February 7 Thoughts

   I was so anxious to write about Super Tuesday and the history that’s being made with Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham-Clinton’s race for the Presidency. But then I learned Shaquille O’Neal would be traded again, that he’d share the same division as Kobe Bryant,  that the former dynamic duo would probably go head-to-head for the Western Conference Crown. That’s when I realized politics could wait until another day.

   Shaq is owed $20-million annually over the next two years after this season, so I questioned whether this day would arrive in the very near future. But then I remembered how Shaq and Heat President and coach Pat Riley weren’t on the same page, how Riley vehemently contends the cause for Miami’s horrid record is an effort and commitment issue while Shaq swears it’s been a talent issue, or lack thereof.  Basically, the Diesel and Riles weren’t on the same page. Shaq wasn’t about to get any public support from anyone on Miami – including Dwayne Wade – for fear of ruffling Riley’s feathers.  So the outcome was inevitable.

   Now let’s see what Phoenix does with this opportunity.

   My sources told me this deal went down mainly because Phoenix’ brass were approached by Amare Stoudemire, who begged for them to get Shaq.  Since Shawn Marion wanted out anyway, desperately in search of a lengthy extension well beyond the $17.8 million he’s scheduled to make next season if he elected not to opt-out,  the Suns decided to shove aside their luxury-tax concerns and go for it.

   Phoenix knows Stoudemire and Steve Nash have just two years remaining on their deals after this season, and that if they didn’t make this move – especially after the Lakers declared they’re making a run for the crown by acquiring Pau Gasol last week—it would have sent a clear message they weren’t as committed to winning as they portrayed. Who knows how Stoudemire and Nash would’ve reacted to that in the near future?

   “We were going to do this deal,” Suns’ coach, Mike D’Antoni told me on my ESPN Radio Show this afternoon. “It certainly helped our cause when the Lakers made the deal they made because they got better, which didn’t help us. But we were focused on what we’re always focused on: making our team better. We know we did that by getting the Diesel.”

   So this latest trade is a deal that works for everyone. Miami gets youth, athleticism and someone hungry for a new lucrative deal to pair with Wade, and Shaq lands in Phoenix, joining Stoudemire on a frontline that has Nash feeding them the ball, undoubtedly placing himself in position to capture his fifth world championship.

   Seems like the only loser in all of this may be Riley. If Marion plays well, Riley will have to pay him. If not, he’ll have to work out a sign-and-trade deal. Either way, he’ll have to appease Wade along the way, knowing there are already rumblings about Wade’s desire to exit South Beach for his hometown, Chicago, in the very near future.

   Stay tuned.  Things will get very interesting in the next few months.

   

   A few thoughts before I get out of here:

   After suffering from a case of the flu and bronchitis, I thought I’d return to work with some positive thoughts this week, just happy over feeling a little better health-wise and knowing the Giants made me out to be a liar by pummeling Tom Brady, snatching the heart out of the chest of the New England Patriots and making history by capturing Super Bowl XLII.

   Unfortunately, a pause from all the sports  chatter was immediately necessary the moment I took time to look at some of the emails and comments I’ve received here on my new website over the past few days.

   To the supporters and non-supporters, I say thank you. I appreciate the love in a variety of ways. Just because someone disagrees with me doesn’t mean they’re demeaning me. But there are quite a few fools out here spewing their incendiary rhethoric, throwing the “N” word around with alarming regularity – personalizing things in such a way that it’s clear they are not interested in what is being said, just who is saying it?

   That nonsense needs to stop!

   There’s no room for such hatred to be expressed, and there’s no excuse for it either. In all of my 15-years and counting as a journalist I’ve never gotten personal with anyone. I attack what people do, not who they are. And on the rare occasion when my viewpoint has been a bit foggy on that matter, I’ve always come out and corrected myself, emphasizing the importance to avoid getting personal. Why? Because if I don’t know you personally what right do I have to characterize you as if I do?

   Let’s call a spade a spade: There are people out here who can’t stand the ground I walk on because they believe I’m loud, demonstrative, bombastic, etc.  Possibly those envious of the position I presently hold, failing to realize no one knows how blessed I am more than me.

   But once you throw the naysayers and haters aside, there’s a different crop in existence, much lower on the food chain – who choose to hate purely because I’m BLACK, that I wear my blackness proudly. They are appalled anyone would provide me the opportunity to articulate my perspectives to the masses.

   Those people don’t listen to a word I say with any degree of objectivity. Their goal is simple: To literally stop me from having the forum I have, even if it means denigrating me with lies and innuendo. Their  fuel is hatred.

   (Note: Despite their disdain for me, I do not count Deadspin amongst them. Just the mere fact that one of the individuals associated with them had the decency last week to call out those who chose to use the “N” word and comparable inflammatory remarks aimed in my direction is good enough with me. I’m deeply appreciative of their sensitivity, regardless of what they’ve said or will continue to say about me.)

   People need to get this straight: I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to say what I feel, when I feel it, however I please.

   For those who believe they are so bright, use your intellect and challenge what I say for a change. Feel free to explain precisely what you have a problem with. Stop hiding behind your contempt for me. Come out of the closet and say what’s really on your mind. Attack my words and actions with sensible arguments. Don’t just hate to hate, acting like you’ve got nothing better to do with your life.

   I promise I’ll pay attention. I might even learn something new, even if I don’t like what you’re saying.

   The alternative is to feel like I’m being attacked by haters who hate for the most obvious, race-filled reasons. And why would I listen to anyone like that.

   At some point the haters have to make up their mind. Do you just want to talk and hope someone’s listening? Or do you really want to be heard?

Comments

[the old man]

Screw the haters, Stephen A. You're not always right but you're always interesting. And I'm just another white guy who's voting for Obama.

[MCBias]

SAS, great attempt to reason with the racist haters. Unfortunately a small minority love to use the Internet to be sexist or racist, and this blog is yet another opportunity for them. Few will probably consider what you wrote just now. But don't let that deter you from getting your words out and participating in the back-and-forth banter that makes blogs so entertaining.
/another white guy

[TheSportsHernia]

Mr. Lippman hates exclamation points.

[The Fan's Attic]

"Come out of the closet and say what’s really on your mind."

Why do you think closeted homosexuals hate you?

[irishmafia]

stephen A- please do not refer to DEADSPIN. they are trash at that site with no real knowledge on sports.

but i hope you read my comment about Dwight Howard. there is not one player that can match up with the young moses malone in the making
who else has a chance to collect the most hardware this year. Dunk contest winner maybe, all star game MVP maybe, Most improved player, defensive player of the year. Sky is the limit for him Stephen A

[STEPHEN A. SMITH APPRECIATION SOCIETY]

STEPHEN, WE AT THE STEPHEN A. SMITH APPRECIATION SOCIETY GREATLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO. WE HAVE BEEN TO DEADSPIN, AND QUITE FRANKLY, IT'S FILLED WITH BUFFOONS AND MAROONS. IF THAT ONLINE BLOG HAD EVEN HALF THE INSIGHT AS YOURS, IT WOULD BE ONE OF THE BEST THINGS EVAH. THAT'S RIGHT, YOUR BLOG IS TWICE AS GOOD AS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS EVAH!

ANYWAYS, WE LOVE YOUR EBULLIENT ATTITUDE AND YOUR BOISTEROUSNESSITY AS WELL AS YOUR LOVE FOR INTELLECTUAL DISCUSSION. AS SUCH, WE AT THE SASAS WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR OPINION ON KAFKA'S METAMORPHOSIS. THE SASAS HAS HAD A HEATED DISCUSSION ON WHAT KAFKA WAS TRYING TO SAY THROUGH GREGOR'S FAMILY'S REACTION TO HIS TRANSFORMATION. SOME OF US BELIEVE THAT IT'S EXPRESSING A FATALIST VIEWPOINT OF A WORLD WHEREIN EVERYTHING IS ULTIMATELY MEANINGLESS BECAUSE ALL PEOPLE WILL MOVE ON AND FORGET YOU ANYWAY, AND OTHERS OF US BELIEVE THAT KAFKA THINKS BUGS ARE ICKY. YOUR THOUGHTS?

WITH AN UTMOST SINCERITY AND TEMERITY,

THE STEPHEN A. SMITH APPRECIATION SOCIETY

---
POSTED VIA MY WIRELESS BLACKBERRY DEVICE

[Scramblin_Bernie_Kosar]

"...undoubtedly placing [Shaq] in position to capture his fifth world championship."

What are you basing that on? Because he's playing with Steve Nash now? Can Nash improve Shaq's health? His foot speed? His free throw shooting?

I would say "Don't let the haters get to you", but its obviously too late for that...

[RMI]

SAS, even though we at Deadspin get a kick out of mocking your rather unique style, none of us hold any personal animosity towards you, and besides, we're all too funny to go the pedestrian route and use lame, unfunny racist jokes.

[vtmavryk]

Stephen A., I'll admit I've never been a big fan of a lot you have to say or how you choose to say it, but that's a matter of personal preference, and I still frequently tune into your show. YOUR TENDENCY TO SPEAK LIKE THIS, and our tendency to point it out doesn't hurt anyone. I do want to let you know that I find your blatent disregard for other people's thoughts and actions extremely distasteful. I've heard you rattle off many times on your programs I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT SO AND SO or TO HELL WITH WHAT SO AND SO THINKS. Sometimes it was in reference to people in the wrong, but other human beings deserve more consideration than that. In the same shows I have heard you espouse religious beliefs that are in direct contradiction with your flippant disregard for other people. The afforementioned quotes have no place in the mouth of a man that claims to believe in God. Your egocentric rants really are contradictory to your sign off: "and be blessed." When you espouse religions and groups of people, you become a mouthpiece for them, particularly when you have such broad reaching outlets. Consider the idea that your are in the position to build people up and be a positive influence, rather than ranting and disregarding people and covering up with superficial well wishing. I hope this is the kind of constructive criticism you'll appreciate. I'm glad what you're doing is working out for you, and I like Cheez doodles too.

[Phony Gwynn]

"they are trash at that site with no real knowledge on sports."

Says a guy with a terrorist organization for a screen name.

[Rosa_Parks'_Ghost]

Honey, please capitalize "made up". It's killing me.

[JohnnyJungle]

Hey Stephen,

First I would like to congratulate you on entering the blogosphere world I think its a great idea for you since you were already everywhere else. I'd also like to thank you as well for always being so kind to myself and all the other interns at 1050 during our semester stint there. Although we didn't work directly together too many times as I was in promotions but you were always a stand up guy and always took care of us taking us out to lunch after live broadcasts out of the studio. Hopefully Aaron, Robin, and the rest of the guys are all well.

In reference to your post, I think this Suns/Heat deal is very intriguing. Kerr's hand was forced a bit as you either make your run with Marion and lose him at season's end as he opts out or you deal him for a matching contract for someone to help you this year. With the emergence of Leonardo Barbosa, the solid play of Raja Bell and contributions of Grant Hill and Boris Diaw, Marion was expendable(hard to say Marion is ever expendable).

The Suns needed to get a bigger inside presence and to the people who say what about Kurt Thomas, who doesn't get enough appreciation here in NY, but he wasn't going to be a factor against a guy like Tim Duncan. The Suns now possess 2 talented big men in the post which what team in the west can boast the same? Shaq's just mere presence on defense will help and people underestimate his passing abilities off the low block on the offense. I'm not saying this will work out picture perfect but it sure makes sense.

My one criticism Stephen is the fact you misspelled Amare's last name over and over again! Come on you are better than that. You went Mighty Mouse on me. It's Stoudemire not Stoudamire but now I'm nitpicking. Welcome to blogging where everyone is a critic and expert. Good Luck Stephen

Dave Krupinski
Johnny Jungle-St. John's 6th Man
www.johnnyjungle.com

[White Squirrel]

Stephen A.,

I agree that the marketplace of ideas is no place for epithets and slurs. Besides, if anybody honestly thinks the n-bomb is going to keep Screamin' A from blogging, they must have a major brain malfunction.

I don't see how either side is helped in the Amare-Shaq transaction. The Heat are too far back to do anything but push for a more respectable finish in the East than 15th place, and Shaq was the lion in winter even before he won a title in Miami. The only people who made out on this one are Shaq and Amare, who simply wanted to escape situations that weren't to their liking. We'd be foolish to think Shaq can keep up with the Suns and push them to the Finals.

[Draft King]

I'm very interested in seeing how Shaq will fit into the fast-paced offense of Phoenix. I also look forward to seeing what I anticipate will be an all-new level of histrionics from Suns coach Mike D'Antoni when Shaq is whistled for offensive fouls.

[pacino]

Great stuff Stephen. I would still say San Antonio is the force in the NBA, and until someone beats them in the playoffs it will be tough to say otherwise.

[Ben60657]

Why is it that the comments are one off from the name of the actual submitter? I am Ben60657, but this comment will appear as posted by pacino.

There is no personal animosity toward you SAS, but just be careful slipping down that slope to obscurity, it's going to get faster and faster.

[Ben60657]

Never mind, the comments are above, not below, the name of the poster. I'm a bit slow this morning.

[Purveyor of KNowledge]

Stephen A,
I think the haters have moved on. Good. Most of the real folks who have responded today seem pretty normal.

[Special-T]

After reading your last comments (2/7/08) about the haters, I appreciate and respect you more than ever. I think you articulated your statements very well. I love to see down to earth intelligent black men doing and saying positive things to uplift their people and furthermore, all people. No, I may not agree with everything you say, but so what, who does? I don't like it when people treat others with disrespect just because they can or feel they have a right to. I don't think it's necessary at all. I am extremely proud of you and your accomplishments and I hope you continue to pursue your dreams, even when you think they are impossible. Keep up the good work Stephen A. Thank you for being on the SHMS this morning and letting us know about your new website, I will save as my "favorite."
Love, 4eva.

[Lialexander]

Hi Stephen A.,

I heard about the new website during your interview on the Steve Harvey Show this morning, and I decided to check it out. As a young African American woman aspiring to get back to my journalism/production roots, I am excited about the things you are doing as a sports commentator and the doors you are opening for those behind you. Looking forward to reading your existing blogs as well as anticipating new ones.

On another note...
Although I value your opinion regarding Shaq, I'm not sure if his acquisition will prove beneficial to the Suns. I hate to partially agree with the comments made by Bill Walton this past weekend; however, I don't believe Shaquille can effectively play the Suns type of basketball without slowing them down. Yes, his presence alone commands attention, but his age and health are factors as well. I guess we'll see if the words of doubters will fuel his competitive fire.

And politically speaking...
I think Eleanor Holmes Norton is the only politician who has asked the same question I have been asking for the past few months (she was on the Colbert Report last night): can someone seriously breakdown for me the 35 years of experience Hillary Clinton has in politics? Since I, too, am a native New Yorker, I am familiar with her seven years as a Senator. But can anyone explain to me where the additional 25 years comes in?

Keep Speaking In All Caps!

[flg8or99]

You HONESTLY don't know why some people have a problem with you?

It's not because of your race.

It's because you confuse volume with substance. Because you think you can kick a field goal on third down and if you miss, you can kick it again on fourth down. It's because there are those who think that filing your columns at your leisure from a blackberry is slightly lazy. It's because anyone, black or white, who becomes ubiquitous in the media (particularly on television) will eventually grate on even their fans.

It's because your producer wanted to create controversy by having people come to boo Dusty Baker on your TV show and you denied it until long after the evidence was painfully obvious that it wasn't Deadspin's doing, it was your producer's doing.

It's because you said you never celebrate your birthday, then said you were out partying while celebrating your birthday.

And, probably most of all, it's because you seem to think that EVERYTHING YOU SAY IS IMPORTANT and deserves CAPS, either written or verbal.

One needs a bit of an ego to do this well. You have to stand out to stand a chance, I guess. But there are those who think you're a self-aggrandizing blowhard whose actual knowledge is overshadowed by HOW LOUDLY HE EXPRESSES HIMSELF.

It's not about your race.

[patsphrat.com]

I stumbled across this blog after reading firejoemorgan.com, and I have to say, its remarkable how poorly stephen a expresses himself. I mean, its breathtakingly awful. I had every intention of just casually reading his thoughts, but I was so moved by the genuine lack of journalistic ability that I had to log on, create a profile, go through the process of verifying, just so I could put into words just how awful I feel this blog is.

Truely amazing. Really.