A case to be made for a more cautious approach to life

I think it was Doc Rivers I first heard it from – and I’m sure he got it from somewhere and we’ll never know who first made the point – but a couple of things in the news recently hammer it home and the advice should serve as a warning for athletes in every sport everywhere.

Nothing good happens in the clubs after 2 a.m.

Never.

(Well, maybe not “never.” I’ve had some fun late at night but I’m not an athlete and I don’t have things to worry about that they do)

Anyway, I digress.

It’s news that Tony Parker could conceivably miss the Olympics because an eye injury he suffered while a bystander at some stupid bar brouhaha in New York that serves as the latest reminder of wisdom of those words and you wonder when everyone’s going to pay attention.

The backstory: Parker’s in some fancy schmancy New York club one night when a couple of warblers – or the people who hang with warblers – get in a bit of a dustup, something I would guess began over some inconsequential slight that was more perceived than intended.

Words are shared, shoves happen, someone breaks a bottle and all of a sudden Parker’s got a shard of glass in his eye and while his long-term future isn’t at stake, his summer plans to go to London are in jeopardy.

Now, I know I sound a bit like an old fuddy-duddy (and simply by using the phrase fuddy-duddy I prove that fact) but you would think these guys – and Parker is just the latest in a long list of them – would be a bit more careful, at least knowing to bail at the first sign of contretemps or trouble.

I’m also sure Parker and his group weren’t expecting trouble – no one ever is – but these things happen with such regularity, fights, arguments, someone trying to make a late-night point or stake claim to turf or whatever, that more caution is needed.

I’m not suggesting a Hermit’s life for every professional athlete or entertainer, they are by their very nature Type A personalities who tend to live hard and fast but there seems to be a lack of common sense at times that is alarming.

Yes, you could say this was a fluke, bad timing, or whatever, but flukes, bad timing situations and whatevers tend to happen, I think all athletes need to be more aware, more cognizant of what could happen than they are.

We can’t ask them to do nothing, we can’t ask them to hide or live in bubbles, we can suggest they are more wary, more alert, more something.

All of ‘em.

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What’s that old saw about water seeking its own level?

Was watching the TOD out of one eye while in full on couch repose last night and about the last thing I recall before the rains – and sleep – came was Jose Bautista hammering a line drive over the Green Monster.

Not bad for a guy who apparently forgot how hit in April and who now has 12 homers this month and a league-leading 24 on the year.

Not sure where I first heard it but there’s a truism about the game that could probably be applied to all kinds of sports:

Eventually, guys will become what they are.

It’s especially true in baseball simply because of the length of the season; there’s lots of time to make up for slow starts, as we’ve seen with Bautista, and lots of times to cool off from torrid beginnings.

Guess life – and sports – is just a game of runs, good and bad.

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Holy crap.

How is it that the Olympic departure is less than a month away?

My, time flies, doesn’t it?

Considering there’s an NBA draft, free agency, summer league and about a kajillion pre-Olympic features to be done, can someone slow the clock down, I need more time.

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Perfect quote from Ed Stefanski yesterday, sums up the NBA situation just perfectly:

“Thursday’s a long way away but we’re holding onto that pick but we’re exploring every option.”

Which means everything’s in play and possible and anyone who tells you what’s going to happen is totally guessing.

I don’t think the Raptors are anywhere close to 100 per cent sure what’s going to happen, either with their pick, the picks above them or in trade talks.

Yes, there has been some preliminary chatter, no doubt; but no one brings their ‘A’ games or offers until at least Wednesday and possibly not until Thursday so we’ve got another couple of days to sit on tenterhooks and wonder what might be.

Of course, we may get a bit of a hint this afternoon when Bryan does his final pre-draft media thing. Oh, wait. No, we won’t. We’ll hear that there are lots of options, all are being explored and they’ll do what they think is best for the long-term growth of the franchise.

(And if I knew how to really search this interweb thing, I guarantee I’d find just about the same thing two days before last year’s draft. It is forever thus)

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Oh yeah. You want “engagement” with the people?

Figure we’ll do an IGBT thing for part of Thursday night – maybe the first hour or 90 minutes of the draft depending on breaking news and when I have to leave – and then, hopefully, a chat Friday at noon to set us up for free agency that starts Sunday.

See you calendars accordingly, please.

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Yes, it was a stupid easy win for the women at the Olympic qualifier against a Mali team that would be so-so with its best players and woefully inadequate without them.

What’s it mean?

Nothing, really.

You’re going to get the odd mismatch and blowout in a tournament like this and it’s always better to be on the giving, rather than receiving, end.

But I know this group of women and the coaching staff pretty well; they’ll understand what Monday was – a one-off blip – and know that the real work begins today against France and continues Thursday when the quarter-final rolls around.

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Comments

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug (and interested Irregulars):

Another NBL/Windsor update:

http://www.windsorstar.com/sports/Detroit+businessman+Willis+leads+local+hoops/6838613/story.html

And Lorie, I did not detect any spelling errors this time.

[Jay]

Guess life – and sports – is just a game of runs, good and bad.

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Holy crap.

Intentional? Whatever it was, a very hearty laugh was had by me.

[Jim Rootham]

Canada vs France in basketball? My memory says there is some history there (at least on the men's side).

[Wallace]

Hi Doug,
I wonder if you're hearing anything about Alan Anderson's future. I thought he played well enough to get an offer this year. I know they have a $1.5 Million commitment to Gary Forbes.........so does that mean Anderson's gone?

Blogger's note: Probably; camp invite non-guaranteed at best

[LeeZ]

Just had a look at your story (and photo) on the Lithuanian victory the other day, and HOLY CRAP, has Robert Archibald ever let himself go! A dozen too many trips to the all-ou-can-eat haggis table, maybe? Washed down by some deep fried Snickers bars, no doubt. I mean he was never the poster boy for svelte, but ouch! We're approaching Oliver Miller territory here! And speaking of the Big O, is he still playing somewhere? I remember as recently as, what, two years ago he was still trying to catch on somewhere. Think he could be our answer at small forward? (I do crack myself up)

Blogger's note: Last I heard, Oliver was in jail, incident with gun last July if I recall

[doug]

what a heartwarming story, what a family....as you say life is a game of runs good and bad, these people have combined them into one it seems...kudos to them..

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1217034--eaton-centre-shooting-mother-of-wounded-13-year-old-tells-ctv-family-has-no-fear-of-toronto?bn=1

[Nick M]

Who knew there was a reason why these entertainer types ignore the fashion faux pas of wearing glasses indoors/at night? Does this mean white pants after labour day may, one day, save lives?

[Peter]

I'm in Tony Parker's age bracket, and I couldn't agree with you more! Even I know, there are certain people, or types of people that simply seem to have trouble follow them around. Athletes need to be MUCH better at identifying that. Just like the rest of us!

[Tim]

Hi Doug,

Maybe this is more a mailbag thing, but do you have any comment on Larry Bird stepping down? It seems odd to me that he'd step down now. He just won executive of the year, he has an up and coming young team -- why leave now?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: Health may be an issue; more tomorrow morning

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning, Doug. Just wondering if you think JV to Toronto is, like, 99% or are there any lurking monkey wrenches to consider?
Seeing Real Madrid is scheduled to play a pre-season game in T.O. How huge is that?
And what's to be made of our TOD's snakebit hurling team? Curse of the Ricciardi?
Cheers. Go Pick 37! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jCIj2gmILw&feature=related

Blogger's note: 99.99999999 per cent

[Mos High]

Feel bad for Tony Parker, ish happens. Yes, there is nowhere safe if you want to have some good fun in the late hours of the night. Such is life, you can try a curb it, but NOTHING is given anywhere.

Raptors I feel will end up keeping the pick as Colangelo cant gamble too much with this franchise. Maybe he makes a deal down the line.

Bargnani and Vala at the 4 & 5...There is talent but I dont think any lane intimidation at all. Thats just my take on things. Hopefully Bargnani plays as well as he was the begining of last year.

The Blue Jays are putting those numbers up, hopefully they stay competitive until the last weeks of the season, so at least it gives something to cheer about.
Baseball has to many flippin games and 2 little teams in the playoffs, this worst league for regular season BY FAR!!!!!

[Talkic]

Hey Doug...I don't fault Parker for what happened. It's not like it happened in the wee hours before a playoff game etc. He had a long season and is a bachelor in the Big Apple...what else would he be doing at 2 am?

[Rob.V]

Thanks Doug, the story of the 13 year old boy is both a very sad and happy one.
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It's amazing how luck and "timing" can alter ones life so dramatically (I should have ate the chicken). I guess Tony Parker should have opted for a chicken sandwich at 2am as well.
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Okay, so here's how it's going to go down on Thursday night according to my crystal ball.
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Trade #1: Raptors send #8, #37, and Ed Davis to Houston for Lowry and 14+16.
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Trade #2: Raptors then send Calderon, James Johnson, and #16 to Memphis for Rudy Gay.
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Raptors Trade: Calderon/Davis/Johnson/#8/#37
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Raptors Net: Lowry, Gay, #14 to either take best available player (Lamb, PJ3, or Sullinger).
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These trades still maintain some cap flexibility and the MLE to go out and get either a Ray Allen or Jamal Crawford to shore up the #2 spot.
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You're welcome!

[Ryan]

Last I checked, Parker is young, single and ON VACATION. Where else should he be at 2am? Give the guy a break Doug. Parker doesn't seem like the type of person that has trouble following him around (isn't this guy friends with Matt Bonner?). The reality is that bad things can happen anywhere. The recent Eaton Centre incident is a prime example. If this occurred during the season then I would agree with you, but it didn't and Parker wasn't even directly involved.

[Lorie]

@Tim H: A substantial bankroll AND good spelling? Hey, if it were left up to me, you're in! Welcome to the NBL! And speaking of spelling, it would seem we here in London will have to become familiar with the spelling of another brand of beer. Yes, our beloved John Labatt Centre is about to be rechristened "Budweiser Gardens" named after what was the favourite beverage of the legendary sportsmen and beer enthusiast King Ottokar II of Bohemia back in 1245. The connection to a sporting facility in Southwestern Ontario is obvious. I before E except after C. Or when it's Bohemian.

@Nick M: So, if white pants (only on warm days, please) after Labour Day are suspected to have life-saving properties, men, if you wear them remember a couple of fashion rules: the lighter in colour the pants, the more substantial in weight the fabric should be. And what goes underneath (yes! it's never THAT warm) should not be black. Also, if they're cords and not jeans, narrow wale is better and not horizontal. Oh, and one more thing; please don't rip the pockets off the back. Ripping off the pockets so that your ass-cheeks become taillights isn't merely a waste of fabric. It's tasteless. Happy to help!

And Doug, thanks so much the other day for that clip of The Honeymooners. I'm still chuckling. "Hello, ball!" Brilliant. Classic. Gold. And so far, a good day here for comments. At the time of this one of mine, there was not a single solitary suggestion of a potential trade for Jose. Yes, a good day!

Cheers! And Go Canadian SWNT against France this afternoon! As they say, "Win The Day"!

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Like Rihanna found out, no good happens when you're hangin' with Chris Brown at any time of the day...

Ciao amigo,

marc in panama

[jsmut]

Isn't Bautista the poster boy for NOT regressing to the norm given his transformation from journeyman to superstar?

[MC_Brad]

Something I have wondered but never inquired about. If the Raptors wanted HWSNBN back around draft time, why didnt they just draft him instead of AJ and then flipping him? I dont really understand the point from either teams perspective (outside of possibly a lower rookie deal "slot" for the Raps. Care to shed some light?

Blogger's note: Save a bit of money, not a lot but some both on rookie contract and first extension. Don't really recall specifics -- or care to -- of something that happened more than a decade ago

[DannyFromFreddy]

Hey Doug. After seeing this piece on the Canadian Senior Women's Rugby Team:

http://www.thestar.com/sports/olympics/article/1216973--the-naked-truth-about-women-s-rugby

Is there any chance you'll get to cover Women's Rugby?

[J]

@MC_Brad:

The team simply took a gamble that Jamison was Golden State's guy, forcing the Warriors to give them a little something extra for Jamison (while also saving a bit on the rookie contract). Didn't have a huge impact, but all things considered, it was a good move.

[joeu]

@jsmut, he's regressing to the *new* norm.

[Peter]

Bryan Colangelo: "I'm just not telling you everything that I know." And that just about sums up the "news" from the news conference. We can't learn much when we won't know the whole story. I believe a wise grunt once told us that we wouldn't learn a whole lot today. :)