Locked Out

I'm a pretty simple guy. I love friends, music, tv, movies, and sports. Big emphasis on that last one right there. I think the best thing that my dad ever did for me (other than constant support, love, and devotion of course) was from a young age gear me towards athletics. It teaches so many lessons. And if it clicks with you, you've always got an outlet for entertainment and joy. It clicked. I'm a hardcore NBA junkie. If I could ever make money writing about basketball, I'd be the happiest person in the world. I love this stuff. I woke up this morning and checked ESPN just to read 8 different takes on the latest NBA news, that the League has officially cancelled the first two weeks of the season, even though this event has been written in stone since before last season even ended. No surprise. And it's not even like this is where it ends. Since 2007 its been widely believed that the 2011-2012 season was in serious jeopardy and we (the fans, players, and owners) have been preparing for a year without professional basketball. The owners can sit tight, knowing that if they were losing money anyway that they can ride this out since the players need them. The players have their own solutions, foreign leagues, ad-money, appearance fees, etc. to ride out a year without the NBA. What do I have? I'm past the point of the casual fan. During the season, I watch as many games as I can and then the next morning watch highlights, read EVERY box score and recap, and then work on formulating my own opinions. If that sounds like a sick obsession to you, then good. It means you're a functional, normal human being who cares about healthy, rational things. Not me. The League is more than just some overpaid giants running around. To me. It's my favorite pastime. Its beyond comprehension. I feel like a chump because this lockout is taking all this enjoyment away from me and I'm angry at both parties but I know as soon as its over I'll be right back at it. I don't have another option really. While the millionaires do battle over revenue sharing, how to split earnings between players and owners, and contract lengths, I'm watching Youtube clips trying to decide on my favorite Barkley dunk.

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So while the owners save money on operating costs and the players decide between lucrative overseas options or just taking extra vacation time, I'm here. There is no win for me. I love basketball and that won't change. Thanks Dad (I think).