Two Steps Back

The Grizzlies lost in Dallas last night 110-89 (this, of course, a slight improvement over November's 112-88 loss in Dallas). It was unquestionably a step back, considering the Grizzlies had won 5 of their last 6 games, most by double digits--for whatever reason, the Grizzlies cannot perform well in American Airlines Center.

Jason Williams did, in fact, play last night--contrary to what Chris Vernon had reported after hearing from a high-level source within the Grizzlies organization. The source said that Jason would be suspended for his profanity-laced tirade (is there really any other kind?) in the locker room after the Grizzlies win Sunday over Charlotte.

I think Chris had this one right. Either the source was misinformed (hard to imagine) or the team changed its mind about the punishment later in the afternoon. In any case, at the time Chris reported it, the plan was to suspend Jason Williams. Those of you that would like to cast stones need to back off for a moment.

I consider it another step back to not punish Jason Williams more seriously. Apparently he will be fined but not suspended, and that's it. How exactly is that supposed to change Jason's behavior? He was fined after publicly berating Brendan Brown earlier in the season--what happened as a result of that fine? How did his demeanor improve? Oh, you say he and a couple of other players more or less quit on Hubie Brown and his staff? Ah. Well, then it seems perfectly logical to merely fine him again.


"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

--Albert Einstein