There’s a clip floating around that shows Dave Joerger, head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, crying and praising his team after tonight’s season-ending loss to the Spurs. How moving, an authority figure making himself vulnerable in the public’s eye, showing his heartfelt dedication to the group of men he coaches. It almost brings a tear to one’s eye.
Or does it? This whole thing seems fishy. Joerger is not a known cryer. I understand that it’s the end of a tumultuous season, but is crying really the appropriate response? How’s this for a conspiracy theory:
It’s after the game. The season is over. Tensions are running a little bit high. Lance Stephenson just got done having a good scoring game in a losing effort, selfishly padding his stats to the detriment of the team. Joerger calls him out in the locker room. Harsh words are exchanged. Before anyone can react, Lance is on top of his coach, throwing haymakers directly at his face, connecting many times before Vince Carter and JaMychal Green can pry him off. Joerger’s face is red and beaten, his eyes tear-streaked from the betrayal. But the postgame news conference still needs to be given! In order to cover up the fight that just broke loose, to cover up his lack of control of the team, he pretends to be choked up by how hard his team worked and how much he respected them.
Doesn’t that seem more likely? Don’t buy the official timeline of events. The NBA has lied to you before; they will not hesitate even a second to do it again.