I don’t think there’s enough accountability on the part of fans at sporting events.  Just because someone bought a ticket to a game, he doesn’t have to right to say whatever he wants to a player and expect no sort of retaliation.  A good rule of thumb is to not say anything from your seat that you wouldn’t say to a player’s face.  Personally, I think Ron Artest is a hero for trying to find the coward that chucked a beer at him and making him pay for his actions.  How can someone throw an object or scream at a player all night long and not expect anything to happen to them?

So when I read that Glen Davis was fined $25,000 for yelling at a heckler, it annoys me a little bit since I’m pretty sure the heckler was out of line.  The fan should have been escorted out of the arena (or put into a windowless room with Big Baby), but instead it’s Davis who is punished, to the tune of $25,000.

But then it gets confusing.

An apology was posted late Wednesday night to the “GlenDavisNBA” Twitter account. While the account is not verified as Davis’, representatives of Book Hill Partners, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm, say they set up the account on Davis’ behalf and are handling his social networking efforts, including a fan page on Facebook.

“I’m a tough competitor and I’m proud of the work I’ve done to get in shape and be at the top of my game,” the apology read. “That said, I shouldn’t have said what I did. My apologies to the fans and my teammates.”

David probably shouldn’t have to apologize at all, but what the fuck is this?  A message sent through a consulting firm on a Twitter account doesn’t count as an apology.  It doesn’t count as anything but a bunch of empty words.  Why even bother “apologizing” if the statement itself is totally artificial and the source of the statement isn’t even the “offender” himself?

That’s like me setting up a Twitter account called “MikeVickNFL” and tweeting, “Sorry about all those dogs.  My apologies to my fans,” and then claiming that Michael Vick issued an apology.  It’s insane, and it’s pretty much exactly what’s going on here.

How about just not apologizing next time?

[ESPN.com]

I wrote an article on David Lee a few weeks ago and how I thought he’s unquestionably deserving of an All-Star selection. Well, perhaps even more deserving is Zach Randolph.

Randolph, the NBA’s top offensive rebounder at 4.5 a game, is averaging team highs of 20.8 points and 11.5 rebounds and shooting 50.7% from the field. He’s the unquestioned leader of the youngest team, averaging 24.3 years. “These guys look up to me. You just got to lead by example,” he says, in a tone as soft as his sure hands. “I’ve been where they’re at. You’re going to go through stuff.”

Randolph is just one of those dudes who kind of flies under the radar.  I mean do you realize this guy’s career numbers?  He’s averaging 17 and 8.5 for his career but his last three seasons have been 20 and 10 and he’s basically been putting up 20 and 10 for the last 5 years.    Granted he hasn’t been on the greatest teams in his 10 season career but you can’t argue with Tim Duncan like stats.

And now that Memphis is 22-19 in the West mind you,  I can only assume Randolph will get the nod for Dallas.   But you never know.  It sucks because he’s a big man but Jesus, just get T-Mac off that list already and at least make Zach a reserve.  The guy deserves it, period.

Isn’t he just a joyful guy to look at?  Dude is always smiling.  It’s too bad the Knicks sucked so bad when Randolph was around.  I don’t know.  There’s just something about him that’s kind of forgetful and I feel bad saying that.  He’s not an exciting player (kind of like Tim Duncan) but the man gets it done and he’s due for a vote.

Now that he’s 28, perhaps he’s ready to become a leader and possibly guide the Grizzlies into the playoffs.

[Via USA Today]

I can’t tell if this is a travel or not (it probably is), and being able to dunk pretty much means you’re also able to dunk on Nenad Krstic.

This is what I do – I take other people’s accomplishments and point out why they’re not really a big deal. It’s a healthy, productive exercise. You may know it has hating.