A recent sports anecdote serves as a good reminder of why you might want to be careful about what you say online . . .
One of my favorite players of all time did it again last night. While it wasn't quite up to his usual heroics (there were still 30 seconds left on the clock and they were already up by one point) Robert Horry stole the ball and then a few moments later hit a clutch 3-pointer to put a dagger in the Nuggets. The Spurs are now up 3-1 in the series.
I won't be overzealous though and say the Nuggets playoff hopes are now completely finished. I don't want to make a fool of myself like Felix Gillette did a few years ago when he posted an article criticizing Horry's reputation as a great clutch player. The article itself was meant to take a controversial stand against a well-established reputation to try and provoke controversy (and readership) - not exactly a new tactic in sports journalism. But unfortunately for Gillette he just happened to pick the exact wrong time to make that argument.
Later that day, Horry went on to perform probably the greatest clutch performance I've ever seen. The Spurs were down 3-1 in the NBA finals playing game 5 at Detroit with the Pistons dominating the previous two games. Horry had scored only a couple points throughout the first three quarters. But with time running out in the 3rd quarter, he hit a 3-pointer that would serve as the opening volley of an incredible finale. From that moment on he took over the game - grabbing rebounds, nabbing steals and putting up a total of 21 points, including a 3-pointer in overtime with the clock winding down to seal the win. The Spurs went on to win the NBA title at home two games later. But that game (and Horry's clutch performance) were clearly the turning point in the series.
Video of Horry's Game 5 Peformance
Needless to say, Gillette had a lot of egg on his face after that article. As an Horry fan, I found it extremely amusing. But I actually don't begrudge Gillette's right to take a seemingly controversial stance like that. The difference of opinion is what often makes discussion engaging and interesting.
But the memory of the internet is virtually permanent. Much of what you say online can often be traced back to you with minimal effort. For most people, that may not seem like a cause for concern. Many people feel comfortable that there's a safe disconnect between the online and offline worlds. But I've unfortunately seen first-hand how a person's online posting history in things like forums, blogs, etc. can impact them in the real world by serving as a roadblock that keeps them form landing a job (that didn't happen to me by the way, but a prospective candidate I once helped interview.)
I guess that's one of the many reasons you'll never see me posting about anything too controversial, political, etc. And not just here, but on any blog or open forum. Plus, I'm just not that kind of person. Most people will tell you that I'm a fairly mellow guy. I enjoy posting my random thoughts on here, but that's just about the chance to stretch my writing legs a little, not any sense of narcissism. Despite the fact that I market websites for a living I could care less if more than a few dozen of my closest friends and family members ever see this site. And if anybody with an axe to grind ever does happen to come across it, I'll hopefully give them very little reason to validate their opinion.
For the record, I'm very disappointed in Horry for the hard foul on Steve Nash late in the game. It was uncalled for and over the top.
It's a shame too as he usually displays good sportsmanship on the court. Sure, he's had an incident or two over the years (almost every player has) but I've watched the whole series and he had already been singled out by the commentators several times prior to the incident for his good sportsmanship gestures on things like helping the opponents up off the court, smiling/joking with the opposing team, etc. It may not be right, but all it takes is one bad incident (and especially one at that high-profile moment) to overshadow all the other good moments.
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