Per Marc Stein: Bucks plan to buyout Larry Sanders

[JohnBoy65]

Why wouldn't the Celtics try this guy out if they can sign him to a cheap deal? The Celtics have 0 rim protection, and minimal defense in their front court. Why not sign him to a fully guaranteed one year deal. If he works out sign him longer in the offseason. If he's a cancer to this team, it'll make the 'taking crowd' happy.

[kozlodoev]

For those who wondered about how Sanders feels about breaking league policy again, here's the gist (note that this statement was made at the time of his PREVIOUS pot suspension):

While Sanders apologized at the time to the Bucks organization and Bucks fans for breaking league rules and getting himself suspended, he wasn't apologetic about smoking pot, telling Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it [...] I study it and I know the benefits it has."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/bucks--larry-sanders-suspended-10-games-for-another-violation-of-league-drug-policy-223028192.html

[PickNRoll]

Points for consistency in the face of facts that don't support your position. 

I actually agree with you -- it's the Josh Gordon conundrum, but if you can't put down the bong long enough to keep your job, the fault ultimately lies with you. I don't think there's anything wrong with Sanders that a change of scenery won't fix, while you're convinced he's the next coming of Vin Baker. the truth, probably, lies somewhere in the middle.

He's repeatedly risked his $11m per year job to smoke pot.  He literally said, at the time of his suspension, "I believe in marijuana".  And your conclusion is:

a. Larry Sanders takes his career seriously
b. A change of scenery will solve this problem

I don't even know what to say.  I have to agree to disagree.

[jpotter33]

For those who wondered about how Sanders feels about breaking league policy again, here's the gist (note that this statement was made at the time of his PREVIOUS pot suspension):

While Sanders apologized at the time to the Bucks organization and Bucks fans for breaking league rules and getting himself suspended, he wasn't apologetic about smoking pot, telling Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it [...] I study it and I know the benefits it has."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/bucks--larry-sanders-suspended-10-games-for-another-violation-of-league-drug-policy-223028192.html

I always hate when people turn to the "medical benefits" side of the marijuana debate. There's a legitimate argument to be made that consenting adults should be able to partake in marijuana if they so choose since it really harms noone but the user himself. But to go the medical benefits of marijuana route just seems desperate, misleading, and stupid lol

[Sixth Man]

Happy Walters, the agent for Sanders, denied the report, telling HoopsHype that it's "unsubstantiated." Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler reported that Woelfel's reports was "news to Larry."

Bucks fans have commented on Woelfel's reports as being motivated by some axe to grind against Sanders.

What agent in his right mind wouldn't immediately deny such a report? Larry's own words and actions agree with the narrative that he's not that interested in his basketball career. I don't trust agents, ever.

so you've gone from "Sanders doesn't like basketball" to "Sanders says he doesn't take basketball as seriously as other players" to "his agent is going to come under the microscope but any source saying things I agree with gets a free pass."

The only constant here seems to be that you don't want him on the Celtics. That's fine, of course, but be honest -- it's obviously not about anything rooted in fact.

I don't want him on the Celtics, he doesn't take his basketball career seriously, and I don't trust his agent.  I'm not wavering.  All those things are true.

No, actually two of those things are true. And, curiously enough, both of those things are statements that start with "I..."


Contrary to popular belief, players don't make it into the NBA by accident. The only bit of evidence you're going to dredge up is that Sanders has said he has interests beyond basketball, unlike some of his peers. That's not a strong argument for "he doesn't take his career seriously."

Unless, of course, you're a big fan of projection.

(Ab)Normally, those who are, are not aware of that...

[Sixth Man]

Happy Walters, the agent for Sanders, denied the report, telling HoopsHype that it's "unsubstantiated." Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler reported that Woelfel's reports was "news to Larry."

Bucks fans have commented on Woelfel's reports as being motivated by some axe to grind against Sanders.

What agent in his right mind wouldn't immediately deny such a report? Larry's own words and actions agree with the narrative that he's not that interested in his basketball career. I don't trust agents, ever.

so you've gone from "Sanders doesn't like basketball" to "Sanders says he doesn't take basketball as seriously as other players" to "his agent is going to come under the microscope but any source saying things I agree with gets a free pass."

The only constant here seems to be that you don't want him on the Celtics. That's fine, of course, but be honest -- it's obviously not about anything rooted in fact.

I don't want him on the Celtics, he doesn't take his basketball career seriously, and I don't trust his agent.  I'm not wavering.  All those things are true.

Please, for like the fifth time, pull up any source that has Sanders, or anyone willing to go on the record with their name, saying that he doesn't take basketball seriously.

darn you saltlover!!!!!   there you go again demanding data, asking for facts, and even being so outrageous as to require actual logic and consistency from posters. 

Ok, you win.  Sanders is a consummate professional.  Sign him, make him captain, and give him the Brandon Bass award for service to the community.  Just don't give him a p--- test.

Here's something else for you to chew on - how likely is cannabis to continue under its current definition in the CBA?  There are persistent rumors that the NFL will soon raise the threshold level for a positive cannabis test, and the NBA may not be far behind. 

For the record, I am not in favor of signing Sanders...

[Sixth Man]

For those who wondered about how Sanders feels about breaking league policy again, here's the gist (note that this statement was made at the time of his PREVIOUS pot suspension):

While Sanders apologized at the time to the Bucks organization and Bucks fans for breaking league rules and getting himself suspended, he wasn't apologetic about smoking pot, telling Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it [...] I study it and I know the benefits it has."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/bucks--larry-sanders-suspended-10-games-for-another-violation-of-league-drug-policy-223028192.html

I always hate when people turn to the "medical benefits" side of the marijuana debate. There's a legitimate argument to be made that consenting adults should be able to partake in marijuana if they so choose since it really harms noone but the user himself. But to go the medical benefits of marijuana route just seems desperate, misleading, and stupid lol

Why?  Because you don't suscribe to those beliefs?  Because you have a window into Larry Sanders' mind and personal life? 

[PhoSita]

For those who wondered about how Sanders feels about breaking league policy again, here's the gist (note that this statement was made at the time of his PREVIOUS pot suspension):

While Sanders apologized at the time to the Bucks organization and Bucks fans for breaking league rules and getting himself suspended, he wasn't apologetic about smoking pot, telling Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it [...] I study it and I know the benefits it has."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/bucks--larry-sanders-suspended-10-games-for-another-violation-of-league-drug-policy-223028192.html

I want to say that I think Larry Sanders is in the right, as far as advocating for marijuana in this context.  I don't think the sports league has any business policing whether or not the players partake in their spare time.  It's not a performance enhancing substance, and as long as a guy shows up for work on time it shouldn't matter.

That said, I wouldn't want to trade for Sanders because the league DOES suspend people for pot.

[D.o.s.]

Points for consistency in the face of facts that don't support your position. 

I actually agree with you -- it's the Josh Gordon conundrum, but if you can't put down the bong long enough to keep your job, the fault ultimately lies with you. I don't think there's anything wrong with Sanders that a change of scenery won't fix, while you're convinced he's the next coming of Vin Baker. the truth, probably, lies somewhere in the middle.

He's repeatedly risked his $11m per year job to smoke pot.  He literally said, at the time of his suspension, "I believe in marijuana".  And your conclusion is:

a. Larry Sanders takes his career seriously
b. A change of scenery will solve this problem

I don't even know what to say.  I have to agree to disagree.

I'm not sure if this is a reading comprehension problem (I've repeatedly said and agreed with posts that Sanders smokes too much for his own good) or something deeper, but let's review the steps you've taken in this thread:

He doesn't like playing basketball.  This is kinda' important.

Sanders is a simple case.  He doesn't like basketball.  End of story.  I don't want him.

There was a related quote where Sanders said (to paraphrase), "I like basketball, but I don't take it as seriously as some people".

What agent in his right mind wouldn't immediately deny such a report? Larry's own words and actions agree with the narrative that he's not that interested in his basketball career. I don't trust agents, ever.

I don't want him on the Celtics, he doesn't take his basketball career seriously, and I don't trust his agent.  I'm not wavering.  All those things are true.

He's been suspended multiple times for not taking it seriously (violating league policy).  I don't need a confession.  He's guilty as charged.  He's about to be bought out for this very reason.

And maybe we should sticky this, so future CelticsBlog posters know exactly what "shifting the goal posts" looks like. You don't like Larry Sanders. Fine. Whatever. But you're continually operating as if your position is entrenched in anything close to the zipcode of fact, when it is not -- just a judgement call and inference based on a thin slice of criteria.

That doesn't mean that you're not right, but it does mean that you could very easily be incorrect.

[aporel#18]

I see some people are saying that 3@$11M may not be outrageous for Sander's potential so I will throw out an idea again:

Trade Wallace for Sanders.

Milwaukee will cut Wallace anyway and save money.  Boston get Sanders but without claiming him and then can reduce the cost of the transaction by the amount of Wallace's salary that they send out.

If I am Ainge, I only do this if Sanders can convince me that he really means it when he says he wants to be an NBA player and isn't just giving this lip service to get even more money off the NBA.

TP. High risk, high reward... or bust. If the Bucks agree to give the Cs the lesser of their own 2017 first rounder/the Clippers 2017 first rounder they own, I would run that risk. The Bucks would be saving 20M and would get a veteran leader/coach in Wallace. Win-win.

[guava_wrench]

A Zebra can't change its stripes: ....

Is a saying, I think his talent is immense and he would be perfect to compensate for Sully's defensive and rim protection liabilities but this guy is and can be a headcase.  His contract is horrible folks and he is not going to play for free.

But a Zebra can change its behavior.

[jpotter33]

For those who wondered about how Sanders feels about breaking league policy again, here's the gist (note that this statement was made at the time of his PREVIOUS pot suspension):

While Sanders apologized at the time to the Bucks organization and Bucks fans for breaking league rules and getting himself suspended, he wasn't apologetic about smoking pot, telling Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it [...] I study it and I know the benefits it has."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/bucks--larry-sanders-suspended-10-games-for-another-violation-of-league-drug-policy-223028192.html

I always hate when people turn to the "medical benefits" side of the marijuana debate. There's a legitimate argument to be made that consenting adults should be able to partake in marijuana if they so choose since it really harms noone but the user himself. But to go the medical benefits of marijuana route just seems desperate, misleading, and stupid lol

Why?  Because you don't suscribe to those beliefs?  Because you have a window into Larry Sanders' mind and personal life?

Because most "research" that goes into the legalization of marijuana based on medical benefits is pseudo-science with ulterior motives. Other than helping nausea, certain pains, and other minor things, marijuana isn't a medical benefit that the world can't do without.

On the other hand, I'm more than willing to listen to a libertarian argument for the legalization of marijuana. I probably lean more towards legalizing it than not, because I believe individuals should have a right to most actions that do not harm others. (Mill's harm principle)

All I'm saying is these people need to be upfront in their arguments.

[SHAQATTACK]

His brain is messed up .

Meh ........how can you trust someone this screwed up on your team

Run ........Forest ...Run

[viulo]

For those who wondered about how Sanders feels about breaking league policy again, here's the gist (note that this statement was made at the time of his PREVIOUS pot suspension):

While Sanders apologized at the time to the Bucks organization and Bucks fans for breaking league rules and getting himself suspended, he wasn't apologetic about smoking pot, telling Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it [...] I study it and I know the benefits it has."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/bucks--larry-sanders-suspended-10-games-for-another-violation-of-league-drug-policy-223028192.html

I always hate when people turn to the "medical benefits" side of the marijuana debate. There's a legitimate argument to be made that consenting adults should be able to partake in marijuana if they so choose since it really harms noone but the user himself. But to go the medical benefits of marijuana route just seems desperate, misleading, and stupid lol

Why?  Because you don't suscribe to those beliefs?  Because you have a window into Larry Sanders' mind and personal life?

Because most "research" that goes into the legalization of marijuana based on medical benefits is pseudo-science with ulterior motives. Other than helping nausea, certain pains, and other minor things, marijuana isn't a medical benefit that the world can't do without.

On the other hand, I'm more than willing to listen to a libertarian argument for the legalization of marijuana. I probably lean more towards legalizing it than not, because I believe individuals should have a right to most actions that do not harm others. (Mill's harm principle)

All I'm saying is these people need to be upfront in their arguments.

Actually, the importance and effectiveness in helping nausea, especially in patients undergoing chemo, is rather important. Not that it has anything to do with Sanders...

In that regard, I agree with you - he should just have said: it's not bad for me, it doesn't enhance my game (which is debatable...), so I should be allowed to smoke it...

[TheFlex]

For those who wondered about how Sanders feels about breaking league policy again, here's the gist (note that this statement was made at the time of his PREVIOUS pot suspension):

While Sanders apologized at the time to the Bucks organization and Bucks fans for breaking league rules and getting himself suspended, he wasn't apologetic about smoking pot, telling Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it [...] I study it and I know the benefits it has."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/bucks--larry-sanders-suspended-10-games-for-another-violation-of-league-drug-policy-223028192.html

I always hate when people turn to the "medical benefits" side of the marijuana debate. There's a legitimate argument to be made that consenting adults should be able to partake in marijuana if they so choose since it really harms noone but the user himself. But to go the medical benefits of marijuana route just seems desperate, misleading, and stupid lol

Why?  Because you don't suscribe to those beliefs?  Because you have a window into Larry Sanders' mind and personal life?

Because most "research" that goes into the legalization of marijuana based on medical benefits is pseudo-science with ulterior motives. Other than helping nausea, certain pains, and other minor things, marijuana isn't a medical benefit that the world can't do without.

On the other hand, I'm more than willing to listen to a libertarian argument for the legalization of marijuana. I probably lean more towards legalizing it than not, because I believe individuals should have a right to most actions that do not harm others. (Mill's harm principle)

All I'm saying is these people need to be upfront in their arguments.

I disagree as someone who has a serious stomach disease that has been in repression through the work of diet or marijuana use.

In regards to Larry Sanders, it seems like kind of a tired excuse. He has the good fortune of playing in the NBA and should be mature enough to follow rules he doesn't like to enjoy all the other great things the NBA brings. That doesn't mean he's wrong though. I'm not well-versed in this topic, but it seems to me like marijuana and street drug research in general hasn't been given a fair chance, which is precisely what the federal government wants. Currently those drugs including marijuana are illegal in almost every state, which prevents proper and fulfilling research from being carried out.

I would be shocked if marijuana wasn't found to have numerous positive effects on the body and mind (albeit certain to hear of a few negative ones).