Where are the trash talkers? by Jon Wertheim
It's a shame that Kevin Garnett was voted as the NBA biggest trash talker; he should have been voted as the NBA's biggest bully. All he does is pick on people smaller than him. There really isn't anything wrong with trash talking. It's a part of the game, whether you're talking about another player, coach, ref or even a fan.
GREAT post. Despite the fact that the NBA is moving more and more away from the playground feel of the late 80s, early 90s, Trash talking does indeed add an exciting edge to the game. The only problem with it is... where do you draw the line? Due the the proximity of fans to the playing surface, basketball, more than any other sport needs to deal with the issue of controlling what players say while on the court.
If the Disrespect goes too far, e.g. talking about infidelities of spouses, Fans will hear, creating an overall negative feel around the game.
I played hockey in a league and trust me, every shift someone near me would trash talk with something vulgar.
After deke-ing me out and scoring, the guy Screamed to his bench: "I just undressed him like a 5 dollar hooker"
Yes, I still remember that one.
David Stern would suspend the guy if such a profanity was caught on tape.
I think players have a legit reason to be paranoid with all this technology around us. A simple "Can't stop me from dropping 3-bombs" could be construed as pro-terrorist in this sensitive post 9/11 world we live in. I don't blame players for not wanting to trash talk while on the job, I don't think any smart MILLIONAIRE would, period.
Story Highlights
The NBA lacks the classic, creative trash-talkers like Larry Bird and Gary Payton
Talking enhances the game, adding another dimension to the on-court drama
Trash-talking is so pathetic now that most players do it via text or Twitter
Trash talking you back it up with shooting and making shots.
The problem is nowadays who can back it up?
NBA "Freedom of Speech" Talking Trash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpgFI9nc5IM
barkley crossed the line lol
but players today are so INCONSISTENT shooting that they cant talk trash and risk embarassing themselves
notice how everybody who talks trash is a shooter
I think B Roy talks trash goes hand in hand with his sweet jumper
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jon_wertheim/01/18/trash.t...