Miles Changes At Halftime

In a recent game versus the Clippers, Blazers' forward Darius Miles, who had not played in the first half, decided to change out of his uniform and put on a suit. When the team came back to the court for the second half, you could imagine the surprise of Coach Nate McMillian.

What is happening in the world today? Whether you want to argue that pro basketball is sports or entertainment, it is still business. I can't imagine many businesses where an employee is able to tell the employer that he is only going to work for half the day. And then just sit and watch his fellow employees work the remainder of the day.

We have pampered these guys for way too long. They make astronomical salaries, are locked in to guaranteed contracts, yet show no respect for their employers. If most of us do that in our jobs, we'd be looking for another job the next day.

Here's hoping that the NBA, the Player's Association, and owners step out of the pro sports box and begin to levy serious consequences for detrimental actions.

Character Is What Counts For McMillan

Nate McMillan doesn’t commit to doing many speeches, especially during an NBA season. But the first-year Trail Blazer coach was intrigued by the offer to talk last week at Concordia University’s annual Champions of Character athletics award banquet.

For several years, McMillan has been a member of Athletes for a Better World, a national group promoting the use of sports to develop character, teamwork and citizenship through commitment to an athlete’s code of living. “The organization is what sports should be about instead of what some parents and fans make them,” McMillan says. “This was a chance for me to deliver an unscripted message about keeping things in perspective.”

McMillan’s talk was motivational and inspirational. He spoke about Jeannette Tyson, his late mother and role model, and the influence she held as a single parent of six children, not to mention a bunch of foster children. His words were heartfelt and he received a standing ovation afterward. It was a perfect fit — a man of character speaking about character.

War on Poverty

Maury Davis of Nashville wrote a great article about the war on poverty. Although his views may seem counter to what most people in the U.S. would subscribe, if you look into the facts, he's on to something.