Setting the Record Straight

Setting the Record Straight
Oct 26, 2007
Posted by: Morris Almond


Am I now a part of the media?
Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images

I spent four years at Rice University, so I’m no stranger to computers or the internet. Naturally, I used the computer to complete class assignments and things of that nature. I also used the net leisurely as well; I kept up with all the latest in sports, news, and entertainment, and even ordered shoes as well. E-mail, putting songs and movies on my iPod - I was on the world wide web for everything. I’m not saying I am a computer geek or anything, but hey, this is 2007, so I’m just keeping up with the times.

One thing I never used the web for was to read about myself. Growing up, I kept up with all the latest happenings around the NBA and NCAA—trades, buyouts, win streaks, rumors—I followed it all. But until this past pre-Draft period, I never had to read my own name in such commentary.

As I gained recognition as a college player later on down the line, I began to read comments about my own name around the web every once in a while. It was cool at first—everybody likes recognition. But after a while, you realize that articles and columns written online--whether full of praise or criticism--are disillusioning. They are only random opinions that are published online. And like they say around the League: “Opinions are like Escalades, everybody’s got one.” Sometimes even, articles and columns couldn’t be more off base with their reports.

So with that in mind, I really stopped spending so much time reading basketball-related articles online. There’s no denying the power of the pen. But as a player, it’s probably best to stay out of the journalistic realm and stay grounded in reality. Media coverage is more for the fans, not the players. Nothing against anybody who works in the mass communication field; that’s just my angle on the subject.

Which brings me to my point: now that I write a ‘blog’ on NBA.com, does that indirectly make me part of the media? I guess it does—might as well use it to my advantage. So from here throughout the rest of the season, I’ll just use part of the web log to clarify whatever I feel the need to. Whenever I read something that I don’t really agree with, whether it be about myself or one of my teammates…I’ll just post a response or an explanation right here. That’ll keep the universe balanced, and everything will be in the proper perspective.

The pre-season is coming to an end. Our game against the Lakers that was to be played in San Diego was canceled earlier this week. The fire devastation out in that area has been awful; some things are bigger than basketball, so that was the right decision to cancel the exhibition game. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected in the southern California area.

A guy named Matt from UC-Irvine told me he liked my last entry and that he was a fan of my blog. So now I know at least three people read this every week: my mom, my dad, and Matt. Thanks guys, it means a lot. On that positive note, I’ll end this one. Later.