Larry Bird soon to be eating his foot.

[Halx]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1818396

Bird: NBA 'a black man's game'

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. -- Larry Bird says he wants to see more white superstars in the NBA, but the legendary former Celtic has also revealed that nothing in basketball bothered him more than being guarded by another white player.

Bird made the comments during an ESPN special that will air Thursday at 7 p.m. ET featuring Bird's longtime rival, Magic Johnson, and rookies LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. The one-hour discussion is called "Two on Two."

ESPN host Jim Gray asked Bird whether the NBA lacks enough white superstars.

"Well, I think so," said Bird, the Indiana Pacers' president of basketball operations. "You know, when I played, you had me and Kevin (McHale) and some others throughout the league. I think it's good for a fan base because, as we all know, the majority of the fans are white America. And if you just had a couple of white guys in there, you might get them a little excited. But it is a black man's game, and it will be forever. I mean, the greatest athletes in the world are African-American."

Johnson, a Lakers part owner, quickly added: "We need some more LBs -- Larry Birds. ... Larry Bird, you see, can go into any neighborhood. When you say 'Larry Bird,' black people know who he is, Hispanics, whites, and they give him the respect."

Cleveland's James and Denver's Anthony, both 19, were also asked about race during the sitdown, which took place in the tiny gym used as Hickory High's homecourt in the movie "Hoosiers."

Asked by Gray if race is an issue in the NBA, James said: "I don't think so. I think the fans look at the game, (they're) not looking at the race. (They're) looking who can play basketball. Or who's athletic. ... When you (were) a kid and you used to go outside, it didn't matter who was the best player in the league. If Bird was my favorite player, I'm out shooting threes. ... If Magic was my (favorite) player, I'm out there throwing my best passes. It's not the race issue. If you can play the game of basketball, you know fans are gonna love you."

Said Anthony: "Race is not an issue. Where I'm from, people love the Yao Mings, the Dirks, the Pejas. They love them guys. I don't think race is an issue right now."

Yet later in the discussion, Bird described being guarded by another white in his prime as "disrespect."

"The one thing that always bothered me when I played in the NBA was I really got irritated when they put a white guy on me," Bird said. "I still don't understand why. A white guy would come out (and) I would always ask him: 'What, do you have a problem with your coach? Did you coach do this to you?' And he'd go, 'No,' and I'd say, 'Come on, you got a white guy coming out here to guard me; you got no chance.' ... For some reason, that always bothered me when I was playing against a white guy.

"As far as playing, I didn't care who guarded me -- red, yellow, black," Bird added. "I just didn't want a white guy guarding me. Because it's disrespect to my game."

Said Magic: "His game, you see, Larry Bird was the only (white) guy that was mentioned in the barbershop. ...'Cause that's where all the talking in our communitity is, the barbershop or on the playground."

Bird has declined to comment further, according to a Pacers spokesman, and NBA commissioner David Stern said he would reserve comment until seeing the entire interview.

I think I understand what he means. He wanted to be guarded by a black guy 'cause they were better athletes and better defenders, but since he was white in a black man's sport, he just got disrespected. However, the way he said it, or the way the article says it, it's a little damning.

[absorbentishe]

Ah, I don't know what to say, but he needs to watch what he says and how he says it.

[djtestudo]

I think the part about being defended by a white guy is a little over-the-top, but the first part of the article could probably be valid. I don't think it's as though suddenly people will flock to basketball games in record numbers because of an infusion of players of a paler complexion, but there could be something to it.

I've seen a few articles and shows recently that have discussed the steady drop of non-Hispanic black players from baseball. Those players move towards basketball and football for a number of reasons, and one listed as an important factor is that those are seen as more "black" sports.

Personally, I couldn't care less if the guys in a game I'm watching are black, white, purple, chartruse, are anything as long as they entertain me.

[boatin]

yeah, everyone has to be careful how they say stuff about race/religion/etc. Too bad, somehow.

I challenge anyone to name a white player he played against that would have been the best guard against him. Bird was commenting on what actually happened: sub par white players guarding him. For the situation to happen (to even give him something to comment about) says to me that others (coaches) were making decisions according to race. If they weren't, he would have been guarded by the best player.

Ironic that for him to respond to that situation (even after all this time), he will get tarred and feathered.

[Spartak]

I think the article is written so it twists his words a bit.

I'll wait to see the whole interview, then make up my mind.

But if you thnk about it it's really not all that shocking as he is saying what is pretty much the truth in basketball - there aren't very many good white players. Which really doesn't diminish anything from a game, as fans are paying to see the best 5 guys on the team, on the court. Regardless of race.

[powerclown]

ESPN host Jim Gray asked Bird whether the NBA lacks enough white superstars.

Jim Gray is the idiot journalist asshole who should be blamed for even bringing up the subject. Whats your point, Jim? He won't though, as he's an ivory tower 'journalist', and has 'journalistic immunity'. Don't shoot the messenger! I hate journalists.

"Those who cant do, teach; those who can't teach, teach gym. Those who can't teach gym become journalists and talk about teaching gym."

[cameroncrazy822]

I think his comments were innocuous in intent. He just doesn't have a lot of PC in him. Barkley can say what he wants why can't Bird. Magic johnson backed him up... If the majority of NBA fans are white, then why do they need a white superstar to get them to watch what they're already watching? Hmmmm?

[absorbentishe]

I saw a bit of the interview last night on outside the lines I think. I think what bird is referring to is... Not enough white American super stars. He's saying there's not enought white Americans playing the game. Mello and LeBron were just sitting back and listening, I think they may have been embarrassed.

As for the white guy guarding him, he said it was like a disrespect to him, shut up. If he's in the fucking NBA, obviously he's got game, and Larry, you were good, and could shoot, but you were slow as malasses.

[onetime2]

I guess I just don't get the controversy. Sure people are gonna be pissed because a white guy brought up race but I hear calls all the time for more "minority" participation in things. Aren't white athletes a minority within the NBA?

[Hanxter]

i found the whole interview hysterical - to include all the talk on mike & mike, dan patrick, colin cowherd and wilbon...

"if larry bird was a black man, he'd just be another basketball player."

wonder who said that... ?

[yankeefatboy]

Originally posted by powerclown
Jim Gray is the idiot journalist asshole who should be blamed for even bringing up the subject. Whats your point, Jim? He won't though, as he's an ivory tower 'journalist', and has 'journalistic immunity'. Don't shoot the messenger! I hate journalists.

"Those who cant do, teach; those who can't teach, teach gym. Those who can't teach gym become journalists and talk about teaching gym."

Wow, way to validate your post with the last two sentences. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! By the way, are we to assume "gym" is Physical Education. Please research before you lay claim to knowledge. Most PE teachers can and do teach other disciplines and many are or will be administrators in the education system. Shame on you!
Now for Jim Gray, can you say Pete Rose? That interview says all you need to know about Jim Gray.

[djtestudo]

Originally posted by yankeefatboy
Wow, way to validate your post with the last two sentences. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! By the way, are we to assume "gym" is Physical Education. Please research before you lay claim to knowledge. Most PE teachers can and do teach other disciplines and many are or will be administrators in the education system. Shame on you!
Now for Jim Gray, can you say Pete Rose? That interview says all you need to know about Jim Gray.

Somebody had their sense of humor pick-pocketed in the Bronx...

[powerclown]

Wow, way to validate your post with the last two sentences. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! By the way, are we to assume "gym" is Physical Education. Please research before you lay claim to knowledge. Most PE teachers can and do teach other disciplines and many are or will be administrators in the education system. Shame on you!

For all the gym teachers out there, my deepest sympathy. I mean apology.

I didn't hear/read the Rose interview by Gray. The one at the All-Star game you mean? Where he tried to ambush and embarrass Rose on live TV in front of millions with some tabloid trash revelation about his gambling? It'd be par for the course for those ego-maniacal little freaks.

Is Larry Bird going to go the way of Pete Rose now because of some mousy little journalistic hack? Just another Hall of Fame athlete who provided years and years of entertainment to millions, and brought in millions of dollars for the franchise and city he performed in?

Just an old Woody Allen joke anyway, as djtestudo noted. Chill out.

[dragon2fire]

For all the gym teachers out there, my deepest sympathy. I mean apology.

hahaha ok that got a chuckle out of me



I think brid rasies a valid point. there would be more fans if there were more white superstars. There is a group a very narrow minded group of white people that refuse to watch the nba because it is predomaitaly black. Does this make them good people no but it would be better for the leauge becasue these asshats have money and they would spend it. cynical maybe but its true


my 0.02

[djtestudo]

Originally posted by dragon2fire
I think brid rasies a valid point. there would be more fans if there were more white superstars. There is a group a very narrow minded group of white people that refuse to watch the nba because it is predomaitaly black. Does this make them good people no but it would be better for the leauge becasue these asshats have money and they would spend it. cynical maybe but its true

I wouldn't go that far personally. Someone, I think Michael Wilbon or Stephen A. Smith, said that people just like watching others play who look like them. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm an overweight white guy, so I like seeing guys like Sidney Ponson of the Orioles play well in a similar condition. However, it isn't as though that's a true concern as long as I'm being entertained.

[dylanmarsh]

Originally posted by boatin
I challenge anyone to name a white player he played against that would have been the best guard against him.

Easy! Bizarro Larry Bird. Oh wait, I'm thinking of a Superman comic.
Any how, there were some descent white guys back in Larry's day but none that could compare to Larry's ability. Kevin McHale, Tom Chambers, Jack Sikma, Chris Mullin, Detlef Schrempf, and Bill Laimbeer are just a few. Out of all of these, though, I'd say Laimbeer guarded Larry the best. Now, that's not to say Laimbeer didn't cheat or act like a thug, but he didn't let Larry have his way like Bird was accustomed to. For all intents and purposes, no one, black or white, could guard Larry when he was on top of his game.

[redcigar]

I think Larry's comments are on. Basketball is an urban sport. Not too many white kids are in the city ballin' , trying to get out. I think allot can be said for the white international player. They are trying to do better for themselves bustin' ass trying to make it to the league. If what he said was such a huge issue how come Magic, Melo, and Lebron didn't comment on it?

[jcookc6]

he is 100% right.
It is my opinion the reason the blacks have taken over sports is because white kids are not allowed or won't play sports without adult supervision. In the inner city, there is not a lot of adult supervision around. Plus white suburban kid don't play pick up games anymore, at least not when they are in the developmental ages.
Before anyone bashes me, I did raise 6 kids and 4 of them were very athletic and played High School sports, and one played college sports.
Also, another point, on Sunday night in white suburbia, ride by a ball park and see how many kids are playing baseball tonight. I mean pickup.

[CandleInTheDark]

I disagree with that cook. Inner city youth play sports and strive to get better at sports because sport is a way out of poverty. It's the same around the world, anywhere there is proffesional sports. Being exceptionally good at sport can get you and education and millions of dollars.

[jcookc6]

You don't need to read the whole thing, it is from Manny Ramirez's web page, All he did when he was a kid was play baseball, and it explains why dominican players are so good at baseball, that is all there is to do. Being from the Boston area, if I remember about Larry Byrd, he had a similar up bringing.
About Manny >> Biography [Chronology] [Views]
Name:........Manuel Aristides Ramirez DOB:...........30th - May - 1972................. Height:.......6'........................................ Weight:......212

.................................................................................................

"Since early on, the qualities that stood out were his firm determination and his desire to play baseball... When he was 6 or 7, on many occasions his lunch and dinner had to be taken to the baseball field where he was playing". (Aristides Ramirez)

Born to Aristides and Onelcida Ramirez, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Manuel Aristides (Manny) Ramirez traveled a long road to become one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball.

During the 70s, football, hockey and soccer were hardly known in the Dominican Republic, and there weren't many basketball courts. Consequently, like most children who attended school in the afternoon, Manny grew up playing baseball every morning and evening with friends. "I don't remember much about those times, but I do remember that my mom would get upset, because I never came home in time to eat at the table with the rest of the family. I was always at the field playing" (Manny). Baseball had taken a hold of Manny. Thus, in addition to playing he would watch the Winter League games to focus on what exceptional players did to win. Pedro Guerrero, Tony Fernandez, Julio Franco, Tony Peña, Alfredo Griffin, Juan Samuel and George Bell were among his idols. During these years, Manny also learned about the Dodgers, the Blue Jays, the Phillies, the Pirates and of course, the Yankees. Manny was changing. He was growing, but his understanding and his love for this game was growing too. For him, baseball was more than a game to have fun. It became a serious affair. Nevertheless, from the age of 5 to 12, his routine didn't change much - to the field in the morning, to school in the afternoon and back to the field in the evening.Then, at 13 years old his life headed in a new direction.

In 1985, Manny and his three sisters moved to New York City, where his mom and dad had been living since 1983. The family was living in the upper west side of Manhattan, in Washington Heights, which was mainly populated by Dominican immigrants. Manny's first few days in New York were very difficult. He had no friends and didn't know where the baseball fields were. Within a couple of days, his dad took him to the field on 170th street and Amsterdam Ave., and that's all it took for Manny to get back into the baseball arena.

Manny began to play with his new friends almost everyday, and noticed he could hit the ball out of the park on a regular basis. His teammates also saw his natural power and invited Manny to Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Van Courtland Park in the Bronx and Manhattan's Central Park to play every weekend. This became Manny's new routine, until he entered high school.

At age 14, Manny began attending George Washington High School, where he focused on more seriously refining his natural hitting skills.
High school was complicated for me. I passed my classes, but I never felt relaxed in class... I had just come to New York, to a different culture, and I was trying to fit in. Also, I was trying to learn to speak a different language... I always like to do things correctly, and it was difficult learning correct English, so I lost interest. This got me even deeper into baseball... When I played, I felt good about myself, because I could do my best. I could work hard and help our team to win. Manny

Manny's high school experience was bitter sweet. Yet he made the best of it. He sat with his high school coach for hours to talk about what he needed to do to become an outstanding baseball player. Then he would turn the advice into practice. Manny would wake up at the crack of dawn to run before going to school, and after dinner he went to a friend's house to lift weights. He was a very hard worker. He never missed or arrived late to practice. He was the star of the high school team. He was determined to become a better player, and when coaches, spectators and friends asserted that he could make it to the Big Leagues, Manny's determination became even stronger. And the fruits of his hard work began to show.

Manny led George Washington High School to three straight Manhattan Division championships (1988-1990) and to the Division finals in 1991. In his junior year, Manny belted a home run measured at over 400 feet in a game played in Central Park vs. Park West High School. As a senior vs. Brandeis High School, he walloped two home runs, each traveling over 430 feet. Manny's final high school numbers were exceptional: batting average of .630, slugging percentage of 1.455, and a home run every 5.7 at bats. He received All-City honors in 1989, '90 and '91 and was named New York City Public Schools "High School Player of the Year"

During his high school years, Manny also played summer ball in the Youth Service League. He traveled all over the United States with the Youth Service teams, including two trips in 1989 and 1990 to the AABC Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico. He also played Pony League, American Legion and Connie Mack ball; he excelled in all.

Finally, in June 1991, he received the good news and his family cheered. The Cleveland Indians selected Manny in the first round (13th overall) of the Major League Baseball amateur draft; the same draft that produced Cliff Floyd, Shawn Green, and Pokey Reese. Former Indians scouting director Mickey White, one of the decision-makers who chose to draft Ramirez, saw in Manny a player who loved baseball. Manny was signed by scout Joe Delucca, and then sent to Burlington to begin his minor league professional career in the summer of 1991.

In the minors, Manny continued to work very hard, and accumulated impressive numbers. He led the Appalachian League in total bases (146), home runs (19), RBI (63), and slugging percentage (.679). Managers voted him the league's MVP and top prospect. In 1992, Manny was promoted to Single-A Kinston and was named the most exciting player in the Carolina League, even though a hand injury limited him to just 81 games. One of the youngest players in the league at 19 years old, he batted .278 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs, and 63 RBI. A year later, Manny was promoted to AA Canton-Akron, where he led the Eastern League with his .340 batting average. Manny then made a quick stop in AAA Charlotte. He played only 40 games there but made enough of an impression on manager Charlie Manuel that he predicted greatness for the young slugger; and great he became.

On September 2, 1993, Manny made his major league debut, going 0 for 4 in Minnesota. However, the next night, in his second major league game, Manny exploded with three extra-base hits (two homers and a ground-rule double) in front of his family and friends against his hometown Yankees. His first big league hit was a double off Melido Perez and his first homer was also off Perez. He played only 22 games in 93.

1994 was Manny's first year in the majors, and it was sweet. He hit .269 with 17 homers and 60 RBI, in the strike-shortened season. Manny ultimately ended up finishing second to Bob Hamelin in the Rookie of the Year voting. In 1995, Manny hit .308 with 31 home runs and 107 RBI; his career had taken off. Over the next few years, Manny continued to hit. He hit with power. He hit line drives. He hit consistently. He hit to the opposite field. He hit when he was behind in the count. He hit fastballs and breaking balls and knuckleballs. His hitting became so intimidating that pitchers frequently walked him intentionally with first base occupied. Year after year, he put up great numbers and developed the reputation as an RBI machine. Manny was the heart and soul of the fearsome Cleveland offense of the late 1990's, an offense that propelled the Indians into the post-season every year from 1995 to 1999, which marked his last year with Cleveland.

On December 12, 2000, Manny signed a $160 million, eight-year contract to play with the Boston Red Sox. His signing came just hours after Texas signed shortstop Alex Rodriguez to a record-shattering 10-year, $252 million deal. "My decision to play in Boston was not only about money. I wanted to play for a team that had a better chance to win the World Series, a team that could really battle the Yankees. I knew Boston was serious about winning. That's why I signed with the Red Sox."

The 2000 season opened in Boston, and the Fenway Faithful came to see what Manny would bring. Manny delivered. On the first pitch he saw wearing a Red Sox uniform, he homered over the Green Monster. It was the beginning of another great year for Manny. However, three years later, the World Series title continues to elude Boston and Manny. Will this be the year?

2004 marks Manny's fourth season with the Boston Red Sox, a team with which he feels a special connection. "I will do my best for our team to win, the management wants our team to win and our fans will never forget the day we win it all. This point brings everyone together. This is where the gossip stops."

[jcookc6]

sorry, here is the link to the above.
http://mannyramirez.com/home.htm