I think this is also a bit of a generational thing. I would bet most of the posters on here that are saying it isn't a big deal are younger. There is a clear lack of respect for authority with the upcoming generations in every facet of life. (man I sounded like an old geezer there!) Just look at our schools. NEVER would you have students act the way that they do to teachers 25-30 years ago. We have to face the fact that as a country we no longer require kids to respect authority and this type of thing is the result. So here you have this kid who has been a superstar since he was in grade school being told he is the greatest thing ever and allowed to act and say whatever he wants, being a punk in the locker room. Surprise Surprise!
This is one of the guys who never played beyond high school and grade school. Some of it may be generational but men do not allow themself to be ordered around like kids or like a guy who can pull their scholarship. Pitino tried treating guys like it college that and it did not work in the pros. A man isn't going to take it. Respect is a two way street, people do not deserve it soley for merit.
I am in my mid 40's. I always did what my coaches told me and I played hurt too. But I could snap every once in a while with a comment. If your busting your butt out there with a double double or the like and your coach picks on you and you have done your part when your a man that get's too you regardless of generation.
Larry called his team mates a bunch of wussies once. He called people out. Some of you guys are clueless. I get this doesn't happen given your grade school experience. But once men are men tempers can flare. Here is Larry during a huddle folks.
Larry said, “Why don’t you just give me the ball and tell everybody else to get the hell out of the way?”
So I said, “Larry you play, and I’ll coach.”
And he said, “All right.”
So I said, “Dennis, you take it out and you get it to Kevin. Kevin you get it to Larry and everybody else get the hell out of the way.”
That is communication. Before the timeout was over, he leaves the huddle, and I said to myself, where is he going.
http://www.nba.com/features/birds_coaches.htmlYep, even Bird told coaches what to do sometimes. These guys are uber competitive. F-bombs are not as bad as they used to be, people use them more casuaully.
No one is right all the time, not even the coach.
Again, if true, it may have gone like this. Doc: "Rondo, you are dribbling too much. I want you to move the ball. Cut out the hero pass #@$%". Rondo: "F-you coach, I know better than you what is best for the team. It is not my fault no one can get open".
Rondo, has a better basketball IQ than Doc. I have seen them both play and Rondo is a better player with more ability than Doc. Doc was a hard work guy with mediocre athletic ability. I do not think he will be in the league today if he played.
