Boshed

 Sorry it's been a while, but I've been extremely busy. That's the truth. But maybe I've been stupid all this time and should make it a point to use my very own website much, much more. If for no other reason than just to address the nonsense that's been disseminated to the masses over the past 24 hours -- regarding Chris Bosh, the Toronto Raptors and my assertion that everyone should keep their eyes on him regarding any potential trades in the future.

   In case anyone didn't comprehend what I reported first on ESPNews Sunday morning, then SportsCenter Monday night, let me be clear: My sources tell me Chris Bosh wants out of Toronto. Preferably before 2010, when he's free to opt out of his contract. They've also informed me Bosh has quietly made the Raptors aware of this, that he wouldn't mind interest from Miami or Dallas, at all, and that he's hopeful his days as a Raptor will come to an end sooner than when the LeBron James' Sweepstakes hits the fan in 2010.

   Essentially, these things qualify as one of the worse-kept secrets in the NBA.

   Both Bosh and Raptors' President, Bryan Colangelo have emphatically denied Bosh has made the Raptors aware of anything. Feel free to believe them if you want to. And while you're at it, feel free to to conveniently forget that Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter all echoed similar sentiments before they skipped town, too.

  It doesn't change the reality.

   The Raptors are 19-30 at the time I'm writing this. They're the second-worse team in the Eastern Conference. Speedster point guard, T.J. Ford is gone. Supposedly, they were suppose to run better with Jose Calderon and that hasn't happened. And that's not even touching on the flagrant acrimony that's witnessed by observers some nights, along with the fact that, thus far, the Jermaine O'Neal trade just hasn't worked out. Combine all of those realities with Bosh' star status and the fact it's not about to generate the sort of marketing buzz he covets as he looks towards a prosperous career, and I really don't get what all the fuss is about!

   The kid is class personified. So much so I actually felt bad and apologized to him face-to-face during the NBA Finals in Boston when he took offense to my joke -- that he was "Manute Bol with dreads!" from weeks earlier.

   Bosh thought I was talking about his game when I was only talking about the fact that he was skinny. But being the sensitive lad he is, I felt the need to apologize.

   This is different, though. I don't make up stories. Never have in my professional career. Never will. I heard what I heard. I wasn't even the first to report it, but I mentioned his desire to leave Toronto, nevertheless.

   One can only surmise that having the city of Toronto upset at him -- BEFORE HE LEAVES -- has him in denial mode. I don't blame him, nor Colangelo, one bit. Let them say what they will, but it still doesn't make my report false.

   Any doubts? Let's see where Bosh will be in 2010, if not sooner. I guarantee no one is willing to definitively say Bosh will be in Toronto. Not even Bosh, himself.

  I'll leave it at that and be nice. For now.

  So long as no one pushes me.

Comments

[Anthony]

Mr. Smith, I would like your comments on this (Phelps ) issue, I think he's being cuddled, he knew what he was doing and just like Michael Vick he should be stripped of all endorsements, I would like you to address this issue. Everyone is calling this a MISTAKE.......PLEASE! A mistake is you doing something that you DON'T know is wrong, this guy knew what he was doing when he was 19 was wrong and he knew what he did at 23 was wrong!

[Chris T]

What do you make of Colangelo's response (basically calling you out for making this stuff up)? Why not just share your opinion ... you risk any sort of journalistic integrity you have left by claiming this stuff as coming right from the horse's mouth.

[khandor]

For those who have difficulty reading ... Stephen did not say that "this stuff" is "coming right from the horse's mouth".

IMO, if Chris Bosh is not a Raptor after his current contract expires it will be because Bryan Colangelo will have done a mediocre-poor job of constructing a High End Team since being hired by the Raptors as their President/GM [Feb/2006] ... not because CB4 wants to leave their organization.

[wrigleyville23]

"I'll leave it at that and be nice. For now. So long as no one pushes me."

OOOOOO. Scary.

[Chris T]

Khandor ... maybe what I heard was off, but I had thought that "Screamin' Steve" said it was Colangelo who told him "this stuff". Maybe I should check my sources before typing ... oops, maybe Smith (those who have difficulty reporting facts) should as well. It is unfortunate that there is no accountability in reporting anymore. Cheers.

[Alex]

Dear Mr. Smith;

Now where do I start - for the record I found your latest blog post here about Mr. Chris Bosh; EXTREMELY Disturbing.
I live in Toronto, Canada and have been following the Raptors throughout their trials and triumphs.
And of course, like many other Raptors fans out there (and I assure you, there are plenty) - I too am disappointed in the season they're having; as I'm sure Mr. Bosh & Mr. Colangelo is too.
However, composing such a ridiculous note about Chris leaving is very distasteful.

Personally, I think you have something AGAINST Canada/Canadians - perhaps Toronto in general.
Referencing to a comment you made awhile back, that Steve Nash is undeserving of an MVP award.
Does that bother you, Mr. Smith?
that Steve Nash [a CANADIAN] is a 2 - time back to back MVP.
Lest we forget who created this sport that you think you know so much about,
a Canadian by the name of James Naismith.
That's right I wrote it - a Canadian.
Kindly keep that in mind when you feel like writing/talking rubbish about Mr. Steve Nash and/or the Toronto Raptors.

Thank You,

[Alex]

Mr. Smith;

Now where do I start - for the record I found your latest blog post here about Mr. Chris Bosh; EXTREMELY Disturbing.
I live in Toronto, Canada and have been following the Raptors throughout their trials and triumphs.
And of course, like many other Raptors fans out there (and I assure you, there are plenty) - I too am disappointed in the season they're having; as I'm sure Mr. Bosh & Mr. Colangelo is too.
However, composing such a ridiculous note about Chris leaving is very distasteful.

Personally, I think you have something AGAINST Canada/Canadians - perhaps Toronto in general.
Referencing to a comment you made awhile back that Steve Nash is undeserving of an MVP award.
Does that bother you, Mr. Smith?
that Steve Nash [a CANADIAN] is a 2 - time back to back MVP.
Lest we forget who created this sport that you think you know so much about,
a Canadian by the name of James Naismith.
That's right I wrote it - a Canadian .
Kindly keep that in mind when you feel like writing rubbish about Mr. Steve Nash and/or the Toronto Raptors.

Thank You,

[G]

Hi Stephen. I'm a Toronto resident and big Raptors fan, despite the dissapointing season. I have some sources too. They're really great sources, believe me. And my sources say you, unlike Chris Bosh, have absolutely no class for spewing out unconfirmed garbage all over the Internet in the middle of the season, and while the Raptors are reeling. Was your source Chris Bosh? Was it Mr. Colangelo? If it wasn't, you have no source. As a member of the media, you should try to provide legitimate info. But, unfortunately, like most, you simply want to be noticed and the first to say something extraordinary. Quite pathetic.

[Mike]

Is your source Jalen Rose?

/push

[stephen.]

I started following basketball a few years back and was watching a draft from a few years ago. With the 7th pick in the nba draft the toronto "raptores" its raptors david sperm.....oh wait i meant stern..its ok no one is perfect...anyways yea raps select charlie V n all i see is this black dude who looks like he got letgo from like the soul train awards.... starts bashing toronto for picking who they picked...i was thinking wow this guy knows his basketball stuff....we all know what happened...charlie was in consideration for rookie of the year....stephen A watever....u have no credibility...n by u representing ESPN..they lose credibility for having idiot entertainers like u giving us fans the info...no im not from canada or any other part..but u are just an idiot..i know how toronto people would feel...ur just plain stupid...did i mention the way u talk is very disturbing...it makes it seem like ur on steroids or crack..maybe the league should make idiots like u also go through the anti drug abuse they make players go through...take care moron. i hope u read this!

[stephen.]

I started following basketball a few years back and was watching a draft from a few years ago. With the 7th pick in the nba draft the toronto "raptores" its raptors david sperm.....oh wait i meant stern..its ok no one is perfect...anyways yea raps select charlie V n all i see is this black dude who looks like he got letgo from like the soul train awards.... starts bashing toronto for picking who they picked...i was thinking wow this guy knows his basketball stuff....we all know what happened...charlie was in consideration for rookie of the year....stephen A watever....u have no credibility...n by u representing ESPN..they lose credibility for having idiot entertainers like u giving us fans the info...no im not from canada or any other part..but u are just an idiot..i know how toronto people would feel...ur just plain stupid...did i mention the way u talk is very disturbing...it makes it seem like ur on steroids or crack..maybe the league should make idiots like u also go through the anti drug abuse they make players go through...take care moron. i hope u read this!

[robmo35]

"But maybe I've been stupid all this time." Your words never rang truer Mr. Smith. Also did you see that Dime is referring to you as an ESPN entertainer. Clowns are entertaining

[Andrew]

Lets beak down what this man has said paragraph by paragraph:

People are questioning my integrity, I made a bold unfounded statement, so let me post on my blog and further my audaciousness in an attempt to cover up what I said because I'm in too deep.

My 'sources' tell me Bosh wants out of Toronto, hmm,let me add in some ridiculousness about this being a 'worst kept secret'.

Lets make reference to Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter all of whom are irrelevant in this case for a variety of reasons.

Now, lets twist the story such that I make it sound like Bosh must want to leave given the current state of the Raptors and that I was going on an unchecked belief rather than sources all along. Lets make reference to their record, Jermaine O'neal, Jose Calderon, lets not talk about 'my sources'.

Lets take some of this guilt off my shoulders by saying others reported this as well but I can't make reference to them.

Now, lets end off with the boldest statement of them all.

- O.K you idiot, who is your source? Furthermore, why would Brian Calangelo, three time G.M of the year, trade Bosh for anyone on Miami not named Wade or Beasley? You cited, Shawn Marion? that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, it sounds like some real stupid idea conjured up by a 5th grader...

Finally, you don't know basketball.

[Andrew]

Excellent article in the Globe & Mail Exposing Stephan A. Smith as the fraud he is: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.WBwbbasketball20090203112450/WBStory/WBwbbasketball

"He didn't cite any sources. And he was wrong about a few things: Camby was traded, for example; and Carter did want to be in Toronto when he signed his contract extension in 2001, if I recall. But to quote Stephen A., well what's he supposed to say? He's got to come out swinging. There's nothing lose, after all. If Bosh does take the extra $30-million and stay in Toronto in the end, all he has to say then is Bosh changed his mind."

[Paul]

Steven A. Smith:

I could easily just rant about how you are the most laughed at nba analyst on any network, but I wont. After this crap, anyone who questioned you being an idiot, will now know you are one. You say you have sources? Why won't you name them? Afraid to tell everyone you get your information from you dog?

Chris Bosh, has been through the best and the worst of times in teh past 6 seasons as a raptor. If he does decide to leave, (which I think if the team does not show some significant improvement in the rest of this season and the next, he will be gone in 2010) then I do not blame him, anyone who watches the raptors consistently would say the same.
It's just too bad that you didn't think about the people you would hurt and the problems you've created for the players, and personnel of this raptors team, not to mention the very large fan base of the raptors. The players, personnel and most fans know that the raptors are having a dissapointing season thus far, it's not a secret. But to go and complicate everything with this team like you did for no apparent reason other than so you would get a bit of attention, is low, even for you. Do everyone a favor, go home and eat some cheese doodles, and stop creating problems for no reason.

[Paul]

O yeah, and by the way, "So long as no one pushes me." What the hell are you gonna do is someone does? No one gives a shit about you trying to be a tough guy.

[Sam]

EXCUSE ME ALL OF YOU IDIOTS BEFORE ME THAT WANT TO BASH STEPHEN... A "Source" is a source. A source is not ever to be given away. I can't remember that last time Stephen made comments like this and he was WRONG... if you can point to a time then I stand corrected. Do you thing KOBE would go to him and reveal how he wanted to leave the Lakers last season (or the season before last, i can't remember off the top) if he wasn't a VALUED journalist. Stephen A, I believe you, everyone else is just in denial. He needs to go to a team that he can win a championship, not a dead end team. Toronto, come on do you really thing that a talent as good a Bosh should stay there.. I'll tell you my answer, NO!!!

[al waxman]

my sources tell me you are an idiot

[Paul]

Quite frankly, youre an idoit.

[southside21]

LOL, you now have come under the wrath of the Canadians. Who if you can't tell, they are the most sensitive pricks on this continent. Sam Smith made a joke abot the weather in Toronto a few weeks ago and had about a dozen Canadian idiots saying he disrespected their whole nation. They just can't accept the fact that SOME Americans don't want to play there, especially if they have a crappy team. Ignorant people.

[MSA]

wow .. Southside .. you just called a whole country ignorant after spouting a bunch of generalizations moron

[Paul]

For the record southside, im not from canada, but good job on stereotyping, idiot.

[Vicious]

To Mr. Smith and my fellow bloggers...

Clearly Mr. Smith's comments have ruffled a lot of feathers. That being said, I think Mr. Smith's actions bring to light the true nature of today's media.

Irrespective of the credibility of his source, Mr. Smith, in line with relevant ethical standards, is entitled to be keep his source confidential.

The purpose of these ethical standards is to protect sources and encourage the sharing of information with with public without fear or risk to the well being of a source. Today however, it seems that this standard is leveraged to protect the journalist also, as it appears to abstract the ability to challenge the credibility of the journalist.

And that's the rub here - the more incredible (no appolgies for the pun) the article - the greater its exposure to the public. This, as we all know is exactly in line with the objectives of Mr. Smith and his employers at ESPN.

The downside of course for Mr. Smith, is, the public perception of his credibility.

Will NBA players, coaches, and general managers include Mr. Smith in their inner circle? Will Mr. Smith be respected at large in the NBA community? Only time will tell. Mr. Bosh and Mr. Colangello have expressed their opinions on this matter - and Mr. Smith has rebutted accordingly.

Believe who you will, that is our choice.

My 2 cents - I will skip over Mr. Smith's articles and flip the channel should he appear. If the majority of people feel this way - market forces will correct Mr. Smith's inclusion in popular media. Only time will tell...

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkpAVZi6y2RzBWm0G0iEtBis5cDNseseUM]

Is something a 'source' tells somebody alway's fact? Most definitly not. Nobody is very happy when they are on a bad team. Anybody who watched Dwayne Wade last year could see he was not quite the same person. Losing can do that to you. Reporting every whisper of gossip as something that is factual is irresponsible journalism. Stephan is somebody who attempts to sensationalize his stories to stir up extra attention and publicity for himself though.
The Raptors franchise is in their 14th season. For 11 seasons, Isaih Thomas, Glen Grunwald and Rob Babcock were the GM. The Raptors don't have enough of a history to point to it as a sign of how the future will unfold. For the first time in their existance, they have a GM who actually knows what they are doing.
Vince Carter signed a 6 or 7 year contract extension to keep him in Toronto. He was the main player on a team that was on the bubble of being in serious contention. 1 losing season, a trade request, and Rob Babcock folded. Then gave him away to Jersey. Kobe wanted out of LA. Isn't that THE most desirable market?
Maybe Mr Smith doesn't entirely make stuff up, but he seems to twist facts and stories into something that isn't the anymore. Stoudimire, Camby, Mcgrady and Carter all did want out. True. But what does that mean? Nothing.
Carter signed long term. McGrady was seeking an an extension the summer before his contract was up. He was not highly regarded by Thomas, and then Grunwald or coach Butch Carter.
Mcgrady was seeking a hefty raise, but was willing to sign long term for something less than max money.
Stoudemire had very strong loyalties with Thomas and asked for the trade after he quit as GM.
Camby was a very injury prone player for Toronto, and was not seen as being somebody who put in much effort on maintaining his body. He was traded for somebody who improved the team. That was a good move because Camby, while playing good defense along the way, went on to average missing 28 games a year to go along with that during his first 10 years.
The point is these players left Toronto each with their own unique set of circumstances.
If you look Stephan up on Wikipedia it say's '' he quickly adapted to a basic rule of television panel discussions: that the loudest, the most argumentative, even the rudest voice will get the most attention.[1] '' So when all you are is about attention instead of reporting 'real' inside knowledge, lying is just another way to get a big dose of what you want.

[rapsfan]

hey Stephen A. Smith! just to let you know that you're a fucking lier! The bosh rumor is not true! Make sure if you post your blog you have a reliable source! you are garbage! FUCK YOU!!!!