San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich is known for his dismissive attitude towards sideline reporters assigned to interview him during moments when the game action is suspended and he has other things on his mind. Like game strategy.
In those moments, Popovich’s attitude can be unintentionally funny.
One of those moments came late Thursday night before the fourth quarter of the Spurs game with Oklahoma City. The teams were tied, 66-66, at the time.
TNT’s David Aldridge asked Popovich before the fourth quarter if he “was happy” about the Spurs’ shot selection. Pops’ answer should be viral by now.
“Happy?” asked an incredulous Popovich. “Happy? Happy is not a word we think about in the game. Think of something different. I don’t know how to judge happy.”
Aldridge then asked Popovich to think of a better word than happy but he didn’t get an answer.
Sometimes you wish coaches would be just as honest when they are asked inane questions at halftime or before the next quarter begins.
Gregg Popovich: Happiness Is Elusive
In any event, TV critics aren’t often happy, either. But I know how to judge happy. And thanks to Popovich, I began to think about why I should be happy to blog about television. Sometimes, I think of a better word – thankful.
So here are some things I am thankful for or happy about.
I am thankful that I lost the notes I took months ago when I previewed the new Reba McEntire comedy premiering on ABC tonight. In “Malibu Country,” McEntire plays a divorced country singer who moves to Southern California with her teenage kids, and Lily Tomlin plays her outrageous mother. I don’t remember much about it except that I can’t get those 22 minutes of my life back. It is dreadful. It would have looked old and tired decades ago when Tomlin was very funny and not reduced to playing a role that Betty White could play in her sleep.
I’m happy to see the makeover of Channel 4 reporter Rachel Kingston. Since coming over from WBEN radio, Kingston has been a strong TV reporter but my readers have noted that her appearance has been well – a distraction is the best word that I can think of. I’m happy to say it no longer is one.
I’m thankful that NBC’s “Meet the Press” continues to be must-see TV on Sunday mornings with David Gregory as the moderator. Last Sunday, New York Times columnist David Brooks called the presidential campaign the worst in history. Hard to argue, though the media is partly responsible.
On the same program, the issue came up of why married women are supporting Mitt Romney by a much large percentage than unmarried women, who favor President Obama. I’m happy to weigh in with a theory of why that is, though it comes at some peril. I’ve pretty much spent my life proving I don’t understand women, but I have a theory based on anecdotal evidence. A lot of suburban married women take the political positions of their husbands, and men are supporting the former Massachusetts governor over President Obama by a significant margin. More of the women who think for themselves are less likely to be Romney supporters. Remember, it’s just a theory and just may prove further I know nothing about women.
I’m happy to provide an alternative theory to the one that suggests Clint Eastwood’s empty chair stunt at the Republican National Convention was part of the reason that his recent baseball movie “Trouble with the Curve” struck out at the box office. I wonder if Eastwood pulled his stunt because he knew the movie belonged in the minors and he wanted something else – like his political stand — to be blamed. I saw the movie and let’s just say it was duller than a spring training game.
But back to Popovich. He had reason to be happy late Thursday when Tony Parker hit a shot at the buzzer to give his Spurs an 86-84 win over OKC. I am very happy the NBA season is back in a November without the NHL and its unhappy millionaires.
pergament@msn.com
Hi Alan,
I caught Rachel last weekend, and I have to disagree with you. I think her appearance still needs some work, and she needs to keep growing her hair out. She is an excellent reporter though.
I can’t stand Lauren Brill, she talks way to fast and stumbles over most of her words.
Lastly, I couldn’t do either of their jobs, so it really isn’t very kind of me to be critical, but just wanted to throw in my two cents
Happy Friday, have a great weekend!
And I’m sure all you critical people are a box of Russell Stovers. Before you make those comments about someone elses appearance you should be required to submit a picture.
I would be happy to.
Ok Tina…wheres the pic?
Everytime I look in the mirror, I’m the best looking person I see………… (no ego problems here????)
Mary — I agree about Rachel but I don’t think the bright studio lights and HD cameras were doing her any favors. I almost thought she was sick or in poor health but she looks better now.
I also agree with your take on Lauren. Not good on camera. I don’t know how she got hired for TV.
They hired her for looks, because sports fans (read: men) like attractive women. Nothing new there. They probably thought they could improve her on-air skills, and perhaps they still can.
Some thoughts while wondering what happened to Charlotte Scott:
Kudos to Gregg Popovich. As a sports fan, I find it annoying that these interviews take place during games. If I were a coach or athletic I would find it intrusive. I’m glad he pushes back but not in a bulling way like a Bobby Knight would.
I as well am glad that Sunday Political talk shows are still relevant. It’s the only form today where the debate is much more respectful. I miss Tim Russert but I do love the debates between George Will and Donna Brazile.
That’s an insult to women if you think that they take a submissive role when it comes to political positions. Got any other theories??
Poor Clint; forever remembered as the guy who spoke to an empty chair instead of Dirty Harry. I don’t know what genius at the Republican Convention thought that was a good idea
I didn’t say it pertained to all women, but to a higher percentage of married women. I know many women who agree with the theory based on their friendships.
I have another theory:
It may be that marriage and values are intertwined: a progressive woman who eschews the “traditional value” of marriage is less likely to get married, thus leaving the more traditional, conservative women to marry men.
Your theory about women and Romney is good but I have to say that I am married to someone who is a bit more conservative than I am and I think have swayed him toward some of my more liberal beliefs and not the other way around. Not an easy thing to do that is for sure.
I don’t agree with any of the conservative policies as they relate to women and I think that may be the biggest factor as to why Obama will be getting my vote.
I would be happy to as well.
Steve:
They are in a business that is, to a great extent, predicated on looks. Most of we viewers are not. Their appearance is, in my opinion, fair game though really not determinative of their competence. I think Rachel has done a really good job for Channel 4. She is polished and professional. Her appearance, at least to me, is fine (though at first the short hair was unusual for tv and a bit extreme).