Yesterday Phil Jackson was asked his opinion on the rumors that the Miami Heat players were crying in the locker room after a recent loss, and as Jackson commonly does he responded in an opinionated manner;
“This is the NBA: No Boys Allowed. Big boys don’t cry. But, if you’re going to do it, do it in the toilet where no one can see.”
Whenever Jackson says something that is somewhat controversial it usually is blown out of proportion, so it was no surprise that he was asked to clarify those comments today. Jackson’s response was a little less harsh than his original comments, but he still stood by his original statement;
“The NBA, ‘No Boys Allowed’ is what that’s always stood for,” Jackson said Wednesday. “At least, that’s what I’ve been told by the players. This is what it’s about and this is the game. We don’t point your fingers at anybody else or the referees, but they come back to you. So that was the big deal when I was thinking about that.”
This all comes on the eve of tomorrow night’s rematch between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. After the Heat throttled the Lakers 96-80 on Christmas Day the Lakers will certainly be looking for revenge. However, the Heat are currently reeling and have lost five consecutive games for the first time all season.
Jackson’s comments may provide Miami with added motivation, but there is no question that once the game starts tomorrow night in Miami both squads will be ready to play.