Bill Walton: On Rasheed Wallace

[Brad Russ]

Tuesday, December 16, 2003


By Bill Walton
Special to ESPN.com


You're an idiot, 'Sheed
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe


It has taken many years, but I finally found something that Richard Nixon said that makes sense. In some recently released tapes, the Tricky One said that he found Ronald Reagan to be "strange" and that "on a personal basis, is terrible" and "just isn't pleasant to be around."


I feel the same way about Rasheed Wallace. It is difficult to imagine, fathom or comprehend the thought processes that led to 'Sheed's despicable comments last week, where he accused the NBA of exploiting young players (saying the NBA drafts young players who are "dumb and dumber") and called out NBA commissioner David Stern (saying "I see behind the false screens. I know what this business is all about. I know the commissioner of this league makes more than three-quarters of the players in this league."),



Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth


But then again, this is a tough person to decipher on almost any front. Wallace is a chronic underachiever, a malcontent, a disruptive force, a negative personality -- and that does not even begin to address his selfishness, emotional immaturity, bitterness and endless anger. I have also personally found him to be a boor and a bully. Those of us with the misfortune of ever having anything to do with this lost soul had to unfortunately accept the lunacy and obnoxious behavior of this sad and pathetic individual.



Every time I crawl past your door, I've been wishin' I was somebody else instead


Wallace's recent comments are not something that are new or representative of a changing man spiraling ever downward into the depths of psychosis. This is who Rasheed is, and has been for quite some time. Probably the most depressing part of this whole tragic saga is how long we have put up with all this nonsense. Playing in the NBA is a privilege that 'Sheed has dismissed and abrogated.



You hurt the ones that I love best
And cover up the truth with lies


Wallace has taken full advantage of the sacrifices of others who have given their lives to create something positive and special.



You'll never know the hurt I suffered
Nor the pain I rise above



Rasheed Wallace's attack on the NBA last week was the final straw.
This story is particularly galling because it is taking place in Portland, Ore., a place that I have come to know and love over the last 29 years. Portland and Oregon have always been places that have welcomed and tolerated people who have come there with their own ideas and individual agendas. The people who have built a world of freedom and rugged individualism in this little piece of heaven have always been willing to accept the differences in others, often encouraging dissidents and alternative ways of looking at things.



One day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes
Blood on your saddle


Many years ago, these same people who are now scratching their heads in puzzlement, disappointment and dismay at Rasheed, opened their hearts to me and ultimately gave me much more love, compassion and understanding than I ever deserved.


The people of Portland have so much to be proud of: a beautiful city, harmonious neighborhoods and communities, a place where people have a chance to be part of something truly special. These people have given me the greatest life that anyone could ever dream. They have also been incredibly forgiving of all of my own transgressions against human decency.


And over time the proud people of Portland and Oregon have built one of the strongest pillars of the NBA: The Trail Blazers. Sadly, this magnificent franchise today stands on the edge of ruin because of the regular and ongoing cruelty and hateful, irresponsible actions of Rasheed Wallace. How can we let this happen? The Trail Blazers and the good people of Oregon are entitled to more.



I noticed at the ceremony, your corrupt ways had finally made you blind


Wallace is an embarrassment and a disgrace. I have waited for nine long years for him to change his evil ways. I have grown old, tired and exasperated -- eventually losing faith and patience. Now, I have lost all hope. It is time for Wallace to take his anger, hatred and ridiculous behavior somewhere else. I have had enough. I'm sick and tired of it all. I want my team back.



I've been double-crossed now for the very last time
And now I'm finally free



You're an idiot, 'Sheed
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe
Bill Walton, who is a regular contributor to ESPN.com, is an NBA analyst for ESPN. Also, click here to send a question for possible use on ESPNEWS

[jekouptown]

when bill walton did the same thing to LARRY JOHNSON. talking about larry should cut his hair and fix himself up. Someone other than bill walton should be making a more valid point. everytime bill walton opens his mouth the only image in my head is of him in a tie dye shirt and waving peace signs at the camera....( POTHEAD DAYS).....its like seeing AL BUNDY playing a detective. he can pull it off but everytime he opens his mouth is see someone else. RASHEED might be an azzhole but unlike JR RIDER he is still a scoring threat and for that reason he will remain in the NBA.

[sinatrastar]

Good for Bill.

[EricIdlefan]

Even though I am no Bill fan, I appreciate him being straightforward and honest!!

[isiahthomas]

Bill Walton does need to shut the hell up. I think he's the worst commentator ever cause everytime i hear him commentate a basketball game, all he does is criticize players. He acts like he was the greatest player of all time when he was playing. His face is shaped funny hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. We all know Rasheed Wallace isn't gonna change. Portland's GM John Nash is the one that needs to do something about Rasheed. He needs to get rid of those idiots on the team such as Rasheed, Ruben Patterson & anybody else that wants to act a damn fool off the court. It seems that Damon Stoudamire has been playing better. I just hope he can stop using drugs. LOL@Charles Barkley last night saying that he knows Portland's players are gonna be high before their game last night against Phoenix hahahahahahaha. Charles is hilarious. Mdntrider7 did u check your pm message? I replied to that message u sent me.

[sinatrastar]

Sounds like you agree with Walton, why does he need to shut the hell up then? I agree Walton tends to drone on and on, but there are not many good basketball color guys, Doug Collins was a bad coach and I really dont like him doing games. Danny Ainge with John Thompson was a good match.

[isiahthomas]

I don't agree with what Walton said about Rasheed. All i said was i think Portland's GM John Nash needs to get rid of Rasheed & anybody else on that team who is ignorant.

[Brad Russ]

Originally posted by isiahthomas
I don't agree with what Walton said about Rasheed. All i said was i think Portland's GM John Nash needs to get rid of Rasheed & anybody else on that team who is ignorant.

I actually do agree that Bill can be pretty harsh of guys, and oftentimes I find his criticism's to be undeserving. When he's commentating on a game, sometimes it seems like all he ever does is whine and complain, with the occasional compliment thrown in from time to time. One minute he can be singing a players praises, and the next minute he's talking about how awful he is. Iv'e heard so many contradictions coming from him throughout the years, and it's always hilarious when Steve Jones points them out to him. LOL! I think I get most offended though when Bill puts down some of the better players in the league. Walton was a good player, but for him to be putting down some of the guys he does, is ridiculous! I mean, Walton made his fair share of mistakes while he was playing too, so you'd think he'd sometime's have a little more compassion.

As far as his comments on Rasheed goes, some of them I agree with, and some I disagree with. I do believe Sheed has been given chance after chance after chance to do the right thing, and more then not, he has failed. I also believe it is time for him and Portland to part ways, but I don't agree with some of the harsher things Bill said. I believe anybody can change, and maybe a new City and atmosphere is just what Wallace needs to make that change.

With all that said, I actually do like Bill Walton, just not as a commentator. I think the best career move for him would be to maybe coach, and see if the coaching he's done from the commentator's table for all these years, is as sure fire as he seems to think it is. It's one thing to criticize others from a commentator's table, but it's quite another to actually be down on the court trying to coach a bunch of millionaires. Hopefully that'll be his next career move.

[isiahthomas]

Last night i was watching Detroit & Indiana game on ESPN. Bill Walton was commentating that game. He said that Zach Randolph for Portland has 0 athleticism. I wanted to come through the tv & slap Bill upside the head for saying that. How can Zach have no athleticism when he's averaging about 20 points a game this yr for Portland & 11-12 rebounds a game? He brought up Zach cause Bill & another guy who was commentating the game were talkin about players this yr who are averaging a double double in points & rebounds. Mdntrider7 did u check the pm message i sent u?

[isiahthomas]

I miss listening to Steve Jones do basketball games. What is he doing now? Since NBC doesn't do NBA games anymore, i haven't seen him.

[sinatrastar]

Doesnt he do local TV games? Maybe for Portland?

[Pedantic]

Originally posted by isiahthomas
I miss listening to Steve Jones do basketball games. What is he doing now? Since NBC doesn't do NBA games anymore, i haven't seen him.

Snapper does local broadcasts for the Blazers.

[EricIdlefan]

I watched bits and parts of ABC/ESPN NBA coverage and though good, it doesn't hold a candle at all to TNT, the grandaddy of the NBA Broadcasting Teams!!

[ConservativeBalla]

I don't know much (If anything) about Bill Walton, but I'm glad to see someone speak out against Rasheed Wallace.

[Brad Russ]

Originally posted by isiahthomas
Mdntrider7 did u check the pm message i sent u?

I haven't been online much these last few days. Computer problems, etc. I'll go check it now!