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Show Volume III, Issue VII THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 13 February 1, 2001 Jazz Update By Jen Beasley To the Lakers and the mob of yellow fans that congregated in the Bear Cave section of the Delta Center on January 13, I have three little words: Nice game, guys. Now admit it. All of you were expecting me to say “In your face” or “Who got schooled,” but I didn’t. I only think those things. Saying them would be bad sportsmanship, which is a disturbing trend I am seeing in the NBA and all of pro sports. The appeal of professional sports used to be the pure excitement of watching fantastic athletes do what they do best. Then people began to cheer for some of the teams more than others, and that made the game more exciting. More tickets were sold, and everyone was happy. Now, however, things have gone beyond cheering for one’s team. We have obnoxious mobs assembling in other team’s home stadiums. I understand that their money is just as green, but is a trash-talking rally really necessary? Rather than sitting in your seat, must you run around screaming obscenities at the home crowd? Bad sportsmanship between fans is not the only thing I’m noticing. Opposing players are going after each other. For example, Shaquille O’Neal drove hard to the hoop and got roughly fouled by Polynice. Now that’s part of the game, and you’d think it was the end of it, but Shaq went after O.P. and they started a shoving match. O’Neal even had enough gall to push the referee who was attempting to break up the fracas. And how ‘bout the popularity contest between Shaquille and Kobe? Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I always had the notion that teammates wanted each other to succeed. O’Neal has gone so far as to request to be traded, though I think that may have been a stunt for attention rather than a real appeal to the Laker’s G.M. What wasn’t so transparent, however, was the post game interview in which Kobe Bryant was asked what he thought was going to happen when Polynice and Shaquille went at it. Bryant responded, “I thought Shaq was gonna hit him with a left.” This seemed like an attempt at levity, until he continued, “Then follow with the right. I really thought he was gonna hit him.” Now when did players start admitting that their teammates had done something that could get them fined or suspended? Players have stopped leaving the court in a timely manner upon fouling out. Mark Cuban has started a trend in which owners repeatedly verbally assault officials, players, media, and whomever else. We have fans starting brawls in championship victory parades. Players attacking teammates, their coaches, and referees have become commonplace events. Where has the respect gone? I think much of this disrespect stems from frustration which either simmers, or boils over into cockiness. So I appeal to all of you sports fans—remember how it started. Cheer for your team, hope they win, and whether they do or not, start it all over again the next time they play. Don’t be fairweather, don’t be a bandwagon-hopper, and don’t be a bad sport. Otherwise, you’re doing no favor for your sport, your team, or for the real fans out there. Fast Break The Jazz have had difficulty keeping their players in the game due to suspensions and injuries as of late. The break down is as follows: John Starks was suspended one game for violating team rules by showing up late to a team weightlifting session. Less than a week later he was hit with a twogame suspension for again violating Jazz team rules, but this time for leaving the Staples Center with some friends instead of with the bus, without notifying team officials. Greg Ostertag was suspended for one game after a verbal argument with Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Upon pleading guilty to the misdemeanor charge of impersonating an officer, Olden Polynice was suspended one game by the NBA. He was also put on probation, fined $500.00 and is required to do 100 hours of community service. Bryon Russell sat out for three games nursing a sprained ankle and a hairline fracture to his leg. Both were sustained in a Jazz win against Houston. In other roster highlights, Donyell Marshall has taken Bryon Russell’s position at starting small forward, and Quincy Lewis has replaced John Crotty on the injured list. Questions? Comments? Feel free to e-mail me at FanJazzer@aol.com Subscriptions available for out of area residents at $15.00 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS P O BOX 130 EDEN UT 84310 Weber High Hockey Teams Enjoying a Great Season Yes, Weber High hockey is alive and well, and can these team members play—you “betcha!” It has been a great season for these Weber Warrior hockey players, and they deserve our recognition. Currently the Varsity team is ranked second. Under the direction of their coaches, Varsity Head Coach Carl Rink and his assistant coaches; and Junior Varsity Coach Bruce Forsythe and his assistants, these guys can fly, and while they are flying they can pass, check, and with careful precision—SCORE! If you haven’t had the opportunity to see these guys in action, you’re in for a real threat when you do. You’ll be able to see right away, team members playing their hearts out for the awesome challenge and pure love of the game. Keep up the good work guys— you’re great. And good luck on your upcoming games. Scheduled Varsity Games: Monday, February 5 Ogden Ice Sheet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 7 Bountiful Recreation Ctr. 7:45 p.m. Friday, February 9 Murray, Utah 9:45 p.m. Scheduled Junior Varsity Games: Saturday, February 3 Bountiful Recreation Ctr. 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 10 Bountiful Recreation Ctr. 10:30 a.m. Eleven of the 33 members on Weber’s hockey team are Ogden Valley and Ogden Canyon students. Varsity team members include: Ben Allen, Ogden Canyon Nephi Georgi, Huntsville Justin Lupton, Eden Bryce Orrock, Eden Jacob Wangsgard, Huntsville Junior Varsity team members include: Chance Buttars, Huntsville Chris Hunter, Huntsville Justin Hunter, Huntsville Derrick Peterson, Huntsville Andrew Snowdon, Eden Jacob Wangsgard, Huntsville Skyler Wilson, Eden Ogden Valley Baptist Church We invite you to join us each week in learning God’s Word, Praise, Worship and Fellowship, Sunday afternoons at St. Florence Church 6461 E. Highway 39, Huntsville (Bottom of Snowbasin Rd.) Sunday School 1:30 p.m. Worship Service 2:45 p.m. Youth Group Weds. 7:00 p.m. Vaughn Park Pastor For more information, call 745-4133. Real Estate Done Right! Gary Bingham, , GRI It takes more than traditional methods to sell a home in today’s market. My Seller’s Edge Home Marketing System and “Talking House” can make the critical difference. Planning to buy a home in our wonderful Valley? I’m an “Accredited Buyer’s Representative.” Gary Bingham 745-4663 SNOW-N-MOW Trent Rounkles 1413 28th St. Ogden, UT 84403 Home (801) 393-6072 Cell (801) 564-2230 Mobile: 388-0607 E-mail: lottahomes@aol.com www.garybinghamproperties.com 2595 North Hwy. 162 Eden, UT 84310 * Senior Discounts Professional *Lawn Care *Pruning *Fertilizing *Weed Control *Snow Removal *Sprinkler Systems *Aeration *Satisfaction Guaranteed CALL TO INQUIRE ABOUT OUR FREE OFFER. |