He asked that I express to the media, the Magic and the fans his apology, and particularly the young fans, because he knows he has a responsibility to all of our fans, and that sportsmanship is appropriate whether you win or whether you lose.
NBA Commissioner David Stern • On LeBron James’ $25,000 fine for not shaking hands or talking to the media after the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Orlando Magic in the NBA playoffs. It’s his first incident, ever. We blame ourselves for his misconduct. We set the example. Give us the fine, David! WE’RE SORRY!!!!!! • source
“Every time we got it down to seven or four they made another big shot,” said Doc Rivers. “I mean, they’re a hell of a basketball team, and they played probably their best game.”
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers • Whose team went from force of nature to merely pretty good in the last year. Granted, losing Kevin Garnett to injury didn’t help their cause, but let’s just say we expected better of them. • source
The Lakers knew this could happen. And it did. Down 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinals and lacking a true center (let alone superstar Yao Ming, who’s out with a foot fracture), the Houston Rockets managed to put the L.A. Lakers in their place for at least one game, winning 99-87. “There’s absolutely no surprise,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. The Rockets famously fought off adversity last season, pulling off a massive winning streak while Ming was on the injured list. The true test, of course, will be if the Rockets win the series. source
Was Thomas backed into a corner or in a bad mood when he said those things? I don’t know, but ripping Thomas is not my nature.
Brett Favre • in response to comments last week by teammate Thomas Jones, who claimed that Favre should have been benched during the disastrous end to the Jets’ 2008 season • source
