This was interesting. Oh, big surprise after Berry Tramel once again injected himself into a Thunder story on somewhat of a national scale—here he is doing the Dan Patrick Show yesterday describing in chilling narrative how Westbrook is an intimidating control freak. Keep in mind, this is the very same Berry Tramel who injected himself into the national spotlight several years ago during a playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies when he wrote a story about Kevin Durant calling him Mr. Unreliable. The Durant Camp was furious and demanded an apology—and I believe got one of sorts. Also, keep in mind, this is the very same Berry Tramel who called Kevin Durant a douchebag as recently as this past September or so. Pretty much like I did.
So please understand this, I could care less what Berry Tramel thinks about a multitude of subjects. I once heard him say George W Bush is the greatest president of all-time in U.S. history, so kind of right there and then that kind of sent up a red flag for me. This is the same Berry Tramel who when he was sports editor hired Jenni Carlson as a sports columnist. Sigh. So–it’s not like I put a tremendous amount of value on what he thinks. But here we are again with Berry Tramel injecting himself as the story during a playoff series instead of the teams, the players, and the coaches.
I have news for Berry Tramel, LeBron James appears to be a bit of a control freak. Michael Jordan perhaps was a bit of a control freak. Kobe Bryant was a control freak. Judging by Dwayne Wade’s exit from Miami–he might be a bit of a control freak. Gregg Popovich might be a control freak. Generally speaking, strong willed, strong personality types have strong demeanors. However, I agree with Tramel on one thing in that I don’t think Durant is a control freak. Far from it, I think Durant is somewhat of a personality type who just seeks affirmation and is kind of insecure about himself in a way…almost the polar opposite of Westbrook.
So—I just hope Berry Tramel is okay and not in need of medication or some off time in light of how Russell abused him in that Sunday presser. Pray for Berry Tramel today if you can. He needs your love.