So the new log of criticism added to the Miami Heat's fire is "crygate." Never-mind that info was voluntarily leaked by their head-coach Erik Spoelstra (I'm still baffled on that one, why invite more drama to a script you can barely direct already?), the point is that he left his players vulnerable to the world's opinion and interpretation of this watery controversy.
Crying in basketball is hardly new and has gone on for years. It's an emotional sport. I remember gaining added respect for Kobe Bryant in 2003 after the Spurs defeated the Lakers in the playoffs. LA was denied a 4th straight title as Kobe wept in surreal shock and disgust from the bench. The "Answer" Allen Iverson couldn't deny the tears from streaming when his upstart Sixers lost in the first round to Reggie Miller's 2000 veteran laden and Finals bound Pacers.
Witnessing this bold statement of security in one's manhood by two of the league's most elite players taught me that it's ok to be passionate for things you love. But I saw these examples transpire on camera. Kobe and Iverson were aware their emotions would be caught on film. They had an option to manifest or censor their feelings to the world and they did so to a relatively positive reception by the masses.
Lebron and Wades' alleged crying was TOLD to the world. We didn't SEE it. Human beings naturally imagine things for the worse when left with the option of open interpretation. With a mountain high of recent criticism permeating, it tends to alleviate any benefit of doubt for apologizing or defending the self-called "Heatles". Watching them meltdown in close game after close game would suggest tears of pity rather respect.
In the aforementioned Kobe/Iverson crying examples, it would imply tears of honor like Denzel tearing-up and staring at his counter-slaves while being beaten by his owner in "Glory." Because we didn't see the Heat players cry, coupled with their negative perception we automatically assume tears of pity a la Celie crying when "Mista" separated her from her sister in "The Color Purple."
I'll reserve my judgement for these boys until their season is over. As a competitor, losing can be extremely beautiful. The words of Ghost come to my mind in describing their recent funk: "We want it so bad, we may cry!" (Mighty Healthy) It's not about crying. It's about any excuse the hoop's world are looking for to "pooh-pooh" on the Heat, cuz right now it's a 'cool to hate the Heat' world.
The HEAT needs to CRY, they put this on themselves, with DECISION and celebrating the Pre-notion of a Championship, Dynasty before even playing a GAME! Thats disrepect and arrogance...We shall see, The Season is not over yet, but I think we all know how it will END with them having a long SUMMER of reflection and meditation on the DECISION!!!
ReplyDelete@ Anonymus: ha, powerful words. i agree w/ you to a degree, your sentiment reminds me of a phrase told me back in the day: "you get what you deserve." But I th Wade put it in perspective: "these are just growing pains that we gotta go thru. it sucks now, but after 5 weeks from now we'll see."
ReplyDeletei th wade and bron are being apprehensive in the clutch b/c they don't want to step on the other's toe's. lebron's anti-clutch gene is contagious, and wade has the killa kill. it's been proven.
like any marriage, there's an adjustment period. let them weather the storm before we go to divorce court.