Remember when your parents (mostly mom) said that it would be great if you can learn from other people’s mistakes? Well apparently, the athletes who have unbelievable athletic ability that some of us can only imagine, do not have ANY common sense at all (though I have been told common sense is not all that common). It’s not just the schools that are now just learning about molestation that has happened on school grounds and with their high ranking coaches (and other people) – I am a firm believer that this has been going and is going on for years but it has only been now brought to light with others feeling more confident to share their horrible story – , or players being suspended/banned because of steriods or illegal substances, or NHL/NFL players being fined and suspended for the same type of hit. Did no one learn from Tiger Woods, Brett Farve or even Kobe Bryant? Hello?!?!!?!?!?!?
Last night, during the Warrior’s pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings (which they lost), a news banner flashed across the screen stating that Monta Ellis and the Warriors organization were being sued by a former employee, Erika Ross Smith, for sexual harassment as well as wrongful termination and other things. If any of this is true, Ellis remains adamant that this accusation is completely false, then we can add Ellis to a growing list of bonehead knuckleheads we have in our professional sports. With how the media is today, we saw a complete 24/7 news reel of how Tiger’s and Farve’s explicit sex texts were uncovered (as well as other explicit things) and if you were an athlete making more than the average person, why would you think you would be any different than those two knuckleheads?
In the lawsuit, Smith claims that Ellis had sent several sexual texts to her as well as a picture of his genitals. She also states that Ellis had come on to her but that she had rejected his advances but fearful for her job. Once Ellis complained about how she was doing her job to executives, Smith’s job was dramatically reduced and changed. Eventually, she was fired, when Ellis’ wife, Juanika, complained to higher ups. There was also an alleged confrontation between Juanika and Smith, where Juanika shoved Smith into a wall with her purse.
While there is no word what is true and what is false, bottom line is that this is bad press and a horrible distraction for the Warriors. With a great coach in place, there is unnecessary territory that the Warriors want to go. And if Tiger Woods is any indication on how personal relationship and turmoil can affect play, then fellow athletes should take note before engaging in extra curricular activities that are frown upon in the public’s eye. Ellis was just named Captain by Jackson and this is not a good way to start to lead the troops into battle.
As far Warrior news on the court, it was also a sad sight to see last night. Stephen Curry went down with an ankle sprain in the first half guarding Jimmer Fredette. He did not return in the second half and finished the game with seven points, five assists in 15 minutes of work. He was scheduled to have an x-ray today. “I’m disappointed. We need him back quick,” Warriors rookie coach Mark Jackson said. “But if not, we still have to go out and execute. It’s no excuse. The next player has to look at it as an opportunity. We hope Steph comes back quick because everybody knows we are a better basketball team with him.”*
With one key Warrior out, the Warriors looked to steal a pre-season game on the road. David Lee had a great game (for him at least) and finished with 30 points and 12 boards. Ellis had 19 points. But the Kings had the better stroke and scored the last five points of the game to seal the victory.
*Quote taken from Yahoo Sports