Hooray for Miami!

It's no secret that I'm not a big fan of Professional Basketball. The game, which used to boast such lookup-worthy stars as Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Scottie Pippen, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, has degenerated into a world of thugs who look to basketball as a way to get a (partial) college education and a mouth full of gold. Allegations of rape, drugs, and fights have permeated basketball coverage of the last several years, and it's almost impossible to tell whether you're watching a basketball game or the WWE.

One of the most glaring examples of the degeneration of the game occurred in Detroit in November of 2004. That was the night that Ron Artest and the Indiana Pacers laid the beat-down on a couple of fans who they believed had thrown an object from the stands. The most severely beaten man -- the one who was believed to have thrown a cup of soda to start the melee -- was STILL HOLDING HIS CUP OF SODA when Artest decked him.

Though the blame mostly lay with the Pacers for the fan-related incident, it actually started when Ben Wallace of the Pistons fought back after a hard foul by Artest. The guys were shoving on the floor, and then the cup came into play. Though the players stayed responsible (and out of the stands), the fact remains that the fight started with the Pistons and escalated with the Pistons' fans.

By contrast, Shaquille O'Neal of the Miami Heat has worked hard throughout to establish himself as the next role model player in the league, and he has succeeded. He's graduated from college, pursued a Masters Degree, distanced himself from his more-troubled teammates, assisted with arresting a man making anti-gay slurs, and is pursuing a post-basketball career as a Miami Police Officer. The reputation of the team lives and dies with Shaquille O'Neal, and it is refreshing to see the karma gods of basketball lay their favor with those who deserve it.

Detroit's elimination by the Miami Heat last night may be just enough for this girl to take a passing interest in the NBA finals this year.