Is Kareem Abdul Jabbar chopped liver?
According to the basketball star, that's what the powers-that-be think!
Yesterday, Jabbar was quite adamant at a press conference that the reluctance of the league to erect a statute in his honor not only reflects that, but underscores their lack of respect.
"I've not only not on the backburner, but not even on the stove," he lamented to sports writers who gathered for a career update on the high-profile athlete.
Jabbar is known for his celebrated "hook" shot.
Undoubtedly, any statue commemorating Kareem, would also be a monument to that signature move which he perfected over the years while on the court.
Although Jabbar has taken to twitter and other far-reaching rich media to express his disappointment that the Lakers have overlooked him (Oscar de la Hoya, Wayne Gretzky, Magic Johnson, and the late Chick Hearn are all set in polished bronze in front of the Staples Center) the once-celebrated basketballer sniped that he is not griping.
"I don't understand it," Abdul-Jabbar lamented to Sporting News.
"It's either an oversight or they're taking me for granted. I'm not going to try to read people's minds, but it doesn't make me happy. It's definitely a slight."
"I am highly offended by the total lack of acknowledgment of my contribution to Laker success. I guess being the lynchpin for five world championship teams is not considered significant enough in terms of being part of Laker history."
If that weren't bad enough, Jabbar also pointed out that he was forced to take a pay cut for his role as special assistant coach in 2009, which didn't sit well either.
In contrast, high-profile smoozer Magic Johnson has been amply rewarded by the Lakers for his loyalty and ballplaying over the years.
Johnson was even blessed with a part-ownership, which he later cashed in on when he sold his chips last year.
Jabbar - a strapping man who registers in at 7 ft.-2 inches tall - also claims the team made him coil up in a cramped seat on one flight back from a game in spite of the fact there were roomier seats available in the area where players and other coaches were lounging.
This man just doesn't get any respect, according to the aging athlete, that's for sure!
Will the lakers kiss and make up?
Personally, I am of the opinion that an "honor" should be just that, an "honor".
A statue should be erected because there is an outpouring of love and respect by management, fellow team players, and the fans.
The statue should not be erected because it has been "demanded" by a grumbling sports hero.
News at 11!
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