he knows this team might give him the best chance to do it because you never know about health or opposition or what have you.

So a little shot across the bow might be just what’s needed and since Bryant seems to be able to back up his demands with personal performances that show just how good he is, there’s a level of gravitas to his statements that not many other players would carry.

He backs up his words with actions; taking a shot a teammate or two may fire them up to do the same.

Whether this little gambit will work or not is questionable. The Nuggets seem to have devised a defensive system against Gasol and Bynum that’s rendered them totally ineffective and I don’t know that they have the will, or the Lakers have the other parts, to get past that.

But there is no way Bryant isn’t going down swinging, even if it’s at his own teammates, and that’s not a bad thing at all.

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So many mothers, so little time.

But Sunday’s the big day, right? Breakfast in bed, or out at some restaurant; fawning all day; dinner of her choice and no screw ups by Super Dad or Super Son (well, no “major” screw ups at least).

Anyway, the point being it’s time for a list and herewith are the top 10 favourite TV moms, in no particular order.

Edith Bunker.

Estelle Constanza.

June Cleaver.

Maureen Robinson (that’ll take you back)

Claire Huxtable.

Marie Barone.

Lorelai Gilmore.

Murphy Brown.

Lucy Ricardo.

And, of course.

The Car

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There is a serious dearth of mail over in the inbox, ladies and gentlemen.

Help me out, would you?

At least say hi or something.

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You know what truly bites?

The fact the NBA is such a supplicant to its TV “partners” that Saturday’s doubleheader – Boston-Philly, Lakers-Denver – goes at the gawdawful time of 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

That’s just stupid at so many different levels. They’ll hold the tip in L.A. until the game in Boston is done which will likely mean a tip closer to 11 p.m. than 10:30 and, no disrespect intended for our western Irregulars but that’s ridiculous.

There is no doubt in my mind that more people would be better served if the games were at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., or even 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. but, no, the networks run the show and what they say goes.

Sucks.

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Remember last summer when we trundled off to cover the TOD at Fenway?

And how I was entirely underwhelmed by the park and its surroundings and it was kind of disappointing?

Well, there was one part that pretty much lived up to its billing and that was the PA announcer, the iconic Carl Beane.

Beane died this week, of a heart attack while driving, and the Sox paid one of the greatest tributes imaginable on Thursday night when they played a game with no P.A. announcements, silence where Beane’s voice should have been heard.

That’s a great, great idea.

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Vlad Guerroro Guerrero?

Why not?

Sure, the TOD are searching big time by signing the aged slugger to a minor league deal but this is one of those low-risk, high-reward deals that makes entire sense.

It’s not like he’s been given millions of dollars to play out his dotage (hello, Frank Thomas); Guerroro’s Guerrero's getting some time at extended spring training to see if there’s anything left in the tank.

I don’t personally think there is – by some quirk of scheduling I saw a lot of Baltimore games last summer and it sure looked like he was done then – but if he can give ‘em even a little bit every now and then, why not take a shot and see.

If he flails away at Dunedin, let him go; if he’s got something left in his swing, that’s a not a bad bat to have sitting on the bench for emergency situations.

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Comments

[Dave]

Doug, I think we have the next one. The Vlegend is born!

[ditch]

I think this TOD signing is doing Mr.Guerroro and the Blue Jays a disservice. Mr. Anthopolis, the honeymoon is over. This is just sad.

Is Otto Velez available?

[ditch]

Sorry. That's "Anthopoulos".

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:

"Sandwich turns 250"

Any big plans to celebrate? How about one sandwich for each decade? Or, what if you gave us a list of your all-time faves?

[Gord]

I agree with you on the Kobe situation - although I wouldn't use the word "challenge" (just goes to show sports players although in a business have no HR expectancies and or rules they must follow - why should they rite! they make millions) I would use the word "accountable" its more positive and powerful....like my bouy Coach Casey. Farrell is doing it with they Jays, moved Escobar who wasn't producing, moved Lind who wasn't producing, demoted Co-Co for 3 blown saves...these players are not being challenged, they are being held accountable. The word makes a world of difference.

One a second note: I come on here to read about Raptor stuff, you claim to the "the guy" when it comes to the Raps and lately there is nothing Raptors!...zero, zilch, nawda, none....nothing! I am reading other websites and newspapers and they have Raptors news, insights, possibilities and opinions - and "the guy" has nothing and has had nothing (aside from the odd quip) since the Raps last game. I haven’t read this blog in about 6-8 days because with my little time, Im looking for Raptor input to digest, so I come on today only to see a big fat ZERO mentioning of the Raptors. Is this now a “Doug Smith” blog about his opinions on the world around us or is it a “Raptors/Sports” blog written by Doug Smith!? What happened to the Ed Davis feature???? Wouldn’t now be a key time for that? I mean, “super-wife” is gone and your lying around on the couch and actual “news “ is slow, so wouldn’t that ED Davis feature be just about right…rite now!? The Raps are in one of the most exciting off-seasons in a while; Colangelo has stated in his most recent interview that he plans on being active, would like to see 4 new rotation players in mix next season and that he himself is excited about his off-season, the draft is stacked with talent, the free agent pool is deeper then most recent years – and I am reading a top ten mothers day list (two days early) that I read last year and the year before. Lucky you have you’re 15-20 faithful weekly readers and commenters.

Blogger's note: Don't do me any favours, okay? See ya

[GSY]

Great tribute to Carl Beane. Sometimes silence says more than words.

To your TV moms list, I'd add Marion "Mrs. C" Cunningham. The only person allowed to call The Fonz by his real name, "Arthur."

[sam]

I'm on the fence with the Vlad signing - They may have found a diamond, but the likelyhood is you get an aging star player whose time has passed. Still capable, but not consistently. Lines him up Lind and Baustista.

Not too many players can get away with Kobe's post game comments....
Perhaps a list of current players who could or would be in order. Off the top of my head. . . . I have nothing.
I'm not so certain any other player would say anything, and could back it up like Kobe.

[doug]

I think players and ones that can back up there words can get away with statements like Kobe made far more then coaches...players respect players as that's why coaches love players like Garnett,Kobe,Jordan they make their coaching jobs a lot easier...looks good on Kobe....as for the Vlad signing I am all for it, it doesn't hurt the Jays in the least moving forward, it is a no-lose proposition as Vlad would not play often but would be a player other managers would have to account for in late game situations, as he'd be coming off the bench in a pitch hitting role, definitely be a upgrade...I wish all had see Vlad in his prime, a fine player a true 5 tool player....he reminded me of Seve in golf, just swinging, at everything and everything, but he got results just doing it his way.....so a good signing..I'd have to throw Peggy Bundy on that list ...ok cheers

[Steve]

Totally the right call by Kobe to call the guys out, I believe Brown did after the game as well. The lack of effort from the Lakers bigs in getting back on defence was just atrocious.

[Shawn]

@ Gord.... I completely agree with you. Isn't this blog advertised as being a Raptors blog?.... I used to read this blog every morning at work. Now it's more like once every two weeks or so and even them it's just a big disappointment.

This is really meant to be constructive criticism Doug, so no need for a "See ya" type of response. This paper really needs some Raptors coverage and we come to you for it. Who cares if they are just rumors, that is what the off season is about.

Blogger's note: See ya; been different for months, am shocked someone as obviously astute as you missed it.

[doug]

the award so far this year in the biggest bone-headed move of the year category goes to the Hawks co-owner who calls out Garnett the night before the biggest game of the year for both teams...results predictable, as why give a guy like Garnett more fuel.....boneheaded to say the least....as for those whining about this blog, it is built on facts not TMZ type reporting or rumour...rumours are all over the internet about b-ball and such, there is no Raps NEWS at the present that's why none is talked about plain and simple...so give it a rest....cheers...

[Dave B]

Doug, I have a question about mother's day (and father's day). Is the husband (wife) supposed to provide breakfast in bed, dinner out, or other celebration on these days. Unfortunately my parents are no longer with us so I can't celebrate the days with them. I think it is up to the children to celebrate their moms (dads). I help celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, but I am off the hook for mother's day.

I would like to know your opinion and that of other irregulars.

Blogger's note: I'd say you should always put stuff on the kids, that's why we had them, right?

[JHK]

Too all readers; Doug is Doug, leave him alone.
He is a next door nice guy type who certainly has his insights on NBA and the Raptors but can be conservative - and there's nothing wrong with this, it's just his style.
At the end of the day, he covers the team pretty well especially with this blog and the IGBT.
If you guys need something more 'juicy', I know a perfect place: RealGM Raptors forum.
I tell ya, that is one interesting place to read about Raps and NBA in general.
Quiet entertaining actually.

[Tim H.]

@Gord and Shawn - I guess it's people like you that made the Ontario government introduce a Literacy Test in secondary schools. The name of the blog is "Doug Smith's SPORTS Blog." And, in today's post, 89% of it is about SPORTS!

And, if you don't like what's happening here, don't come here - and take the time to comment - especially "with my little time."

If you're into rumours, with no basis in fact, then certainly go elsewhere. The reason I - and I believe a little more than 15-20 Irregulars - come to Doug's blog is because if I read something here, I know that it is based on fact, not just a rumour some kid sitting in his parents' basement has decided to type.

[james]

It is somehow appropriate that the Jays take a flyer on the greatest of all Expos.

[Rob.V]

Is it just me or is anyone else tiring of Kobe.
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He can say what he wants, they're not good enough to win. Their bench is weak and Denver is exposing their age. The Nuggets may not win the series however the Lakers are not the Lakers of a few years back.
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What's silly about Kobe is that every post season (at least the last few) he seems to have the flu, or is on deaths door with some other "condition".
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Gas? lol!... is that the best you could come up with.
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Look the guy puked!, so what? We've all been sick many times and go
right back to our 14 hour work days.
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Lot's of us have have high fevers and still managed to get a 10k run in (or whatever we do on a daily basis).
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He's trying to be so much like Michael it's becoming a side show.
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Even if he gets 6, or 7... he'll never be MJ!
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I understand trying to model yourself after one of the greats however trying to relive the playoff performance when MJ had a fever of 103 or whatever it was is well... reaching!
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I hope the Lakers get bounced in 7.

[david]

It's Guerrero.

Blogger's note: Of course it is; blew that one. Sorry

[john]

@Tim H. Nice snark. Click this link and you can take back the lilteracy comment.
http://thestar.blogs.com/

There appears to be some confusion at Mother Ship over what this blog actually is supposed to be, or they have left hand right hand issues...

As for the Blog, is Doug supposed to report on other Bloggers opinions? Seems kinda stupid doesnt it? If there is news it is here, guaranteed. if someone else in the world has an opinion its not news, ergo its not here. I would also guess that there will continue to be no Raptors news until the ping pong ball celebration at the end of the month so get used to it. And what do you have against Mothers anyway?

[TLI]

all time mothers?

xx Murphy Brown xx
=>Kitty Forman <=

I'm not so sure abot Lucy as 'Mom' either but Donna Reed oughta be in there, for those old enough.

[Shawn]

@ Tim H... settle down bud... you seem bitter. No one is questioning anyones intelligence here... and the part about it not being a raptors blog... check the link below.
http://thestar.blogs.com/

The comments section is there for a reason, so the readers can comment whether it's to kiss the bloggers ass like you do... or give some constructive criticism about the blog. Nothing personal was meant towards Doug, as I mentioned I'm a long time reader of the blog. Agree with the commenter who mentioned Doug as a next door nice guy.

and furthermore, Tim H.... I guess the list of the top 10 tv mothers are a "fact" because you read it here.

[Gord]

@Tim H and John….
You mentioned literacy (as a very weak point) to support Doug – then Doug goes and makes a spelling mistake…I love karma! As head of the HR department at fortune 500 company, I really don’t have the time on my one break a day to go over specifics like grammar, I type fast hit send and I’m off to the next thing…. nor do I care to please you – he who obvious doesn’t work for a fortune 500 company in HR. So as I write this on the train ride home….It was DOUG who said he would do a feature on Ed Davis, just want to know where it is. Doug takes the time to write “non-news” things for this blog everyday, so your “he’s only a news guy” argument is again…WEAK and contradictive. I am not asking for rumours - what about some situation talks about the deep FA pool or the draft possibilities? Or a “feature” on a few guys like say….oh I don’t know; Ed Davis! This is how chats work for the 500 plus crowd….blogs: people talk about a topic of interest and they discuss their opinions and insights. That’s why must people come here to this particular blog to chat about the Raps or sports but for sure basketball and mostly Raptors….Instead of reading about how Doug sat around on the couch, didn’t shower and got fat. An average of under 25 comments is soft – other articles are over a hundred let alone a blog – this should be in the hundreds
When I see you say things like “kids in their parent’s basement with computers” shows me that your depth on website knowledge/quality sites is nonexistent. I would wager a bet you’re over 55!? Just like the average age of 90% of Doug’s commentators and readers (most of them outside of the GTA). People in T.O have gotten to know this guy fast and it aint good, take a look at how he speaks to people who don’t agree with him….sort of like a dictatorship “you disagree, then see ya later your not allowed on my site” like a cyber bully with an ounce of control. Just because it is a blogging session doesn’t mean we are kids or are nerds….in fact must bloggers that discuss the Raps with me fall in the 24-44 range and have very successful (University /College degrees/diplomas). YES, I am a sports junkie and a blog junkie, therefore when I read an article by (oh lets say) Stephen Brotherson from a quality NBA website like Hoopsworld (and who lives on his own and is 40 year old-ish I would gather)...has insights and DISCUSION, news, opinion – IT ALL! While they are not playing too - go figure! He uses his MIND to talk about a sports team and their future and their present and their past that is a hobby that interests many of good people like me and the same people who thought Doug was of the same ilk. The fact that you argue against this train of thought makes you pathetic. You are saying as a Raps fan – you rather have a guy write about his opinion on Kobe and the Lakers but not do a feature from a player on the Raps!???... You rather (as a Raps fan) a reporter talks about his personal life then discuss players that could help the Raps this coming draft!????….This team will draft one to eight spot, that means about a dozen players could be discussed on this blog for us hobbyist and people who are interested in the Raps future. And sadly you are’nt – you’re a fair whether fan and it’s obvious.
This Raptors fan is smart enough to understand – weak sad little pathetic websites opposed to the genuine ones. This Raptors fan comes on here to gain and exercise that interest – the interest I love and do as a hobby - to only read about how Doug fell asleep and to see a top ten list that he cut and pasted from last year!...That’s NEWS!!!??????!
Doug never has and never will take criticism – this is why a link was posted up here a few weeks ago showing the discontent amongst lots and lots of T.O Raptor fans (and lost fans of this blog – and that is sad for the writer/reporter because he doesn’t upon himself) – There are no links (to bad comments strictly aimed at one report) about Brotherson or Armstrong or Ganter or Big E from Raptors.com, or Griffin or Cathel…Not even Simmons – who is hated in T.O…nobody but Doug. AND, it is a shame he has to be so quick to answer/lash back without any purpose or thought to people who don’t have an opinion like his. I guess he feels he has control, so bullying behind a computer is funny to him…maybe it gives him some self confidence, I don’t know! What I do know Tim H and John (the same old names you read on this blog from the 20 plus same supports) you guys are just as sad for supporting it…him! I doubt this message will make it past Dougs approval anyways. Im not allowed my own opinion on his blog! lol

[ditch]

Damn that copy/paste function. Sorry. It's "Guerrero". Today I'm having a Lind. ( 0 for 2) but I took mine in spelling.

[Rob.V]

Gord/Shawn.
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Rather than stoop, I've just erased my profanity laced tirade I was going to post.
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If you'd like Doug to write about something (or the Raptors) that might interest you why not a polite suggestion?
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To come at him (or anyone) like that is nothing more than bush league.
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Raptors? What the hell is there to write about... that they still suck?!!! A little patience... at least until May 30th please.

[J]

Every day, I do a quick scan of Doug's blog to see if anything interests me. If there isn't, I move on. Thank goodness for the lack of rumor coverage! I'm sorry, but there are PLENTY of places for that rubbish. The last thing I want to spend my time on is some long blog about rumors, only to discover the so-called rumors originated as amateur opinions posted on Bleacher Report and trade suggestions posted in the Raptors Republic forums. For people who profess to have read Doug for years, I'm surprised they haven't read the few thousand times he has mentioned his stance on rumors.

[Fredho]

Fully agree with your point on the TV stations Doug. It reeks of commercial interests (or should I just say commercials) overruling the public interests.
Sports is for the people, the Romans realized that well enough and made sure their arena's were big enough to entertain as many people as possible as often as possible.
Unfortunately these days politics - as representation of the people - has no power over the force of commercial interests which rules our modern age, so the games air on TV when the target market for the aired commercials is at its peak, and not at 1 or even 4 pm, when the audience for the games played would be a lot bigger and the people who enjoy sports would be a lot better served.
Starting the games 1-4 pm EST would allow all NBA fans in Western Europe to follow the games live. I don't know how many more NBA.TV International subscribers there are, but as it is now, only those who deliberately stay up at night can live some live games. Airing these top-of-the-bill weekend games earlier, would open them up for the European market, would attract more NBA tv subscribers or single-game purchasers. They could put commercials for global products in the NBA Live streams if the point is they "can't afford" to lose the revenue from 8-10 pm EST TV commercials, for a win-win-win situation. The NBA gets more viewers, the commercials reach out to a far wider, global audience while cutting the cost of localizing commercials, and most importantly of course, the games can be viewed live by millions of people more.