The Biggest Cry Babies

Who am I talking about? NBA Basketball Players! I don't keep up with the regular season much in pro hoops or hockey, but I do pay attention come playoff time. I don't see much arguing in hockey. When players want to get into it, they don't just spout words. They actually GET INTO IT! Coaches do most of the complaining in football. Players might give the umpire a look or two or ask questions like, "That wasn't high?" in baseball, but for the most part, there isn't a great deal of whining. Again, managers come onto the field in those situations. College basketball isn't that bad, either. Coaches get more technicals than the players do it seems. But, in pro basketball? It's a whole different ball game when it comes to complaints!

Rarely in a game do I see a player actually fess up to committing a foul or a turnover. Usually, when a player immediately raises their hand, they're doing so to hopefully catch the ref's attention, so that they call the foul on him and not their star player who actually committed the foul.

I was watching Cleveland and Washington last night and on just about every foul or turnover called (blocks, charges, blocked shots-fouls, and travels especially), there was some complaining going on. It wasn't just a look that most baseball players give. It wasn't them asking a simple question, such as, "It didn't hit his leg and then go out of bounds?" No, it was a lot more than that. To see some of the facial expressions these guys give is almost humorous. LeBron James, one of the most talented (if not the most talented) players in the league, looks like he's about to cry every time he gets called with a foul. What, does he feel that because of his big-time name, that he's immune to the foul calls? Miami's Dwayne Wade is one of the biggest names in the NBA not to be a full-time cry baby. Because of that, I root for the guy. It's nice to see a big namer like him not think that he's above the law (rules) of the game.

I'm just waiting for the day when a player gets called for a charge or travel and then he gets down on all fours, pounces his fists on the court, and starts crying, with a pacifier in his mouth. It could happen this year. From what I've seen, that wouldn't surprise me. I cried less than these guys did when I was 2 months old.