Yi Jianlian, Open your F*cking Mouth!

The Whole Milwaukee Bucks/Yi drama hasn't even been going on that long, but I'm sick of it. As Yi's whole future in the NBA, and basically his basketball potential is unfolding, Yi sits there silently. He let's everyone in the world voice their opinion over the matter, including his representatives, without opening his mouth to mutter one intelligible phrase about what he wants. Okay, the kid is young and may lack confidence in decisionmaking regarding his future, but for christ sakes, he's at least 21 (regardless of the typical int'l age-lying antics) and he's been in the spotlight of China for many years.

The single, biggest problem I have with this whole nonsense is sometimes overlooked because it is so obvious. Why did Yi enter the NBA draft if he was only willing to play for certain teams? What made him and his reps think that he is entitled to different treatment than any other player who makes himself draft-eligible?

Far greater prospects and players have played by the rules, and been happy just to be in the NBA with a contract. This childish, selfish behavior should be punished severely by the NBA, as it is a threat to the integrity of the NBA and it's rather brilliant overarching scheme. It also leaves honest, small market teams defenseless. I believe it was San Diego who caved in to Eli Manning's daddy's threats that he wouldn't play there if they drafted him. Aside from the fact that it all played out brilliantly for the San Diego franchise and Eli Manning remains a mediocre-at-best QB on a mediocre-at-best team, it illustrates a crybaby selfishness that should never be tolerated in pro sports in America.

Kudos to the Bucks for drafting Yi, I respect the move. They gambled by taking an int'l player, but the risk was worth the reward, and the Bucks management understood that Yi had two choices (1) play by the rules and honor the Bucks or (2) go home and continue playing in your far inferior CBA. Regardless of whether Yi ever suits up, I will never criticize the Bucks for drafting him. Maybe in hindsight Corey Brewer would have benefited the organization more, but the Bucks took a good gamble whether they win or lose. Aside from the basketball court, the Bucks saw an option to capitalize on the Chinese market and make Milwaukee a recognized name outside of North America.

Regardless of whether Yi signs with the Bucks or not, on principle alone, they should NOT trade him. The integrity of the NBA is at stake, and it's time for Mr. Stern to support the Bucks when they stand true to their word that they won't trade him. If Yi, ditches us and splits he should be (1) permanently banned from the NBA and (2) the Bucks should be rewarded with a compensatory draft pick. The NBA can't afford repeats of this in the future. The NBA is lightyears ahead of any other league on the planet, and it is a privilege to play in it. The day that foreigners come in and convince us that we should cater our scheme to their wishes is the day I renounce any interest or support in professional basketball. To avoid this, Stern should come down with a hammer.

Lastly, it's time for Yi to open his fucking mouth. China is supposed to be a country that embodies honor and commitment, he is representing those ideals poorly. Yes, maybe your gov't has told you to keep your mouth shut on the issue (I'm not going to go into a rant on Chinese censorship) but the least you can do is fulfill your obligations or let the organization know that you will not. Quite frankly, I'm beginning to dislike you whether you play for the Bucks or not. Your NBA summer-league scrimmages should have been a humbling experience for you, you're not Michael Jordan, or even close to the caliber of Dirk Nowitzki. Yi, it's time to adjust your attitude and speak up because its getting to the point where you aren't worth the headache.