Triple-Double Standard
Recent articles and interview have portrayed the Washington Wizards in a negative light, and in particular, have villainized DeShawn Stevenson. The campaign against DeShawn kicked off before the playoffs even started. Stevenson called LeBron James overrated in an attempt to get into LeBron’s head and disrupt his focus. The two have had an ongoing feud for some time now, and their last regular season matchup began with them getting in each others’ faces before tip-off. But it’s not as if DeShawn is the only player in the league who uses mental warfare.
Two years ago, Gilbert Arenas had a chance to give his team a three-point lead late in overtime of Game 6 against Cleveland. James walked to the free throw line and talked some trash to Gilbert before the first of his two free throws. Agent Zero promptly missed both shots and the Cavs scored a game-winner at the buzzer. LeBron was never criticized for talking smack, but what’s the difference between these two instances? Is it OK to talk smack as long as you’re an All-Star? Is it OK as long as your team wins? Is there a height requirement I’m unaware of?
Don’t get me wrong, DeShawn is by no means a choir boy. When he was 20-years-old, Stevenson was accused of statutory rape for his relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Less than a year ago, a shooting took place at his home in Orlando. And during stretches in which his field goal percentage was above 50% in ’06-’07, he would choose to speak only with other 50% shooters on the team. Can you really trust the decision making of someone who confines himself to Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas?
The point is this season was supposed to be a throw away for Washington. Gilbert Arenas missed sixty-nine games due to injury and no one expected the Wizards to remain competitive. For a team that has been deservedly criticized for their defensive effort, DeShawn brought toughness and swagger to the Wizards. He became a leader on a team that was sorely in need of one, and the voice of a team in search of one. We’re critical of athletes for giving bland interviews, so I applaud Stevenson for bringing some emotion to this series. And if the Wizards’ season ends tonight, it will surely be a long time before I can feel my face.
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One Response to “Triple-Double Standard”
April 29th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
“LeBron was never criticized for talking smack, but what’s the difference between these two instances?”
I’m not sure that LeBron was never criticized, as I seem to recall that he had been, at least by a few writers, but the first difference between the two instances is that one was during the course of a game, which is much more acceptable (within some limits) than talking trash to the media when the person you’re trashing is nowhere in sight. I’m guessing much, much more of that goes on during the games than fans are ever aware of.
The second difference is, well, how much sense it makes. LeBron told Arenas that if he missed the free throws the game is over, which was essentially true. But, Stevenson calling LeBron “overrated” is just ridiculous, because, well…I shouldn’t have to explain that. LeBron may or may not be overrated, but Stevenson isn’t even rated at all.
Third, LeBron didn’t insult Arenas. Stevenson did insult Lebron (although there are worse things than being called “overrated” as it implies that you are at least “rated” which, again, Stevenson isn’t).
And the fourth difference is, of course, being able to back it up…
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