Philosophical Differences

So the Wizards dumped Kwame Brown over "philosophical differences". The Dog and I bristle when such threadbare, cynical nonsense is proffered by sports management to explain a situation that is already well known to the general public. It is insulting to the fans, and makes the parties involved in the decision look like they have something to hide.

Philosophical differences? I am imagining a heated debate between Eddie Jordan, the Existentialist, and Kwame Brown, a disciple of Nihilism, as reported in the Washington Post:

Coach Eddie Jordan, in a closed door meeting with Brown today held firm to his position that existence holds precedence over essence, and man is totally free and responsible for his acts.

"This responsibility is the source of the dread and anquish that encompasses mankind", Jordan stressed to the 23-year old former prodogy.

Brown would not have any of it, maintaining, in his words, that "All values are baseless and nothing can be known or communicated".

"I guess we have a philospohical difference then", sighed Jordan.

"I guess we do, Coach", mumbled Brown as he got up and strutted toward the door and out of the organization.

I am the first to admit that I am a fair weather professional basketball fan. When the Wizards are in the playoffs, I'm interested. When they are not, I'm not. Hence, I have not followed the sport for many years. A big part of my indifference is the attitude of players like Kwame Brown. I won't go into this anymore than necessary, but professional sports is almost ruined by spoiled "sports divas" who get paid millions before they have paid any dues or proved themselves whatsoever. Basketball, probably more than any other sport, has been debased by this phenomenon (setting aside professional football wide-receivers for a moment).

Anyone watching the Wizards lately knows that they are playing as a team. They look almost old school. There is no room for a Kwame Brown on a team like that. Now, I am not naive. Kwame's play has been terrible, and he has fallen far short of expectations. If he were averaging 30 points and 10 rebounds a game, the Wizards would be loath to let him go for any reason, "philisophical" or otherwise. But the pooch and I hope that this little episode sends a message, if to nobody else than the kids who are watching and modeling themselves after these players.

So we are hopping on the Wizards bandwagon. In the meantime Kwame, don't let the door hit you on your way out.