YES, THE NBA IS FINALLY BACK!!!

Well its not a for sure but there is hope on the new tentative agreement that has been reached between the owners and players. The NBA and its players have reached a tentative agreement to end the 2011 lockout, which began on July 1 and did not produce a new collective bargaining agreement until 149 days later. The previous collective bargaining agreement, negotiated in 2005, expired after June 30. This was the third major work stoppage in NBA history, and the second one that resulted in the cancellation of regular-season games. Both parties were in differences because of money issues, owners wanted to take more of the yearly revenues to maintain their teams, however, players have countered that the league is setting records with TV and ticket revenue, and only a few teams are losing money. However, both sides came to an agreement to settle their differences, which is exciting for every basketball fan out there. Basketball is coming at a great time; it’s set to begin on the 25^th of December aka CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!! There is nothing better than knowing Kobe Bryant wont have his legacy tarnished or cut short because of one season that was lost at some point, I love the fact that Lebron James will have another season to prove that he isn’t clutch when it counts, I want to see Blake Griffin dunk all over people like he usually does in every game, and I want to see the Lakers beat the Celtics in the championship game once again lol. Above all the sense of relieve that all fans have knowing basketball has been saved. Like in our discussions we truly do see sports almost like a religion, this lockout showed how people experience the absence of basketball. We all go out of our ways to make time to see games, we make time to go out and imitate our favorite players while playing sports, and we want to be like them to some extent. It’s sad to know that money was an issue between the owners and players, college on the other hand you see how exciting the players can be. College players seem to show the sacrifice and willing to do anything to get to the next level. Every pro player comes from a college driven sport but once having reached the pro level all the goal setting, respect for the game, and dedication has been affected by the money that influences sports in general. Life is about making sacrifices for what you love to do, and both parties in the NBA lockout acted selfish. Many of us would give anything for 1 million dollars but they want millions on top of millions. Anyways, I’m just glad they reached an agreement they are bringing entertainment back into our lives, it brings back hopes, and far most it brings back the culture of basketball back to us.

Horacio Guerra

KIN 332i

T/TH 12:30-1:45