Ugly Bad Meets Beautiful Good

I am a Cavaliers fan from back into the early 70s and I am a “LBJ for permanent MVP” fan. But, while this revolves around the court, it has nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with character. To set this up, the Cleveland Cavaliers were hosting evil incarnate, aka the Detroit Pistons. I hate the Pistons and wish they’d lose every game every season, and they’re trying to do just that this season. This is Cleveland against Detroit, Ohio against that state up north, etc, etc. But that’s not all this is.

This is a group of professionals doing their best. This is a group of professionals who respect one another’s talents and gifts and humanity. This does not build character, but it shows character. And the Cavaliers showed their character tonight.

From NBA.com:

CLEVELAND (AP) — Detroit’s Rodney Stuckey was conscious and breathing on his own as he was taken to a hospital after collapsing on the Pistons’ bench during a game Friday night.

The Pistons said Stuckey was taken to the Cleveland Clinic and his vital signs were stable, but was going for further testing and observation.

Stuckey was wheeled off the court on a stretcher during the third quarter after he collapsed into a trainer’s arms on the bench during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Stuckey walked off the floor for a timeout showing no signs of illness. After a few moments in a chair, though, Stuckey slumped over.

Medical personnel rushed over to the Pistons’ bench with a stretcher. Play was halted for 12 minutes as the medical staff worked on Stuckey, placed an oxygen mask on his face and wheeled him into an ambulance.

Cleveland players huddled together with their heads bowed, while Pistons teammate Tayshaun Prince sat silent in his chair a few feet away as Stuckey was being treated.

I do hope and pray Rodney Stuckey comes out alright and has a full recovery. That is first and foremost above any mere game. And the Cavaliers, as a team, showed their great respect for a fellow player and member of the human race in their team prayer for Stuckey. This is where the players showed their honor, character and humanity.

The Cavs came back from 20 down to win the game and LBJ was huge as usual, but that’s not at all important compared to the well-being of an associate. Cudos to the Cavs. And I pray Rodney Stuckey has a full recovery.

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