Tyrus Thomas... Slam Dunk Champion?

Hopefully

Ty is in a Memphis uniform by then.

With Du and Old Man Winter....

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Feb 5, 2007 2:38 PM CST reply actions

Hopefully,

if he's not in Memphis, he won't put his head thru the rim and hurt himslef!

by Goostafer on Feb 5, 2007 2:40 PM CST up reply actions

I hope he is still in a Bulls uniform.

And that he completes a 720.

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 5, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

interesting (relatively)

that they have two tall guys amongst the contenstants.

too bad Nate gets to defend his title. yeesh.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 5, 2007 2:52 PM CST reply actions

for the fixing Matt!
-
Also, yes it is interesting with Howard and Tyrus. Obviously TT is more athletic, but it'll be interesting to watch.
-
Last night I was talking to a friend about the ASWeekend, and discussing Snubs. He mentioned how Melo wasn't included mostly because of the fight, and I wondered why Nate gets to defend his title...

by Goostafer on Feb 5, 2007 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

Can't wait

for Nate Robinson to literally bore me and everyone else watching to tears.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 5, 2007 2:58 PM CST reply actions

I can picture you 'literally' in tears

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 5, 2007 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

do you really watch the slam dunk contest?

It's been almost 20 years since I've even cared.

by bullshooter on Feb 5, 2007 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

It's not about caring who wins

it's about being a NBA freak, and rooting against the more annoying figures in basketball like the previously mentioned Nate the Great.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 5, 2007 3:10 PM CST up reply actions

When Andersen competed

I never laughed harder! It was a joy.

by Goostafer on Feb 5, 2007 3:21 PM CST up reply actions

well now we know

TT will be thinking about basketball when he's not playing......but I have that feeling that he's going to fuck up his career, or he's going to do some horrible dunk, and all the stupid pistons fans are going to give me crap day and night

by the way, here's my prediciton of rankings
green
robinson
howard
tt

by milesgmsu on Feb 5, 2007 3:33 PM CST reply actions

I think he should have someone lob it to him...

so he can do this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldgQbvC_tfg

Sick ups.

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 5, 2007 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

And unlike the problem child,

it won't take him 4,815,162,342,000 tries to get it right.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Feb 5, 2007 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

interesting notes

all from east; and Jordan is a judge....

by milesgmsu on Feb 5, 2007 4:09 PM CST reply actions

I wish

Tyrus good luck.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 5, 2007 4:12 PM CST reply actions

Lets hope

That tyrus has some tricks up his sleeve. He isnt the type to make flashy dunks he practically has ups but i ahve never seen him do anything crazy. Does he have the body control and coordination to even compete? Strange selection, but its good to see the bulls represented in all star weekend.

It be great if he surprises all of us with some flashy dunks but most likely he will jsut do the whole grasshopper thing and jump ridiculously high. I bet you he has already started practicing...

by Sambossanova on Feb 5, 2007 6:30 PM CST reply actions

Yikes....

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070205bullsbits,1,3172483.story?c oll=cs-bulls-headlines

by dcarioca on Feb 5, 2007 11:11 PM CST reply actions

WTF?

by Goostafer on Feb 5, 2007 11:18 PM CST up reply actions

I can't believe this...

Until this article, I liked TT. Now I do hope he ends up in Memphis. What an ungrateful idiot.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 5, 2007 11:23 PM CST up reply actions

not the brightest thing to say

but maybe he's just upset about not playing.

I don't understand why he'd go if he didn't want to...it's not like it's for that much money anyway.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 12:45 AM CST up reply actions

No big deal

He just hasn't learned to lie about it being all about the money yet, like every other player does.

by Big D on Feb 6, 2007 6:30 AM CST up reply actions

It shows a mindset

Comments like this indicate that Tyrus still somehow thinks anything about the game of basketball or the NBA All-Star weekend is about him. The other guys who "lie" about it realize that the game is about entertaining the fans.

If Tyrus cared about the fans or how we view him, he'd say something like "I think it'll be a fun way to get experience at the All-Star weekend. I get to rub elbows with some of the greatest the game has ever seen and spend a weekend with the biggest names in our game. Not to mention it's a weekend in Vegas and I get a little extra money!"

The reason he'd say that is to not become a news story. He'd say that so that fans could watch and cheer because he's a Bull. He'd say that out of respect for the fact that Michael Jordan, Dominique, and Dr. J are going to be judging the competition, and none of those three would ever go for his idiot up-fake from 15 feet - the one move he apparently thinks should precede him attempting to dribble behind his back in the lane.

I don't care if he's upset about not playing - he should never say something to disrespect NBA Royalty or the fans who would give anything for the chance to be in his spot.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 7:14 AM CST up reply actions

I feel like

Jimslam is peeing on my head from his soapbox.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 8:38 AM CST up reply actions

Soapbox?

Well, yeah, so maybe this is a bit of a soapbox. But it's not an attack on anyone except Tyrus Thomas.

And frankly I don't feel bad about having a soapbox from the standpoint of a fan who thinks overpaid athletes should at least respect fans and be appreciative of the position they're in.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:03 AM CST up reply actions

overpaid?

Well, Mr. Consumer, you have the right to boycott.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

I also have the right...

to vent and air my opinions - as do you.

As to overpaid, I doubt anyone here would think it's reasonable to pay a 20-year-old 3.2 million dollars a year. I truly do understand the economics of the situation and applaud the capitalistic society we live in where it's acceptable for us to put more emphasis and money into professional athletes than educators.

Seriously, the average school teacher makes $46,000/year. I doubt Tyrus Thomas is doing more good than 69 school teachers, yet he's getting paid more than their accumulated salaries.

I'm not here to bitch about the status of professional sports or salaries or anything else. I do think most reasonable people would agree that most professional athletes are overpaid, so I don't think it's worth arguing that point.

I'm simply upset that someone as privileged as TT can't grasp the opportunity he has and be grateful for it. It's idiotic, and is a perfect example of the immaturity he so often displays on the floor.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

give me a break

"I'm not here to bitch about the status of professional sports or salaries or anything else."

Then don't. If schools made as much money as the NBA, teachers would get paid quite a bit more. If you don't think it's fair, stop watching, buying, and listening.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 11:32 AM CST up reply actions

Of that Kit Kat Bar!

As I've mentioned, I understand the economics behind the entire situation. Perhaps I should've been more clear. Since ours is a Capitalistic society based on supply and demand, it does make some sense to me that athletes in high demand who help to produce an entertainment product which results in billions of dollars annually get paid a lot of money. This I do grasp.

My understanding of the workings of our fine economy aside, their income is disproportionate when viewed from a broader scope of national averages. And while there may be a case made for the happiness and distraction from life professional sports provides, I believe all would agree that Tyrus Thomas' impact outside of the limited context of the NBA is minimal at best. Frankly, one might argue that even in the limited context of the Chicago Bulls organization, the equipment manager has been more valuable over the last few games.

I also have a firm understanding of the concept of not supporting the things I dislike. I often skip movies I don't wish to see, and only choose to eat at restaurants where I find the service and food to be an acceptable value. As I've mentioned, I do enjoy the NBA and the Chicago Bulls. I've been a fan for 20 years and plan to be a fan for the rest of my life.

Just because I'm a fan, however, doesn't mean that I don't occasionally have complaints, or even valid points about issues such as the ridiculous 3.2 million dollar salary of an unproven and ungrateful rookie. I believe it's possible support and enjoy something without enjoying everything about it.

For example, I doubt that you always agree with Scott Skiles' choices of playing time allotment. I feel you have the right to disagree with him and still be a fan of the Chicago Bulls.

I feel that perhaps your "just stop watching" response is a bit reactive, and based largely on the fact that you want to disagree with me but can't find a single logical point on which to stand. This is not meant as an attack. I feel that I've rather plainly stated my views on this matter and done so in great detail. My point has been made. Please feel free to counterpoint with well thought out and logical ideas of your own. Simply telling me to stop watching is not a valid argument.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

I already blogged about Tyrus

and I support a guy who cares about the dunk contest as much as I do. My opinion, which is far more important than yours, is sealed away from the ants (thanks again GWKD) in the comments section.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

Well that settles it

You're absolutely right. I appreciate the reminder that your opinion is far more important than mine. Please forgive the infringement.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

who's the "us" in you sig?

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:17 AM CST up reply actions

that sig has been bothering me too

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 9:27 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe it's just me

but to bitch about how much money somebody makes, or compare it to a teacher's salary is pretty lame. It says to me that you are ignorant of the past, the cyclical nature of things. Not that it's any justification for his salary, but 60 years ago, Tyrus might not have been allowed in to watch a game at the UC let alone earn a living doing it. In 60 years I expect it will be completely different, too. So to bitch about the conditions today is just lame. And I don't even want to talk about the whole teachers angle...

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

but it's from an SNL bit,

so I wouldn't worry too much. Never cared for SNL though.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 9:28 AM CST up reply actions

If it's not his

s/he should attribute it too, which is also lame not to do.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:36 AM CST up reply actions

So you're saying

I shouldn't put an Anchorman line into my signature?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 10:00 AM CST up reply actions

You are absolutely right

There is really no point in saying this to the media, even if it is true. Kid has a lot to learn about not being a douchebag in the media. I'm sure the Bulls PR team wants to smash his face in right now. He's said some stupid shit in the past, and I always tried to ignore it...but this guy kinda sucks.

by dcarioca on Feb 6, 2007 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

Doesn't

it make you think that when his time is up to get paid, or things aren't going his way with the Bulls he'll pull a Vince Carter?... That's what I got from it. No loyalty. That's what it screams. Instead of making his team and Fans proud, now he looks like a complete ass. And if he is in the plans to be traded, why would anyone want to have someone like him no their team? I hope Im wrong cause the potential is there... Maybe that's why he didn't get ANY tick yesterday... Maybe that's why he hasn't gotten much tick before. Skiles and Pax were prob pissed.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

I think it's a little early...

to throw him in with Vince. And shit, at least vince is personable. maybe he'll grow up... (but probably not)

by dcarioca on Feb 6, 2007 2:33 PM CST up reply actions

Yea..

You might be right.. but unfortunately, this league is all about perception and Market Value. Look at Randolph... not one serious mention for the ASG... Melo... Iverson apparently was a bad team player for the past ten+ years and didn't like to practice... Rasheed is not worth all those Technicals, yes he whines and cries, but so do many others... Kobe Slaps Flopper Manu and gets suspended, LeBron Clotheslined Wade and it's ok cause it's King James, and he loves Wade, and he didn't throw Shaq under the bus and wasn't charged with rape... Vince is presentable, but he gave up on his team at the end, and all Im saying is that's what I got from the comments he made.. All about him, not about the team. I hope Im wrong. And also that this never comes up again while he's a Bull.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

Uh...

The dunk contest IS all about him and not at all about the team.

Did you read something different than me?

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 3:12 PM CST up reply actions

Who's talking

about the Dunk contest? I have not once mentioned the Dunk Contest. I'm talking about how his comments might be perceived as negative and taint his image...
-
You know what? For get it man... Obviously you're reading too much into this or not reading at all what I'm writting.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

We're obviously talking past each other

But...the only comments that were linked to in this entire thread were Tyrus's about the dunk contest. You specifically said "his comments." Therefore, that's all I can assume that you're talking about. Just about everyone in this thread is talking about the dunk contest and Ty's comments about the dunk contest. Also, your comment is in a reply tree that quoted Thomas talking about the dunk contest.

I don't see how I'm the one being accused of reading too much into this. If this was carried over from another discussion, then I'm obviously missing something. But whatever comments you're referring to aren't mentioned here, as far as I can tell. No need to get upset though, I'm not trying to be a smartass here or anything. I just don't see what the big deal is, that's all.

Maybe you're referring to the "stupid shit" he's said that dcarioca mentioned, but I'm not even sure what he's talking about. If there are specific comments that you're thinking of, can you point me in their direction? Thanks.

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 3:49 PM CST up reply actions

Ok

I don't know if I can be clearer than I have been... Maybe I can.
let me try...
Tyrus makes comments.. I make comments about his comments, and how those are/can be seen as negative comments... how in my opinion he might taint his image if he shows his attitude about a contest is all about the check... He doesn't just go out there alone. He goes there wearing a Bulls Jersey. Representing the team. Obviously it's to accomplish a personal goal. And it is about HIM. And that is why he looks like a fool talking like that. I guess I was responding to you, as you BOLDLY said "The dunk contest IS all about him and not at all about the team." -
-
Whatever, I like the kid, he's young and he'll learn how to talk to the media to "protect" his image... if that's what he'd like, unless he wants to be treated or be judged by the comments he makes instead of how he plays on the court. I really think he was probably in a bad mood, or was just being a smart ass... If he's so Honest, and doesn't want to be part of it, I'd think he would not have agreed to go.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

i wish you hadn't posed this...

maybe it's alll a bad joke gone arye (i realize, i have no idea how to spell that). I like Tyrus, he's just a kid....let's hope he dind't mean it. Or at least will donate the money to charity

by milesgmsu on Feb 6, 2007 11:13 AM CST up reply actions

I love Corned Beef on arye bread

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 11:16 AM CST up reply actions

i deserve that...

but honestly...lhow do you spell it?

by milesgmsu on Feb 6, 2007 11:21 AM CST up reply actions

awry

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/awry

It's not the most intuitive spelling, I admit. I just hope PaxJax didn't see...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

thats how i had it spelled at first

but it looked to much like away...

by milesgmsu on Feb 6, 2007 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

Awry

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:27 AM CST up reply actions

Looks like I was a little late.

Sorry.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

Whoa.

I just lost any respect I had for Tyrus. He sounds very immature. I hope that Pax and Skiles did talk to him.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 6, 2007 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Slow down a sec

He's young, and he's talking about the dunk contest, not a playoff game or even the All Star game. Why should we care that he said that? I don't know why that should change anyone's opinion about him.

I'm not picking on you, Sue. This is for everyone in this thread completely over reacting over an entirely harmless and meaningless comment.

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 1:44 PM CST up reply actions

Seriously

I had no idea the dunk contest was the sacred cow of basketball.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

I stand by

what I said. He came off as a jerk to KC in that interview. Doesn't matter if it is a dunk contest or a bean bag throw. He was thought enough of to be invited and he should act acordingly. His age should have nothing to do with it. Manners and respect have everything to do with it.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 6, 2007 2:20 PM CST up reply actions

Jerk?

Because he was answering questions while tying his shoes? Are the players not allowed to multi-task? The players have to be doing stuff during those in-locker room interviews. He could have either been getting ready for the game, or getting ready after the game. He could have had a bad day (if it were after the game, for instance). He gave a brutally honest and straightfoward answer. No more, no less.

If that really upset you so much, maybe you need to read something positive about him.

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

I appreciate

Tyrus as a player. He is exciting to watch and I think he will be a great player. I guess we will have to agree to disagree on that interview.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 6, 2007 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

He's a jerk

because this isn't an isolated incident. If you read the His man Sam article, there is a precedent for his behavior and attitude; this isn't the first time, just the first time he's been called on it.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:23 AM CST up reply actions

I doubt there is a bigger TT fan in the entire UC

on any given night, but those comments struck me as callow, insolent, and petty.

I hope that his words are a product of his dissatisfaction with his recent playing time, and not a reflection of his character.

He's young.

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 6, 2007 12:51 PM CST up reply actions

At least he's honest

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

Honest?

So was Rex Grossman...

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 3:21 PM CST up reply actions

and Rex was right about what he said too.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

yea

But it doesn't do any good to answer that way, period.
And again, we weren't there to witness this interview, but just the statement about picking up his check looks bad. He looks very selfish.
At least he could've expressed appreciation even for the invite... at least.

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

period?

okaaay Iron Mike.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

Anyone know

when the three point shoot out participants will be named? If Ben isn't asked, I would be shocked.

by Option27 on Feb 6, 2007 3:30 PM CST reply actions

Thursday

they'll announce the 3-point participants.

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

for some reason I remember reading...

that it was Jason Terry, Dirk, Arenas, and Damon Jones.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

I also

Heard Damon Jones and Dirk, but nothing more than that...
I'd like to see Mike Miller and Ben go at it tho.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 3:46 PM CST up reply actions

I dunno

Ben goes through a lot of motion when he shoots 3s...he'd probably take too long per-shot to do that well.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

You're

right... It be funny if he tried all floaters... they come out of his hand faster... Who else?.. Kapono?... Matt Caroll?...

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

are we talking b-jizzle or the body? ;-)

n/t

by brianmita on Feb 7, 2007 12:48 AM CST up reply actions

Obiously Ben Gordon.

I don't like B-Jizzle. Ben Gordon sounds good enough.

by Goostafer on Feb 7, 2007 2:09 PM CST up reply actions

Matrix

...how does he make that shot? Looks like a 2-handed shot-put.

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 4:20 PM CST reply actions

YES!

I don't know who's shot is weirder.. his or Kevin Martin.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 4:24 PM CST up reply actions

in response to...

You're
right... It be funny if he tried all floaters... they come out of his hand faster... Who else?.. Kapono?... Matt Caroll?...

by Goostafer

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 4:24 PM CST up reply actions

I think I just heard on WSCR

that Tyrus was fined by the team $10k for the comments.

::shrug:: that's weird. I'm sure the beat writers are real happy that Tyrus will find even less reason to say anything interesting.

I'll leave it to NBAFanhouse to deal with the 'significant' racial undertones! (I'm kidding, there aren't any)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 4:41 PM CST reply actions

but

the Players Association won't let that stand. It's just Paxson, saying, "Hey, don't be stupid, stupid. You're all ready getting a nice check."

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 4:44 PM CST up reply actions

Apparently

$3,260,760 isn't a nice enough check to feed his family.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 7:58 PM CST up reply actions

follow-up

They read the press release from Paxson about the fine. If someone can find it online, feel free to post it here.

Anyway, it was just 'representing the team and the league and etc....'

But he did mention that he was requested by the league to do this, which kindof softens my stance on it, as I thought he could've easily told the league to buzz off and ask someone else, but I don't think that was the case. So I understand his feelings (although I remember earlier in the season he was quoted as saying he wanted to go), but yeah, keep it to yourself. Whatever, he's 19, shit happens.

Like I said earlier though, having his playing time cut to shit likely doesn't help his mood.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

Tyrus could have turned it down

According to the collective bargaining agreement, the dunk contest is the one All-Star event that the league can't make players participate in (otherwise Lebron and Wade would be in it every year). I thought he also said last week that he wanted to do the dunk contest. He was probably just pissed about not being selected for the rookie game when he said that.

by Big D on Feb 6, 2007 5:30 PM CST up reply actions

whoa . . .

I wasn't aware the Bulls organization was in the business of giving away their product for free, oh wait, I actually like sitting through 70 Illinois Lottery commercials every game I watch or sitting through 5 unnecessary t.v. time outs when I go to the game. Apparently Tyrus is is supposed to give his labor away for free and the NBA is screwing up by paying anyone who is in the dunk contest. I guess I'm going to give my paycheck back to my employer now.

by GWKD on Feb 6, 2007 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

didn't see post above

I'll then point out being subjected to the silly Pussycats dolls song on ABC smellecasts which apparently must be all about the basketball too. I'm sure that they have some kind of a speech clause in Tyrus contract that the union agree to, but there is absolutely zero that is morally wrong with Tyrus saying what he did. Unless one is mad with the myth that these guys are all basketball saints that are merely doing it for the love of the game.

by GWKD on Feb 6, 2007 5:04 PM CST up reply actions

huh?

It's the league's product too.

Now if you want to rail against allowing them to be in international competition (which as Mark Cuban points out only benefits NBC, not the NBA), then I'm right with ya.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

that's what I was trying to say

I think we posted at the same time, causing confusion. And I agree with the international competition scenario which benefits not only NBC, but the shoe companies, as famously evidenced by Jordan draping the american flag over the Reebok logo during the medal ceremony.

I am not against anyone making money off of this, but I do think it's a little hypocritical for fining Tyrus for saying he is motivated by money. I love my job and all, but I wouldn't be doing it if it didn't pay at all.

And another thing, what a terrible interview by K.C. He posed it as "rubbing elbows" with big stars and making money. I think Tyrus answer would have been a little different if he had asked, "don't you want to prove that you are the better dunker than Nate Robinson . . . "

by GWKD on Feb 6, 2007 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

He can actually come out with a net loss now

because he has to pay taxes and such on whatever he makes in the dunk contest. If he ends up in 3rd or 4th place, I imagine his net income from the dunk event will be less than $10k.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 8:00 PM CST up reply actions

Tyrus was fined for his comments.

Here is the link from the official Bulls site:

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/thomas_fined_070206.html

I think it's totally appropriate.

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 6, 2007 4:50 PM CST reply actions

Apparently Tyrus doesn't like to gamble

He's got to be the ONLY guy in the entire league unhappy about going to Vegas.

by Big D on Feb 6, 2007 5:25 PM CST reply actions

Um, he can't gamble

he can't even sit at the tables, he's 19.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:26 AM CST up reply actions

Gasol

is having one hell of a night if anyone wants to watch. Maybe Thomas is a gonner after those comments.

by Option27 on Feb 6, 2007 8:50 PM CST reply actions

no nbatv

where im at. I know stacking up numbers with blocks and rebounds doesnt mean much..espscially on the grizzlies but how can he be a bad defender when he is getting that many blocks. He is averaging more blcoks per game than anyone on the bulls. Eddy Curry now theres one guy who couldnt play any defense but gasol actually blocks peoples shots and gets more than 6 reounds a game.

Someone starts a new gasol rumor and lets hope it becomes true.

by Sambossanova on Feb 6, 2007 9:08 PM CST up reply actions

We can only hope

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2007 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

let's hope the Bulls PR people do the rihgt thing

and donate the 10K to charity and lean heavily on t2 to donate his money from the conest to charity

by milesgmsu on Feb 6, 2007 10:34 PM CST reply actions

I think all fines

go to charity through some fashion. At least the league ones.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 11:49 PM CST up reply actions

Tyrus said

he would donate any money he made in the contest to his old high school.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 7, 2007 11:55 AM CST up reply actions

the kid made a mistake.

the league is really trying to make the image of young high character stars, which tyrus was originally thought of being. so the league fined him through the organization. somewhat fair, I think.

on the other hand, I'm not sure tt is really all that eloquent and knows how to handle the media just yet (KC being one of the nices guys aside). I think he's pretty focused on his game and team and hope that he sees the all star game as a distraction to his ultimate goal, and that's why he said what he did, because it seems that it seems the company line coming from skiles, gordon and deng. I hope he understands that he is getting better in the skiles system, because skiles' is protecting him a bit, necessarily.

of course I disagree with his statement considering that BG and deng got snubbed. I do think he made a rookie press mistake though. I hope he makes it up by wearing the jerseys of his teammates when he does his dunks.

regardless, tt was put in the dunk contest because the league screwed up and didn't set up a system for the east to get one member of the third place team in the all star game. way to go, Stern, fine a rookie for your own mistake.

still for players to develop, playing time is a necessity, and the bulls probably have one too many good bench players on this team.

by brianmita on Feb 7, 2007 1:12 AM CST reply actions

quite a conspiracy theory

that TT is dunking because no bull is on the team. If that was true I'd like to see gordon dunk...he's got ups...and his limited dunks are more impressive than tyrus' 2 handed jams

Or better yet...Hinrich...just so we could laugh our ass off

by milesgmsu on Feb 7, 2007 9:12 AM CST up reply actions

yeah it's a little cynical of me to say that

but, yes, while the league recognizes that tt has some really talented hops, the constant spectator realizes that he hasn't put it all together yet. promising? yes. have we really seen enough from him? I'm leaning towards no.

still, I'm sticking to my guns that tt is just a young kid making some mistakes, and I imagine both big ben and pj are trying to show him the pr ropes. My guess is that they playing a really soft line toward him, being both very classy family men. They might have told him that the organization absolutely has to publicly be pretty stern about it, considering that he's right up there now with MJ and Scottie, that he's the lone representative at all star weekend, and the commercials talking about character. Big ben didn't even make it to all star weekend, but big ben also understands that he hasn't earned it while getting acclimated to his new team.

Still, if there is one thing I like about the kid, is that it seems his internal motivation is not about the money. if he had a choice between fame and money? I'd think that he'd much rather be poor and have everyone talking about him, than having tons of money and everyone dogging him. he's the anti-iverson.

It is much a trait of his generation. the entitlement generation is one who are used to the fact that most people are not going to make more money than their parents, because generation x had to confront that first. Generally, if the entitlement generation is given, not necessarily earning, money, the proudful family oriented ones would rather give it away to those he loves. To me seems tt is the gentle type of person to give a lot of money to his family and those who have supported him thus far.

Regardless, it is pretty much a crock that BG or Deng is not on at least an inactive list in ASG. they're on a winning team and have put up some stellar numbers right now. I kinda feel that because they succeed in a true team system, and not on an individual/stat level, they are being 'punished' by the national fans. I mean really, as much as we all like Shaq, did he earn it this year?

by brianmita on Feb 8, 2007 12:38 AM CST up reply actions

oh yes.

I forgot. as much as I'm defending tt, he better be doing handstands on that hoop in vegas.

by brianmita on Feb 8, 2007 12:39 AM CST up reply actions

Sam Smith with a hatchet job on Tyrus

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-070206smith,1,212847.column?coll=chi-sportstop-he d

Ouch. Of course, as Sam points out, you do kind of open yourself up to this stuff when you say something stupid.

by Big D on Feb 7, 2007 6:34 AM CST reply actions

this article probably deserved it's own diary.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:39 AM CST up reply actions

maybe

but I like one dunk-contest thread per week (per year?), personally.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 7, 2007 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

I'll soften my earlier stance

Although I disagree with the fine, Tyrus seems to deserve this mostly undeserved criticism about his comments. I'd fault the nineteen-year-old for flunking his P.R. class, and that's about it.

But, it's funny that Sam seems to justify K.C.'s report by saying reporters have been covering up for Thomas all along. And his analogy is terrible. He seems to equate covering up serial adulterer who wants to be the leader of the free world with covering up for a serially salty and uncommunicative (and probably low i.q.) nineteen-year-old athlete. While they are both irrelevant to how one does his job (depending on your point of view), there was nothing actually wrong with what Tyrus said. Believe it or not, it is actually okay for him to have a healthy ego that no one is better than him. And it seems to be the company line from around the league's players that All-Star weekend is more of a burden than an honor (except that this year is in Vegas) I still fault K.C. for not asking him (or at least putting in his article) about whether he felt like whether he was going to win was a foregone conclusion, so that picking up his check was a mere formality.

And I'm not sure Sam has ever written an article about Tyrus which focuses specifically on his ability to play the game and breaking down his offensive ability or lack there of. And I don't think this article is going so far as to say his ego is preventing him from learning from Skiles and improving. It's articles like these that make following basketball no better than reading perezhilton.com, wwtdd.com, or superficial.com. (not that I'm against it, I'm with Tom Wolfe on the importance of pop culture). I love Sam, but sometimes I think he writes these articles (over the years about wallace, skiles, curry . . . ) just to generate readership (ooops, did I say that?)

And that opinion and $2.00 will get me a ride on the CTA.

by GWKD on Feb 7, 2007 9:51 AM CST up reply actions

How do you get a sense of his healthy ego

from those two articles? Sure he needs to be cocky, but I got disdain and arrogance from reading his comments and the allegedly covered up incidents from Smith's article. I don't see how Smith benefits from writing a hack job on one of the players of the team he spends half of his time covering. I can't wait til KC writes the inside story on the Bulls 06-07 season. Should sell at least 3 or 4 hundred copies.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 10:49 AM CST up reply actions

I don't get a sense of anything really.

Maybe Tyrus is a less than personable 19 year old, which could probably describe most 19 year olds.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

You must have missed the part where I said

that Tyrus is a "probably low i.q. nineteen-year-old athlete" which may be even worse than arrogant.

And, for what it's worth, Henry Abbott over at Truehoop.com seems to agree with my view.

http://www.truehoop.com/2006-draft-71067-free-tyrus-thomas.html

by GWKD on Feb 7, 2007 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

Where is the "low IQ" coming from?

by Moses Taylor on Feb 7, 2007 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

pop!!!!

that's the sound of me officially losing interest in this topic.

But since I must explain:
you could put in "tone deaf" "tactless" "insensitive" in their too, but since he is only 19 I really have no idea whether it is an innate lack of intelligence or merely lack of experience to avoid this unneeded controversy.

But I do know that from viewing his offensive game on a regular basis that his offensive basketball i.q. (as opposed to his instincts) are probably the lowest on the team. Time will tell whether this deficiency is from nature or nuture. If it is the former, I fear sometimes that he will be nothing better than the next Lorenzen Wright or (gasp) Stromile Swift.

by GWKD on Feb 7, 2007 12:34 PM CST up reply actions

I certainly didn't get that from the comments

GWKD, I don't think we are reading the same thing...

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

anyhoo

if you read Sam Smith's column again, Mr. Mariotti-mimicer starts his column with "How's that adage go? Better to remain quiet and let them think you the fool than to speak and remove all doubt." So I'm not sure what comments you are reading, but that is one of the few parts of Sam's columns that I may agree with, in part.

by GWKD on Feb 7, 2007 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

and . . .K.C. and Sam too

From K.C.'s article, Thomas' comments are framed unfairly. I think K.C. may be asking these questions after the Bulls lost to Utah and Thomas hardly played. K.C. is guilty of asking lame, cliched, thoughtless questions without any good follow up questions, and making him look like a jerk.

Meanwhile, Sam describes Thomas as being without candor and normally cliched, and doesn't realize that the thesis of column is simultaneously castigating Thomas for "foolishly" being candid about is lack of desire to go be in the dunk contest.

I approve of Sam and K.C. 99.9999% of the time. But these "controversies" are always overblown.

by GWKD on Feb 7, 2007 1:20 PM CST up reply actions

Here it is straight from the article

"Asked if he were excited about becoming the first Bull since Scottie Pippen in 1990 to participate in the event as part of All-Star weekend, Thomas barely looked up from untying his shoes.

"Not really," Thomas said. "I'm just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day."

Asked if an opportunity to rub elbows with some of the game's greats could be beneficial for a rookie, Thomas kept unlacing.

"I'm just into the free money," he said. "That's it. I'll just do whatever when I get out there.""

This was Monday before the Utah game. They might be tired questions for vet, but I don't think Tyrus has had many chances to hang out with All-Stars yet. His comments are indefensible.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 1:49 PM CST up reply actions

You can boo him for flunking P.R. class

but don't fine him.

Those are just bad questions, especially to a rookie. I don't know why being the first bull since 1990 or rubbing shoulders with all stars should make him feel special. Pippen has probably already told him that the dunk contest is lame, which is why no Bull like Pippen or Jordan has done it since 1990. He's been in the Final Four, the lottery, around the league once, and his best friends on the team are Ben Wallace and P.J. Brown. He doesn't have to be impressed by All-Stars, and has already blocked their shots.

K.C. should have asked him something other than "since you are a lowly rookie shouldn't you just be happy to be there?" He could have at least asked a follow up if he was excited about competing against the other dunkers and proving he was the best. But don't believe me, believe Mr. Candid:

"It's a learning experience, a big one," he said. "it was just a little misinterpreting of what I said. It kind of makes me upset. I gues I wasn't so enthused when I was talking that [the reporter] took it as if I didn't want to do it. I just have to be more careful of what I say. If just have to be more precise about what I'm saying."

Boo him if you want (I won't), but don't fine him.

by GWKD on Feb 7, 2007 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

Actually is was a DNP

http://www.nba.com/games/20070205/CHIUTA/boxscore.html

If you consider what he said maybe he was just pissed off that he didn't get to play in the Utah loss. Maybe his attitude in the immediate post game frustration was; fine if they don't want to let me play then I will just collect a check - maybe he just really wants to play more and contribute to the team. And maybe Sam Smith is trying some journalistic manipulation by positioning anyone who doesn't talk nice to the media as spoiled.

by Incognito on Feb 8, 2007 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

I thnk what Sam's trying to say

is that NOW it's a story (because of the actual comments over the dunk contests and of the fine), so it's relevant to bring up how much of a jerk Tyrus has been all year.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 7, 2007 10:54 AM CST up reply actions

Last night on

CTL Gail Fischer was hosting and they were talking about Tyrus. Evidently she has had some problems with Tyrus because she does not like him lumped him in the same company with Cedric Benson. I think Tyrus has a lot of growing up to do and maybe learn to appreciate the opportunity he has been given.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 7, 2007 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

I wish it didn't work this way,

but the more media people that express dislike for Thomas makes me like him even more.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 11:42 AM CST up reply actions

A young Kid

That is upset about not playing WILL lash out. If anything this proves how much heart he really has. I think his standpoint is; well, if i'm not playing, than I really don't care about the dunk contest.

by DannyRange on Feb 7, 2007 12:38 PM CST up reply actions

Dudes who are playing

don't care about the dunk contest.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

Depends on the media people

If Tyrus is lucky, Mariotti will write a scathing column against him tomorrow. Nothing helps put people on your side better than a Mariotti column ripping you.

by Big D on Feb 7, 2007 1:16 PM CST up reply actions

this is too good an oppurtunity

to take a shot at Reinsdorf. Jay can't pass that up.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

Not to mention a pile on

where Mariotti doesn't have to think of anything original.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

You have to wonder

what kind of a jerk Aldridge must be for the bulls to have passed on him. He seems to have some game and would have been a better fit for the Bulls. Tyrus is athletic, but I have to question now if his head is going to keep him from doing anything with his talent.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 10:54 AM CST reply actions

Sam kindof alluded to this in his own article

But apparently the league is trying to replace Thomas in the competition.

Fine by me, dude obviously didn't want to go anyway. Plus it'd be awkward for Thomas to pretend he wanted to while he was there, while everyone watching would know otherwise.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 7, 2007 11:45 AM CST reply actions

His colum was a JOKE

Sam Smith is SO perfect that he NEVER makes mistakes apparently. So now we will drive him out of town. What's worse is that he gets national recognition, and may effect GM's position on him in a negative way. THANKS ALOT SAM

by DannyRange on Feb 7, 2007 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

huh? wha? ghwa?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 7, 2007 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

Ummm,

Tyrus is the only one to bring on any negativity.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 7, 2007 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

KC Johnson

is on CTL right now. Dan asked him about the Tyrus interview. KC said he gave Tyrus several chances to change his answer and the tone of his answer but it was always the same. He came right out and said Tyrus was a jerk. He informed the Bulls organization of the interview and it's content and they gave him the go ahead to post it.

KC also said he has had other incidents with Tyrus but always covered them up. Hopefully Tyrus has learned from this.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 7, 2007 6:01 PM CST reply actions

More from KC

his latest podcast is up:

http://redeye.chicagotribune.com/news/red-podcasthome,0,4762159.story

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 7, 2007 7:51 PM CST up reply actions

this is why

we are lucky to have KC back as the beat reporter for the bulls. he's very unsensationalist, perceptive, and nurturing, but still sticks to his guns as a reporter. good job KC!

if you read blogabull, best wishes to you and your family!

by brianmita on Feb 8, 2007 12:45 AM CST up reply actions

I agree, KC does good work

even if he made fun of my blog a couple years ago...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2007 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

Another reporter's opinion

The Sun-Times' Brian Hanley says Thomas aint no jerk. Although I love how he throws in a dig at the Trib at large...gotta love inter-media squabbles.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2007 9:55 AM CST reply actions

inter-media squabbles

Check out the front page of the Sun-Times. The Trib Co. execs can't be happy.

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/hr.asp?fpVname=IL_CST

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 8, 2007 9:59 AM CST up reply actions

Thomas was going to donate money to High School

Hanley also said that Thomas had previously said that he would donate the money to his high school in Louisiana. Jeez, what kind of a jerk would donate their "free money" to their high school.

by GWKD on Feb 8, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions

If by jerk

you mean young, foolish kid who doesn't appreciate how lucky he is and carries himself with a bad attitude, then I'll go with KC and say he probably is right now. I hope he figures it out sooner rather than later.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2007 10:31 AM CST up reply actions

Yes, he has zero appreciation for anything

How dare he donate money to the high school that put him in a position to make his millions. What a terrible school for teaching him to tell the truth instead of how to charm reporters who leave out relevant facts. And to think all of his effort wasted helping Katrina victims, when he could have just been practicing his dunks "for the fans."

by GWKD on Feb 8, 2007 11:02 AM CST up reply actions

Doesn't have to be one or the other, guys

It's quite possible for anyone to be a jerk to some people or in some situations and completely different with people (or institutions) where there is a strong relationship. I'm not sure why we're all still spending so much time arguing the extremes - Is Tyrus a jerk or just honest or a really great kid who's donating money to his high school? Maybe the answer is yes to all of it, maybe no.

by wjb1492 on Feb 8, 2007 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

The Dam is about to break...

On several occasions in the locker room this season, I have seen or heard Thomas mimic the media while embarrassed teammates roll their eyes. Along those lines, ex-Bulls star Scottie Pippen recently told me that the kid had a long, long way to go to become a mature professional. Several times Bulls head coach Scott Skiles has mentioned that Thomas leaves something to be desired in the way of stamina and practice habits. Don't be surprised. This is the same guy who begged out of a pre-draft workout at the Berto Center because of a tummy ache. Then there was this doozy while Thomas was in New York to attend a pre-draft function last spring. Daily Southtown

It seems that Thomas and a few league executives cabbed it to a hotel. Upon their arrival, Thomas actually expected them to take care of his luggage. "The league execs couldn't believe it," the source said. "They were like, 'You expect us to do what? Take your own (darn) bags.' The guy turned off a lot of people even before he played a game." Daily Southtown

link to story KC and Sam are not the only ones who seem to feel this way.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2007 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

I will say

this for Tyrus, he definitely has some balls. Unless he gets traded on the 22nd he has a long year ahead of him.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 8, 2007 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

thats somewhat understandable

tyrus had never been to the city before, never met with league execs....it could be as understandable as a women expecting a man to carry her luggage, or something along those lines....

and please I'm not trying to be a chauvnist or anything negative, just using whatever crappy example first came to me...

by milesgmsu on Feb 9, 2007 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

obviously my sarcasm isn't coming through

in my last two posts, because that is exactly what I was hoping would come across. It's too ambiguous to judge the guy based on what little information we have. People can boo if they want to boo, but I don't think anyone is really in a position to judge at this point.

sheeesh.

See you all on the 22nd or whenever a trade is made, whichever comes first. Until then, feel free to misconstrue mine or Tyrus "FreeMoney" Thomas's comments all you want.

by GWKD on Feb 8, 2007 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

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