Le Basketbawl

Well it seems that New York Vinnie can no longer call Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson “Captain PUD.” The “Associated Press” reported Tuesday night that the disgruntled veteran gave up his title as captain of the team during a meeting Tuesday between Jackson, Warriors head coach Don Nelson and team General Manager Larry Riley. The meeting was called by Golden State management after Jackson was suspended for two preseason games after causing a ruckus during the team’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night.

Jackson played less than 10 minutes Friday night and picked up five fouls and a technical during his short stint on the floor. Jackson then went back the the Warriors bench argued with Nelson and stormed back to the locker room never to return. The suspension was announced the next day; between losing pay for both preseason games and being fined 25 grand by the NBA for announcing he wanted to be traded last month Jackson is now close to $165,000 poorer.

The veteran told the “Contra Costa Times” Monday that the reason he reacted the way he did Friday night was due to the fact he felt he was not being supported on the floor by his club. Jackson told the paper “I felt like I didn’t get handled right in the game. I know I did what I’m supposed to do being a man. I’m not going to let Kobe throw elbows at me. (Its) always made out to make me look bad. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t disrespect (Don Nelson) like that. But I was mad at our staff for not having my back. If I’m going to go out there and bust my (butt) for you, I expect you to have my back.”

However Jackson also told the paper he was ready to get back on the floor and be a part of the Warriors again. The forward said “I’ve got no choice but to go out there. I’m just going to do my job. I don’t want to be fake. I’m just going to go and play basketball and handle my business. If something happens, then it happens. But I’m just going to play, just do what I do.”

New York Vinnie has met a lot of guys like Stephen Jackson over the years. They never do anything wrong and it is always somebody else’s fault. They can not accept responsibility or take the blame and because of that they never grow up. Jackson has talent but will he allow his lack of maturity to destroy his career? We will have to wait to find out.