Why Can’t We Be Friends? James, Wade, and Bosh Setting a Horrible Example

July 10th, 2010 by Benny Vargas Leave a reply »
Let me preface this story by saying I am a Miami Heat fan. Therefore, I am stoked that we were able to land the three marquee free agents this offseason.

With that said, there is one glaring concern that comes to mind. There was a time when you respected your competition but in no way were you "close friends" with them. 

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird respected each other off the court but hated each other on it. Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller might have a cordial relationship now but during their playing days absolutely despised each other. Alonzo Mourning's idol was Patrick Ewing—they both went to Georgetown—but do you think that ever came into play when the Knicks and Heat were battling every year in the playoffs?

This kind of contempt for your opponent is good for sports. It breeds rivalries. Creates a fire that goes beyond just winning and losing.

Pat Riley despised the trend he was seeing in the league. Suddenly players from opposing teams were joking around and hugging each other before tip off. To an "old-school" guy like Riley this is a huge faux pas.

You are meant to hate the other team. You sho ...

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