Okay, this floored Batgirl. It did. Everyone knows that Kevin Garnett, in addition to being the Platonic Ideal of Man Himself, is a scholar and a gentleman. So, what is this writer's damage? Is he using Rush Limbaugh's housekeeper? Is he so intimidated by the uber-manliness of KG that he has been driven barking mad? Or is he just getting KG confused with Randy Moss? Please let Batgirl know.

It takes more than talent to earn one man's MVP vote

April 18, 2004

BY LACY J. BANKS SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

If Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal gets only one first-place vote for NBA most valuable player, it's my vote. Yes, I know I wrote last week that I was joining the consensus in voting for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett. From a statistical standpoint, he qualifies amply for such consideration, and I was all ready to vote for him.

But a fellow NBA reporter recently e-mailed me about how rude Garnett continues to be to the media, never granting pregame interviews and making reporters, pressed by deadlines, wait long after games to talk with him. I then remembered the experiences I and other Chicago writers have had with him, and this is supposed to be one of his homes.

He makes only one trip a year to play in Chicago. But I remember that one time he visited, he was injured and was not going to suit up and play that night. Still, he refused to give me an interview. I reminded him that I was the first NBA writer to interview him before and after he was drafted straight out of high school in 1995, but he still gave me the cold shoulder.

I always have had a policy of voting for the human qualities of an MVP candidate, as well as his basketball talent. I look at each candidate's character, professionalism and willingness to promote the product of which he is a part and which has made him quite wealthy.

All of a sudden, Garnett was no longer my choice for MVP. I then turned to O'Neal, who always has been courteous to me and has granted me interviews before and after games. Besides, O'Neal is the primary reason the Pacers finished with the best record in the league during the regular season and have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

So when I entered the voting booth of my conscience and drew the curtains of reconsideration, I switched my vote with a clear mind and a warm feeling of moral accomplishment.

Garnett still is expected to win the MVP, so he doesn't need my vote anyway. But the Garnett I have come to know professionally is an arrogant ingrate who probably cares as little about those voting for him as he does about those who won't. He'll take the praise and awards, but that probably won't change how he views and treats the media.

I only wish the balloting was so close that it came down to one vote. My vote. Then I'd feel even better about the message I'm trying to send.

And that message is: It's so nice to be nice.

Posted by Batgirl at April 19, 2004 04:26 PM