LOSING WEIGHT IS NOT EASY. IT TAKES tremendous discipline, determination and dedication. It requires motivation and commitment to a goal. It takes a lifestyle change, usually involving eating less and exercising more.
Many Americans decide to diet if they are planning a luxury cruise or a warm weather beach vacation. Even Shaquille O'Neal realized the importance of shedding those unwanted pounds before heading south.
O'Neal has been getting raves from basketball commentators for having lost more than 30 pounds during the offseason. He showed up at training camp in shape and with the promise to deliver success to his new team, the Miami Heat. I'm not one of those individuals gushing with praise. On the contrary, I believe his sudden reduction in bulk and new-found commitment to winning is a true indication of his past failure to dedicate himself to his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dr. Jerry Buss, the owner of the Lakers, made the correct decision when he chose to trade Shaq. Oh, I know it killed his chances to win another title in the foreseeable future, but he made his decision on principle, not winning. In this case, he had a star player with a near $30 million deal, who was upset that his contract wasn't being extended. I guess the Diesel felt that winning the previous championships entitled him to at least another $60 million guaranteed dollars.
Hey, wake up to reality. In sports, it's not about what you have done in the past that determines your next contract's value. It's what you currently bring to the table and the potential you have for future success that determines your worth.
And so it should be.
Shaq, with his negative actions and words, did more to cause concern than he did to endear himself to the owner.
Check it out. He gets an operation on his foot late in the summer of 2002. He could have had it done right after the playoffs ended. The result was he missed all of training camp and part of that season. Then, in 2003, when he does show up on time to training camp, he's overweight. Why didn't he lose those 30 pounds when he was with the Lakers?
I'm well aware that, more than likely, Shaq will lead the Heat to the playoffs and possibly to the NBA Finals. However, my hat goes off to Dr. Buss for sending out a strong message. He obviously puts more credence in having a player on his team who's dedicated and committed at all times -- not just when he feels like it.
Too bad more owners don't think this way.
Former Warriors star and Hall of Famer Rick Barrry hosts the noon-3 p.m. talk show on KNBR 680.
