ESPN Daily Dime talks Miles

by neutroticblazerfan on Jan 11, 2009 1:06 AM PST Comment 49 comments

Take a look at #9, I couldn't agree more.

Never quite understood, from the moment this saga started in April, how a 27-year-old's knee troubles could be deemed career-ending if the player wants to keep trying to make an NBA comeback and if there are teams prepared to give him multiple last chances.

Not even a league-appointed doctor who has also been sanctioned by the NBA Players Association can predict the future. Especially with a player who's reasonably young by NBA standards.

At least that's how we see it at Stein Line HQ. There is zero doubt here that Portland's ability to pay off the remaining $18 million on Darius Miles' contract without those dollars appearing its payroll -- granted by the league's medical ruling in April that Miles' right knee is shot -- is a salary-cap benefit that the Blazers never should have been entitled to.

We instinctively take our team's side which is understandable but I can't side with the Blazers on this one. Miles hasn't done anything wrong, you can think his comeback attempt is pathetic but you can't blame him for it. It's obvious his knee problems weren't career ending, and he wasn't a typical medical retirement case.

While I can't blame them for trying the whole trying to hide Miles under a rock, watching and sweating to see if a team would sign him and hoping he'd fail/injure himself/get cut it didn't smell right. It's not something I'm proud of as a Blazer fan. I'd rather we just accept that John Nash stupidly gave a dumb contract to Miles and just wait until it expired. We shouldn't have snuck around, had this drama and then threatened the rest of the league.

In short this isn't the Blazers getting screwed, David Stern didn't conspire to punish us, Memphis isn't out to get us, Miles isn't evil-incarnate, we tried to take advantage of an injury to get a bad contract wiped out which any other NBA team would've done and it didn't work.

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There's an old adage: You can be a bull and you can be a bear, but you can't be a pig.

Since Darius is apparently able to play basketball now, I feel like he should be on our roster and playing for us. We’re paying him and it will be counting against our cap (unless he gets hit by a car tomorrow). Thus, it feel like we’re getting screwed because Darius is going to play for another team.

The problem for us is that we already took the position that his career was over and bet that he wouldn’t try to make a comeback and put in the effort to actually make a comeback. Now, I wish we could change our position and take him back and put him to work until we can trade him or he injures his knee again. If he still wants to play in the NBA and is capable of doing so, he should be our asset.

Too bad we were already bearish on Darius, so we are not allowed to be bullish on him, and we get screwed (we can’t be a pig).

Open Letter to Celtics Blog:

Your record since Christ's birthday is 2 wins and 7 LOSSES. This has to do with the Curse of the Banned Bloggers, when your henchmen banned a dozen BlazersEdge regulars for a couple of frivolous comments. Hey Todo... I mean Jeff Clark: We're not in 1939 Germany any more. Reinstate us or the curse will continue. You shouldn't rule a blog with an iron first like that--because karma and payback is a powerful thing.

by Bust a Bucket on Jan 11, 2009 1:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The Blazer brain trust decided that Darius would be most valuable to them railroaded out of the league, eating donuts in Vegas...

What they SHOULD have done is what they did with Oden — rehab him, keep fans apprised of his progress, get him back onto the floor, and — just as soon as he was good to go — THEN trade him somewhere for something, since he’s a burro…

But they threw him under the bus gunning for the big prize, and got nothing.

Karma.

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Jan 11, 2009 9:14 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs

Not sure why I bother, but...

Karma? I know you think it’s clear that the Blazers acted inappropriately, but it’s really, really, really not.

April 2008 Portland Tribune story when Blazers waived Darius…

…a doctor jointly appointed by the NBA and the NBA Players Association examined Miles and determined that the damage is severe enough to qualify as a career-ending injury.

"The doctors had actually said…‘if you were my son, I’d never have you pick up a basketball again,’" Pritchard told KPAM 860 early Monday evening. "I’m the kind of GM (that) I wouldn’t want that on my head that he ever had to have knee replacement."

Miles has missed all of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons, last appearing in a game for the Trail Blazers on April 15, 2006.

"To his credit, Darius worked hard to come back, but his body just didn’t allow it to happen," Pritchard said.

If you are willing to believe what has actually been reported, the Blazers viewed medical retirement as a valid and appropriate option. Unfortunately in this exceedingly rare situation, the league rules actually eliminate the few benefits to having an injured player (a tradable contract) and introduce new harm (a large contract added back to a cap that was designed without that expense, possibly leading to unnecessary luxury taxation). As if paying a huge contract for a player who can’t play isn’t bad enough.

Your suggestion that the Blazers should have continued rehabbing Miles really depends on whether they thought he could play again. Hindsight obviously shows that he can, but at the time this not only appeared unlikely, but it introduces risk of further debilitating injury that should also be factored into the decision.

"I never scored more than 38, even in Little League." ~ Roy, 52 pts

by shralpster on Jan 11, 2009 10:10 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs

It is just ridiculous that people

think the Blazers somehow acted underhandedly in this situation.

Imagine you are a business owner and you have an employee who has been out for almost 2 years, and they are being paid, you have no assurance that they will ever comeback and it would be nice if you could have someone doing the job the injured employee is not doing. A chance comes along, not a guaranteed chance, that an objective outsider can verify whether or not they will be able to do their job again so you can have the ability to fill their position, while in the meantime the employee will continue to get paid.

If you are the owner are you honestly telling me you do not do what is best for your business.

Also, I think it should be added that medical retirement is no easy thing to get. Allan Houston and his craptastic knees were never able to get it. After reading some articles last year it made me very skeptical that the Miles would get medical retirement, but apparently his injuries were severe enough to warrant it. Kudos for him trying to play again, and kudos to the Blazers for trying to what is best for the team.

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on Jan 11, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

I think the deal is

that Portland was trading one kind of situation/asset for another. That is they had a 2010 expiring contract (those aren’t valuable right?) that they decided to trade for cap space in 2009. Now they will get neither. That is the part I have a problem with.

It shouldn’t have been gambling for Portland to seek medical retirement for a player who hadn’t played in 2 years and was reported as being 40lbs overweight (not muscle but gut) during his rehab. Nobody ever reported that Z-bo or greg were overweight from lack of exercise. In Oden’s case it was quite the opposite he was overweight due to hard work.

Thus after looking at the possibilities Portland determined that since Miles was in danger of a re-injury and they could clear him off the books while Miles still got paid by insurance, medical retirement became the best option. Perhaps it was greedy but really now Portland is losing everything and I think that is what is unreasonable. I think this is especially so since the clear intent of the rule is for an Allan Houston kind of situation, which is not the case with Portland and miles. That’s what I find frustrating.

He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants

by Idog1976 on Jan 11, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

they would not have cap space in 2010

as they will have huge cap holds on Roy and LMA if they decided not extend them before RFA, which would be a mistake and show a lack of commitment from management, or they will have a huge dent in the salary cap as both those guys will be getting 10mil+ after summer 09’. 2010 was never an option for this team.

They also have cap space for this year even with Miles on the books. They may have to part with a player with a little bit of upside to make things work, but they still have flexibility this year. Dave had an excellent post about this a few days ago. Given that they still have a lot of cap flexibility left and the fact that 2010 was never an option for them I would say that they never traded one realistic, keeping Roy and Aldridge, option for another.

The medical retirement was extra icing on the 2009 cap cake and now that is gone.

Also, I am sure you know this, but medical retirement is not something the Blazers have much control over, they can ask for it, but then it is up to the league and players association to grant it.

I would say what Portland did was neither greedy nor do they lose everything over this. Portland has acted reasonably in this entire situation. Things start to sound unreasonable when national pundits start jumping on board and saying the portland is threatening teams, which is not true and is absurd to anyone who actually read the email, and will lose all cap space flexibility, which they will not.

I respect the fact that you laid out a good argument, but I think you have the facts wrong. Portland with Roy and Aldridge never had a shot at 2010 cap space, Dave had an excellent summer post about how it is 2009 or nothing. Aside from requesting a medical retirement, Portland has nothing to do with the process. Again, it is really rare to grant medical retirements and even guys like Allan Houston did not qualify. This is just a weird situation and I dont think either the Blazers or Darius acted in bad faith or hedged bets or whatever else you want to call it.

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on Jan 11, 2009 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I went back and found the relevant articles

http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/1/6/710239/darius-miles-revisited

http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/6/23/556872/why-you-will-see-blazers-t

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on Jan 12, 2009 1:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I demand who is recin' timbo!!!

besides me of course… ;-)

"Hightide was the only "Yes" vote" - parkinglotj

Joel Freeland=Stud

by hightide on Jan 12, 2009 2:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's strange that...

Fans are shocked that their franchise has acted like a franchise. I applauded Portland’s dealings with Miles and trying to free up cap space. Its a Business and thats smart clever business. I refuse in the light of the last couple of days to turn against the Blazer’s Front Office, why? because I saw a Business protecting themselves like a business should. I boo’d the teams that signed him, not because they acted like Business’ but because their actions adversely impacted my Franchise. I main mistake I see and hear people make is personifying (putting a human face) the situation.

(is this clear? its kinda late)

by SamGoody on Jan 11, 2009 2:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I see your point

but the thing (with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight) that is somewhat off-putting/surprising given how good this front office has been, is that in the zeal to get Miles off the team AND get his cap benefits, the organization put the cart ahead of the horse and didn’t consider the possibility of a comeback. Granted, the doctor did declare him medically retired, but from day 1 Darius was talking about playing down the road, and KP did take some initial heat for his reaction to the doctor’s diagnosis/disclosure of information from the exam in a manner that could at the very least be seen as attempting to broadcast to the world at large that D Miles was completely finished in the NBA (I know Jaynes and maybe Eggers got on this in the Tribune a few months back).

That said (and again, having the benefit of watching this all play out) I’m a but surprised at (1) the fact that the Blazers didn’t run through the possibility that Miles could come back before the contract period ended and (2) the e-mail that was issued after it became clear to the public that Miles was at 8 of 10 games, not 2. Agreed that the NBA is a business – and a dirty one at that. I think it’s just a bit eye opening seeing it from this regime since they’ve been so unquestionably above board prior to this episode and, like Darius or loathe him, it’s hard to separate the “personal” nature (some would say vindictive) of the effects a threat to sue could have on anybody’s career. My 2 cents…

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Jan 11, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I forgot that

a laypersons medical opinion is greater than that of a specialized doctor’s.

Also, nearly 2 years of rehabbing is somehow putting the cart before the horse and not taking into account the possibility of a comeback?

The Blazers sent out that letter after there were rumblings of teams thinking of signing Miles just to hurt Portland’s cap space. There would have been no need for the letter if some teams were not contemplating this move and that dictated the timing of the letter and not how many games Miles had played.

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on Jan 11, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

this and other fanposts just like it are a true testament to just how good KP really is

people just kant belive it. I mean, how could he relaly be this good? it kant be real. he HAS to be shadey, or fraudulent. theres just no way that he could be on the up and up. the premise of this fan post is that somehow the FO correrced an independant doctor to tell Darrious Miles, that if he were his son, that he would never let him pick up a basketball again. so what du ya think, kp slipped him a twenty and gave him a wink? maybee more? how ’bout a hundred? no? maybee paul bought the guy his very own island. hmm, that dont sound right. what about a kool mil tucked nice and neatly in a swiss bank account. i could go for that, and ill bet when Kevypulled the card out of his wallet that had the swiss acount info on it for the doctor, he convieniently flashed a picture of the doctors children, just to make sure the doctor understands. yeah that sounds really good. now were kookin.

so we have a conspiracy to defraud the NBA. that evil maniacle mastermind. phew, glad hes on our side. so all you need is one NONinjured overpaid athlete, and a couple of doctors in your wallet? awsome. im watching the movie.

somehow, i just dont buy it. call me a sucker, but i really believe that the doctor actually ment what he said, that if miles continues to play in the NBA, that he will most certainly need a knee replacement surgery. I believe them when they say its bone on bone.

now to make sure we understand this. this dusnt meen that he kan not walk. this dusnt meen that he kant run or jump either. in fact he can even play in the NBA, but not for very long. Its the Dr.s opinion that if dmiles keeps at it, he will certainly suffer further damage and injury.

lets start there and try again

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 2:38 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

maybee....

<img src=“”http://s480.photobucket.com/albums/rr162/Expletive-Deleted/?action=view&current=3183316750_592e5ea65d.jpg" target="_blank"> NBAPA Dr "/>

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 2:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ugh, y iz it showing the code???

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 2:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cause

I think you first copied the photo on Words or something like that….

by Blenzer on Jan 11, 2009 8:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i dont think so,

i right clicked, then saved the photo. i uploaded it to photo bucket, then this. of am i supposed to copy it to word first?

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know then

But yesterday I tried to write a post and it was full of codes as well when pasted it, I had written it first on Word because I have a fussy connexion and when I write long messages I’m affraid to lose it all…

by Blenzer on Jan 11, 2009 4:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the help, ive got it figured out now

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 12, 2009 1:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You got me

laughing and… You’re welcome. But what was finally the matter ?

by Blenzer on Jan 12, 2009 4:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Photobucket gives you several different codes to choose from,

depending on the purpose, and i was using the wrong one, lol

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 13, 2009 11:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, nothing is guaranteed and everything is possible

The fact is that Miles was an athlete first and basketball player second. His whole game was depended on his physical ability. He could not shot the ball outside of 17 ft, his handle was not good enough, his postup offense and defense was below average and his bball I.Q was well below average. Ok so the Grizzles must have felt that Darius could be a mentor to their younger players. What a minute, didn’t Miles cuss out his head coach? Didn’t that head coach get fired cause of it?
So why is it that Memphis signed him for? To mess with us of course! Why would any to sign an injury-plagued, 27 yr old that can’t jump or shoot? They can’t possibly see much of an investment in Miles now can they? The only way to benefit from this situation is to limit OUR ability to compete in the free agent market thereby increasing theirs. Easy win in court I say!

by VinnyB on Jan 11, 2009 5:11 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Miles was a penetrator who put up points.

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Jan 11, 2009 9:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Operative word here is "was"...

Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA brought it big and left it on the floor!!!!!!! Plenty of post play too!!!!!!
37:57 Mins 11-18 FGs 4-4 FTs +22 6 Off 7 Rebs 5 Ast 1 Stl 2 Blk 26 Points - LMA vs GSW 1-10-09

by LaMarvelous on Jan 11, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Never understood what Stein & Co. in the national media did expect? That Miles would limp over the court or need a crutch?

Yeah the Blazers care mostly about the money like any business, and it is of course in their interest that Darius doesn’t come back now that they have lost the possibility to trade him later (much later) by keeping him on the books and roster (away from the team would have been possible under current CBA rules, see Jamaal Tinsley). So you can say the gamble misfired. But in his own interest, Darius should not play anymore on a pro level to avoid grave long-term damage and that’s what the doctors advised to KP and Darius. His knee is bone on bone, and has been microfractured on a much larger area than e.g. Amare or Oden, plus he got an infection into it during rehab. He can still run over the court and jump around a bit which seems to surprise some pundits, but that was never in question and doesn’t mean he should do it for an extended period of time much less a full regular season. I use the example of a professional ski racer who ruined his knee, then can still ski as a tourist really well but should not do it on a pro downhill course at very high speed and impact. That’s what the doctors said to Darius: Don’t play pro basketball anymore.

by Norsktroll on Jan 11, 2009 5:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Darius didn't do anything wrong?

What ever.

He poisoned the very thing that made him what he is.

He brought shame to N.B.A. basketball players around the world. (amongst many that do this but still it’s wrong)

He Called his coach ugly horrible names becuase he wasn’t being played.

He stunk of brew at the few charity events that I know of him going too.

Darius did enough wrong to have been fired from 100% of the employers I’ve worked for….

and probably has done enough illegal stuff while employeed by the team to have had illegal criminal charges brought against him….

seriously….just have his locker searched the next time he comes to portland….have the hotel call the fuzz to his room…..

miles is NOT innocent. his knee is…but he is not.

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jan 11, 2009 9:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to paste this in every one of these threads from now on.

Neutroticblazerfan, read this closely. There’s a test at the end. I’ll even bold the parts you need to know, to make it easy.

Here’s why Darius received a medical retirement and the aftermath:

1. Darius injured his knee.
2. Darius had microfracture surgery, and had setbacks. He didn’t play for two years.
3. The Blazers doctors found that his cartilage didn’t regrow; this is dangerous. His knee is scraping bone-on-bone.
4. The Blazers doctors recommended he not play again, and retire. They sent a request to the league.
5. The NBA and Darius Miles NBA Players Association sent an independent doctor to investigate.
6. The independent doctor (representing Darius!) said: Darius could play again, but at extreme risk to his knee, likely forcing a full knee replacement later.
7. The NBA allowed his medical retirement due to the severity of his condition. He’s still getting his full paycheck.
8. Darius signed paperwork stating he understands the doctor’s findings.

Time Passes.

9. Darius starts a comeback. Even though he was told by his own (NBA PA) doctor that playing again will likely force knee replacement or reconstruction, he wants to anyway.
10. He plays a few preseason games, with minimal impact.
11. Memphis signs him with just enough time to get 10 suspension games in before the non-guarantee deadline, then plays him in a few games and releases him.
12. News reports say the preseason games count. If a team plays him two more games, just for a minute, Portland loses cap, goes into luxury tax, and non-tax teams get over $200,000 apiece.
13. Portland sends out a private note stating “If you want to play him to play him, great. If you want to play him to screw us over, or make additional money off us, that’s against NBA principles and we’ll fight it”

Now, here’s what you, neutroticblazerfan, said:

It’s obvious his knee problems weren’t career ending, and he wasn’t a typical medical retirement case.

Now, to recap the above: Darius was medically retired because of a long term problem and told he shouldn’t play again, not that he can’t.

In order for what you said to be accurate, that means that suddenly he grew cartilage in his knee. And that he suddenly is no longer playing bone-on-bone.

If those facts are still true, the reason for his medical retirement is still valid. He’s simply ignoring it and playing anyway, to his long-term detriment, and against the advice of the NBA and his own Player’s Association, who supported his retirement.

So every time you say “Look he can play basketball again! Clearly his medical retirement is invalid!”, all you’re doing is showing that you did not fully understand the reason for his medical retirement. The fact that he can play is irrelevant to the retirement settlement; the real fact is that he shouldn’t play, for his long-term health. And that’s why he was retired by the league.

Your original post is like telling everyone “I didn’t know the reason for his medical retirement”. It’s making you look bad, not the Blazers.

by Timmay! on Jan 11, 2009 10:13 AM PST reply actions 8 recs

Just want to make one addendum to this:

I haven’t been able to get confirmation that #8 is true, that Darius signed paperwork stating that he understood the doctor’s findings. That’s simply rumor as far as I know.

Can anyone confirm that? If not, I’ll leave that out on future pasting. (or note it’s not confirmed)

by Timmay! on Jan 11, 2009 10:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Very concise summary. There is some interpretation in it, but I think it's accurate

Yeah, both the team and the player must submit signed paperwork and supporting evidence to the league during the medical retirement process (I would expect that a player must agree that his medical records are released and studied by another doctor, the insurance, etc.). The league reviews these documents before approval of the medical retirement. But as far as I know the team always requests the retirement, not the player. I also don’t know if there is a difference between medical retirement and a player basically stating “I give up my career for good” and handing in some other documents which could make a difference (e.g. those players traded last year as throw ins like McKie and Van Horn had never officially retired).

Miles was among the Blazers highest-paid players, making his contract part of a group insurance. If he stays medically retired, the insurance pays 60% and the Blazers 40% of his salary.

by Norsktroll on Jan 11, 2009 10:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Norsk.

Any recommendations for where I should edit, to reduce any interpretation? I’m going to start pasting this every time someone says “well he can play, so clearly he shouldn’t be medically retired”.

by Timmay! on Jan 11, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Reading it over further, I see some of my own interpretive areas.

Hrm. some of them are useful to have.

by Timmay! on Jan 11, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Can you find any archived news articles stating that his knee is bone-on-bone?

I can’t remember reading an actual doctor’s evaluation of this, but it has been repeated often. I quoted the Tribune above where KP summarized the doc’s review.

"I never scored more than 38, even in Little League." ~ Roy, 52 pts

by shralpster on Jan 11, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I have read the bone-on-bone too, but e.g. I don’t think the reports said knee replacement would be a “likely” outcome in his future, it’s more a worst-case scenario if he reinjures himself or has too much wear and tear over the years that KP made public to show the severity.

by Norsktroll on Jan 11, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Some medical background, with a mention of Darius before the surgery and J-Kidd: http://knee1.com/news/mainstory.cfm/324

http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=121693653261551200

by Norsktroll on Jan 11, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks. If we do want to use my post for other sites, I may update it first

I don’t want to place any information that can be definitively refuted. That’ll pretty much invalidate the whole post in a fan’s mind (understandably).

I may want to update it knee repair/replacement portion to a less severe diagnosis, since I thought it had been reported otherwise, and it may be my mistake.

I may replace it with the line from the doctor about not letting his son pick up a basketball again if he had Darius’ knee problems.

by Timmay! on Jan 11, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Here is a section/paragraph from the CBA that relates to the cooperation of the player with the medical retirement

(5) If a Team applies to have a player’s Salary excluded from its Team Salary pursuant to this Section 4(h), the player shall cooperate in the processing of the application, including by appearing at the reasonably scheduled place and time for examination by the jointly-selected physician.

http://www.nbpa.com/cba_articles/article-VII_4.php

by Norsktroll on Jan 11, 2009 5:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

rek

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 10:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A suburb job of summarizing this topic! rec

by LaMarvelous on Jan 11, 2009 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd add one more bit of information

It’s a part of #12 (same Yahoo article) —

News reports surface that other teams will sign Miles just to harm the Blazers.

"Someone is going to scoop him up and play him those two games now," one Eastern Conference executive said when told the news on Wednesday night. "Portland is screwed."

I love the idea of getting it all in summary post.

by Corvid on Jan 11, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice work Timothy! WRECK (as may'd too wreck would say)

Now it’s time to take this show on the road.

Portland is getting killed by the national folks (ESPN guys especially) and all other blogs. We need to have our SBN ambassadors go create a FanPost at their sites and paste this in. We are in a PR war room right now and need to get going…

Attention all Ambassadors: Are you ready to rock and roll with this Darius summary?

Open Letter to Celtics Blog:

by Bust a Bucket on Jan 11, 2009 11:51 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

agreed, ambassadors, prepare for mobilisation

you didnt really think this was just gonna be some kushy job in the bahamas, did ya? REPreZENT!!

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Also

Check back here when the pasting is done…please!

Homer: "Yikes....a bear is eating my father!!"
Selma: "I'm Selma"
Homer: "A talking bear is eating my father!!"

by 92wastheyear on Jan 11, 2009 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly... now you know how the ambassador to Syria feels

We need somebody to write a FanPost “Memo to Ambassadors” telling them about this mobilization.

Timmay, are you up for the task?

Open Letter to Celtics Blog:

by Bust a Bucket on Jan 11, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

done

i had no idea how it would be recieved, but checking back hear after i just made and posted it makes me feal a ton more confident

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

thank you so much

we need to have a rapid response team ready for any other Darius stories that might break…

you’re so right about how we’ve analyzed this situation as much or more than anybody (outside the Blazers front office perhaps)… we need to use this expertise to get the correct info out there.

Attention Blazer's Edge Ambassadors: It's time to get in front of the Darius story. We've already allowed the National folks and other SBN blogs control the tone of the discussion for several media cycles. It's time to go on the offensive to protect our good name!
Help us draft and disseminate a statement that clears the air.
http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/1/11/716920/call-to-arms-ambassadors-a

by Bust a Bucket on Jan 11, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I have a question

To anyone that knows:

Do team doctors always examine a player before giving them a contract? I would think that you would have to.

If so, I would bet that this would be the basis for any futher litigation or appeal. For instance if the Memphis team doc says that they shouldn’t sign him because of his knee and they go ahead and do it anyway, this would circumstantial evidence that they are just trying to use Miles to hurt the Blazers, especially if there were any e-mails or other corrispondence to go along with it.

Homer: "Yikes....a bear is eating my father!!"
Selma: "I'm Selma"
Homer: "A talking bear is eating my father!!"

by 92wastheyear on Jan 11, 2009 10:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

but wut is the standard?

would it be a basik phisikle? or would they go all out? im guessing that a team really only goes all out with all the tests that can be done(ide assume this could take days) if their really interested in the player, but theres been spekulation os to how healthy they really are. i hope someone answers your question, kuz i hav the same one

They LIED!!!

http://www.nba.com/news/miles_10_080919.html

by maid tu rek on Jan 11, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Physicals can be waived if both sides agree (player and team)during a sign or a a trade (otherwise e.g. Raef likely wouldn’t pass at the moment). Don’t know at all if that was the case here. Probably they did some examinations before signing him to the first contract, maybe even a CT, but it’s not like they would have scoped the knee.

by Norsktroll on Jan 11, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well....this wouldn't have been a trade (obviously)

But on a normal signing (even in the preseason) there is some sort of examination right?? I mean didn’t Ime Udoka slip in (a few years ago) because of another player failing a physical? I might be mis-remembering

Homer: "Yikes....a bear is eating my father!!"
Selma: "I'm Selma"
Homer: "A talking bear is eating my father!!"

by 92wastheyear on Jan 11, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Waived Physicals

There is an interesting case that isn’t being talked about much. During the trade that sent Z-Bo to the Clippers, during Cuttino Mobley’s physical to be sent to the Knicks, it was discovered that he had an enlarged heart and playing basketball posed a threat to his health. The Knicks thought about it for a day or two and then waived the physical and the deal was completed.

Now if that deal had fallen apart, the Clippers could have gone to the league using the exact same procedure the Blazers used with Miles and gotten cap relief. His condition didn’t rob him of his ability to play basketball, it made it harmful to his long term well being, and that it why it is a career ending injury.

by tingeyga on Jan 11, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs