I’m going to go ahead and post this, then sleep on what I write about this on my blog in conjunction with the very column Berry Tramel wrote on March 11th on newsoksports. This is one of those times you don’t just blurt something out without all the facts.
Let’s put this Ray Felton statement on here as well this morning. Felton is a solid dude and someone I’d listen to in regards to all of what happened last night in Utah between Russell Westbrook and the married couple.
I completely agree. We should have civility between all parties in public settings. Fair enough. But here’s what I’ll also say to Ray Felton. Your teammate needs to grow up. In a hurry.
Isn’t it odd I featured Westbrook’s deal with Mitt Romney on my small blog before last night’s game. You know why I did it? I did it because I was almost certain Westbrook would at some point in the evening lose his composure with either Ricky Rubio, Jae Crowder, or with a fan. Rubio was a DNP, Jae Crowder was somewhat mild last night and the fans were subdued for the most part because their team couldn’t make a shot.
Here’s what Ray Felton didn’t say. Russell Westbrook leads the entire NBA with 17 technical fouls of which two have been rescinded. He never stops talking during a game. He complains and curses about every call he doesn’t get. He’s constantly chirping at opposing players. In Denver, he once had an incident with the mascot, and then just several weeks ago there was the ridiculous episode with the eight year-old boy and his parents. Maybe it’s just me, but just maybe Russell Westbrook tweaking the maturity knob just a turn wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Here’s another thing and Ray Felton should know better. Russell Westbrook treats the local media like trash if they ask him any kind of adult oriented question which isn’t of the jock sniff variety. Just recently… I posted on this very blog an interview where after answering a few fluffballs from his pet gerbil, Little Nick Gallo, he then rudely would not answer questions from Erik Horne, Maddie Lee, Royce Young, and Berry Tramel. All of their questions were super soft—not even tough. Yet Westbrook opted to go this rout.
Anyone’s who’s ever read my blog knows I have little patience with dumb white people. I also have little patience with any people who are overtly rude to others. I wouldn’t coddle a racist for a second. I deplore the stupidity which has currently overtaken our country in regards to race.
But here’s the thing, Russell Westbrook. It’s a two way street. Game officials are human beings. Opposing players are human beings. Opposing fans are human beings. Your local media which is just trying to do their jobs are all human beings. The management of the Oklahoma City Thunder needs to stop babysitting you.
Respect begats respect.
Give it a try and see what happens.
You might be surprised to find how many people agree with you if you give them the chance.