Sunday, December 12, 2010

Passion Of The Gripes

"Well, here's what is wrong... Now, a ref can punish a player for any move he deems too demonstrative, no matter where it's directed... Eliminating what [the commissioner] wants gone will also lose what his league is already criticized for not having enough of: passion." - Ric Bucher

This is defending the right to whine. Passion can be displayed in a host of constructive ways. Passion speaks through a dive for the loose ball, a sprint down court, a dogged defense, pointing at a teammate who assisted your basket, a slap on the back or a helping hand to get up, a fist pump after the big play. Technical fouls are called for weak and destructive behavior. The rolled eyes, the sarcastic comment, the exasperated shrug, the condescending head shake, the primal scream.

Passion is optimism. So is professionalism. Weakness is a thing to be overcome, not enabled.

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