Little Bit of Effort Please

I wish I had enough talent to play in the NBA. I wish I had enough talent to play on a high school basketball team. Unfortunately I don’t, I never will and that’s something I have come to grips with. However if I Had enough talent to play in any professional sport I would be out there with a smile on my face and a hop in my step because it would be an incredible opportunity that only a few special athletes will ever get to accomplish.

On Christmas day when Cavaliers’ PG Damion Jones and GF Ira Newble decided they didn’t want play against the Heat something inside of me snapped. How could two professional athletes who are living out their childhood dreams disrespect the game they love so much?

With a minute to go in the Cavs 96-82 victory both Jones and Newble refused to enter the game in the last minute of play. Jones did not comment on the situation, but Newble claimed he did not enter the game because he was not physically ready to enter the game.

"Regardless on how much time is on the clock, I'm going 100 percent every time I step on the court," Newble said, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Not being loose enough, you could possibly pull something."

The Cavliers have fined Jones an undisclosed amount, it is unknown if Newble has also been fined according to he Plain Dealer. Cavs coach Mike Brown had no additional comment on the matter. It is unlikely that either player will be suspended.

Here’s a message not only to Jones and Newble but to all players in the NBA: Whether you’re on the court at tip off or coming in for mop up duty, it is my personal belief that no player should ever give less than a hundred percent when they’re on the court. Giving any less is not only disrespectful to yourself but to your teammates, your organization, and the fans that pay a hefty ticket price to watch you play.