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ESPN One-Millionth Dunk Promotion Stirs Up NBA Controversy
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BRISTOL, CT - An announced contest by ESPN to award the NBA player one million dollars for the one-millionth dunk shown on Sportscenter has created quite a stir around the league.
"Sure I like dunks but I think that this contest may take away from the fundamental basketball this league prides itself on," decried Indiana Pacer Coach Larry Bird.
But many disagree. "These guys are professionals and I am sure that they won't stray from the fundamentals of the game just to try and get their dunk on TV. I am hopeful and confident that the players will only dunk if it is the context of appropriate game play," argued Sacramento Kings Coach Rick Adelman
Boston Celtics' Coach Rick Pitino added that, "I sincerely doubt that the players really care about the money or the notoriety. These NBA guys are all about team and winning."
But should sound basketball give way to the desire to be a hero on ESPN Sportscenter Pitino is relatively certain he will be able to turn that around, "The players in this league truly respect their coaches and I am sure if they start to stray a bit the coaches will bring them back into line."
ESPN countered, saying they felt that the concerns were overblown. "We love dunks, everyone loves dunks and we have shown so many dunks that it was time to acknowledge that fact. We feel that this is an appropriate and just promotion and if there is a problem we expect the coaches will take care of it."
Players agree that they would be responsible. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, "I wouldn't do a dunk just for the sake of being flashy or anything and certainly not to get on Sportscenter. Although it is cool when I am on with some mad dunk over some no-game scrub because then all my boys call me and give me my props. But that doesn't really motivate me at all."
©2000 Copyright David Oliver
DISCLAIMER: These stories are not true. No really. It's all just a joke, you know for fun.
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