(Image Source: OK! Magazine)
BY MATT NOONAN
You're watching multisource sports news analysis from Newsy.
111 days locked out -- and now -- a zinger for NBA Commissioner David Stern.
“Stern’s version of what’s been going on behind closed doors has, of course, been disputed. But his efforts were typical of a commissioner who has always seemed eager to be viewed as some kind of modern plantation overseer treating NBA men as if they were his boys... his moves are intended to do little more than show how he’s the one keeping the hired hands in their place.”
No doubt frustration has been growing. But an SB Nation blogger says, this is a whole new level of ire.
“Stern's faced plenty of criticism before, but this isn't some lowly sports blogger calling foul. Say what you want about Bryant Gumbel, but he's not given to reckless hyperbole, and Real Sports is one of the most respected brands in sports journalism.”
Real Sports may be respected by some, but a Black Sports Online blogger says Gumbel was out of line with his comments.
“I don’t know if Bryant Gumbel is trying to get his “black card” back, but he went too far... that was a very dumb move and he hasn’t done anything to endear the public to the players’ side. If anything he has hurt them in the court of public opinion.”
And that court of public opinion is also casting judgment on Gumbel himself. Bleacher Report featured columnist Alex Kay says, while the HBO host raises some legitimate points, his editorial will be remembered for all the wrong reasons:
“The sad thing is that Gumbel’s intelligent and poignant addressing of the NBA lockout is going to go unrecognized, while the focus and public discourse is going to be on his use of slavery terms... Gumbel drew parallels... to show that the white commissioner does not have his players’ best interests at heart.”
Which is the argument coming from the anti-Stern camp. Sports Grid blogger Glenn Davis says, hey -- at least the commissioner’s elitism is consistent.
“We think Gumbel’s on to something when he talks of Stern ‘treating NBA men as if they were his boys’ – we’re just not sure we would have used the slavery reference to get there. Because Stern... likes having people of all colors and backgrounds bow down to him.”
NBA owners and players met with a federal mediator for 16 hours on Tuesday. But sources say the two sides are still far from reaching an agreement to end the lockout.
Transcript by Newsy.
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