Class and Kevin Garnett
If you're looking for a long discussion about VP choices or the rally this Saturday in DC where Clinton will announce her support of Obama's campaign, you'll have to wait till tomorrow.
Tonight, Game 1 of the Celtics/Lakers. I was discussing the game and players with several people today. A friend said he was a huge Paul Pierce fan but he could tell I was a Garnett fan.
I am.
The man is pure class. He came into the league straight from high school, he was the fifth pick over all in the 1995 draft. If you follow sports, you know that fifth pick in the draft means millions and millions of dollars, product endorsement and legions of instant fans.
And others.
In 1997, when he was 20 years old, he signed a 126 million dollar contract, and named the franchise player. Huge expectations were placed on his shoulders.
Over and over again, through impossible situations- at one point the starting point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Malik Sealy was killed by a drunk driver, the general manager fined and banned for a year for improper trades- and still, Garnett shined.
He never got in trouble. A young man, merely 18 years old with more money than generations of his family had ever earned- combined, he was pure class off court. It is said that the Timberwolves moved his mother to be near him the first season, but I cannot verify that.
For me, the bottom line is during an age where professional athletes find themselves in courtrooms accused of rape (and in Kobe's case, admitted the sex, only said she asked for it), or in jail for dog fighting, or caught dealing drugs or involved with murder, Garnett is a gentleman who is a shining example of when it works.
A role model.
As the ball is thrown up tonight for tip off, and the Kobe/Kevin commentary is droned on and on by the announcers I want you all to remember one thing.
Only one of them has any class.
And that is Kevin Garnett.
Tonight, Game 1 of the Celtics/Lakers. I was discussing the game and players with several people today. A friend said he was a huge Paul Pierce fan but he could tell I was a Garnett fan.
I am.
The man is pure class. He came into the league straight from high school, he was the fifth pick over all in the 1995 draft. If you follow sports, you know that fifth pick in the draft means millions and millions of dollars, product endorsement and legions of instant fans.
And others.
In 1997, when he was 20 years old, he signed a 126 million dollar contract, and named the franchise player. Huge expectations were placed on his shoulders.
Over and over again, through impossible situations- at one point the starting point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Malik Sealy was killed by a drunk driver, the general manager fined and banned for a year for improper trades- and still, Garnett shined.
He never got in trouble. A young man, merely 18 years old with more money than generations of his family had ever earned- combined, he was pure class off court. It is said that the Timberwolves moved his mother to be near him the first season, but I cannot verify that.
For me, the bottom line is during an age where professional athletes find themselves in courtrooms accused of rape (and in Kobe's case, admitted the sex, only said she asked for it), or in jail for dog fighting, or caught dealing drugs or involved with murder, Garnett is a gentleman who is a shining example of when it works.
A role model.
As the ball is thrown up tonight for tip off, and the Kobe/Kevin commentary is droned on and on by the announcers I want you all to remember one thing.
Only one of them has any class.
And that is Kevin Garnett.
Labels: celtics, class, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, playoff game
posted by Sara at 8:27 PM
3 Comments:
Congratulations on the win!
I didn't know all that about Kevin Garnett -- thanks for writing about him. I'd also add, after last night I think I can say, he is -- without a doubt -- the sweatiest man I've ever seen!
But, whatever it takes to get the job done! Go KG!
more like moved his girlfriend. everyone has a darkside!
http://www.mediatakeout.com/24110/exclusive_nbas_finals_drama_kevin_garnett_busted_having_a_relationship_with_former_timberwolves_cheerleader.html
listen, I hope that's not true.
if it is, he's not the first successful man to have a mistress. kinda goes back to the dawn of civilization.
meantime, he's still never been arrested.
I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt.
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