Love For Money OVER Love For The Game

Growing up in my time (the 90s) in the type of environment I grew up in (south side of Chicago), most young boys heading into their teens were more times than not presented with 2 options, join a gang or play ball. Some would say I'm exaggerating, but trust me, there's much truth in what I say. Anyway, most found basketball as a way out and eventually, like myself, fell in love with it. It was all I wanted to do and I had to win. I, like millions, adored and respected the game. That respect, admiration, and will to win is the driving force for a lot of people in the professional ranks. That's not my problem. My issue is with people like Hedo Turkoglu and Trevor Ariza. People like this have no loyalty, no respect. Their loyalties lie with their paychecks. For us real basketball fans it is a slap in the face. Most of us would kill for a chance to play pro ball, let alone have a shot at a championship. But, these guys are only concerned with how many MORE millions they are going to get. It is the reason for watered down competition and lack of rivalries that excited fans everywhere all the way until these last couple of years. It is a disappointment to me and loyal fans of the sport nationwide.

Less Money, More Problems?

We've all heard the phrase "more money, more problems"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FTRAeycmM0). But the same holds true for the other end of the spectrum. Dollars are becoming scarce these days in light of this recession period. But, am I the only one who thought prices would DROP with the struggling economy? It seems America is making more "money-spending" opportunities than "money-making" opportunities which is, needless to say (in my eyes), backwards. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. I say this because, as often stated, history repeats itself. Though the economy is different from the 20s and 30s, it still failed because of the same principles, America's poor placement and usage of its monetary resources. A plan should have been put in place decades ago to avoid this. Its very comparable to coaching a sport. Coaches have game film to review mistakes made against a team so they can be sure not to make them when they play the same team again. Maybe we needed a better staff....