13 replies to this topic

[Oriole85]

ESPN: Jeff Van Gundy questions failed deal

http://espn.go.com/n...-stan-van-gundy

If these allegations are true, you have to question how much independence ESPN has from the NBA.

[mweb08]

Yeah, this story has been out well before Jeff's comments. Seems like there is a lot of validity to it.

[Oriole85]

We've seen this before, broadcast partners wanting to be on good terms with their league. ESPN cancelled Playmakers despite it's success. I understand the dilemma, just think there's a fine line between having commentators who can speak their mind and ones who are afraid to speak out.

[Adam Wolff]

I'm not sure what the general feelings are on him, but this is just another reason why I love Jeff Van Gundy. I think he speaks his mind much more freely than other guys in similar positions have the stones to do.

[Oriole85]

I'm not sure what the general feelings are on him, but this is just another reason why I love Jeff Van Gundy. I think he speaks his mind much more freely than other guys in similar positions have the stones to do.

That's part of the problem with getting guys between-coaching jobs IMO because they are afraid to say what's actually on their mind and don't want to piss off potential employers and/or friends in the business. Bill Parcells for one, always seems to censor himself for this reason. Kudos to Jeff for doing otherwise.

[bnickle]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. David Stern is so shady. People complain about Goddell but Stern is much worse.

[Oriole85]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. David Stern is so shady. People complain about Goddell but Stern is much worse.

Not agreeing or disagreeing with what you are saying. I think all four current commissioners at some time or another have been considered the "worst" one. They've basically become the owners/management representative. Kenesaw Mountain Landis would be rolling over in his grave if he saw what that office has become.

[Adam Wolff]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. David Stern is so shady. People complain about Goddell but Stern is much worse.

I think shady is a good description. I think of Stern as more of a coniving rat, whereas Goodell is more of a stubborn, pompous ass. Although you could probably switch those descriptions and they would still work.

[Oriole85]

I think shady is a good description. I think of Stern as more of a coniving rat, whereas Goodell is more of a stubborn, pompous ass. Although you could probably switch those descriptions and they would still work.

As I alluded to my comment above, I would love for the commissioner to be completely independent like the office was intended to be in the post-Black Sox scandal era(this applies to all sports not just baseball). Realistically, that's not happening. I think the current commissioners (and their offices) are to some extent reflective of ownership/management as a whole since ultimately, they control their employment length and salary. And what do these people like most, like any other person in a cushy job... to stay in power. We got way too many "yes" men in power, but can't say that there's much that can be done about it.

[bnickle]

I think shady is a good description. I think of Stern as more of a coniving rat, whereas Goodell is more of a stubborn, pompous ass. Although you could probably switch those descriptions and they would still work.

Yeah, agree completely. I'm not saying that something like the draft has ever really been fixed but if there is a guy, a commisioner, who would make it happen it would be Stern. I mean I remember reading the excerpts from Donaghy's book and believing every one of them.

[Oriole85]

Yeah, agree completely. I'm not saying that something like the draft has ever really been fixed but if there is a guy, a commisioner, who would make it happen it would be Stern. I mean I remember reading the excerpts from Donaghy's book and believing every one of them.

Is Donaghy becoming Jose Canseco?

[Adam Wolff]

Is Donaghy becoming Jose Canseco?

The interesting thing to me about Canseco is that when he first started throwing names out there in his first book, everyone called him a liar, but nearly everyone he named ended up being found to be involved with steroids. I'd imagine it's a similar case with Donaghy..

[Oriole85]

The interesting thing to me about Canseco is that when he first started throwing names out there in his first book, everyone called him a liar, but nearly everyone he named ended up being found to be involved with steroids. I'd imagine it's a similar case with Donaghy..

I sure as hell didn't believe him, just thought he was tarnishing people's "good names." It shows you just because the person slinging dirt comes with baggage, not to completely discredit them.

[JeremyStrain]

The interesting thing to me about Canseco is that when he first started throwing names out there in his first book, everyone called him a liar, but nearly everyone he named ended up being found to be involved with steroids. I'd imagine it's a similar case with Donaghy..

I actually believed every word I just thought it was bad mojo to put it all out there publicly.