"Exhibition exhibitions..." (December 8, 1998)

I have been reading that the NBA players are going to play in an exhibition game to raise money for their union. You know what I'm thinking? Guess. I'm thinking, SCREW YOU! I can't believe the NBA players association thinks that they will sellout an arena to watch 16-18 over privleged basketball players play (without heart or enthusiasm) for their child support payments for their 13 children (with 9 women, over 7 cities). Personally, I think players that are considered the ones hurt most, the Steve Kerrs, Bill Wenningtons, the role players, the middle-income players, they are probably best off. They most likely can live on what the NBA players association gives out as a stipend and have lived "normal" lives, not living in a $5 million house with 17 cars (not one cheaper than $50,000). I bet Steve Kerr lives in a nice suburban neighborhood and with the exception of him playing basketball, lives a normal existence. Kerr, and many like him, are able to withstand the pains of a lockout. I read that Kenny Anderson said he might have to start selling his cars (he has over 10, of course) to pay for him lifestyle. Damn, this a bunch of crap. You know someone like Michael Jordan doesn't care about the lockout. He makes millions away from basketball, so it's not big deal. Remember, he was making millions with Nike before he signed his $25 and $30 million contract over the last two years. Mike's first year back from retirement, he was making $5 million, I think. But he was making over $40 million a year from endorsements. He's making hand over fist and can afford this lockout because his lifestyle will not be affected, not to mention his cash flow. Players like Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Morning must be dying because they have massive contracts and don't have big endorsement deals. I think Ewing is probably conservative, so he has money put away, but Zo seems like a typical young buck, spending money like crazy. But I digress.