Voisin: Seat-belt free rookie learns lesson

[VF21]

http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/12162638p-13032750c.html

Ailene Voisin: Seat belt-free Kings rookie learns a lesson
By Ailene Voisin -- Bee Sports Columnist
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, January 28, 2005
Kevin Martin is learning quickly, and along the way, he probably will learn to buckle up and slow down a little bit. We can only hope, but we will surely watch.

Life in a small market is an exercise under a microscope.

In a city where the Kings command both the community's affection and its attention, the lens misses little in its evolving portrayal of the players, of their passions, their pleasures. The houses they buy. The restaurants they frequent. The films they favor. The clubs they visit. The cars they drive. The way they drive.

Though only a few months on the job, the young rookie was rudely apprised of this after he drove around with two Bee staffers who were preparing a lengthy profile that was splashed across last Sunday's sports pages, and apparently, forgot where he was. In the NBA. In a city that never sleeps when it comes to its Kings. And in a very, very dangerous situation.


At various times in the course of an afternoon, Martin reportedly zipped along at 85 mph in his black Cadillac CTS, occasionally text-messaging his buddies, and doing all of this while failing to wear a seat belt.

Not surprisingly, the reaction to the photo and the story was swift and decisive, with contrasting perspectives dominating the calls and e-mail messages that have inundated The Bee: (1) author Sam Amick glorified the rookie's behavior by mentioning the details, or (2) Martin deserved to be gently spanked - very gently spanked - for engaging in the sort of reckless behavior that triggered painful memories of Bobby Hurley, the former Kings guard who almost died in an auto accident near Arco Arena a decade ago, as well as those of Drazen Petrovic (1993), Malik Sealy (2000) and Bobby Phills (2000), three NBA players who in fact perished in car wrecks.

Of the four athletes, only Phills was speeding and at fault. The former Charlotte Hornets guard was said to be racing teammate David Wesley and traveling at approximately 107 mph when he lost control of his Porsche and slammed into oncoming traffic mere blocks from the Charlotte Coliseum. He died instantly. Wesley died emotionally.

So consider this a cautionary tale, with recent statistics intensifying the concern. According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for instance, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for drivers between the ages of 15-20. Additionally, 42 percent of those killed in 2003 were of the same age group, with California trailing only Texas in fatality rate involving teens.

"Kids think they're immortal," said Tom Marshall, spokesman for the California Highway Patrol, "and while not wearing a seat belt does not cause a collision, it could be a reason you die. Driving a car is not the time to be speeding or multi-tasking, either. Hopefully he (Martin) learns from this. Kids look up to him. They see him not wearing a belt ... but he seems like such a nice kid."

He is a nice kid, a terrific kid, by all accounts. Since being drafted last summer by the Kings, The Bee has received numerous unsolicited notes from friends and relatives in his native Zanesville, Ohio, extolling the rookie's generous, humble nature. First impressions have been overwhelmingly favorable.

People look at the boyish rookie with the 6-foot-7 stick-figure frame, and they see their son, their sibling, their nephew. Fans are drawn to him in an almost intuitive, protective sense. He always looks like he could use a big hug, or a big meal; carbs and calories get a taste of his 185-pound physique and can't seem to get away fast enough.

Yet though an adult at 21, Martin remains on the cusp of the danger crowd, that 15-20 age bracket that causes insurance companies to pause, bosses to fret, and those who have been personally affected by traffic deaths to shudder. (Among others within the Kings' organization, Rick Adelman lost a sister-in-law to an auto accident, and only last week, a media relations intern lost his 19-year-old brother in a wreck.)

"When I read that (article), I pulled Kevin aside the next day and said, 'Wear your seat belt,' " offered Kings president Geoff Petrie, punctuating his comments with an audible sigh. "That's one thing you can't claim ignorance on. Maybe there is some youthful exuberance going on there. I wouldn't think it's fair to say that he's irresponsible. I haven't seen that. But he has to be more careful."

Asked about the matter the other day, Martin was mortified. "I am a responsible person, I really am," he insisted nervously, his voice trailing off.

Asked if he understood why his new community is so sensitive to a scenario involving one of the Kings in a precarious, potentially perilous position, he nodded.

"Yeah, I do."



Offered Marshall of the CHP, "He got busted. Hopefully he's seen the light. We're just trying to save lives here."

Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com.

 

[VF21]

I like Kevin. I think we all do. We've been lucky enough to have some of his family post here at our site. I would hate to lose him.

If this article by Voisin says anything, it's that he's just too valuable as a son, as a nephew, as a grandson, as a human being (not even thinking about him as a KING for a moment) to risk driving ANYWHERE without his seat belt.

I've never spoken to him in person, but knowing KG and 1kingzfan have, I really feel he's not generally a reckless kid. Kevin - We care about you and we don't want to lose you. And I'm talking about Kevin Martin, the person, regardless of what you mean to us as a player.

 

[1kingzfan]

Ya know, it's really sad...very sad...that AV has nothing better to write about than one snippet from Amick's feature story on Kevin Martin. It's equally sad, no...probably moreso, that Kevin had to be endoctrinated to the **** that defines many media representatives this way. I know for a fact that the kid does indeed wear his seatbelt as a matter of routine, and nervousness over the profile interview piece may have made him forget.

Dragging Kevin into a discussion of Bobby Hurley's unfortunate accident and tying him in to that sad event to thoroughly embarrass him was way over the line. Driving it home by getting Petrie and CHP blurbs completed what I feel was a needless, falsely evil portrayal.

Once again, the Poison Pen strikes. And she wonders why she has been treated the way she has by so, so many Kings players and coaches over the years. It's because she is a shallow, sports-ignorant, sensationalistic, and troubled person.

I guess I actually do feel sorrier for her sorry *** than those whom she swipes at with her column specials.

 

[iheartBrad]

i didn't expect an entire article dedicated to this

 

[love_them_kings]

I like Kevin. I think we all do. We've been lucky enough to have some of his family post here at our site. I would hate to lose him.

If this article by Voisin says anything, it's that he's just too valuable as a son, as a nephew, as a grandson, as a human being (not even thinking about him as a KING for a moment) to risk driving ANYWHERE without his seat belt.

I've never spoken to him in person, but knowing KG and 1kingzfan have, I really feel he's not generally a reckless kid. Kevin - We care about you and we don't want to lose you. And I'm talking about Kevin Martin, the person, regardless of what you mean to us as a player.

I agree completely. When I read the original article I did shudder when I read that he wasn't wearing a seatbelt, just because it scared me. I would shudder to hear of any of my friends, siblings, etc., riding without a seatbelt, because life is just too precious not to protect it when we can. I'm sure Kevin is not irresponsible, he is just a young kid trying to make a good impression on a journalist.

 

[love_them_kings]

Ya know, it's really sad...very sad...that AV has nothing better to write about than one snippet from Amick's feature story on Kevin Martin. It's equally sad, no...probably moreso, that Kevin had to be endoctrinated to the sh!t that defines many media representatives this way. I know for a fact that the kid does indeed wear his seatbelt as a matter of routine, and nervousness over the profile interview piece may have made him forget.

Dragging Kevin into a discussion of Bobby Hurley's unfortunate accident and tying him in to that sad event to thoroughly embarrass him was way over the line. Driving it home by getting Petrie and CHP blurbs completed what I feel was a needless, falsely evil portrayal.

Once again, the Poison Pen strikes. And she wonders why she has been treated the way she has by so, so many Kings players and coaches over the years. It's because she is a shallow, sports-ignorant, sensationalistic, and troubled person.

I guess I actually do feel sorrier for her sorry *** than those whom she swipes at with her column specials.

Yeah, the article by Voisin was ridiculous. To hear her spin, you would think Kevin's responsible for wearing a seatbelt to protect the team! In reality, I think everyone realizes that his life is a lot more valuable, no matter how much we love having him on the Kings.

 

[albeitrue]

Hey, maybe Voisin is a mother with children, an aunt with nephews & nieces, a sister with siblings, could it be that she cares? Does everyone really believe that is beyond her demeanor? What I hear is just plain bias guys!

I for one am glad she wrote this, actually I believe the Bee had a responsibility to follow up on the story, since reportedly so many fans (besides those here) were apparently as concerned as we were. The Bee was kinda irresponsible to even report such a thing as Kevin not wearing his seatbelt (supposed to be an important part of the "insightful" piece?), and they are making it right, props to them. Embarrassing Martin into wearing his seatbelt isn't such a bad thing if you consider possible alternatives.

One of the best things about Kings is the family-type atmosphere, and the report that Petrie approached Kevin the day after the story was written gives me faith that these KIDS (yes, Special "K" is a kid) are cared about while living far from the influence of their family.

Kudos to Voisin.

 

[1kingzfan]

The concern expressed here over someone not wearing his seatbelt is touching. In fact, since you raised the point and we now know the Poison Pen lurks on this board, it was most likely all the folks that posted "Oh, please Kevin, wear your seat belt" in response to Amick's feature story that resulted in the follow-up by AV in the Bee. So you can chalk up that little gem of a piece and how that will/has made Kevin feel to this board. Congrats.

The bottom line is that it was unnecessary and something written to embarrass Kevin. Period. It accomplished no objective or communication of anything significant to the public. It's "point" was clear, as Poison so aptly pointed out in that same tripe that Kevin needs to understand that he is now under the microscope. Her microscope. And the take was wrong, as I posted earlier.

Folks could do the world a whole lot more good by working to permanently ban motorcycles on the road, rather than post supporting comments about someone that wrote an article about a NBA player that didn't wear his seatbelt in a large vehicle ONCE. Never saw a motorcycle with a seatbelt.

But, oh yeah, I'm sure none of you that posted your disappointment and concern over Kevin not putting on his seatbelt in his car ONCE have never gotten aboard a motorcycle, have you? If you have, you're a hypocrite.

Giving public kudos to a journalist known for dissecting folks, ranging from inappropriate to unethical, and lying in articles probably represents the real problem. It probably gives her and the Bee enough ammunition to continue the needless assaults.

Voisin stinks...and this piece is just another example in a long line of garbage she generates.

 

[VF21]

The concern expressed here over someone not wearing his seatbelt is touching. In fact, since you raised the point and we now know the Poison Pen lurks on this board, it was most likely all the folks that posted "Oh, please Kevin, wear your seat belt" in response to Amick's feature story that resulted in the follow-up by AV in the Bee. So you can chalk up that little gem of a piece and how that will/has made Kevin feel to this board. Congrats.

The bottom line is that it was unnecessary and something written to embarrass Kevin. Period. It accomplished no objective or communication of anything significant to the public. It's "point" was clear, as Poison so aptly pointed out in that same tripe that Kevin needs to understand that he is now under the microscope. Her microscope. And the take was wrong, as I posted earlier.

Folks could do the world a whole lot more good by working to permanently ban motorcycles on the road, rather than post supporting comments about someone that wrote an article about a NBA player that didn't wear his seatbelt in a large vehicle ONCE. Never saw a motorcycle with a seatbelt.

But, oh yeah, I'm sure none of you that posted your disappointment and concern over Kevin not putting on his seatbelt in his car ONCE have never gotten aboard a motorcycle, have you? If you have, you're a hypocrite.

Giving public kudos to a journalist known for dissecting folks, ranging from inappropriate to unethical, and lying in articles probably represents the real problem. It probably gives her and the Bee enough ammunition to continue the needless assaults.

Voisin stinks...and this piece is just another example in a long line of garbage she generates.

Excuse me? There's no need for the rampant sarcasm.

I read the article and didn't find it that bothersome. Bottom line is Kevin WAS driving without a seat belt at 80 mph on Interstate 80. Amick brought it up and a lot of us came to Kevin's defense.

I thought Voisin's piece was pretty well written, and pointed out a lot of truth.

No offense meant at all, 1kingzfan, but I think you might be a little too close to this one to be objective.

We are not going to change how we talk on the board because a player or player reads here. THAT would be hypocritical.

So you can chalk up that little gem of a piece and how that will/has made Kevin feel to this board. Congrats.

I was concerned by the seatbelt comment and said so. If I was in a position to speak directly to Kevin, I would have no problem in saying it to him directly. Are you really sure you want to be putting words into Kevin's mouth?

 

[BigWaxer]

Just a waste of an article IMO. Doesn't mean its right or wrong but not needed for a commentary or to bash someone. Whats next AV is gonna write an article about Webb crossing a street without looking both ways.

I don't know how close 1kingzfan is to the story but I will say that I 100% agree with him.

 

[VF21]

We'll have to agree to disagree, BigWaxer.

Knowing AV and her work, this could have been an ugly, ugly piece. It wasn't. In fact, she made a lot of nice comments about Kevin.

So consider this a cautionary tale, with recent statistics intensifying the concern...

She addressed the background leading up to her current piece, she spoke with Petrie, the CHP and Martin. That's pretty fair, if you ask me.

The bottom line to me is if, because of all this furor, Kevin never forgets to fasten his seatbelt again, it's a lesson well learned don't you think?

 

[1kingzfan]

Hey VF21, ya know, I'm really NOT that close to this one. It's just that Voisin's MO yet again come through loud and clear.

I have no problem with Amick bringing it up, although the picture he painted of Kevin was something that wasn't quite right. And you'll just have to take my word on it that this is how it was received. Kevin does need to understand when he allows a reporter to tag along with him for a "day in the life" article that the reporter will be looking for something controversial or negative.

But I do have a problem with a sports journalist taking this piece of minutia and driving it home for the embarrassment factor in a feature piece. It's oh-so easy to give AV credit for being a concerned "mom" (God forbid) or person and not find an issue with bringing it up. She did, after all, by her own article title was the teacher that made Kevin learn a lesson, right??? But you have to line up this article with her many others to see the forest through the trees....and UNDERSTAND what she is about. And notice all the heavy quotes from Kevin on this one in her piece? See a trend in other pieces she was written?

I would never suggest that anyone here change their tone or opinion because of someone else being here...and I didn't. I merely opined that Poison's article likely evolved because of all that was posted here.

I don't know Kevin, but I understand a lot more in recent weeks who he is now, and I am aware of his reaction to Amick's piece, so the rest easily follows.

Finally, truth in journalism does not give it an unbridled license to be responsible journalism.

 

[VF21]

Hey VF21, ya know, I'm really NOT that close to this one. It's just that Voisin's MO yet again come through loud and clear.

I have no problem with Amick bringing it up, although the picture he painted of Kevin was something that wasn't quite right. And you'll just have to take my word on it that this is how it was received. Kevin does need to understand when he allows a reporter to tag along with him for a "day in the life" article that the reporter will be looking for something controversial or negative.

But I do have a problem with a sports journalist taking this piece of minutia and driving it home for the embarrassment factor in a feature piece. It's oh-so easy to give AV credit for being a concerned "mom" (God forbid) or person and not find an issue with bringing it up. She did, after all, by her own article title was the teacher that made Kevin learn a lesson, right??? But you have to line up this article with her many others to see the forest through the trees....and UNDERSTAND what she is about. And notice all the heavy quotes from Kevin on this one in her piece? See a trend in other pieces she was written?

I would never suggest that anyone here change their tone or opinion because of someone else being here...and I didn't. I merely opined that Poison's article likely evolved because of all that was posted here.

I don't know Kevin, but I understand a lot more in recent weeks who he is now, and I am aware of his reaction to Amick's piece, so the rest easily follows.

Finally, truth in journalism does not give it an unbridled license to be responsible journalism.

You said, and I quote...

So you can chalk up that little gem of a piece and how that will/has made Kevin feel to this board. Congrats.

You think it's a hatchet piece. I think, and I'm reasonably sure, it was a follow-up piece dictated by her editor based on the original comments of Amick. She was pretty fair in her comments.

I wasn't real pleased with Amick's piece and said so at the time.

Bottom line, I don't need lectures from you about journalism.

 

[BigWaxer]

What is Amick's piece? I missed that one

Think I need more background on this as I learn more about it.

 

[iheartBrad]

Just a waste of an article IMO. Doesn't mean its right or wrong but not needed for a commentary or to bash someone. Whats next AV is gonna write an article about Webb crossing a street without looking both ways.

oh boy that really made me laugh

 

[BigWaxer]

The bottom line to me is if, because of all this furor, Kevin never forgets to fasten his seatbelt again, it's a lesson well learned don't you think?

Yup and hopefully if anything maybe it will help others remember to fasten up. Besides driving drunk I would say that not wearing a seatbelt is another one of those dumb things when getting in a vehicle. Even when I am on the trail at 5 mph I have a belt on. One never knows.

Don't know the entire background of this story. I just don't like AV so it slants my opinion on anything she writes.

 

[Kingsgurl]

Journalism aside, I felt it was a dog pile. Kevin was sufficiently embarrassed by the FIRST piece, was another one, this one SOLELY dedicated to the seat belt, really neccessary? I'm fairly certain he 'got it' the first time. Hasn't she anything else to write about?
How well the piece was written doesn't factor into it for me. It is not our job or the medias job to shame him into anything.

 

[iheartBrad]

yeah i bet it was embarrasing for him...especially since its like the first thing that POPS out at ya

i agree with you Kingsgurl

 

[acisking]

Voisin stinks...and this piece is just another example in a long line of garbage she generates.

I totally agree - Voisin is the worst writer that ever lived. Period.

 

[1kingzfan]

You think it's a hatchet piece. I think, and I'm reasonably sure, it was a follow-up piece dictated by her editor based on the original comments of Amick. She was pretty fair in her comments.

I wasn't real pleased with Amick's piece and said so at the time.

Bottom line, I don't need lectures from you about journalism.

Sorry, but on Poison's piece, you cited the quality of the writing and its truthfulness, neither of which I have major issues with (except that neither Amick nor you or anyone else here has any idea of how frequently Kevin wears his seatbelt). The issue here is whether or not this little piece of one journalist's story should have been blown up by the press with obvious intent.

You apparently think it's OK, and that some sort of lesson was learned by Kevin, and that makes it further OK.

I disagree....vehemently.

For whomever thinks this was a good, wholesome, public-worthy piece by Voisin, I suggest you write the Bee and ask for more exposure peices on ALL the Kings players. Hell, let's find out which other Kings players drive without a seatbelt, who speeds on the freeways, who smokes, who lives in an unhealthy environment, who reads smut, who sleeps with prostitutes, who does drugs, who eats unhealthy foods, who rides a motorcycle, who takes unnecessary risks, and every other unhealthy, career-threatening, and/or life-threatening thing we can think of. Then we can read all about it in the Bee and then come here to plead with those players NOT to do these things.

It's our right to know if it's the truth, and we can make a difference. Right?

 

[VF21]

Sorry, but on Poison's piece, you cited the quality of the writing and its truthfulness, neither of which I have major issues with (except that neither Amick nor you or anyone else here has any idea of how frequently Kevin wears his seatbelt). The issue here is whether or not this little piece of one journalist's story should have been blown up by the press with obvious intent.

The whole issue was blown up by fans before the press did anything more than include a one-liner in a poorly written fluff piece. As a result, I strongly suspect AV was asked to do a follow-up piece, which she did.

You apparently think it's OK, and that some sort of lesson was learned by Kevin, and that makes it further OK.

I disagree....vehemently.

There's nothing wrong with doing a follow-up piece. In this instance, it seems pretty obvious that the Bee felt the Amick piece needed clarification.

For whomever thinks this was a good, wholesome, public-worthy piece by Voisin, I suggest you write the Bee and ask for more exposure peices on ALL the Kings players. Hell, let's find out which other Kings players drive without a seatbelt, who speeds on the freeways, who smokes, who lives in an unhealthy environment, who reads smut, who sleeps with prostitutes, who does drugs, who eats unhealthy foods, who rides a motorcycle, who takes unnecessary risks, and every other unhealthy, career-threatening, and/or life-threatening thing we can think of. Then we can read all about it in the Bee and then come here to plead with those players NOT to do these things.

It's our right to know if it's the truth, and we can make a difference. Right?

I don't know what you think you're talking about here. I don't recall anyone saying anything about this being a good, wholesome, blah, blah, blah piece. What was said was simply that knowing AV it could have been a lot worse.

You want the real bottom line? Kevin is young and he makes mistakes. He obviously made one by not using his seatbelt when two reporters were in the car.

I'm sorry if he's embarassed. I really am. But you make it sound like AV told some great untruth and she didn't. She talked to Martin, she talked to Petrie, she talked to the CHP and I think she probably took the higher road - especially for her.

 

[1kingzfan]

I completely agree with you that Voisin COULD have done a lot worse. I'm happy she didn't take it any further.

You want the real bottom line? Kevin is young and he makes mistakes. He obviously made one by not using his seatbelt when two reporters were in the car.

That is also unquestionable. You are right.

But I never said there was any untruth in the piece, except that what happened did so only once as far as anyone involved was concerned, and it became a "lifestyle" in the article.

Voisin may have indeed taken the "higher" road for her in this piece, but she still accomplished her intended objective. Mixing in her words of praise for Kevin in the article did not fool me.

 

[Kingsgurl]

There's nothing wrong with doing a follow-up piece. In this instance, it seems pretty obvious that the Bee felt the Amick piece needed clarification.

I'm confused, what exactly did Voisins piece clarify? Aren't the Kings on a road trip right now? Couldn't we have an article about, oh I don't know, maybe Peja's back????

 

[SaCKiNgS24]

ok great article, im gonna go write a piece of why kevin martin shouldnt run with a pen in his mouth.

 

[albeitrue]

The concern expressed here over someone not wearing his seatbelt is touching. In fact, since you raised the point and we now know the Poison Pen lurks on this board, it was most likely all the folks that posted "Oh, please Kevin, wear your seat belt" in response to Amick's feature story that resulted in the follow-up by AV in the Bee. So you can chalk up that little gem of a piece and how that will/has made Kevin feel to this board. Congrats.

The bottom line is that it was unnecessary and something written to embarrass Kevin. Period. It accomplished no objective or communication of anything significant to the public. It's "point" was clear, as Poison so aptly pointed out in that same tripe that Kevin needs to understand that he is now under the microscope. Her microscope. And the take was wrong, as I posted earlier.

Folks could do the world a whole lot more good by working to permanently ban motorcycles on the road, rather than post supporting comments about someone that wrote an article about a NBA player that didn't wear his seatbelt in a large vehicle ONCE. Never saw a motorcycle with a seatbelt.

But, oh yeah, I'm sure none of you that posted your disappointment and concern over Kevin not putting on his seatbelt in his car ONCE have never gotten aboard a motorcycle, have you? If you have, you're a hypocrite.

Giving public kudos to a journalist known for dissecting folks, ranging from inappropriate to unethical, and lying in articles probably represents the real problem. It probably gives her and the Bee enough ammunition to continue the needless assaults.

Voisin stinks...and this piece is just another example in a long line of garbage she generates.

Alright already!

1Kingzfan, I wasn't a contributor to the thread featuring Amick's article, so don't clump me in there with those on the board who YOU say are responsible for Voisin's newest piece. And frankly, as much as I enjoy this forum, I highly doubt Voisin gets her scoops and ideas for stories from kingsfans.com.

How do you know the article was something designed by Voisin specifically "to embarrass Kevin?" What is your source?

I myself have rode motorcycles and enjoy it very much, have for much of my life. But I also buckle up in the car because, well, I can. Fact is, if one can drive a car as their main means of transportation instead of a motorcycle, then by all means do it. Calling those who were concerned about Kevin hypocrites because they may ride not only does not make sense, but it's quite mean spirited, imo.

You said this: "Giving public kudos to a journalist known for dissecting folks, ranging from inappropriate to unethical, and lying in articles probably represents the real problem. It probably gives her and the Bee enough ammunition to continue the needless assaults." Trying to embarrass me for giving Kudo's to Voisin is like spitting in the wind, trust me. I'll give Kudos to whomever I want to. I think it's a little much to expect that my (or anyone else) giving public kudos to Voisin will result in more articles, but who wouldn't want to think so? Maybe your voice speaks much louder than mine could.

You seem intent in promoting your own cause (hating Voisin), and you answered my post without addressing ONE of my points - proof to me that you have something to say and will use any means to say it, imo. How does that make you any different than Voisin? Okay, okay...don't yell! But you get the idea?

 

[1kingzfan]

And frankly, as much as I enjoy this forum, I highly doubt Voisin gets her scoops and ideas for stories from kingsfans.com.

How do you know the article was something designed by Voisin specifically "to embarrass Kevin?" What is your source?

I myself have rode motorcycles and enjoy it very much, have for much of my life. But I also buckle up in the car because, well, I can. Fact is, if one can drive a car as their main means of transportation instead of a motorcycle, then by all means do it. Calling those who were concerned about Kevin hypocrites because they may ride not only does not make sense, but it's quite mean spirited, imo.

Trying to embarrass me for giving Kudo's to Voisin is like spitting in the wind, trust me. I'll give Kudos to whomever I want to. I think it's a little much to expect that my (or anyone else) giving public kudos to Voisin will result in more articles, but who wouldn't want to think so? Maybe your voice speaks much louder than mine could.

You seem intent in promoting your own cause (hating Voisin), and you answered my post without addressing ONE of my points - proof to me that you have something to say and will use any means to say it, imo. How does that make you any different than Voisin? Okay, okay...don't yell! But you get the idea?

You'd be surprised, I guess, about what could happen with journalists and this board. Suggest you PM one of your moderators.

My source on Voisin's motivation on her piece on Kevin is my own common sense. And I do NOT look at this one piece to draw that conclusion, but rather look at her collective assaults over the years on various Kings players and coaches. It's really NOT a tough read of the tea leaves here. It fits the pattern.

Those that "ride" place their lives in tremendous risk as compared to being in a car. And all that "ride" KNOW it. The NBA knows it, too, since most player contracts restrict them from riding.

My point was how can someone express grave concern over what a basketball player does to create risk in his life, and someone they don't even know, when they do things in their lives to create tremendous risk for themselves? Thus, the hypocrisy.

I am not trying to embarrass anyone, but don't get your shorts in a bundle if you get challenged. Everyone that wants to give kudos to whomever should do so here, and everyone that wants to disagree with those takes should express their views.

Finally, I have no "cause" and only commented initially on Voisin's piece because it was upsetting to me that she did it again...and this time did it to a rook.

On your initial post, the only points I saw in there were that: 1) you opined that Voisin could be a mom, sister, aunt, etc. and her concerns for Kevin may be heartfelt, and 2) you felt that the Bee was being "responsible" in following up on the story. I can neither prove nor disprove #1, but if I add up all the venom that has poured from the Poison Pen over the years, she does not appear to me to be someone that cares about people's feelings or well-beings. On #2, as KG posted earlier, NOTHING was clarified, if you want to hide behind a "follow up was needed" philosophy here.

One reporter saw ONE thing, ONE time...another reporter ran with it to drive it home and paint a picture of irresponsibility in a young NBA player. Why didn't someone ask him if he USUALLY buckles up? Did THAT ever occur to you?

I just can't believe you or anybody else is "glad she wrote this".

 

[VF21]

I can't believe this is going to continue another day.

If Voisin's name wasn't on this piece, I seriously doubt if anyone would have said too much.

It's now starting to become more about posters than posts and while that may be the norm on some boards, it's not here. Let's all take a deep breath and move on to something else.

Thank you.

 

[Kingsgurl]

Well, I do wish they would do a piece on Kevin along the lines of what they did on Maurice. Something with a bit more depth than does the kid wear a seatbelt A Day In the Life was interesting, I got a kick out of some of the things in there that were overshadowed by the seat belt issue. I just think it unfortunate that those things were buried, rather than focused on.