Clippers Announcers Suspended For Tonight's Game

Legendary Los Angeles Clipper broadcaster Ralph Lawler and partner Mike Smith have been suspended for tonight's game because of comments made during Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies. The exchange came as the two discussed Hamed Haddadi, the first Iranian born NBA player. The exchange is below:

Smith: “Look who’s in.”

Lawler: “Hamed Haddadi. Where’s he from?”

Smith: “He’s the first Iranian to play in the NBA.” (Smith pronounced Iranian as “Eye-ranian,” a pronunciation that offended the viewer who complained.)

Lawler: “There aren’t any Iranian players in the NBA,” repeating Smith’s mispronunciation.

Smith: “He’s the only one.”

Lawler: “He’s from Iran?”

Smith: “I guess so.”

Lawler: “That Iran?”

Smith: Yes.

Lawler: “The real Iran?”

Smith: “Yes.”

Lawler: “Wow. Haddadi – that’s H-A-D-D-A-D-I.”

Smith: “You’re sure it’s not Borat’s older brother?”

Smith: “If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I’m going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part.”

Lawler: “Here’s Haddadi. Nice little back-door pass. I guess those Iranians can pass the ball.”

Smith: “Especially the post players.

Lawler: “I don’t know about their guards.”

Really? First of all, for a viewer to be offend that Iran was pronounced (eye-ran) rather than the correct (ear-on) is one of the most ridiculous things I have heard in a long time. While I do not typically find it appropriate to tell someone else what they should be offended by, I have to call bs on this one. I suppose it is reasonable to think a person of Iranian descent could be offended by the Borat remarks, it is a stretch to consider it suspendable. Clearly Borat is a joke and no harm was meant by the comments. Ralph Lawler is the only classy, successful aspect of a joke of an organization. It is sad to see a fine broadcaster and all around guy like Lawler be disrespected by an organization who has worked so hard for. For the Clippers to not have his back, when he really should not need it in the first place, is just another embarrassment from the NBA's doormat. Here's to you Ralph Lawler, you deserve so much better.

NBA Tips Off Tuesday Night

The NBA opens the 2009-10 season with 4 games Tuesday night. The marquee games feature the new look Cleveland Cavaliers welcoming the Boston Celtics to town, while the Lakers will host the Clippers at Staples Center. This will be the first regular season game for the Cavs new duo of Lebron James and Shaquille O'neal. Cleveland fans are hoping Shaq can finally provide King James with the support to help lead them to a long awaited championship. Time will tell, but I am a bit skeptical of the move. James' success comes largely from his ability to get to the rim, and he will now have to contend with Shaq taking up space in the lane. Unless Shaq shows a new found quickness, I just do not see how it is going to work out. Meanwhile, the Celtics have added veteran forward Rasheed Wallace to the mix. Wallace should provide them with another deep threat to help stretch opposing defenses, and give them insurance behind Kevin Garnett. Their season will depend greatly on Garnett's ability to stay healthy. In Los Angeles, the big question is Ron Artest. You can really only describe him as a question. If Artest stays focused and behaves, the Lakers could be even better than last year. He is one of the best defenders in the game and has a better than average offensive game as well, but will he stay focused? You would have to think Phil and Kobe have as good a chance as anyone to keep him on track. Look for the other Staples Center tenant, the Clippers, to return to the playoffs behind a rededicated Baron Davis and number 1 pick Blake Griffin.
Overall, the West looks to be a two team race between the Spurs and Lakers. Ron Artest should give the Lakers the ability to rest Kobe Bryant more and keep him fresh for the playoffs. At the same time, the Spurs have arguably the deepest team in the league and should be able to keep their veterans fresher and healthier than past years. The East looks to be a three team race with Cleveland, Boston and Orlando battling it out all season. Ultimately, I think the Celtics' acquisition of Rasheed Wallace trumps the Shaq to Cleveland and Vince Carter to Orland moves. I'll take a rematch of the 2008 Finals with the Lakers taking on the Celtics. This time, the Lakers come out on top.