I am just a little 'down' after the Jazz loss in Game 4. It is kind of a double whammy finding out Hot Rod is leaving, too. I'm wondering, does anyone else feel like I do? That is, that Hot Rod is just saying all the correct things about retiring: living where it is warm, being with grand kids, having done it all, etc.
Does anyone feel like by having him call a game 'a $5.00 cab ride from the floor' just might have contributed to his retirement? He probably never would've taken the radio-only gig if he'd known where his perch (in Utah and elsewhere) would be located.
It's sad that broadcasters like Hot Rod and Al McCoy (Phoenix), who have done so much for the NBA for so long, are being treated the way they are -- for the sake of selling a couple more "premium seats."
He says the right things, that NBA economics made that decision.
However, I find it hard to think that the Jazz organization couldn't have found a seat for him on the first or second row. Also, it was very sad, that at least for his last home game, this couldn't have happened. It would have been great to have him acknowledged court-side for his long service during that game.
We have had season tickets since 1981. Last year while traveling to Guatemala and Honduras, we were able -- via the Internet -- to listen to Hot Rod call a Jazz game. Listening to him, we were reminded again of how great he is. We didn't feel like we missed out on any of the game without being able to see it on television.
I hope he knows how much he will be missed.
We all love him 'baby'!
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Bethany Stewart
Salt Lake City
I had high hopes regarding the change to more responsible officiating such as flops, critiques of the quality of the calls, slamming into defensive player until you get position, etc.
For the first third of the season, I was thrilled. Finally, the game was called as fair as you can get. But as the year went on, you could see the officiating reverting to old habits.
Here's my point: Referee Steve Javie has always been a Spurs and Lakers fan. Two years ago, as Derek Fisher walked to the Jazz bench at the half, Ginobili was within 3 feet of Fisher and without any contact, he flopped. Javie awarded a foul against Fisher.
During the Jazz's final game Monday, just as they were making a run with five minutes to go, Javie and his crew of blind mice wouldn't call a foul against the Lakers even though it was demonstrated by the reply. The game announcers also agreed. Javie then ejected Jazz coach Jerry Sloan because of Javie's slant on the game.
Where are the improvements? What is being demonstrated to the youth regarding the lack of order and rules in the game I love? There should be a fine system for guys like Javie. Granted, the Jazz should never have allowed themselves in that position, and the Lakers are a great team. But let's call the game equally at both ends of the court.
The NBA should be ashamed of screwing up a game loved by many.
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Kim Hanson
South Jordan
