I refuse to over-dramatize headbands with an over-dramatic headline

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 26, 2006 11:37 PM CST in News

**UPDATED BELOW**

I don't think the Wallace-Skiles headband 'feud' (My thoughts are this: the team's rule may be stupid, but Wallace defying it is completely wrong.) is much to fret over until we see what happens next game or at least get some quotes. I don't see the no-headband rule being lifted, so either Ben plays or he's benched and/or suspended. A headband likely has little use when you don't get in the game, but Wallace seems to really like wearing them.

So until the great standoff, (and hopefully there's some resolution before Tuesday's game) I thought it'd be interesting to look at these differing quotes on Ben Wallace.

One is from Detroit News writer Chris McCosky (hat tip to Need4Sheed):

The headlines are already making snarky references to the "$60 million man." You know Ben hates that. He's Mr. Blue Collar, everyman, just trying to feed my family guy. To be viewed as an overpaid underachiever, oh my goodness. That has to be eating him up.

Is Ben unhappy in Chicago? Yes, he is. He's not throwing in the towel, but the transition hasn't been pleasant. When Skiles and John Paxson came to Ben's house over the summer to make their recruiting pitch, Ben asked Skiles point-blank if there was anything he needed to know about him, his coaching style or his personal preferences. Skiles told him no, he loved Ben just as he was. But the minute Ben signed the contract, Skiles pulled him aside and told him that he could no longer wear the headbands and arm bands that had been his trademark in Detroit. Strike one.

Skiles has also embarrassed Ben during practice several times -- stopping practice to make him tuck in his shirt and ordering him to tape his ankles (which Ben never does) -- silly power-trippy things like that. Strike two.

And now Skiles is yo-yoing him in and out of games -- the ultimate indignity to Ben. Strike three? Nah, probably just a foul tip. Like I said, there's too much at stake for Ben to blow it up this quickly. But, these are not fun times in the Windy City.

I've never read this guy before, and don't like letting biases automatically invalidate columnists' opinions (My Skiles-love probably costs me some journalistic cred, if I had any), but obviously he seems like a Wallace fan. Plus, since he lead one post by gloating over his prediction that a Wallace-Skiles feud would occur by Thanksgiving, he at the least seems like kindof an ass.

While maybe also an ass(to some), Sam Smith is still my guy. I was kindof surprised at his full-bore assault on Wallace:

So Wallace, benched Friday in Philadelphia and finishing with zero rebounds the first time he started a game in his NBA career, apparently decided to show coach Scott Skiles who was really important.

It was the essence of selfish behavior and contrary to the team ethic Wallace is said to endorse.

Sure, you run the risk of further alienating Wallace. What then? Is he going to retire? I wondered two weeks ago watching his play whether he had.

There's plenty of opportunity for Wallace to be the player the Bulls thought they were getting and the team to have an excellent season. Wallace always played best with a chip on his shoulder, when he felt least respected and would show everyone. What better chance than now?

Because if the Bulls don't stand up and establish the authority of the team, this has the potential for an ugly resolution.

This, by the way, is nothing new for Wallace.

Just last season, he refused to enter a game late in the season because he was angry at something, usually a lack of a role in the offense. That's laughable because he shoots like an injured ostrich. I always felt the Pistons' playoff meltdown started when he openly challenged the authority of new coach Flip Saunders late in the regular season by declining to enter a game. In the playoffs, it was a virtual team rebellion.

Before this season started, Wallace in an ESPN interview blasted Saunders and commended all his former coaches, bringing giggles to all as Wallace had previously blasted them. He's an oversensitive, easily embarrassed, remote soul. I noticed him seeming to limp during the Friday game when he was benched and he was off for some MRI Sunday. His history, despite the supposed "warrior" mentality, is to come up with some small injury when things aren't going well to explain the issue, usually poor free-throw shooting.

Pistons players say Wallace has burned up the cell-phone satellites to them in recent weeks complaining about the Bulls, Skiles and signing in Chicago.

My guess is the Bulls would gladly take the money and send him back.

I recommend reading through both links in their entirety, but you get the point that they are two completely different depictions of Ben Wallace, with Sam Smith essentially calling him a fraud. And with the early returns I'd side more with him than what's coming out of Detroit.

So, Ok, I ended the Sam quote at that sentence for effect. The following lines make the most sense:

But they're stuck with one another and will have to make the best of it. And they can make it good.

These things happen in pro sports. It's not like players have to like whom they play for. I don't recall many parties for Jerry Krause. And it wasn't like the Pistons were hanging out with Larry Brown. You play, be professional and enjoy the rewards.

He's not going to be traded (if you suggest and explore possibilities in this space you will be deemed blog-a-bull moron), and unless he's completely self-centered Ben Wallace isn't going to submarine the season just a dozen games into it.

Update: KC Johnson has the scoop on the organization's next steps:

General manager John Paxson is to talk Monday after practice about Wallace's breaking a team rule by wearing a headband in Saturday's victory over the Knicks. However, Wallace is expected to miss practice because he needs an MRI on his right wrist and fingers after injuring them in the second quarter in New York.

Wallace played after the injury, which neither he nor coach Scott Skiles addressed in New York. Paxson hopes similar solidarity will ensue once this public dispute fades.

There's plenty there on the "brewing" insubordination of Wallace, with his dislike of taped ankles and headphones-only locker rooms, to name a couple instances with the team's rules. Also, Johnson writes the no-headband rule may be originating from owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

UPDATE 2: KC has the word from practice today, where Wallace and Pax had a talk. Quote the Pax:

I don't expect this to cause our team to fracture, which is always something you worry about. That rule was borne out of some things I saw when I first got the job that didn't look good. It was more out of uniformity than anything else. It wasn't to take an individual's personality away from the game. Anything can be revisited. But I'm not saying that rule is going to be revisited tomorrow.

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Comments

If I had

Ben's huge salary and not so hot stats, the last thing I would want to do is call more attention to myself. I'm not sure what he's thinking. Perhaps if he would have exceeded expectations he would at least have a little leverage in his power struggle with the coach. But to do it at this time makes him look idiotic.

by No bull on Nov 27, 2006 12:36 AM CST reply actions

I recall Scott Skiles

yucking it up in Eddie Robinson's du-rag (are they still called du-rags, kids???). I wasn't there but I did read about it, and no I'm not going to play with google for an hour to find an ancient Eddie Robinson trib blurb. Scott Skiles may still be the DTEBJWMFer we all know and love (outside of a basketball court). A Reinsdorf no headband edict makes some sense as he grumpily made members of the White Sox get hair cuts over the summer. You get a discount at the movie theater and buffets, leave our youthful fashions alone!

I never glorified Ben Wallace or really expected great play from him, and I loathe attitude discussions for various reasons. I am still pretty shocked at Sam Smith describing Big Ben as a highly paid JYD-esque fraud. There is still time to turn this around, and this is only one player.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 1:42 AM CST reply actions

it's all so strange

Not what I expected from Big Ben at all. Sooner or later I'd think he'd complain about playing time or something, not headbands.

All teams have rules, some more rules than the Bulls (Nate McMillan is a much tougher coach than Skiles and has lots more rules). It seems it isn't so much about the rules, than about Ben having trouble adapting. For all his unhappiness with Saunders, he still loved his teammates in Detroit, and that's not an easy thing to switch off.

For $60 mill, you do what your coach asks you to do to make the team win. It's that simple and should be to every free agent. Why it isn't has never made sense to me.

by KT on Nov 27, 2006 6:17 AM CST reply actions

60 million reasons to listen to skiles

i was thinking about this over the weekend and i have to agree. ben should suck it up and play with the rules of the team. skiles i do believe is a control freak but he and paxzon took this franchsise from the worst to one of the better fairly fast. i mean what we did the year before finishing with the fourth best was something special. i love ben wallace i think he can really make a difference and i dont even think this head band thing would have happened if not for all the losing we are doing. but lets not talk trade and all that. its only twelve games in and we are coming off a good game. ben wallace is in my opinion still someone who can make us go deep this year.

by glycen on Nov 27, 2006 9:01 AM CST reply actions

the flip side of this is competitiveness

this is kind of funny, like Wallace isn't getting to wear his favorite dress to the presidential ball.

seriously, if he feels like he is losing some type of psychological "edge" with this, whatever that is, he's the only judge of that, like war paint or something. After a zero rebound night, he might of felt like he needed it.

the fact that this became a problem is that he may be just slightly dopey and tone deaf, and his agent is an idiot if Ben didn't know about the headband rule, or would have refused to sign a contract.

to me, this is really a non-problem. it's not like he's defying any laws or anything
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2006/11/26/hail_to_the_chief/

oops, there I go being political again, feel free to throw e-tomatoes at me.

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 9:32 AM CST reply actions

I was hoping

with a boston.com and 'chief' in the URL that was going to be a Robert Parrish link :(

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 10:00 AM CST up reply actions

wacky tabacky?

the Robert Parish reference reminds me of how "Chief" was caught with marijuana. Breaking a real actual law with debatable merits. Sam Smith is overreacting, this is some silly team rule, which may or may not be beneficial to the team. Instead of discussing whether the rule is a good or bad idea, he tries to paint Wallace as a "bad character" guy. Another overreacting writer could have said that Wallace was engaging in some dimwitted "civil disobedience."

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

I think Sam's point

is that it doesn't matter if the rule is a good or bad idea. A player who publically disobeyes it is trying to start a mutiny against the coach. (in Sam's eyes, at least)

Lets not get into the cultural or first amendment significance of this. I wouldn't be surprised if FreeDarko.com already had a draft ready to go.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

which is my point

my speculation is the only reason Wallace did this is because he thought it might help him play better.

Ben's thought process after a zero rebound night: with headband on Pistons means more rebounds, without headband on Bulls means less rebounds; ergo wear headband.

Whether he would he was also trying to show up skiles and ruffle some feathers was secondary or not even considered.

and now I'm off to work.

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 10:35 AM CST up reply actions

good point

I hope that is the case (that he was only doing it to help his play), although if I was Pax it would make me wonder why I gave a guy that much money if he feels he can only play good with his magic headband. Then again, it wouldn't be sports without lame superstitions.

KC's (and others) reporting on the stuff going on in practice makes it seem that Wallace was trying to get under Skiles' skin...whether in the pursuit of better play (i.e., return to the 'old ben') or not.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 10:39 AM CST up reply actions

who...

...goes to work at 10:30am?... are you actually E-Rob lurking at this site hoping to hear snippets of praise for your tremendous hops?... hey, how's that toe doing anyway?...

by leeac on Nov 27, 2006 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

I agree

with the civil disoedience observation, but it still wasn't the right time to make waves and Wallace's play has been sub-par. If the rule came from Jerry Reinsdorf's rocking chair forcing Skiles' hand on it was double dimwitted.

If anyone has taken a peek at the Tribune's coverage of this you would think Ben Wallace killed someone over the weekend. It's too bad Sam's best line, "I didn't see anyone second-guessing the signing when it occurred, so it would be hypocritical to condemn it now," was forced to page 2.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 10:30 AM CST up reply actions

i think...

...only a handful are actually condemning the signing... although a whole lotta people are second guessing right about now...

by leeac on Nov 27, 2006 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

Keep the politics

Off of this site. There's plenty of it out there in the web, and Blogabull should remain an island isolated from it. I like my politics and follow it closely, but get on your soapbox somewhere else.

by eddiew23 on Nov 27, 2006 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

read above

for my actual point, perhaps poorly worded in the initial comment by reference to an off topic link without explanation (as usual). For the tribune to say, "The Bulls at least need to fine Wallace, if not suspend him, for an egregious act that is way beyond a simple stunt of dissent or petulance. And I'm not overdramatizing here." is entirely uncalled for. This is NOT politics, this is NOT civil disobedience, this is NOT getting on a soapbox, and NOT an egregious violation of Bulls policy. To call for a suspension, is, in fact, "overdramatizing" here.

Frankly, the bulls should just get rid of the rule if it will help Ben feel more comfortable and confident and get more rebounds. This is the same team that let Rodman paint his head like a snow cone. This isn't some inane Darius Miles headband and double "L" on the forehead thing from his clipper days.

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 11:51 AM CST up reply actions

I'm still

waiting for the gwkd Trade for Etan Thomas diary myself ;)

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

etan would fit better on the pistons

Joe Dumars has some things to say about players talking politics,

http://www.truehoop.com/leaguewide-issues-55630-you-should-listen-to-chad-fords-podcasts.html

scroll down to first bullet point for synopsis of Chad Ford's interview with Joe Dumars, or just listen to the interview.

I'm starting to annoy myself, and my boss. ;)

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

perspective

For Sam (and Tribune sports) to make a 'big deal' out of this doesn't upset me. I'd hope that everyone realizes the context that all we're talking about is a sports team, not politics, etc.

So if Sam thinks that Wallace's stunt is beyond petulence and is actually trying to undermine the coach (and he uses his bad-guy characterization to back that up), that's his opinion and that IS a big deal in terms of the team.

The degree of Wallace's insubordination is entirely unknown to us, and less unknown to those who cover the team. If they think it's a big deal then they can write it as so. If they're just trying to sell papers, then well...they should realize nobody cares and they only follow the Bears, so it's probably not worth it. :-D

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

wait and see

Like i wrote in an earliar post, let's wait this out till Paxson talks to both Skiles and Wallace and let's see how this plays out before anything crazy starts being thought by the fans. I feel like this whole situation is very (Terrell) "Owenesque". I think everyone has been waiting for Wallace act out on Skiles for a while now. If this continues, then we can worry but until then..relax. Bulls finally got a win, let's just be thankfull and hopefull things start turning around.

by Option27 on Nov 27, 2006 10:34 AM CST reply actions

me thinks...

...wallace is but a single step away from having this bulls fan turn on him. the bulls have been grinding away the last couple of years trying to build a 'contending' team in the east and the signing of ben wallace was supposed to make them a deep playoff team. $60m later, he has a choice to come in here and help like he is supposed to, or attempt to ruin team chemistry and leadership by acting like a 6 year old who gets socks for christmas. maybe he can tie those socks around his head to stop the sweating.

by leeac on Nov 27, 2006 10:46 AM CST reply actions

I hope

they get this worked out soon. All organizations have rules for their employees to follow. Not all are accepted well but if you are making 60 million you should make adjustments whether you like them or not.

I wonder what impression this is making on the rookies?

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 27, 2006 11:04 AM CST reply actions

Why

is this happening?! This is my worst nightmare.

by Option27 on Nov 27, 2006 12:09 PM CST reply actions

Step away from the ledge everyone

Let's remember that we're all of 13 games deep into the season. These slows starts are nothing new for this group of players. Let's wait till the 1st of the year (and most importantly month of home games) before we start trading everyone.

I know it's not popular to side with underperforming multi-millionaires, but I'm with Wallace on this one. Why can't he wear his normal gear? I think the headband/wristbands look cool on him. Sports are filled without little superstitions/idiosyncrasies. Also, who the hell is Skiles to tell Wallace that he needs to tape his ankles? It's hypocritical for the Bulls to ask Wallace to bring his style of play to Chicago - and then ask him to change the very routine that made him the player he is. It's not like he's wearing Pistons gear or something. If the headband makes him feel more comfortable on the court, and thus, the Bulls a better team, let him wear it!

Everyone knows that with the big contract - comes the most intense scrutiny. Maybe the Bulls should think about making this huge transition for Wallace easier, instead of harder.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Nov 27, 2006 12:20 PM CST reply actions

Wallace or Skiles?

I've been pounding my head over this debate all day. Who is more deserving to blame over all this drama unfolding. On one hand, I'm thinking that it's only a headband but then read up on how it was more than just a headband. The music in the locker room and the taped ankles have also been added to the rumblings of Ben Wallace. On the other hand, it makes me wonder why in the first place would the Bulls have a noe headband policy? That article of clothing is made for athletes to collect sweat off their foreheads! But you have to look at it this way; If a team is paying you 15 million a year and have voted you captain, I would say do whatever the team asks of you. Both sides present a vaild arguement over this "stupid" issue. My verdict is this: You know what you were getting when you signed Ben Wallace. They must have known of his previous issues with other coaches. If you're willing to offer him 15 million a year, you better make sure that all sides are in agreement of what to expect from one another. But Skiles, lemme get this straight...You don't care if Ben makes his free throws (an in game situation) but you care if he wears a headband?! Something that has no impact on a game. Gimmie a break coach. Even if this is rooted to Reinsdorf, take a chill pill. You're paying this guy 15 million a year, try your best to accomodate whatever it may take to motivate the man to play his best basketball. If that means pumping up music or not wearing tape on your ankles or wearing a freakin' headband, make sure he's doing whatever it takes to bring the best outta him. I don't wanna make it sound like you should change the rules for the man. But the rule itself is stupid. If Rodman is allowed to do whatever he wants to his hair, Ben whould be allowed to wear a headband. And if you ask me, his afro is more of a notice than a headband. I hope this whole thing works itself out. Maybe Skiles and Paxson should go back to Ben's house in their jeans and talk to him face to face again and get Ben to look at things they way he did before. I'm on Ben's side on this one.

by Option27 on Nov 27, 2006 2:24 PM CST reply actions

The media

deserves most of the blame...

by bullshooter on Nov 27, 2006 9:18 PM CST up reply actions

Paxson visits with Wallace--again

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-061127bulls,1,936192.story?coll=c s-bulls-headlines

Updated story at the tribune. Funniest line of the story : "Skiles, who once as a player fought Shaquille O'Neal in practice, seemed almost giddy in talking about the incident, saying it could promote team unity."

by Option27 on Nov 27, 2006 2:39 PM CST reply actions

it has to be asked...

....why can't we all just get along??

by kaptainkirk23 on Nov 27, 2006 2:42 PM CST reply actions

gwkd, Jobu, etc view points are correct!

But there is really more.

wallace is not trying to openly defy Skiles. This issue is far more serious than the $60 million so many openly express. Wallace most likely will get his 60 million, regardless. He'll conform, to a degree, if that's what skiles wants. But, believe me it will be with a large price. Greater than the initial (4-9 win loss record), and a bone-head signing by Paxson and Skiles that will be detrimental to their career.

This team rule is flat out stupid! Period! Probably will rank higher than anything that Isiah Thomas has done. Pay attention, D.Stern is using a bit more discretion in his attempt to transform NBA players play into business causal.
Noci wears those long armband, how can Skiles unfairly justify certain athletic garments? Head band and arm bands serve a purpose for a person who perspires much!

Had a "familiar" to skiles" coached the Bulls in the 90's, this Skiles clone with bonehead rules probably would have attempted to force MJ from wearing his N.Carolina blues underneath his shorts.
Sam Smith article is "kiss butt" Bulls brass, as usual, and totally void of the real implications why Wallace feels so strongly about wearing his head band.

Does anyone really care to know why Wallace feels so strongly about this issue?

Wallace is an african-american who witnesses a plight in american still in year 2006 which most don't come to understand. Regardless, of the fact that he is a NBA millionaire, when wallace wakes up in the morning, or leaves the basketball court he is still a black man in america. What is next? take away his head band, then his corn rolls "braids", then his fro, if possible eunuchize him, and finally his dignity.

Really too much is at stake, back off Skiles & Paxson
Wallace is proven, he is no e.Rob, (side note: actually black men who prefer to wear longer hair, "braided hair" serves a purpose, unfortunate it seems to be associated with "gangster rap, etc") This issue might get larger than Chicago Bulls???

by exult463 on Nov 27, 2006 2:43 PM CST reply actions

(over)use of ctrl-B aside...

I don't think this will turn out to be a first amendment issue.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

Married?

If that day has come or will evenually come.... attempt to try to change your "mate".

If you do ...It will make the reworking of the first amendment seem as a cake walk...

by exult463 on Nov 27, 2006 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

Worse!

I went through a whole legal fight over my right to not wear pants to work. I lost.

If only Hakeem was coaching none of this would've happened. ;-)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

Are you sure

it wasn't because your boss & the judge saw your legs?

18 rebounds for one game this year; tyson (ty1) doesn't seems so bad in comparison to this wallace situation, thus far. Plus he wears his hair short and no headband .....

by exult463 on Nov 27, 2006 3:19 PM CST up reply actions

Is it just me

or should someone suggesting this is a racial discrimination issue at least know what a cornrow is?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 3:58 PM CST up reply actions

Ben

Coming from a Detroit Fan who has watched Ben for six years, let me give you my opinion.

Seriously Ben is a great guy. But Ben does not like change and Chicago is very different. In Detroit, players listen to music (the captain, Ben, was in charge of picking it)wear what they like, act as they like, and have input on all aspects of the organization. The Joe Dumars is a very "player-first" GM and will sacrifice coaches for his players.

Ben has never had to adjust who he was for the Pistons because Dumars made sure the coaches adjusted. He is always on their side. Last year this got out of hand because Flip is a push over so Ben went to Chicago thinking he actually wanted such a structured coach. He was dead wrong.

With that being said Ben will eventually give in IF Skiles meets him halfway. Ben has a lot of pride and it seems that Skiles is belittling it.

On a side note, Chris is a great journalist. The players love him and really tell him thins no one else can get out of them. Hell, even Sheed has talked to him openly. He summed up exactly what Ben has been for the last six years. If I was Chicago I would swallow my pride and call the Detroit players for help with this because they have a way of getting through to Ben. He is very complex and difficult to understand but in the end really, he is a good guy who I would love to have back, pride an all.

by Detroit on Nov 27, 2006 3:29 PM CST reply actions

thanks Detroit!

Bulls modeling after the 2004 NBA Champ Pistons seems seriously in trouble...

"In Detroit, players listen to music (the captain, Ben, was in charge of picking it)wear what they like, act as they like, and have input on all aspects of the organization. The Joe Dumars is a very "player-first" GM and will sacrifice coaches for his players." ????

by exult463 on Nov 27, 2006 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

How about a refocus? ...

and model after the Spurs?... lots of diversity (similiar to the bulls). Oops, we'll need a star player, and we'll need to trade wallace and maybe get a new coach?

Detroit? of all teams, the starting five all african americans (a different type of diversity?). They probably didn't mind listening to Ben's music? What were we "Chicago Bulls" thinking when we signed Ben and set out as a goal to model the 2004 Pistons? Bulls must take responsibility with this issue, and not put it all on Ben and the outdated team rule.
(Not intend to be offensive to african americans or Ben's music, just dealing with a issues)

Now we,
Chicago, have the opportunity to truly embrace Diversity, the different type also, and make Ben feel welcome, so that he will give us his best..... As far as a model goes..., similiar to Matt's legal issues with his legs.. I wouldn't get paid to do it?
Make adjustments to the model.
day 1: everybody listen to rap/soul music

day 2: "" to Swedish music

day 3: "" to pop/rock music

day 4: "" to english(london) music

day 5: "" to spanish

day 6: "" to country and what ever I missed

day 7: the day of rest...

Ben give/take a little, Skiles give/take a little. And one day we'll see wallace in a big cowboy hat, and kirk with a "do" rag celebrating NBA championship with the Bulls in grant park...

by exult463 on Nov 27, 2006 5:02 PM CST up reply actions

ummm...

I realize this is an attempt at humor, but I'm not sure I get it, or if it makes any sense. As far as the Bulls' model of a team goes I don't recall Paxson ever mentioning he was attempting to xerox the Pistons. For what it's worth the Spurs are the same basic model of defense first and team ball that the Bulls have utilized under Paxson/Skiles.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

great!

thanks for the inside information.. Now all that is need is to get this music schedule finalized..

by exult463 on Nov 27, 2006 5:24 PM CST up reply actions

More inside info:

Most of your music choices don't even qualify as musical genres (i.e. Spanish). I'm not sure why you would blast Bulls' management for what you perceive as racism then follow it up with a lame joke, unless your entire point was assaulting people with bad humor... Well that's just confusing, and I thought you should know.

Not that I believe I've laid out the funny for anyone, but wow.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 5:43 PM CST up reply actions

Why not just let the winner

of each gameball choose till the next game - resolves the complaint about music AND gives Wallace a reason to excel so it's his music playing.

And you need Argentinian music - not at all the same as Spanish.

by wjb1492 on Nov 27, 2006 6:08 PM CST up reply actions

Ben

I might have worded that funny, sorry.

All I was saying is that it seems that Chicago has a lot of rules and in Detroit there were barely any to follow. No sweatband rules, no tucking in shirts in PRACTICE, no curfews, and no controlling locker room settings. Hell, we didn't start forcing players to arrive on time for plane rides until this year. Chicago should use Detroit as an example in this aspect because as Ben has clearly showed our locker room is the closest in the NBA.

Ben, more than anything, seems like he feels he is controlled and lied to there. Listening to Chauncey talking about Ben, I would be scared if I was a Chicago fan. Chauncey basically said Ben has questioned his decision since day one.

Ben is not a trouble maker, if things aren't going his way he will remain quiet for a long time before he explodes, and now it seems he has exploded. Chicago has more than likely ignored him and this is why he has acted like this.

On a side note, seriously, what kind of stupid rule is no sweatbands??? They are harmless and could not possibly affect team unity more than not allowing them has. And while I'm at it, what kind of rule is forcing a player to tape his ankles, especially when Ben has never hand ankle problems although he did everything tape free here? Skiles needs to stop being a control freak and let his team grow up. No wonder they are called the baby bulls.

by Detroit on Nov 28, 2006 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

I find this statement

of yours to be very silly... "we didn't start forcing players to arrive on time for plane rides until this year." NBA teams are a business. Businesses have to have rules or they will not succeed. It's really not about the fact that Ben cannot wear the headband. It's how he publicly challenged Skiles. If he had gone to Skiles and Paxson and talked to them about how much it means to him to wear it something might have been worked out but he didn't do that. He did complain about getting his ankles taped and now he doesn't have them taped. You can read that in the article I'm going to link.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-061127bulls,1,936192.story?coll=c s-home-headlines

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 28, 2006 9:53 AM CST up reply actions

Forcing

It actually isn't silly. Players were not fined, suspended, left behind, or punished until this preseason when Sheed was late for the Miami game in Puerto Rico.

Two years ago under Larry Brown, Carlos Arroyo was late and all that happened to him was that he had to pay for his own flight and book it himself.

by Detroit on Nov 29, 2006 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

They are grown

men making millions of dollars a year. They have a responsibility to their employer to be on time to team events. They are part of a business. You can't run a business effectivly if you don't have rules. Players need to show respect to their employer too.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 29, 2006 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

q

Hey, I don't agree with it. I think they should have to pay for showing up late. But know do you see why the rules are getting to Ben, he went from being able to do whatever he wants to Skiles.

But until this year when Flip got skip of being completely disrespected nothing was done. I don't know its how the pistons run things. Last year Sheed was late for a game because he overslept and nothing happened, Ben refused to re-enter a game and Sheed followed by saying he had back spasm or whatever and nothing happened, Flip would call a play only to have Chaunce change it and even this year Flip makes rules only to have players call them stupid.

The man suggested Zone and they acted like he had asked they kill a prophet. Sheed called it stupid, Tay, the so-called quiet one, said zone was for high school and so on. Not to mention this is all after the past year when they absolutely did not play it at all because Ben said so.

The pistons are cool but that is something they should work on. These guys might be overall mature enough to handle it but once our team gets younger again we will have problems.

by Detroit on Nov 29, 2006 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

How can Ben stand the indiginity

The Bulls management team must be living in the dark ages. How dare they expect a player to conform to overbearing team rules like no headbands and no music that imposes on other players in the locker room. They expect a guy who is going out there night after night and averaging 5.5 points and 9.2 rebounds to suffer through taping his ankles in practice when he is only making 60 million dollars.

by Incognito on Nov 27, 2006 3:58 PM CST reply actions

The rules may not be

as harsh as they seem in plain text. As fans we'll probably never know, but a sedate locker room may fit most of the personalities (including Skiles) on the team. It's a business-like group, not the title belt wearing, affable Pistons. If Ben Wallace was looking for a new set of friends it doesn't appear to be this Bulls team.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 4:16 PM CST up reply actions

business-like group

Great comment, that seems to be the driving force behind such rules (so are we to believe they're coming from Pax now, not Reinsdorf?)...to have everyone first act like professionals above all, not (as Pax said) to take away individuality.

Whether it's still necessary with the players he's brought in since taking the job is questionable, although Wallace was sure acting unprofessional on Friday...so maybe it is.

But you're right, it's a far cry from what looked to be the Pistons (especially post-title) attitude, and whether better or worse for the team it's an adjustment for Ben.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

I realize you were being sarcastic,

just agreeing with your point in my own overbearing manner.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

Photos: This argument gets more dumbererererer

I wish I knew how to post photos on here because this would be better (help anyone?).

Pictures on bulls.com website of Ben in a headband:

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/wallace_picasso_060815.html

http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/wallace_large_060713.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/BIGBENsplash.gif

Pictures from last year of Ben on Pistons where he is not wearing a headband:

http://photostore.nba.com/perl/gal/nba?process=gallery&gallery_id=924

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 5:15 PM CST reply actions

Bulls.com: Ben in headband selling season tix

http://www.nba.com/bulls/tickets/

don't forget the shifting banner on the right with a picture of the matador wearing a headband. And also another shifting banner to the farther right showing ben in a headband, again, selling tix.

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 5:20 PM CST up reply actions

And an ad in Sam Smith's tribune

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_whatsgoinon/2006/11/truth_in_bulls_.html

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 5:56 PM CST up reply actions

Do the

'Fear the Fro' promo wigs have headbands? Can't say I gave them a close look, and 30 seconds of googling didn't satisfy my curiousity.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 27, 2006 6:15 PM CST up reply actions

jesse jackson

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-061103bullsgamer,1,2122759.story? coll=cs-bulls-navigation

there is a photo in the "photo gallery" on the right of the peacemaker, Jesse Jackson, wearing a headband. Picture 9 of 9.

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 6:21 PM CST up reply actions

video of jesse w/ fro & headband, hugging Ben

http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbac om/nbatv/bwallace_jackson_wig_061104.asx

can't tell if headband is part of the wig or if j.j. used that separately.

hope that's my last post.

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Nov 27, 2006 7:03 PM CST up reply actions

Mark Stein addresses the issue

Great story at ESPN about all of this:

The focus has been on Wallace's meager statistics -- just 9.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game -- but it should be on his perpetual unhappiness so far. You can rationalize a slow adjustment on the floor, given how much has changed for Wallace and his new teammates. It'd be a far greater concern to me, if this were my team, to see how sullen Wallace has looked since getting his riches.

That's what struck me when I spent a night with the Bulls on Nov. 14. They were still only 3-3, as opposed to their current 4-9, but Wallace seemed more withdrawn in the locker room than I can ever remember. Which is saying something, since he's always been a brooder. He's playing with no joy, none of the fire that (along with his hair and the bell) made him famous in Detroit, and I struggle to believe it's all because Skiles won't let him wear a headband.

My theory? The Bulls gave Wallace the payday he always dreamed of, but Wallace gave up more than he ever realized. It's not just the teammates he left behind in Motown. Signing that big contract wiped away the unwanted/unloved/underdog image he's thrived on for years. He can't be that guy any more.

You've heard plenty about how the Pistons miss Wallace covering for their defensive mistakes, but Wallace clearly misses being around big-name vets who eat up a good deal of spotlight themselves and allow him to be a hard-hat man of the people.

The rest of this is here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2677757

by KT on Nov 27, 2006 6:26 PM CST reply actions

Great catch,

KT. I buy the analysis--not that I know anything about what's really happening in the locker room. But this makes sense. At least it's a way to partially account for what's happening.

by Robbo on Nov 27, 2006 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

Great article

the whole thing is worth a read.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 27, 2006 11:49 PM CST up reply actions

All of this

makes me nervous. This has grown to be more than it should be. It will be interesting to see how things go tomrrow night.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 27, 2006 7:33 PM CST reply actions

Why do they play the Knicks again?

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 27, 2006 10:27 PM CST reply actions

Thank God we play the Knicks tomorrow.

Playing that team can help solve a lot of problems. Our schedule over the next month is so favorable that it would be shocking if we weren't back above .500 in a few weeks. Say what you want about Wallace, but he's not a cancer that drags a team down. If we're winning, I'm pretty sure he'll eventually adjust to fit in.

by Big D on Nov 27, 2006 11:54 PM CST reply actions

To Steal One From Iverson...

What are we talking about here guys?

HeadBands?

Headbands?

Seriously it should NOT be a BIG deal especially the way Ben has been playing... It's still early in the season!!! We Will Make It!!!

...I hope...Bring Chandler back!!! (Compton)

by JCP233 on Nov 28, 2006 1:59 AM CST reply actions

wallace

is a bitch. Maybe if he put in any effort out on the court, nobody would care about his fucking headband. We should have gone with Nazr and Pryz. This whole season will be an ongoing nightmare, and now we're stuck with a $60 million bust.

by dcarioca on Nov 28, 2006 8:52 AM CST reply actions

Sorry

The Bulls won't win a title with Skiles as coach. He has done a wonderful job of rebuilding the Bulls with Paxson, but they will need to eventually make a coaching change. It happened in Detroit with the Carlisle to Brown switch.

by goathair3 on Nov 28, 2006 10:55 AM CST reply actions

Send your apology to

Chris Mannix. What's with all these Detroit fans posting like they invented basketball?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 28, 2006 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

Absurd

I agree with gothair3, Skiles, like Doug Collins before him, is a "long-term" interim coach. The hard ass, control freaks that whip youngsters into shape are great for young teams that need direction. However, that approach doesn't always work with max contract all-stars, unless they are really low-key like Tim Duncan (hence Popovich)or totally buy into that style like Stockton and Malone bought into Jerry Sloan's tough guy approach. But 99% of the league doesn't like a coach like that, at least not more than a few seasons; this is gospel (if you don't like it tough, welcome to modern professional sports). At some point you need a coach that lets mature, that is established, players express themselves on and off the court (Phil Jackson is the prototype).

Besides, lets not lose sight of the fact that this league is about entertainment, first and foremost. I read this Paxon quote today "It's not about stifling creativity, its about uniformity"; huh? there's a difference? Why the hell are Stern and GMs like Paxon obsessed with dampening the player's personalities, making them "uniform"? Who the hell wants to see a bunch of nondescript robots out there? To hell with that, these guys are supposed to be warriors, let them wear their war paint: headbands around their necks and arms, baggy shorts, tattoos, dyed hair, cornrolls, 7-foot afros-- whatever pumps them up. I want them to play out of their minds, if that means they have to wear "non-uniform" headbands, so be it. This is isn't high school basketball, this is the NBA for crying out loud.

by sic on Nov 28, 2006 11:38 AM CST reply actions

ugh

Besides, lets not lose sight of the fact that this league is about entertainment, first and foremost. I read this Paxon quote today "It's not about stifling creativity, its about uniformity"; huh? there's a difference? Why the hell are Stern and GMs like Paxon obsessed with dampening the player's personalities, making them "uniform"? Who the hell wants to see a bunch of nondescript robots out there? To hell with that, these guys are supposed to be warriors, let them wear their war paint: headbands around their necks and arms, baggy shorts, tattoos, dyed hair, cornrolls, 7-foot afros-- whatever pumps them up. I want them to play out of their minds, if that means they have to wear "non-uniform" headbands, so be it. This is isn't high school basketball, this is the NBA for crying out loud.

I'm not sure where to start: new NBA uniform rules or likening the NBA to pro wrestling? Maybe cornrows not 'cornrolls'?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 28, 2006 11:53 AM CST up reply actions

uff

What an insightful reply, thanks for spellchecking!

by sic on Nov 28, 2006 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

Considering the W and L

are at opposite ends of a keyboard I'd much rather chalk up your verbal gaffe to not having a clue than a spelling error. I'm entertained by wins, not headbands, so I disagree with a fundamental aspect of your argument, but please continue to post your thought(lessness)s.

And there's only one Tru Warier.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Nov 28, 2006 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

Keyboard

They're not opposite on my keyboard:

But I doubt he's using the same. More info on the keyboard available here.

by tofferr on Dec 5, 2006 2:05 PM CST up reply actions

f

i agree that headbands make no difference, so theres nothin wrong with them...but i don't think they should be allowed to dress like thugs and have gold teeth or whatever.....it needs to be about basketball first and foremost....the pro wrestling analogy is spot on, nobody watches pro wretling for WRESTLING, nba should never be like that

by kaptainkirk23 on Nov 28, 2006 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

Just to let everyone know

Ben has apologised. Just heard him on 670. He admits fault and really feels bad about it. I think it's safe and good again in Bulls land.

by Option27 on Nov 28, 2006 12:16 PM CST reply actions

not sorry

bad usage of words. What I meant was he has put it behind him. updated story here . . .

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-061128bullswallace,1,7738193.stor y?coll=cs-bulls-headlines

by Option27 on Nov 28, 2006 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

doesn't appear to be over yet

based on "not sorry" this issue is not over.
For now dismiss skiles out, based on feedback of the postings. Then that leaves Jerry R. (owner), Paxson and Wallace?
If possible, apply quick action and fix the situation. It's seems clear, that the headband rule is not a good rule.
This is not a private catholic college team, this team is majority owned by JR. Paxson needs to take action and pick his battles wisely (with players, coaches and with owners). It really would help if Paxson would say "I'll revisit this rule ASAP", and if necessary privately have a "Man Law" lunch with Jerry R. to gets his approval to eliminate/modify the rule. How much is he (Jerry R. or Paxson) really giving up? Not much at all, actually they would be gaining. This will not degrade their authority any, or start a landslide precedence. Now, if Paxson is only doing what his employer asked and has received no compromise direction, then Jerry R. should make a "the buck stops here" statement so Paxson can move on to attempt to reap benefit from the 60 million dollar signing! A ben.wallace "half concession", is not positive, especially when the "rule" principle is questionable.. A delayed, slow wrongful battle evenually will be lost, yet will be costly and take many more casualties.

by exult463 on Nov 28, 2006 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

All of this

could have been avoided if Ben had been a man and gone to Skiles and Paxson with his unhappiness instead of acting like a three year old during the game. He went to them when he didn't like having his ankles taped and got the results he wanted.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 28, 2006 3:05 PM CST up reply actions

well..

in that context, that makes some sense. it seems wallace is having a harder time making the adjustment, the headband, music, old friends, etc and probably much more that hasn't been yet discussed.

I agree, Wallace may not be without error in this situation?, but he may have calculated, evenually a larger "battle" would ensue369 and have more potency to help make this new relationship work. (As oppose to frustrating ticky-tacky individual headband, armband, ipod, etc. discussions each week).

While, no NBA organization likes public negotiations, "going public" is player risky, yet will continue to occur and will benefit the player when the cause has some perceived public injustice (or in this case "ignorance in regards to a bad rule").

by exult463 on Nov 28, 2006 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

Just to add

to this, Matt's man Sam Smith was on CTL tonight and he said the headband incident was done in retaliation for Ben being benched on Friday night. If that is the case it really isn't about the headband. It's about a 30 something man acting like a 3 year old. Sam also said Ben used unprintable words to Skiles. Guess we'll have to wait and see what happens tonight.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 28, 2006 6:44 PM CST up reply actions

That was a

nice gesture on his part. Let's hope thhis is the start to new beginnings.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 28, 2006 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

OK so

he's not sorry. Hopefully it is behind him and the whole team.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 28, 2006 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

honestly

I think they'll soon allow him to wear his headband. Things will smooth out hopefully.

by Option27 on Nov 28, 2006 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

I think

they will let him wear one too. I don't care for the looks of them myself but if it makes him or any other players happy why not.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Nov 28, 2006 12:54 PM CST up reply actions

yo

that article made me feels heaps better about wallace, this quote says it all....

Wallace said ex-Pistons teammate Clifford Robinson helped him start his practice of wearing a headband.

"He told me I should try it and that's a reminder not to let my head get too big in this league," Wallace said.

i thought he was blunt abd honest about how he felt he wasnt comfortbale yet and he just "felt like wearing it" lol....thats no primadonna my way or the highway typa guy....i think we're gonna be alrite with this one...

by kaptainkirk23 on Nov 28, 2006 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

exactly my thoughts

by Option27 on Nov 28, 2006 12:52 PM CST up reply actions

So, why didn't they bother to tell him about . . .

The headband rule until after he signed? What a convenient memory lapse on the part of Paxson and Skiles.

by Big D on Nov 28, 2006 1:08 PM CST reply actions

ok, sure. I'm sure it would've gone like this

JeansWearingDudes: We're gonna gonna give you $60m
Wallace: Sweet...
JWD: but we must warn you...you can't wear headbands.
Wallace: well take your extra $10m+ over any other offer and shove it up your ass!

(if anyone finds the link that had something similar please post it....it didn't have cussin' though.)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 28, 2006 1:32 PM CST up reply actions

Perhaps

It would have been nice to give him that chance, though. If it wouldn't have made a difference anyways, then why not let him know about it? At the very least, we wouldn't be having these problems now, because he would have known what he was getting into.

by Big D on Nov 28, 2006 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

And remember . . .

At the time, nobody thought he was going to leave Detroit, not even for the extra money the Bulls were offering. Paxson has even admitted that he didn't think they would get him. I kind of doubt that part of their recruiting pitch was "Hey, we've got this stupid rule that no other team in the entire league has, come play for us!"

by Big D on Nov 28, 2006 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

wallace is so petulant.

god damn, just shut up and stop getting dominated by dalembert. What a loser.

by dcarioca on Nov 28, 2006 1:25 PM CST reply actions

wow

by Option27 on Nov 28, 2006 1:28 PM CST up reply actions

Ben Wallce

This may be the best thing to happen to Ben this year. I'm hoping he is listening to what everyone is saying about him about losing a step or not making a difference out there. If he is as competitive as I think he is, he's really going to play with an extra chip on his shoulder. And to be honest with you, I really don't think he's playing as bad as people think he is. He does so many little things that don't show up in stats. He's still amazing if you ask me.

by Option27 on Nov 28, 2006 2:35 PM CST reply actions