The Spurs had a 6-game road trip in 9 days and had won the first 5 games. On the last night of the trip, the coach decided to send 4 starters home to San Antonio and not even show up for the game. Two of these players were older than 35, and needed a rest. The other two were 30 and 25. As a result, the NBA decided to fine the Spurs $250,000 because they "did a disservice to the league and our fans". Really?
The job of a coach is to win the NBA championship. Greg Popovich, coach of the Spurs, felt like the team would benefit if he sent home a few players to get some extra rest for the upcoming games. Popovich was simply doing his job. However, the NBA felt that it was despicable because fans pay to see the star players.
Popovich was definitely justified for sending his players home. When players are fatigued, they have a higher risk of injury and if one of those players got injured, they might have no chance of winning the championship. Popovich is paid to win the title, not to satisfy the wants of the league. Although the league might be angry, coaches have benched stars before without being fined. Americans LOVE to win. It's part of American culture. So why should David Stern, NBA commissioner, punish a coach for doing something that almost comes naturally to him? The fans just want to see their team win the championship, even if it costs them a game. No NBA team is going to win every game.
In the past, "The Cleveland Cavaliers rested a healthy James for four straight games at the end of the 2009-10 regular season" and "In the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts rested a healthy Peyton Manning even with an undefeated record late in the 2009 season". If benching players in games happens often, why should the NBA be allowed to fine teams now?
Do you feel that the NBA should have fined the Spurs for resting 4 of their 5 starters? Why? And do you think certain situations dictate whether a fine is necessary? Feel free to comment below.
No comments:
Post a Comment