Defending Scott Foster - ok. He’s actually an outstanding play caller.
Defending the ESPN clowns? No. Not a single ESPN commentator has had a relevant take in years. They are hack entertainers - not to be confused with any sort of journalism these days.
We are such a soft media market. Seriously. It’s unbelievable.
"Enough with the two guys dressing up as the characters in “Dumb and Dumber”, referencing Stephen A. and Kendrick Perkins. "
Those two did more than their share to embarrass themselves and the Pacers. It was not funny at the time and it's not funny in retrospect. Maybe these two are part of the "lowest common denominator" target audience.
Lots of great points. The only one I can’t see your point on is Stephen Smith playing solitaire while on the job being ok. I’ve been an employer for decades and that’s never ok. At the least he deserves a public reprimand from his employers.
First, I am probably primarily a Pacer fan, if I can even take that label, purely through the coverage that you and the IndyStar provide. I enjoy reading the takes and seeing the highlights, but I honestly find the NBA game brutal to watch with how it's played and officiated. Having said that, I have watched basically the 1st half of each of the Finals games (they're simply on too late for this geezer). I don't know whether the stuff being said about Scott Foster is true or not, although I do know that the reviews made during the game did display some contradictions between what the TV commentators including their official thought would occur and what was actually decided. Bottom line, I don't necessarily buy the conspiracies, but I don't rule them out either.
As far as Smith, Perkins and Indy folks' takes on them, that's probably what the TV business is wanting. I don't enjoy those analysts for how they communicate more than what they actually
say, but I definitely don't respect someone who disrespects their profession. Are you telling me Bob wouldn't bring it up if Anthony Richardson was caught doing the same thing at any point (game, practice, meeting, etc.) when he was "on the job"? It's just a bad look and I would think should piss Bob off as someone who works in a somewhat parallel field (Bob is a journalist, not sure I can qualify Smith anywhere in the realm of a journalist, but he's getting paid to do something at least adjacent to it) since it reflects on the whole.
I realize Barkley had a similar incident during the NCAA tourney when he admitted to not watching a game after Ernie Johnson had asked him a question, but the difference is that Barkley is more endearing and his colleagues were the ones to call him out for it.
I admit I was one of those critics of Scott Foster. I still think it was an ugly officiated game, but with time, I realize it was that way for BOTH teams. Great article, you make some really good points. Im laying off the referees
The guy who dressed up as dumb and dumber characters are having fun and not hurting anyone at the same time. If you don’t want a big deal made about it don’t point attention to it with your story.
Bob, I've loved reading your work for years and appreciate your point of view. Having said that, this is a deeply disappointing take that deserves constructive criticism. Your article is no better researched, your position no more supported, and your ad hominem no less gratuitous and unwarranted than those who you skewer for criticizing NBA officiating generally, and Scott Foster's officiating specifically. Given your stance, I would have expected some revelatory research demonstrating why Foster should NOT be deemed "The Extender," why his officiating his beyond reproach, and why his reputation is unearned. Instead? Only insults. "Ridiculous." "Small." "Petty." "Homerism." "Garbage." "7-year olds." Ironically, with this invective you've not produced anything more intelligent or less insulting than the social media posts you purport to revile. Further, and perhaps most importantly, it's the OPPOSITE type of content that motivates me to spend money subscribing to your feed. Just my $.02. No hard feelings.
Overall a good article. Pacers stopped playing our ball and tried to play one on one. Two observations - I do think Indy fans have developed some of this attitude over the last two years because it does seem every "media expert" has seemingly picked the Pacers to lose in every series. Then when Pacer's prevail it was luck or injuries. Likely reached peak when it's the Knicks (as you said Smith big cheerleader) and it seemed except for Pat everyone picked the Knicks. Second, when Tyrese acted offended about some media comments about him, Smith and ESPN became incensed that he could become offended by their comments and says to grow up. How dare they question their skills questioning his skills. Dear lord I miss the old days of just reporting and not trying to grow one's brand. Final comment - if Pacers weren't in finals, I know I would be rooting for this Thunder team.
Any publicity is good publicity. It’s great that Indy is getting all this attention. McAfee had a lot to say during his show today about the officiating. Love it.
Defending Scott Foster - ok. He’s actually an outstanding play caller.
Defending the ESPN clowns? No. Not a single ESPN commentator has had a relevant take in years. They are hack entertainers - not to be confused with any sort of journalism these days.
We are such a soft media market. Seriously. It’s unbelievable.
"Enough with the two guys dressing up as the characters in “Dumb and Dumber”, referencing Stephen A. and Kendrick Perkins. "
Those two did more than their share to embarrass themselves and the Pacers. It was not funny at the time and it's not funny in retrospect. Maybe these two are part of the "lowest common denominator" target audience.
Lots of great points. The only one I can’t see your point on is Stephen Smith playing solitaire while on the job being ok. I’ve been an employer for decades and that’s never ok. At the least he deserves a public reprimand from his employers.
Well said, as usual, Bob. Hope you're feeling better.
First, I am probably primarily a Pacer fan, if I can even take that label, purely through the coverage that you and the IndyStar provide. I enjoy reading the takes and seeing the highlights, but I honestly find the NBA game brutal to watch with how it's played and officiated. Having said that, I have watched basically the 1st half of each of the Finals games (they're simply on too late for this geezer). I don't know whether the stuff being said about Scott Foster is true or not, although I do know that the reviews made during the game did display some contradictions between what the TV commentators including their official thought would occur and what was actually decided. Bottom line, I don't necessarily buy the conspiracies, but I don't rule them out either.
As far as Smith, Perkins and Indy folks' takes on them, that's probably what the TV business is wanting. I don't enjoy those analysts for how they communicate more than what they actually
say, but I definitely don't respect someone who disrespects their profession. Are you telling me Bob wouldn't bring it up if Anthony Richardson was caught doing the same thing at any point (game, practice, meeting, etc.) when he was "on the job"? It's just a bad look and I would think should piss Bob off as someone who works in a somewhat parallel field (Bob is a journalist, not sure I can qualify Smith anywhere in the realm of a journalist, but he's getting paid to do something at least adjacent to it) since it reflects on the whole.
I realize Barkley had a similar incident during the NCAA tourney when he admitted to not watching a game after Ernie Johnson had asked him a question, but the difference is that Barkley is more endearing and his colleagues were the ones to call him out for it.
I admit I was one of those critics of Scott Foster. I still think it was an ugly officiated game, but with time, I realize it was that way for BOTH teams. Great article, you make some really good points. Im laying off the referees
The guy who dressed up as dumb and dumber characters are having fun and not hurting anyone at the same time. If you don’t want a big deal made about it don’t point attention to it with your story.
Bob, I've loved reading your work for years and appreciate your point of view. Having said that, this is a deeply disappointing take that deserves constructive criticism. Your article is no better researched, your position no more supported, and your ad hominem no less gratuitous and unwarranted than those who you skewer for criticizing NBA officiating generally, and Scott Foster's officiating specifically. Given your stance, I would have expected some revelatory research demonstrating why Foster should NOT be deemed "The Extender," why his officiating his beyond reproach, and why his reputation is unearned. Instead? Only insults. "Ridiculous." "Small." "Petty." "Homerism." "Garbage." "7-year olds." Ironically, with this invective you've not produced anything more intelligent or less insulting than the social media posts you purport to revile. Further, and perhaps most importantly, it's the OPPOSITE type of content that motivates me to spend money subscribing to your feed. Just my $.02. No hard feelings.
Overall a good article. Pacers stopped playing our ball and tried to play one on one. Two observations - I do think Indy fans have developed some of this attitude over the last two years because it does seem every "media expert" has seemingly picked the Pacers to lose in every series. Then when Pacer's prevail it was luck or injuries. Likely reached peak when it's the Knicks (as you said Smith big cheerleader) and it seemed except for Pat everyone picked the Knicks. Second, when Tyrese acted offended about some media comments about him, Smith and ESPN became incensed that he could become offended by their comments and says to grow up. How dare they question their skills questioning his skills. Dear lord I miss the old days of just reporting and not trying to grow one's brand. Final comment - if Pacers weren't in finals, I know I would be rooting for this Thunder team.
Great article sir. 100% spot on.
I agree 100% with your thoughts today Bob. 100%.
Any publicity is good publicity. It’s great that Indy is getting all this attention. McAfee had a lot to say during his show today about the officiating. Love it.