Karl’s marks.
“I have had strong feelings about coach George Karl’s inability to lead the Nuggets for a long time. Reasons not to give Karl a contract extension: He lacks the sense of discipline, enthusiasm, consistent motivation and determination to present the championship attitude. His interviews get so philosophical that even he probably wonders what he said. He can be their coach without being their buddy. He should not use the scorer’s table as a leaning bench and obstruct fans’ view. He should not allow players to start the game with long shots and have to waste a timeout to scold them. If the Nuggets get to the next level, it would be because there’s so much talent they would do it in spite of him.”
Edward, Lakewood
Kiz: Hope there’s a fire extinguisher next to your computer, because that keyboard must be smokin’ after this attempt to light a match under Karl’s seat on the scorer’s table. As a critical observer of Karl for 25 years, however, let me confess: I do think he has become a much better coach than what could be witnessed during the “Furious George” stage, back in his days with Cleveland and Golden State. After more than 900 victories in his NBA career, Karl must know the lone way he can really score big at this point in his career is to win a championship.
Making the grades.
“After reading he gave the Nuggets a midterm grade of C+, how about we give Kiszla his grades? Writing skills: D-. Local team loyalty: F. Kissing up to Broncos coach Josh McDaniels: A.”
Charlee, Tres Piedras, N.M.
Kiz: So, you’re saying I’m a good kisser? I’ll take that as a compliment.
Fan mail.
“I have never written to a paper or called a radio show, but I felt compelled after seeing your hate mail. While it’s noble you print it, please know that there are many like myself who hold your work in great regard. You are my favorite sportswriter. Please keep up the good work.”
Kyle, happy in Highlands Ranch
Kiz: Thanks. Now raise a toast to Dean Singleton and the newspapermen in the United States who still believe in the value of independent reporting from the football stadium, the courthouse or wherever news is made.
Unneeded undressing.
“Yo, Kiz: I need to know something from you, oh sage of Patriots West, the proponent of all things Josh and defender of his royal majesty King McDaniels. Sure, Brandon Marshall deserved to be punished, but did he deserve to be undressed in front of the media? If you don’t want a player on the team, just say so and cut him free. Do you think the attitude of ‘my way or the highway’ will attract free agents to the Broncos? Do you think dressing down star players in public will make Josh the coach who free agents want to play under? McDaniels might be a brilliant offensive mind (though this past year’s performance doesn’t really indicate such), but he sure isn’t head coach material.”
Rod, Louisville
Kiz: Before Mike Shanahan won NFL championships with the Broncos, he learned on the job with the Raiders. While McDaniels did the right thing in benching Marshall, a young coach’s honesty in explaining the decision probably damaged the trade value of his Pro Bowl receiver. McDaniels will learn. Here’s hoping when he has fully matured as a coach, his desk can still be found at Dove Valley.
Parting shot
Say no to Tebow?
And today’s parting shot is a loud warning to NFL teams that think the best college quarterback to take in the draft is Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame.
“Jon Gruden believes Tim Tebow of Florida (right) could revolutionize the quarterback position. Tony Dungy believes Tebow is a top 10 pick. You say Tebow is Bradlee Van Pelt 2.0. I think I will listen to former NFL coaches rather than you. They know a little something about quarterbacks. But Josh McDaniels won’t draft Tebow, because Denver’s coach doesn’t want his quarterbacks to have any athletic ability whatsoever.”
Doug, Lakewood
