Recently as of today the NBA put a ban on chewing straws during a game. Caron Butler who just was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a block buster deal, brought this to the leagues attention. Ever since he was a kid he has always played his games with a straw in his mouth. Now we arn't talking about a big straw hanging out of his mouth, but a chewed up one, similar to gym. I can see how he likes this. Sometimes the plastic can make a nice thing to chew on. I can also see the league's side of it, may cause choking and it might set a bad example for kids. But Butler has been in the league for 7 years. Thats 7! Nobody has said anything to him in the years past. Playing for the Washington Wizards might be a cause. That is a smaller market for a NBA team, not saying that DC is a small place, but in the basketball world they are no power house. Now the Mavs on the other hand are more polished. So now in a bigger market the straw chewing becomes a big deal? Get out of here. This is crazy, athletes like many other people get into routines and are almost superstitious. And as evidence on monday he went 3-10 from the field finishing with 8 points, half of what he averages. What I think is let the player do as he wishes, just because it was spreading to the rest of his team members makes an issue makes no sense. How about the team is trying to create chemistry and get accustom to the new teammates.
Hey, we are supposed to comment on three blogs apparently... I just read this blog and could not help but wonder what this world is coming to. Seriously. This man is an adult basketball player, if he wants to chew on a straw instead of a piece of gum then he is certainly old enough to make that decision alone without the whole world getting involved. I can understand the choking hazard. But if he has survived 7 years, he is definitely what I would call a Professional Straw Chewer.
ReplyDeleteI agree. He is old enough to make his own decisions. If he chokes its his own fault. The media as usual is blowing a small "lucky charm" for this guy into a huge deal.
ReplyDeleteI think this is pretty funny considering Ray Allen is seen chewing gum countless times during games, both on the court and off of it. Ironic how the NBA is o.k. with gum and not straws.
ReplyDeleteThe MLB hasn't outlawed the 312 pieces of gum Francona annoyingly chomps on all 9 innings long or sunflower seeds for that matter. Never heard of such a thing. Let these professional athletes do what they want as far as pregame and during game rituals. It's not like he has it in his mouth when he's playing so the small chance that he could choke, shouldn't matter.
ReplyDeletethis is so ridiculous. the nba should have bigger things to worry about than a 7 year vet chewing a straw. he's a big boy, he won't choke on it.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow straw chewer I am outraged by this recent ban. NBA has become the no fun league
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