Memphis Grizzlies star Rudy g*y opens up on the NBA lockout
Rudy g*y sat down for an interview recently to talk about an upcoming exhibition game he has arranged in Southaven. However, with all things going on in NBA right now, he was also asked to comment on the current NBA lockout.
The Memphis Grizzlies star didn’t have to think too long to come up with the words. His stance was the same as that of almost all NBA players; the players wanted to play, but the owners were making unfair demands.
“I’m sorry it has to be like this, but the two sides are still far apart,” g*y said the lockout, which is now into its 5th month.
At the root of the lockout is the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The old one expired and the two sides cannot come to terms over a new deal. That is largely because the owners want drastic changes in the previous setup,
while the players do not.
To be fair to the players, they could have stuck to demanding a renewal of the old system. But they know that isn’t really feasible and didn’t make a big deal out of taking cuts in a new CBA. What they have taken exception is though
is the unrealistic demands of NBA owners.
Take the Basketball Related Income for instances. The players got a 57 percent share of the BRI in the previous CBA, but the owners asked them to drop that to 47 percent for the next decade. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to
understand that no one will agree to a 10 percent cut in their earnings just because you want them to.
“Both sides have to give something, and the players have already come down from a 57 percent down to a 52.5 percent offer, but the owners have to give something.” g*y said, reflecting on the players’ stance on the issue.
g*y, like other NBA players, was hugely disappointed when talks between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association broke down again on Friday. From what the press understands, the owners insistence on a 50-50 split
of the BRI was the sticking point once again.
For now, g*y and his colleagues in the players union can only wait for the NBA to make a decent proposal. In the meantime, they will be arranging exhibition games just like the one g*y has put together for Tuesday, November 8th.
“This isn’t how we want to play, but it keeps us in shape,” g*y said. “If and when the lockout ends everyone will be ready.”
And if anyone needs to keep in shape, it is Rudy g*y. He missed a huge chunk of last season with a serious shoulder injury and is only now fully back to fitness. He however seems pretty optimistic about it.
“I feel good right now,” g*y said. “I’ve been 100 percent cleared, and I’m ready for the season. I’m just working to add a few things to my game right now.”
His team would certainly be happy to hear that, because g*y could prove to the final piece in their NBA World Championship puzzle.
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